Refurbished Metal Eclipse 3.5CH RC Helicopter

I'm relatively new in the R/C world and had no prior experience with Hobbytown "refurbished" equipment, so I didn't know what to expect as far as product quality was concerned. Considering the VERY low price tag, however, I was not really expecting perfection. In this, I was not disappointed.

Before ordering the "Refurbished GYRO Metal Eclipse 3.5CH Electric RTF RC Helicopter," I poked around the internet, discovering a possible problem with finding 'crash parts' for this model. My solution was to order TWO identical helos; planning on a little creative cannibalism on the unluckiest of the pair. This actually made sense, considering the lowlowlow price on these helos.

My order arrived sooner than promised; both machines in perfect cosmetic condition. Unfortunately, neither would fly. Well, to be scrupulously honest, the first one DID take to the air, starting from dead-stopped rotors to an uncommanded Full Throttle abrupt launch into the garage door opener mechanism directly above, thence directly into an uncommanded All Stop. Gravity took its turn next, as I watched -- still frozen in fear -- a classically executed Dead Cat Bounce on the concrete below.

The entire flight took perhaps two seconds from start to finish, but a memorable two seconds they were . . . bringing into my home a demonstration of just how exciting aviation can be! Remarkably, both the helicopter and. garage door continue to operate as well as they did before their noisy encounter. But my new toy got its bell rung, most d-e-*****-i-n-i-t-e-l-y !

The second helo fails in a more sedate manner, apparently unable to synchronize with the remote control box at all. Rotors don't spin; lamps don't light (except for an unexplained red flasher hiding beneath the canopy). Clearly, some troubleshooting will be required before this unit can present a threat to my household fixtures.

Now, all of this might sound like a mail-order nightmare, but I can't really say that (yet). I made this purchase to LEARN about R/C helicopters . . . and these machines are doing so, in spades! At this point, the machines could contain faults by the handful, or my own untrained actions could well be the culprit. I view problems of this sort as intriguing mysteries to solve, not excuses for a factory return.

I have gone over the machines, tightening screws and looking for broken wires and cold solder joints (finding a few of each, particularly in the remote transmitters). I have attempted to learn the basic skills needed (Just what IS that flashing red light?) I have found YouTube to carry the most pertinent information, but many of the contributors appear to be as befuddled as I am; there’s a fair amount of guessing going on -- but it’s all interesting.

From my standpoint, the worst failing of this helicopter is the quality of the Instruction Manual. It assumes knowledge that I don't have. (Example: the remote transmitter has several controls which are not defined in the printed material provided.)

But, as I said, I made this purchase for my education. If I were looking for a smooth, easy-to-fly, trouble-free R/C Helo experience, I would have done my shopping on a different page of the catalog.

Helicopter is great. shipping was terrible, i paid for 2nd day air but it didn't arrive for two weeks. I think i should be refunded shipping charges,

This is the most stable easy to fly heli. i have ever owned. You can"t go wrong with this one!