Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is NOT a toy!!! This is a fully functional flying electric micro model helicopter which uses state-of-the-art electronics and radio guidance.
I am an experienced RC model aircraft pilot but find the model helicopters a bit too challenging and costly to learn. Model helicopters (referred to as "heli's") are very complex mechanical devices with lots of things happening all at once for raw beginners to master. I have a computer software simulator program for model airplanes and heli's but have a very difficult time flying any of the heli's.
These coaxial model heli's use counter rotating main blades instead of the tail rotor and greatly simplifies the control input needed for stable flying.
The Blade mCX uses Spektrum's 2.4gHtz DSM2 technology. I already had a JR-X9303 2.4gHtz transmitter so I bought the "Bind 'n Fly" version of the Blade mCX which comes without a transmitter. If you don't have a Spektrum compatible 2.4gHtz DSM2 transmitter, then you need to purchase the Ready-to-Fly (RTF) version of this for about $30 additional.
After charging the tiny 110mAH single cell (1S) Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery, I bound the Blade mCX to a new memory location on my transmitter using the aircraft settings with all default parameters. After binding, I turned everything off then plugged in the LiPo on the mCX then turned on my transmitter. It took about 2 seconds for the link to establish which was indicated by the red LED on the 5-1 controller board to glow continuously. After checking the control inputs per the mCX manual, I gradually increased the throttle and held the mCX in a hover about 5" off the floor, getting used to the elevator, rudder, aileron and throttle inputs and effect of each on the mCX. You'll have problems getting the mCX to go (or stay) where you want it initially. Fear not, for the entire heli weighs only 28 grams (1 ounce) and the parts are small and durable enough to survive a couple of slight mishaps.
After a couple of flights in this mode, I started hovering higher and practicing forward/reverse, left/right and up/down functions. I can now somewhat safely fly around the living room and it really drives the dog nuts! Although the plastic blades are of a lightweight flexible plastic, they do rotate at an impressive speed so safety is well-advised. And again, this is NOT a child's toy. I would not recommend it for children under 12 years.
That said, the Blade mCX heli is a marvelous piece of engineering and technology. If you're careful with the throttle control, you can fly for 6-8 minutes or longer. Once you find you need to start adding more power to maintain hover or need additional rudder corrections to keep it pointed in one direction, your flight battery is beginning to reach it's low voltage cutoff (LVC) point and you should land it. If you hit the LVC, the motor will reduce it's speed and force you to land. If it does this when you're higher than 2-3 feet you'll likely crash land it. The manual warns not to hit the motor LVC point on a regular basis. LiPo's don't like to be over-discharged and you'll shorten the battery life.
My only complaint on the entire package is the charger supplied. It comes with 4 "AA" type batteries. You can get 10-15 charges from a set of fresh AA batteries. I tried using rechargeble 1.2volt Nickle Metal-Hydride Energizer batteries but found it takes far longer to charge the LiPo than using 1.5v alkaline AA cells.
In conclusion, this a terrific micro model helicopter which can be flown by someone with basic knowledge of flight controls. Raw beginners will have a tougher time but the Blade mCX will likely survive the training process. Replacement parts can be readily found at your local hobby dealer.
Bravo, eFlight!!!!
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The Blade® mCX is an ultra micro-sized version of the Blade CX/CX2 that offers first-time and experienced helicopter pilots unsurpassed stability and incredible control through the coaxial, counter-rotating head design and Spektrum™ 2.4GHz DSM2™ control. Its single-cell Li-Po battery charges in approximately 30 minutes and delivers flight times of 6–8 minutes, while full, 4-channel control provides the precision needed for flying in those tight spaces indoors. All you need to do is bind your DSM2 transmitter or module to the Blade mCX's receiver and your adventure into the new era of RC flight begins. With its cutting-edge engineering, design, technology and performance, the Blade mCX Bind-N-Fly™ is sure to provide you with hours of helicopter flying fun.
The unique 5-in-1 control unit with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM2 compatible receiver, main motor ESCs, mixer, gyro and fully proportional servos will bind to your DSM2 transmitter to give you the most advanced mCX flight experience. You can take full advantage of utilizing dual rates, mixing and other capabilties of your transmitter. You can experience heading-lock-like performance and fully proportional control all in this one-ounce package, just bind and fly.
Compatible with the following DSM2 transmitters:
• E-flite® LP5DSM (included with Blade CX2)
• ParkZone® Vapor™ transmitter
• JR® 12X
• JR X9303
• Spektrum™ DX5e
• Spektrum DX6i
• Spektrum DX7
• Spektrum Modules
