[bensidus197217]

Some time back I stopped flying helis figuring my eyesight, co-ordination and just getting old was the problem. Then I convinced myself it was the size of the heli that was the problem so I promptly went out and blew a bunch of money on a 500 and 600 size helis. I just crashed the 500 and I won't go into detail but I should have never come back to helis. Funny after I quit the first time I was calmer and less distracted where as now I'm wired up again and obsessed with them. I just can't fly them anymore so I will be selling the good parts of the 500 or keep the parts for an RC boat and when all the parts arrive the 600 goes without lifting it off the ground and thus save myself a lot more future spending with the same results. I think I finally learned my limits and I think I could do some real damage if I don't stop now. So no "Oh you poor thing" look at it as when one door closes another will open and the boats are back in the picture. Mind you I will still read the heli forums just because I find them interesting.

[bensidus197217]

I've been at this three years with some sport flying success I could nose in hover at one time and was good at getting out of jams. There comes a time when we can't fool ourselves any more, my problem isn't learning how it just comes down to my own abilities.

[RCcanuck]

Youll be back!

[Max]

Jim, what about a quad?

I just converted my Rabbit based X525 quad to a Naza system. The quad is unbelievably stable and flies solid. So solid I firmly believe anyone can fly it. It also has features that will help guys like you fly it safely. If you add some LED's to the bottom of each arm of the Quad, it really helps orientation when you are flying it. But the Naza has some additional features that will help you if you get in a jam.
FYI, here is the link to my foray into the NAZA flight controller on my X525 quad:
https://www.rccanada.ca/rccforum/show....php?p=1357935

For someone like you, here are the features of the Naza controlled 525 that blow away any other flight controller(s) that I have used in the past:
Considerations: You must have the NAZA with the GPS to allow all these features to work as I describe. This is becuase the GPS is what keeps the quad where it needs to be as well as its the GPS that brings the quad home when you mess up or the TX fails

1) Take-off configuration: You dont have to do anything other than throttle up to 1/2 stick. The Quad powers up and lifts itself off. It does not drift because the GPS keeps it over the spot you took off from
2) GPS assisted flying: The GPS holds your position when you let go of the right stick. It will sit there while you figure out what you want to do next. Wanna fly somewhere? move the sticks and it will go where you want. Let go of the sticks... It sits there again. This would be really good feature for someone like you. You can still control the quad, but when you get disoriented or panic, just let go of the sticks (but make sure throttle is 1/2 stick) the NAza does the rest!
3) Intelligent Orientation: When you lose orientation of your quad, but can still see it, you can engage "intelligent Orientation". This is also a GPS based function. Basically, "Back stick" is "Back to home". So no matter which way the quad is facing, but it is in front of you, if you pull the stick back, the quad comes back. If the quad is off to your right, and you move the stick left, the quad move to the left and comes back to you. Mind you, "back", "Left" and "right" are all based on where the quad (and you) were facing when you first took off. I have experimented with this feature several times now and I love it!!
4) Pilot induced RTH: If you are ever in a jam, you flip a switch and sit back. The Naza will fly the quad back to the start point and sit 20M up. Then it will slowly descend until it lands, then powers itself off. I have tested this several times and it works AMAZING.
Here is a video of my third flight where I test this feature.

You Tube

You Tube

I dont touch the TX at all from the time I engage RTH until it lands and shuts itself off.
5) TX Fail RTH: IF you lose radio control or even if you switch off your transmitter, the quad immediately goes to RTH and comes home and lands the same way it would in manual RTH as I describe in point #4 above. I tested this for the first time last night and it was SWEET!!!. Now I can fly my quad with the ultimate confidence. Even if I go out of range, I know the quad will engage RTH and come home by itself (or until I can regain radio control) Now that is the ultimate freedom!!

Jim. I know you from your posts here on RCC and have been following your builds, successes and failures. I know you love to fly and I feel bad about the problems you have been having with helis lately. But I think you will love the quads. Think about it, and if you decide you want to try it, join us in the Multirotor section of these forums for advice and assistance

[dashpuppy]

Originally Posted by Crazy_Canuck

Why not go down to the nearest local club and get some help?

I guarantee that once you spend some time with some experienced pilots, things get better ... it's a tough learning curve, but it's also very rewarding.

I agree with this 100%!!! at every club there are always people willing to help. HECK i even help everyone and stuff, the best part about it, you gain more friends and you all start hanging out more and more

[bensidus197217]

Max is on the right track thank you. As far as learning goes that's not the case my problem is reaction when I crashed yesterday as things went wrong I just stood there confused where as before I would recover and bring it back safely. Can't fly these things safely anymore.

[dashpuppy]

Originally Posted by bensidus197217

Max is on the right track thank you. As far as learning goes that's not the case my problem is reaction when I crashed yesterday as things went wrong I just stood there confused where as before I would recover and bring it back safely. Can't fly these things safely anymore.

One of the reasons why i bought the HC3-sx, for bail out if loos orientation or make stick mistake..

[belcom]

Quads are boring, Check this out! a CP quad by Curtis Y.

You Tube

You Tube

[Max]

Originally Posted by belcom

Quads are boring, Check this out! a CP quad by Curtis Y.

WHOA!!! Now that's what I am talking about! Maybe not for Jim, but for me!

[gi1mo2]

Agree with going Quad. I have 500 and 600 helis, and find the, harder to fly as time goes by. Not enough practice during the winter. I find myself hesitating, and sometimes trying to fly as I did in the previous years. But same goes with my planes. I have to take a step back rather than jump in.

I have both Gaui 330 and Gaui 500 with GU-INS. Love the stability, and have installed a camera mount which is controlled on 2-axis by the Gu-INS.