Rotor Revolution RC Podcast

This week the crew digs into all of the news to come out of the largest tradeshow in the RC helicopter hobby:  Rotor Live.   With a mix of exclusive interviews from the tradeshow floor the crew walks you through all of the new models and electronics to be released at Rotor Live.  Scorpion and Midland Helicopter team pilot Rob Bingham is also back this year to bring us interviews from the tradeshow floor again.  You won't find coverage of Rotor Live this in depth anywhere else, so sit back, grab a drink, and enjoy all of the updates from the major brands in the hobby.

Putting an episode like this together isn't easy...  so we want to offer a special thanks to Rob Bingham, as well as to Simone Zunterer's youtube channel as well as RC Helicopter Richard's for helping to bring some of the event to life and help us feel like we were there.  Checkout their youtube channels here;

Simone Zunterer:
https://youtube.com/@simonezunterer?si=JmeyTGlNPzFm2mtV

RC Helicopter Richard
https://youtube.com/@rchelicopter?si=Z0LDwlWIL8vUW5Do

Rotor Replay:  Check out this epic Crash / Save / Crash by Vava Boonmala during the 3D competition
https://youtu.be/rt5WgmvRNf0?si=nSGvq5sUTREh9KeL

As always have questions for the crew you can reach us via email at [email protected] or find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast.  Thanks for Listening!  Brian, Nick, Alex, and Kenny.

This week all 4 of the crew dig into the review of the popular XL Power Specter World Champion Edition review.  Brian has recently started his new Wraith build featuring many of the same parts from the WC Kit, and Kenny, Nick, and Alex are all flying the WC Edition kit so we get a unique opportunity for all 4 of us to share some insights about a model.  There's also the usual news, some pre Rotor Live announcements, and the usual shenanigans from the crew.

As always thanks for listening to the show!  We greatly appreciate it.  Have questions for the crew?  Find us on facebook and message us there at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast or email us directly at [email protected].  Want to help out the show?  Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.  

This week we capitalize on a unique opportunity...   the chance to review a model with someone from the development team for that model on the show!  Chris Kim from the OMP Hobby team joins us as we review the new OMP Hobby M2 Mk 2 Evo micro helicopter.  We all know that every new micro helicopter to come to market claims it's the best in it's class and the "next evolution" but how does the OMP shape up?  What does it come with?  Who is it aimed at?  We'll answer all this and hear what OMP might be working on in the future on this episode.  Plus all the news and our usual updates from the crew.

As always, thanks for listening!  Got questions for the crew?  Email us at [email protected], or find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolution.live and message us there too.

This week we sat down with the crew from the SXC discord community:  Archie Harris, Herman Quinones, and Sean Hall.  Together the three of them make up the team from the SXC discord community which is a discussion group centered around helping others get started with Rotorflight.  SXC also creates and share "presets" for both transmitter files and model files to help folks gets up and running with Rotorflight much faster than they would be able to on their own. 

We also cover the usual news and our winter updates as we get ready for the spring season, and some of us brave the cold to knock some flights out.

As always, thanks for listening to the show!  Questions for the team or want to share your funfly details with us?  Email us at [email protected] or message us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast.

This week the crew is back to talk about goal setting.  We'll cover how we did on our 2024 goals, and set new ones for 2025.  Plus plenty of shop talk as we all navigate winter, and our usual roundup for the news.

Rotor Replay:
Quiet Eye Video for better focus on your helicopter
https://youtu.be/qIG1ZT3-a_A?si=otSWdFPQ18wXM8MH

Merak 750 Unboxing Video
https://youtu.be/7aTcTQ4Kxqk?si=DDuSht5eaq0ncDsG

As always...  send any questions, funfly updates, news or anything else out way via email to [email protected], or message us on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast.  Thanks for listening!

Happy New Year!  The gang is back again to kick off the new year with an amazing story for our hobby.  This week we're joined by Helidirect team manager Sean Hall and Helidirect and Futaba team pilot Ben Storick to hear all about how a chance encounter at the Winter Bash funfly led to Ben appearing on Cleetus McFarland's youtube channel showcasing what our hobby has to offer to his 4 million subscribers!  Teams and sponsors aside, this is a huge win for the entire hobby

We'll also hear all about what the guys were up to over the break and the holiday, and catch up on the latest new from Mikado and others.  Plus there's a slew of new funfly announcements.

Rotor Replay:

Cleetus McFarland Video:
https://youtu.be/aKiTpqUAIxg?si=UpQqyDqYTr29KtY8

Ben Storick's Youtube Channel
https://youtube.com/@benstorick?si=F6Iw4raOIKlhlRoA

As always thanks for listening!  If you'd like to support our podcast we'd love for you to like, follow and share our facebook page at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find the show.  Message any of us via our facebook page or via email at [email protected].  Send us your funfly news, listener questions, and what your hobby goals are for 2025.

This week the gang is Back from the Rotor Bash, I mean Winter Bash and we had an absolute BLAST!  We'll cover some highlights of the funfly: Brian and Nick dip their toes deeper into the Rotorflight waters, The princess lives a fairy tale and then puts one in while doing so, and Kenny discovers how to shut his ESC down in mid air, and Brian attempts to bury his Genesis in a pile of mulch.  

Feeling spicy?  Grab a drink and get ready to take a sip every time someone says "Rotorflight".  We guarantee you'll be in a GREAT mood by about ten minutes into the episode.

We also cover the news including the latest micro heli to hit the market, and then for our main topic this week we catch back up on listener emails, as well as do our review of the new NSDRC Helicopter Servos Kenny and Nick have been testing.

Rotor Replay:  There isn't one per say this week, but the guys mention several videos so we've put links below

Alex throwing down on the BK Nitron 90 at the Winter Bash
https://youtu.be/QxyuenPyLZM?si=JU7FrzLf8ogslgCT

Alex Dean and Bert Kamerer fly a tandem at the Winter Bash
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19juoqc7v3/

Bert K and Kyle Stacy tandem at the winter bash
https://youtu.be/YrJWaNOcpvM?si=FloPnbr5vET1xlcE

Alex tries his hand at flight commentary while Ben Storrick shreds at the winter bash
https://youtu.be/SnbznCckMmo?si=O34rFs4YJgx7bBNk

Jonas's latest video on the new OMP Hobby Micro Helicopter
https://youtu.be/HUe3-_EARPc?si=Sk8VO15hsST7uHXO

That's a wrap for us in 2024!  Thank you to ALL of you that listen and download our show!  We so appreciate you.  We wish you all an amazing holiday season and can't wait to share more with you in 2025.  We're taking a bit of a holiday break, and our next episode won't drop till January 7th.  In the meantime, come find us on facebook, like and share our episode posts, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help folks find the show.  See you in 2025.

This week the gang sits down with OMP Hobby team pilot Jiawen Bao to discuss advanced flybarless tuning techniques.  While we mainly focus on the Vbar Neo/Evo and Rotorflight FBLs, the concepts described are universally applicable to most flybarless units.  Jiawen has studied control loops and systems in depth at Stanford University where he earned his graduate degree in mechanical engineering.  So pull up a chair, get out a notebook, and dig into this episode with us as we all learn how to improve the performance of our RC helicopters.

There's also the usual updates as we bought stuff, flew stuff, crashed stuff and sold stuff, and we also dig into the latest news in the hobby.

Jiawen's Rotorflight Template Model:
https://www.rotorflight.org/docs/Tuning/tuning-examples

Rotor Replay:
SAB team pilot CD throws down an amazing flight on the Il Goblin at only 1680RPM.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Caa3iWVMY/

If you're planning on attending the Winter Bash in the Orlando area this weekend Dec 6-8th, 2024 then come on by and say hello to the crew.  We'll all be there starting on Friday and would love to hear from you.

Got questions for the crew?  episode suggestions?  feedback?  well you can always reach us on our facebook page, or on facebook messenger at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast, or email us at [email protected].

Thanks for listening!

This week the crew covers lots of ground.  We'll hear all about the recent Southwest Heli Rodeo funfly from Alex, plus his first crack at the Rotorflight FBL.  Nick lets the magic smoke out, Kenny finishes redesigning his new heli, and Brian cheats on Futaba.  Plus like always, we catch you up on all the news from around the hobby, including the latest developments at Mikado.

For our main topic this week Kenny and Nick share their experience with two new 700s on the market:  The IL Goblin Pro from SAB, and Blade's return to the 700 market with their new Fusion 700 model.  We cover all the hits and misses of each helicopter in depth throughout the building and flying process.

Rotor Replay:

Alex Dean and Greg Ringle promote the SW Heli Rodeo in their own special way:
(does require joining the facebook group RC Heli Hangout to view)
https://www.facebook.com/44401123/videos/948766783758675/

As always, thanks for listening to our show!  Come meet the crew and stop by and say hello on Friday at the upcoming Winter Bash Funfly in the Orlando, Florida area on Dec 6,7,8.  Got a question for the crew?  Email us at [email protected] or message us on facebook at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast.  Be sure and like and follow us on facebook and leave us a written review on your favorite podcast platform.

Episode 28 is live!  This week the whole gang is back, and we're talking gift ideas, stocking stuffers for the holidays!  Sharing our list of favorite, affordable tools, under $100, and other RC helicopter related items that you can gift to your friends and family or to yourself!  Plus lots of news and loaded recaps.

Rotor Replay:
RC Helicopter Richard is back at it again, this time with a video on trick ways to takeoff off your helicopter.
https://youtu.be/bCnIG27azjo?si=vl5iUK77DjlStD22

Link to the large capacity 24v 100 Amp Hour Battery Nick has been talking about:
https://a.co/d/fQ8IUlo

Our Holiday Gift Ideas:

SAB or Steam Ball Link Pilers: $19-27
https://tinyurl.com/5n77fwd5

Protech foldout Field Tool Bag w. Zipper: $25
https://tinyurl.com/332rf5cr

Narrow tip heat gun: $25
https://tinyurl.com/y3dp525c

Needle Files Set: $8
https://tinyurl.com/rz8dbhm2

4 Pack Awl Tool Gourd Shape Wooden Handle: $10
https://tinyurl.com/t5y5t4zy

Swash Leveling Zip Tool Set: $79
https://tinyurl.com/3xc4mwbk

EDS ALLEN WRENCH SET - METRIC SIZES 6 PCS.: $58
https://tinyurl.com/2x87zcbt

KNIPEX TwinGrip Pliers: $34
https://tinyurl.com/34ct3t5z

Bondhus 13160 4mm Ball End Tip T-Handle: $12
https://tinyurl.com/5x9dm9w3

DFA/JR Double Transmitter Case: $150
https://tinyurl.com/2s39d62a

Pitch Gauge phone holder for the IRCHA App: $60
https://tinyurl.com/4ar2p3mc

Gens Ace Imars D300 G-Tech Smart Dual AC/DC Charger: $130
https://tinyurl.com/mwh4bdst

On Board Glow System-for Nitro Engine: $23
https://tinyurl.com/99zujemy

Carbon Blade Propeller Balancer for 250-700 Helicopter Black/Red: $19
https://tinyurl.com/svd62fm9

SAB Swashplate Leveler for Goblin Kraken 12MM: $27
https://tinyurl.com/mw2kwxt5

ILGoblin Swashplate Leveler 15mm: $29
https://tinyurl.com/5n7u43wr

Next CGM RC Heli Flight Simulator (USB Flash Drive Version): $99
https://tinyurl.com/5czwynbj

TORQ TBox Program Card: $30
https://tinyurl.com/4abh9jrh

540 Pieces M3 x 6mm /8mm /12mm /16mm /20mm /25mm /30mm, Hex Socket Head Cap Screws Bolts Washers Nuts Kit, 304 Stainless Steel: $10
https://tinyurl.com/3542th4p

Hand Warmers Rechargeable 2 Pack, 14000mAh: $40
https://tinyurl.com/4hf7uwya

As Always, thanks for listening to show!  We greatly appreciate it.  Have any question for the team?  You can always email us at [email protected], of message us on facebook at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast.

This week we begin the first in a series of episodes focused on a manufacturer.  We're joined by Kontronik Sales and Marketing Director for North America, Tim DiPeri and head of US Tech Support for Kontronik, Ben Minor.  Together we'll dig into what the brand has to offer in their motor and speed control lines, and see why so many folks enjoy their products.

There's also the usual updates, news, and a visit from some surprise guests.

To learn more about Kontronik head over to their website:
https://kontronik.com/en

Want to pre-register for the Winter Bash funfly?  Head on over to:
https://www.torchs.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=255824&item_id=2377704

Got a question for the team?  News for us to share?  Events you'd like us to mention?  Hit us up via email at [email protected] or via facebook messenger at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast.  Want to help out the show?  Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find the show.

Tail in hover to piro flips in 9 months...     This was a story we had to hear.  This week the crew sits down with young Texas based pilot Allen Alsabrook who has only been in the hobby for a short 9 months.  We'll learn about all about the challenges young pilots face, what we're doing right to support young pilots, and what we have room to improve on.  We hope to feature more young pilots in the future and learn things along the way.

There's also plenty of news, recaps, an important reminder for all of us, and plenty of shenanigans along the way.

Rotor Replay:  See Allen’s progress with a recent flight at a Texas funfly:

https://youtu.be/U3d03ifJrLE

Want to support the show?  Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.  Have a question, comment, episode suggestion, or stuck on a problem?  You can always message the team on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast or via email at [email protected].  As always, thanks for listening!

This week the crew continues our conversation on how best to progress in your flying.  How to work past road blocks and hurdles along the way, and tips and tricks that worked for us to learn and perfect new moves.  While much of this may be old hat to many of you, we hope you'll learn something new as we each share what works for us.  Have other great ideas to share about progressing your flying?  Topic or guest suggestions?  Share them with us!  Hit us up via email at [email protected] or message us on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast.  As always thanks for listening, and if you're wondering how you can help support the podcast we always appreciate when folks take the time to leave us a review on their favorite podcast platform.

Ever wondered the secret to progressing your flying faster?  Did you ever wonder how someone goes from not being able to hover to joining the SAB Factory team in five years?  This week the crew sits down with SAB Factory Pilot, Xnova team pilot, and BK Hobbies Flight Team pilot Cary Brooks.  We'll hear all about the techniques he used to learn new maneuvers, and how he became the pilot he is today. 

We'll also catch up with the crew, hear all about Kenny and Brian's time at the recent Heli Extravaganza funfly, and as always, share all the latest news in the hobby.

Rotor Replay:

Youtube Channel Fly Right RC Shares a compilation of 3 Pond Flights at Heli Extravaganza
1) Jay Treadway's great save...
2) Cary Brooks takes his heli for a swim
3) Nick Maxwell and Kyle Stacy epicly throw down over the pond at night.

https://youtu.be/6SU_4xkaKCo?si=NVYGaM_xrszrDZyb

Questions for the crew?  You can email us at [email protected], or contact us via our facebook page at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast.  Thanks for listening!

This week the crew sits down with recent NATs competitors Scott Graham and Satinder Dhindsa to hear all about their experiences spending almost two weeks in Muncia Indiani competing in the nationals and then staying on to attend the largest funfly in the United States, the IRCHA Jamboree.  We'll hear all about their experiences as competitors, why you should try it, and what they learned from it.  We then hear all about the new IRCHA, how the funfly took shape, favorite moments, seeing new models, and lots more.  We think you'll quickly realize we had a great time making this one...   and we hope you'll enjoy it too.

Lots of links to share this week...  in no particular order:

Rotor Replay:

Kyle Stacy Battle of the Brands Winning Flight:
https://youtu.be/r79WdGVrz5c?feature=shared

Another version of the same flight with better music track:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/F5HyeG3PGF7SU1xJ/

Some links of interest:

RC Helicopter Richard's Video on Breaking down the F3N Manoevers:
https://youtu.be/o-9KLqltpqA?si=QmutSvR0HejL0EPa

Blade Fusion 700
https://youtu.be/5PK_4oDNS08?si=j4bbEmvA6zal39Op

Got questions for the crew, or info on an event you'd like us to share?  Email us at [email protected] or message us on facebook at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast.  Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find the show, and as always, Thanks for listening!

Nick, Brian, Kenny, and Alex.

This week we're publishing early in order to give everyone taking the long drive home from IRCHA something to listen to on the way.  We'll start off with updates from the crew, hear how Nick finally fixed his 580 Nitro, how Kenny's IRCHA prep went, and how Alex has come to terms with his love of trains.  We'll cover the news including some updates on what was new at IRCHA this year, NATs results, and all the goings on in the hobby.  Then we'll sit down with Amain team pilot Dima Vinar who has been helping test and develop the new Spirit Wave radio and ecosystem.  We'll talk about features, what sets it apart from other radios, and what you can look forward to upon it's release.

Speaking of NATs and the spirit FBLs...  check out one of Scott Graham's flights from the F3N competition that earned him a spot on the U.S. World's team.  Scott is flying with a Jeti radio and Spirit GTR FBL.

https://youtu.be/rs-lrCOLq00?feature=shared

As always, find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app, and if you have any questions for the team, shoot em via email at [email protected] or find us on facebook messenger.

Thanks for listening and safe travels home from IRCHA!

This week we're excited to have SAB Factory Pilot Kyle Stacy on the show to talk all about the latest helicopter releases from SAB:  the iL Goblin Pro and iL Goblin Raw.  As one of the few people in the world that's flown both, Kyle shares his unique perspective after being involved with the development and testing of so many SAB helicopters over the years.   We'll hear all about the new features, flying characteristics, and just how big an improvement over the current Raw 700 are these models.  We'll also catch up on the latest from JR as well as what Kyle's been up to recently.

Rotor Replay:
SAB Team Pilot Robin Lipke puts the iL Goblin Pro through it's paces
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzsuca5UkNE

As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions, suggestion, or hellos via email at [email protected] or via facebook messenger on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast where you can also find links to the rotor replay videos as well as information on the show.

Thanks for listening!

This week the crew focuses on two new offerings in the 700 size, the Goosky RS7 and the OMP M7.  Trying to decide between the two?  Curious about either of them?  We cover both helicopters in depth and cover what we like, don't like, love, and enjoy about both models.

On top of that we'll hear from IRCHA board member Tima with special guest Andy Ross, get all the news from around the hobby, and catch up the crew and hear what's been flying great, and not so great for each of them.

Rotor Replay:
A collection of flying videos from the recent Global 3D Event
https://www.youtube.com/@global3d39/videos

As always if you have any questions for the crew you can always reach out to us via email at [email protected], or message us directly on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast.com

This week the gang is all here and we have lots to talk about.  Summer is here and we're all getting in flights, Alex and Nick are cranking out flights, Brian puts the work in and heads to his first contest of the year, and Kenny hits the Dragonfly funfly and well...    you'll want to hear what happened.

On top of this we have all the latest news from SAB, updates from Tron, warnings from YGE, updates from Global 3D and Bert Kammerer drops by to tell us more about what to expect at IRCHA this year.

Oh but wait there's more...     the crew spends some time talking about when is it time to let go of a helicopter and consider selling it, and when should you hold onto it?  

Rotor Replay Links:

Kenny Ko Victory Flight at Global 3D (courtesy of Ethan Williams)
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/kGJZWN1xvoth8cGz/

Kenny Hutton's Specter Meets Scott Graham's OMP M7.  It doesn't end well.

Bill Ann's Version:
https://youtu.be/aL8tdISQdiE?si=nwV-2F0fSQ9o18_t

Tanner Ingram / Fly Right RC Version:
https://youtube.com/shorts/HHBP3Koa3N8?si=OCS-8973DvpALfel

As always thanks for listening!  Any questions or news for the team?  Hit us up at [email protected] via email, or find us on facebook at facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast and message us there too.

This week Alex, Kenny and Nick sit down with Rotorflight power user Tomas Kirnak to discuss this extremely affordable FBL that utilizes open source community written software to power it.  We cover the basics of how to get involved with the rotorflight community, what are the hardware options, which radios it's compatible with, how is the setup process, what's the learning curve like, how does it fly, what's tuning like, and who is it really aimed at.  At 100 dollars per FBL and being able to purchase a radio that would allow complete integration and forward programming for only 250 dollars, it's a system you can buy 3 or 4 of for the price of some more expensive radio and fbl combos.  Our hope is to help guide your purchasing decisions by explaining just what you would be getting yourselves into, and where to find help if you decide to take it on.  Special thanks to everyone in the Rotorflight community who helped us with this episode.

On top of all that we catch up with the crew (spoiler alert:  there all back to flying again!), as well as cover the latest news in the hobby.  There's also some updates on how to get a hold of us, as well as the latest on swag here at the Revolution.  As always, for listener questions, advertising inquiries, funfly information, or any news items you would like us to cover you can email us at [email protected], or message us at our facebook page at www.facebook.com/rotorrevolutionrcpodcast.

Some helpful links:

Central hub of all Rotorflight Information:
www.rotorflight.org

Rotorflight Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/rotorflight

Rotorflight Discord:
https://discord.gg/6QUySXdEvd

Rotorflight on RC Groups Discussion Forum
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?4000345-Rotorflight-Flight-Control-%28FBL%29-Software-Official-discussion

Rotorflight on Github
https://github.com/rotorflight