OMPHobby M2 Helicopter Review & Flight

[@Rchelicopterfun]

IMPORTANT UPDATE: It would seem all the spare parts I got along with the 2nd LiPo pack, and S-FHSS RX was because I got the first batch of pre-ordered M2's (it finally paid off being first in line). Some who are now getting the next batches of M2, are commenting they are not getting these same spares. Please let the rest of us know what spares come with your M2.

[@zmanphx]

Your site got me into RC helicopters 10 years ago. Have about 2 dozen helis.

[@aarizmushtaq4301]

Chooky

[@CripSkillz]

That looks sweeeeet damn they have come along way that's for sure!!

[@robertmoore119]

Direct drive! Very cool looking concept, the M2 look like it flies really well. I haven't been in your site, or read one of your ebooks, I used Radds. I also learned alot from Finless Bob from Helifreak. I started around 2008, I have learned alot since then. Enough to be inspired to begin writing my own book. My point is, though I haven't read your book or visited your site, it is good to see people sharing what they know to help others along. Very cool heli! Thanks for sharing.

[@johnwedrall1907]

I'm happy i found your channel and subscribed today. I'm lovin helicopters 👍😊❗

[@brianheaton5521]

Thanks for the review. This little guy seems tight, little to no tail blow out. Fast response on collective, nice.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for watching.

[@helithunder56]

Love your review of this heli,have been flying helis for 7 years now and owe my success to your web site and ebooks.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for the support :-)

[@quintinlindsey7967]

I quit flying close to two years ago and have been getting the itch back lately and have been looking at this little heli to get back into the hobby with! Thanks for the in depth review...I am pretty sure this will be the one!!!🚁

[@Rchelicopterfun]

My pleasure :)

[@BigAlWillis]

just bought a mini cheap one just beginning. really does take a lot of practice for sure, I've crashed over 100 times in just a few days. you make it look easy.

[@victorparks5378]

Great review John ...and thanks for sharing your review. That's a nice little bird!

[@bohan9957]

It's good to see the tail motor is also brushless. Nice attention to detail.

[@michaelc2528]

What a cool chopper and great flying John!

[@TechNoPhobiaGirl]

EXCELLENT review, John! Thank you! That little heli looks GOOOORRRRRGEOUS!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks

[@jimsmith283]

Good to know about the all in one replacement of just whichever board goes bad and not the whole unit.

[@rogerrabbit4284]

What a great review !! Thank u so much for sharing, it looks incredible!!

[@mssippijim]

Reminds me of the old fixed pitch copters years ago, only it was larger...Funcopter I think? They were direct drive, big styrofoam fuselage, and fairly expensive.

[@larrychamel]

Awesome video John. Thanks for sharing and hopefully you are doing well. Stay Safe and Stay Healthy my friend! ❤🙏❤

[@RunThatRC]

Man this heli is looking good. Might have to get me one of these. Great overview by the way.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

My pleasure

[@toddspeck9415]

So stoked seeing this heli, I am going to order a yellow one just like this one. Thanks for showing it.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

My pleasure

[@ifly65]

2021 M1 has tail blades, servo arms and shafts, no cool anodized colored wrench. M2 Explore has servo arms, shafts and zip ties, both kits stingy on parts. Both have 2 tools, one allen, one flat head? The new M2s have metal case servos. Great helis.

[@christophersmythe1093]

john can I share this tip with other OMPHOBBY M2 OWNER. Hover the m2 and to correct any drift say left right or forward or backward. Fly and hover M2 then Land the Heli. And pull the elevator stick to the full up hold till The controller start flashing. Now take off and hover has smooth as you can. After landing try not to move the sticks. Then hold the elevator in full up till the controller starts flashing. Now this will reset the controller to a stable level hover.

[@ddyodaman5515]

Still trying to figure out spectrum version collective pitch and throttle curve numbers and pitch collective numbers nice video

[@Rchelicopterfun]

You setup the M2's on Spektrum, the same way you setup any CP helicopter. There are no specific pitch curve numbers since they vary between helicopter due to mechanic variations; ie. the exact same pitch curve values between two identical M2's will often produce slightly different collective ranges like they would with any collective pitch heli. You always set your specific pitch curve values up to create the desired collective range you are after for your flying style in your various flight modes; again no different than any other collective pitch setup. Throttle curves are likewise setup the same as any other CP heli. I would not run lower than 60% throttle on the M2's as the ESC tends to get too hot so a tame/low head speed curve that you can power off at low stick could be something like 0,50,60,65,70. A sport throttle curve I would start at 75,75,75,75,75 and see how you like the power and head speed. Hard 3D, flat-line 100%.

[@elliotredcliffe3144]

The motor sounds so futuristic

[@trullmann]

Wow! that little bugger looks like it has some really good power.. I bought a Blade 230s for the safemode to learn a little more about flying but it lacks power! and this has stability mode, dang... if I knew about this a couple months ago I would have bought this to bind to my DX8....

[@christophersmythe1093]

Thanks your setting worked a treat cheers chris

[@helipro2245]

Great job on the review 👍🏻

[@tonymcclendon-hobbytime7727]

Awesome copter. Great review and box opening

[@Rchelicopterfun]

thanks

[@benwoods9649]

Great Review. Hope to buy one soon!

[@mybluebelly]

I bought the Protech Zoom 400 back in 2005 and it turned out to be a bust. Maybe this will lighten my mood?

[@zmanphx]

John, Can you do separate video on your Horus set up for helis? I fly Spektrum and Futaba. Thinking of trying out frysky. Seems there are some rc heli pilots migrating to Frysky on Heli Freak.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

I will see what I can do. In the mean time, I would also strongly recommend what I do to anyone thinking of getting into OpenTX, and that is to spend some time on Open TX university's website: open-txu.org/ This will give you a good idea what you are in for and exactly how open TX works/differs from conventional computerized radio layouts and gets you used to thinking of radio functions in the terms of input, mix, output. I spent the better part of a month studying that site before I took the plunge and switched from Spektrum/JR to FrSky. It answered so many of my questions. In fact, I'm pretty sure I would not have made the switch if it were not for that site because it seemed just too daunting of a task at first. It also has a section on helicopters which helped me immensely. It's really no different setting up an RC helicopter in OpenTX than it is with a traditional radio system. You still have pitch and throttle curves along with dual and expo rates, channel outputs and centering; it's just way more versatile and configurable and different in how that's all done. If you are thinking of getting a new radio system, I would also recommend checking out the new Jumper T16 Pro. The value is amazing! If I didn't have and like my Horus so much, the T16 pro would be the radio I'd be getting right now.

[@43SunSon]

John, just let you know. I am learning 3d helicopter by using your website, i am in day 6 now!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Awesome - keep up the progress 👍

[@43SunSon]

@@Rchelicopterfun you did very good job. those day lessons are so good. I am almost ready to do fly figure 8 now. But I don't have 400 size heli, I only have M1 and M2.

[@ridetheapex]

You have some AVE tendencies... Love it.

[@arnerrvik7586]

Oh my, I want one:-) Thanks!

[@mohammadrezai5170]

Helicopter very good.👍

[@smalltimer4370]

Looks like fun - I shall try one

[@atomicskull6405]

I'd like to see a tail motor combined with a pitch slider mechanism.

[@nitetrain7136]

Awesome heli. How does your radio talk though? How long does it take to learn all the crazy/necessary functions on a 3D heli? Not sure why they move and whip around in so many directions. Looks fun

[@Cowboysway1969]

Looks like a nice machine!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks - I've really been enjoying it.

[@cwinn414]

Excellent video John, thank you for sharing. Can you please tell me what radio you were using?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

FrSky Horus X12S

[@nutleighgrove3658]

Hey John - awesome review as always :) I have a few helis, including CopterX, Align T-Rex and other Stuff. My problem is no way can I afford a Futaba transmitter but I have to have the M2! So I already purchased the OMPhobby T6 transmitter. Would it be factory set, or even can I buy a complete RTF M2 & transmitter already set up? Thanks :)

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Sorry, I don't know a thing about the OMP T6 radio. One thing I do know is it's impossible to setup any CP heli without a proper computerized radio, at least if you want a flying experience that is customized to your individual flying style and skill level. If you can't get a Futaba radio, why not get a $80 Jumper T8SG that comes with a multi-protocol module.

[@georgia_helinut3406]

Nice review John

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks

[@davemaione8129]

Nice review!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks

[@michaellicht1260]

Thanks John. Besides Banggood is there somewhere else I can buy it ? Just hate to wait so long to get stuff.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

OMP direct.

[@mino070382]

Hi John, great detailed video. Have you had the chance to fly the blade fusion 180 from horizon?

[@jongonegone1262]

there was a rc heli back in 2010 or 2011 called the funcopter rtf with transmitter that was a direct drive brushless motor also but was a fixed pitch head. it was a 300 size. new it was $350.00 nice video and flying.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Good memory! I had totally forgot about that model.

[@strgarmatjaz8848]

it was Multiplex FUNCOPTER i still know for TWO of them NEW in a store in a local hobbyshop , it was a later production model of CORONA heli , they were (almost) indestructible but both of them were FixedPitch

[@davidjacobs8558]

my m2 's tail motor is not rotating properly all of sudden. is this motor problem or controller problem? how could I test for this ?

[@AndrewR2130]

I love your radio start up makes me laugh what do you think of the x12s looking at getting one myself anything that I should be aware of ect

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Really been enjoying mine for the past 2 years now. Steep learning curve (for me) however during the transition from JR's system to OpenTX.

[@AndrewR2130]

John Salt looking at changing over currently running spektrum i killed my dx8e and to get new oneo r upgrade isn’t cheap so been looking into the frsky stuff

[@fleuger99]

Great video and review. I've never flown RC helicopters, do you think this is a good beginner copter? If not, please suggest another. Thanks.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

This heli is too advanced for most beginners who are self learning the hobby (most, not all as we are all different). If you are getting help from an instructor however, that's a different story. This page on my website covers good beginner helis to start with if you are self learning and don't know if you will enjoy flying an RC heli yet: www.rchelicopterfun.com/helicopter-for-kids.html If you don't really know much about the different types of RC helicopters yet (ie. collective pitch vs fixed pitch, size, radio etc.) this page covers those more advanced questions: www.rchelicopterfun.com/best-rc-helicopter.html

[@Fredhobby]

nice video... I have a question please, I've got Kyosho caliber 5 nitro, what will be better GYRO setup: Futaba GY401 or K-BAR? thank you

[@Rchelicopterfun]

A K-bar is a flybarless system with both cyclic and tail gyros. The heli you are referencing is flybared (unless you've converted it). So the Kbar is out, not just because it's a flybarless system, it's likely going to perform very poorly in a high vibration nitro environment. So, a flybared nitro heli needs a traditional tail specific gyro. The Futaba GY401 is certainly a good one but over decade old technology (unless you are looking at used). The Futaba GY440 would be the current model.

[@Fredhobby]

John Salt thanks for the respond mate, much appreciated, I’ve few PCs remain from my old shop of the GY401 so wasn’t sure what is best, is the tgz380 any good? Thanks for the help

[@musicalintuition]

Should Loctite only be used for metal-to-metal fastening or can it also be used for metal-to-plastic or say a metal screw that screws into the carbon frame?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Metal only.

[@musicalintuition]

@@Rchelicopterfun Thank you!

[@Armc31416]

Great micro, performs better than the 450s from some years ago.

[@tri5ford]

Nice video and review. I'm mainly into RC planes but I also have a few rock crawlers and boats. I also have a couple smaller helis. This video really makes me want to get one of these. Is this 'copter really as easy to fly as you make it seem, or you just that good...or both? Great video.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

This little M2 like all collective pitch RC helicopters takes practice (I've been flying CP helicopters for 31 years now). For the small size however of the M2, it's very stable given the right setup. It used to be you could only get the kind of stability this thing has in larger CP helicopters (like planes, the bigger they are, the more stable they are). It's why I said in the video "it flies bigger than it is." If you're considering trying out a heli, I would personally recommend starting on something like a little fixed pitch Blade 70S / Esky 150V2. They are only about $60 bucks or so and will give you a pretty good idea/feel of the balancing act required to hover an RC helicopter and many of the skills learned on them will be transferable then over to collective pitch if you wish to pursue it. I also invite you to visit my website which I've put over a decade into information helping people getting into the hobby. My page on "Are RC Helicopters Hard To Fly" may be of particular interest since you asked the same question: www.rchelicopterfun.com/are-rc-helicopters-hard-to-fly.html

[@BongRTM]

John, Great review! A few years back, I wanted to get into RC Helis but was hesitant, but, because of your website and your guidance, I jumped right Into it...thank you! What DSMX satellite receiver do you recommend for this Heli for a Spektrum D8Gen2?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

The SPM9645 is the one that comes to mind. If you don't mind aftermarket, lots of other DSM2/X satellite RX's out there too. Redcon & Lemon both get good feedback and a number of other ones ones that are not in hard plastic cases if wight is a concern. The M2 however is a little power house so unless hard 3D performance is critical, the little bit of extra weight a hard protective case shell will add on won't be of any concern. Fitment might be a bit tight however - there isn't loads of canopy clearance room up on the front frames. If you did get a hard cased sat RX and couldn't get it to fit, you can always open them up and remove the board. I would wrap it in a layer of Kapton tape or thin lightweight shrink tube (clear so you can see the LED). Just my 2 cents...

[@serverlan763]

is there a suitable transmitter you can buy for one of these that you can import tame settings in for this heli? can you download settings for this from the manufacturer ( dual rates etc) Cheers

[@Rchelicopterfun]

You can use any good computerized 6+ channel radio to do what you are after, but you can't just download settings and expect a good flying machine. You have to do your own specific setup like you would with any collective pitch helicopter. Every helicopter will have mechanical variation so every computerized radio setup is largely unique to each heli. Pitch & throttle curves, channel output & centering values for example. Also, everyone has their own opinion of what tame is and there are different levels of tame. For example, a tame setup when you are first learning to hover, is going to be different from a tame setup for normal or scale flying after you've mastered the basic hover and your ground hover exercises. In short you cater your computerized radio setup to your flying style, your experience level/what feels comfortable to you and your specific machine.

[@napolean2424]

John, I have one of these on order. Is there a swash plate leveling tool for the M2 that you would recommend. Thanks for all your education videos.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

On small little helicopters like this, I find an eye-balled level swash is good enough. Any small amount of cyclic drift afterward can easily be corrected for by servo to swash pushrod adjustment. That is made even easier on the M2 since it uses uses convenient turnbuckles on those three pushrods. Just my method of course.

[@SebastienKasman]

Hi John, first of all; nice review ! I'm wondering if any other brand receiver with a ppm output can be connected to this helicopter. It seems that it's also the case for the standard delivered (futaba protocol) receiver. Is there any information about that connector (pin functions) its plugged into ? thx in advance and happy flying !

[@Rchelicopterfun]

No idea. I'm just going by the instructions. You would have to contact OMP.

[@SebastienKasman]

@@Rchelicopterfun oh that's a pity, will do that

[@trondyne3513]

With the large motor I would think it would act as a gyro and make it more stable....

[@inspiringengineer]

QUESTION - if you plugged in both batteries on a 'y' lead, would it lift the weight ant would it fly for longer?? ;)

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Assuming you meaning hooking two batteries in parallel to essentially double the available capacity; yes that would give longer flight times. Considerations however that would prevent it come down to the size and weight increase. 1. This heli already has tight battery dimensions so unless you want to hang the extra battery under the heli or fly without the canopy on, it simply wouldn't fit. 2. The extra weight would have to be distributed so as to not upset the center of gravity (ie. it would have to be added directly under the main mast). 3. The PID gains of the FBL flight controller have been tuned to the mass & inertia of the heli with a battery of a specific weight. 4. Lowering the power to weight ratio (increasing battery mass by double), will negatively affect flight performance for all but gentle flying. No question, the little M2 has more than enough power to lift a larger payload, but the more wight it has to lift, the less aerobatic performance it will have and the more power it will be using; offsetting much of the capacity increase.

[@inspiringengineer]

@@Rchelicopterfun Yes - correct - parallel - thanks for that :)

[@M00nsave445]

Hi, I changed the servo horn, put everything back together, how do I know the servos are aligned... Trying to take off it drifts to the left (if am at the read of the Heli), did not want to put full throttle till I figure out what's going on... Any hints? Thanks

[@Rchelicopterfun]

You have to level the swash at zero degrees collective with servo arms also all leveled, just like any rc cp helicopter swashplate setup process.

[@M00nsave445]

@@Rchelicopterfun would you have a vid on how to do that on the m2? I will look around

[@michaellicht1260]

Hi John, im planning to buy this transmitter and I have spektrum receivers and statelites. What Muti protocol module are you using or which one would you recommend ? Thanks

[@Rchelicopterfun]

I have two review videos going over the multi-module I use with my Horus (iRangeX 4+) along with links to the module: PPM Mode video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp64epeDqKehkKs Serial Mode video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6ndaK2pa6xgoJI

[@zanderflander7880]

They use to give you a lot of extra stuff with those! Now you just get a moisture pack. Lol

[@dmartinnj]

OMG I want one... never flown a flybarless helli... Im still pretty new to helli... I have 4 older ones with flybars.... Thanks for your vid, :)

[@TheCreat]

Considering I just recently got myself a Align T-Rex 150 that I barely got to fly so far, I really don't need this right now. But the moment I'm in the market for a new or different little bugger I'm pretty sure this is the hottest contender. Great video, as always! Edit: Did I just not hear it or did you not mention the flight time on one battery? How long does it last with calm and/or heavy flying?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

I'm experiencing flight times taking the little 650mAh packs down to an 80% discharged state of around 6 min calm/low head speed. 5 min normal. 4 min light sport. 3 min full power with poor collective and cyclic energy management.

[@TheCreat]

@@Rchelicopterfun Ah thanks very much for the quick reply. That's actually a quite respectable time I'd say. I was expecting much worse for a battery that size.

[@JermieMarasigan]

Hi John is the normal mode the same as the self level mode? Thanks

[@Rchelicopterfun]

No. My normal flight mode is my tamest flight mode settings (tame pitch & throttle curves). I don't fly in auto level mode ever.

[@jamesgodwin4319]

Great direct drive entry in the world of helis it has made a direct one wat entry

[@nipponhouseplayer]

Nice video!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wanlok82]

Great video! May i know how did u bind ur Horus X12S wth M2? Can it jz bind automaticaly? I jz ordered the M2 2020 model and a Horus X12S

[@Rchelicopterfun]

I use the iRangex multi protocol module with my horus: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6ndaK2pa6xgoJI

[@bloodnocka]

Pretty darn impressive. I wonder if they all come with 2 batteries? or maybe John you were lucky. Hard to restrain my click finger!

[@mike_romeo_lima]

Hey, I was wondering the same question but I found it out: the guys who preordered the heli get an extra battery + some spare parts like blades. If you order the heli now, you don‘t get those things, so be sure to add them to your card!! I had the same problem, but I found it out when I had already bought the helicopter, so I‘d to pay another 15$ for shipment. Hope I could help you ;)

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Hopefully others will give feedback on how many packs their M2 kits included. This was the first batch of M2 kits that Banggood received & shipped out as far as I know, so perhaps OMP was being generous? Great value however if they all come with two LiPo packs along with all the included spare parts and the S-FHSS RX. A quick tally of all those extras if purchased separately comes to about $60 USD!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for the confirmation. It for once paid to be first in line :-)

[@mike_romeo_lima]

John Salt no problem. If my package arrives (I didn‘t preorder it) I can share it with you what‘s inside my box ;)

[@Rchelicopterfun]

@@mike_romeo_lima Please do.

[@JohnRSippy]

Thanks for the review! I think this will be my next helicopter! Silly question though: what company makes that hex driver (with the red, metal handle) you used during the rotor head disassembly?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Hi John, That particular 1.5mm driver is part of a 4 set (comes with 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 mm sizes). I'm sure I got it either at Amazon or from Banggood. Looks like they still have it at Banggood: www.banggood.com/custlink/mmKmNW7rQ7 Just the shaft color is different - likely some sort of TiNi oxide coating on them now?

[@michaelh4978]

Can you tell me if this little bad boy will bind to a JR 9303 DSM2

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Yes (with the addition of a Spektrum/JR DSM2 satellite RX). As shown at time index 9:34, it has a DSM2/X satellite RX port.

[@shamneo8353]

Nice Heli sir. I don't know what will happen with this Heli if Tareq Alsadi try it....

[@Antoz1103]

Can i add there an Frysky XsrX Transmitter so i can fly it with my Taranis QX7?

[@ProblemHelfer]

Nice Video John, what kind of transmitter do you use?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

FrSky Horus X12S

[@renesfoodpassion]

Hi, what is the maximum hight that can fit into the m2?

[@thelonehellyranger01]

With self leveling would it be almost like a starter collective pitch helly in your opinion ?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

A tame setup (reduced pitch & throttle curves, dual & expo rates) does much more to improve how "beginner friendly" any CP heli is. Self level help is overrated in my opinion. No question it helps, but no as much as a nice learning setup. Learning with self level help also necessitates relearning how to fly later on.

[@MrDavidfuchser]

Will I be able to buy parts for it 5 years from now, or will it be like countless other banggood heli startups that get dumped after a year? Ive got an oxy2 , might pickup an align 300x.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

1. Parts after 5 years? Who knows. In this day and age, 5 years out parts support for any small RC helicopter is a tall ask including Align; thankfully the aftermarket usually helps keep our T-rex's in the air for a little while longer. 2. OMPHOBBY is far from a startup with a decade behind them (ohiomodelplanes.com/pages/about-us); but you never know do you. If JR, Century, Wren Turbines, Miniature Aircraft, Hobbico and so many other solid, big name RC manufacturers/distributors can go out of business, what's to keep it from happening to Ohio Model Planes as well in today's ultra competitive marketplace. 3. The 300X is a great machine and value. It's carried at Banggood as well so hopefully you won't hold that against it: www.banggood.com/custlink/GDvKbHSWRv

[@SteveGergetz]

Have you had some hands-on and stick time with an Oxy2? And how do they stack up against each other?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Hi Steve. None, so no idea how they compare. Price-wise there is little comparison with the M2 being roughly half (Oxy component pairing dependent of course).

[@passinthru4328]

Considering main blade size, an OXY 3 Stretch (blade size 285mm) would be a better comparison. I have this machine and really like the quality of design and components. Considering John's review and its cost, buying the OMP2 over the OXY3 is a no-brainer in my opinion.

[@trigatupp]

so you could use Taranis X Lite with this ? could beginner start off on something like this ? when I say beginner someone with background of flying non 3d version with less channels.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

I don't know much about the X Lite. I don't think it has a JR port in back for a multi-protocol module, but I could be wrong. Maybe there is another multi-protocol option for it? I'm using the i-Range-X multi-protocol module with my Horus and that is how I was able to get the S-FHSS RX to bind with my radio. The OMP flight control system of course accepts S-BUS so I would think an FrSky S-Bus RX could also be used, but since I've never tried it, that is just an educated guess. I know other FBL systems I use like the Ikon and Bavarian Demon on my bigger birds will work with Fr-Sky S-Bus connectivity no problem. Any collective pitch helicopter can be setup for a beginner to start with and make a good trainer with the correct setup, the M2 is certainly no exception to that: www.rchelicopterfun.com/rc-helicopter-tips.html

[@mike_romeo_lima]

Nice video! I odered mine from the website around a month ago and I‘m still waiting. Can‘t wait to get it :D Did you order the spare parts extra or were they included?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

It was all included. The parts, two lipo's and the SFHSS RX. The wait will be worth it. I was waiting over a month as well.

[@mike_romeo_lima]

John Salt ah, did you preordered it?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

@@mike_romeo_lima Yes.

[@mike_romeo_lima]

John Salt thanks sir

[@lingbrabus]

John, how would you compare m2 with align 300X? I am torn between these two for quite a while now. I love the mechanical aspect of the 300x but I think m2 is more simple and robust which result in cheaper and faster to repair. I already have a 150x, which one do you think I should add to my fleet? Thanks!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Fairly different machines in both size and design. I don't have a 300X so I can't give you any 1st hand experience comparison. I do have a Trex 250 DFC however, and the M2 is noticeably smaller but it's more powerful given the better power to weight ratio. As I'm not a hard 3Der myself, I of course can't appreciate the power increase to its full potential, but even flown sport like, it's abundantly clear which helicopter could outpace the other. Assuming the 300X sucks back electrons at similar rates to the 250, flight time will be slightly better with the 300X by up to a minute over the M2 given similar setups & flying styles. The 300X of course has a proper variable pitch tail rotor over a fixed pitch one due to the size increase. It's going to be easier to see the 300X, but as you said, more crash damage will occur due to the increase in mass & energy release when the ground interferes with your fun. If you rarely crash however, that point is moot. I always suggest "getting the largest heli you can afford" so provided you have a large enough flying area, the nod there also goes to the 300X considering both are fairly close to each other cost wise. I haven't compared parts prices however so take that into account if you do push the limits and crash more often. If you are looking for a substantially different sized up heli from your 150X, then I feel the 300X would be the better choice. If however you like the simplicity of the 150X and are simply looking for a bit more size, power & performance, and want to experience the amazing sound it makes, then the M2 is likely the better option. Just my 2-cents of course. Size wise by the way, the M2 is pretty much dead center between the 150X and 300X if that helps at all.

[@lingbrabus]

John Salt Thanks a lot for your reply! I also have Gaui X3 and XL Power 520 and have access to mid-size flying field close to my home. With my current flying skill (sports and mild/smooth 3D, starting to learn more on hard 3D), 520 size is the biggest size I can comfortably fly in that space. However, some of more experienced fliers do fly 700 size in that field. My 150x is for practices in my yard and sometimes I take it to the field but rarely flown there. My problem is that with larger machines, I do not push my limits because of the fear of crashing. My fear of crashing does not mainly come from cost but it comes from the time it takes to check, repair and do set up again each time I crash. I have busy schedule and also have small kids to take care off so I have little time each week to dedicate to this hobby. I found that with my 150X, I can fly very carefree and push my limit as I know that most crashes will result in no damage. Even if I it needs to be fixed, I know it will take so little time to do so. The downside is that I feel the 150x is a bit to small and get thrown away easily in the wind which makes it hard for me to practice more advance maneuvers. The power is just a tad below what I would like it to be (my collective management skill is not yet so good so a little more power will help). Therefore, I am looking for something a bit larger yet smaller than a 450 that I will have confidence to push my limit. I don’t really mind if the crash cost will be the same as with 450, it is the part that I will have less downtime if I crash so I can fly more. Actually, I really like the Oxy 2 a lot but sadly there is no distributor in my country so getting parts will take a long time which negate my requirement to be able to get back in the air quickly. Final words, your site and your ebooks had helped me immensely when I started this hobby 2 years ago. I really appreciated that. I listened to one of the podcasts called “skids up”. One of the hosts mentioned that your resources helped him a lot to get start in this hobby. I could not agree more with him. 😁

[@SmalltimR]

This is off-topic, though I wanted to ask if you knew whether it is possible to pass the advanced drone license with Heli's? After doing a bit of digging, I discovered that the list of approved drones does not contain a single Helicopter

[@Rchelicopterfun]

I assume you are talking about Transport Canada'a recreational UAV rules put in place by that dirt bag Marc Garneau & his cronies? If so, best to contact MAAC (model aeronautics association of Canada) and find out what might be in the pipe in your area.

[@SmalltimR]

@@Rchelicopterfun Will do - thanks

[@TuongNguyen-ep5eo]

How about auto rotation ? If there is auto rotation function , How can tail blade rotate when the auto rotation happen ?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Should be able too with enough forward speed so it weathervanes, but small helicopters are hard to auto at the best of times. Time, glide slope, and collective management will be critical.

[@TuongNguyen-ep5eo]

@@Rchelicopterfun thank you sir for your answer

[@BradBLundstromSr]

I have six flights on mine. Two of the six the rear prop broke apart mid air. Have you had trouble at all with your rear props breaking apart?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Nope. Have about 25 flights on it now.

[@kevtherev617]

Mine broke too but not sure if this was damaged in transit or if it got trapped when I closed the box over it - as I hadn't flown it at the time. I had to buy a new set of tail rotors before I could do this. Looks very fragile across the bolt holes. I also think that only a very light nip with loctite 243 on the ends of the two securing bolts is all that is necessary (do not get loctite on the plastic). Over tightening these bolts could cause a stress fracture across the holes.

[@Parabueto]

So, you said fly it like a larger heli so does it fly like a 450? It looks like a size that would suit me when I'm very confident with the 110 (I rarely crash in the sim any more but in the field there are more incidents than I'd like to admit).

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Yes, that would be a fair size assessment comparison in terms of overall stability. Low mass of the M2 of course still results in very reactive cyclic & collective response. Thus, use a good deal of dual rate and even expo if you really want it to behave more a like a 450, but that can be said for any small CP heli. It's more the overall stability I referencing in that comment.

[@Parabueto]

@@Rchelicopterfun Thanks! It's the overall stability I'm interested in. The 110 is very temperamental in even relatively mild wind conditions and something that doesn't buck around like crazy would be nice. I probably would end up dialling it back a bit because I prefer scale-ish flying with only mild acrobatics, but the option to go 3d is nice

[@Rchelicopterfun]

I should also add it's quite predictable as well. Not the fluid like predictability you get in a 550 or larger of course, but darn decent for something this small :-)

[@Rudimentary007]

Damn cool. New to copters.👍

[@collegekids15]

Does your swashplate move when you tilt the heli? Mine isn't doing it.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Yes, but like most small/micro size helis, it needs to see some off low throttle signal to turn the stabilization on.

[@collegekids15]

@@Rchelicopterfun that's good to know! Appreciate it! My swash is a little unlevel in normal mode but fine in both idle up modes. I'm going to try the adjustments when I fly, because it seems the servo adjustment mode by using the throttle and elevator controls doesn't work for me.

[@Fredhobby]

Hi again:), can airplane nitro engine work for helicopter? Thank you

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Generally not. There are different cooling and carburetor requirements between the two. I cover the main differences in detail on my website on the nitro heli engine page: www.rchelicopterfun.com/nitro-rc-helicopter-engine.html

[@Fredhobby]

John Salt hi, thank you for the respond mate, the thing is I just found in my old shop brand new raptor 50 kit, (without engine) and I had mostly airplanes stuff, for sample I’ve maybe 80 brand new engines of o.s webra, royal and more... the thing is I don’t have any helicopters engines and thought maybe it could work for me, I’ve got from 10 to 61 engines sizes, maybe I can modify the cooling head, but carburetor is it still different? Maybe can be modified? Cool site you have, thanks for the responds

[@leonbroekharst4724]

Super video

[@DulshanK]

will this heli binds with a XK X6 Transmitter that comes with xk k124 heli? thanks

[@mike_romeo_lima]

I haven‘t tried out yet but normally it should be possible. Because the X6 ist running on Futaba protocol, you just have to plug in the S-Bus adaptor to connect it to your X6 transmitter. But I wouldn’t recommend it to be honest..

[@dalepatterson1748]

This helicopter appears to not come with a transmitter. Which transmitter do you recommend?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Any 6 channel or better computerized radio that has heli programming so you can correctly set your pitch and throttle curves along with other outputs correctly and supports RX's that use SBus or DSM2/X connectivity.

[@dalepatterson1748]

@@Rchelicopterfun, Thank You !! I have an old 7-channel Futaba. But, I think it's time to upgrade. The Taranis looks attractive.

[@Brunomills]

Mine didn't come with all those spares. Just aervo arm, landing gear and main shaft.

[@mike_romeo_lima]

Hey, only those who preordered it got these spares extra. How long took your delivery? Mines now in the 3rd week...

[@mark675]

@Planet CEO are you on drugs? If not you should be.. lol

[@Rchelicopterfun]

@Planet CEO; talk about a personality disorder. A YT troll who has nothing better to do with their time over the holiday season other than sling ad hominem attacks at others for having fun with a cool, educational & engaging hobby. Moreover, you must be as blind as you are classless since this little heli is sporting more carbon & aluminum than any small heli in its class. The only plastic on it are the links, servo arms, and blades. Good mechanical fuse protection.

[@christophersmythe1093]

hi john im old school flyer 68years all mechanical set up no giros schullters helis just got ompm2 and its confusing all this tech advancements do I fly normal mode or idel up

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Idle up with electrics (micro to large) is used the same way it is with larger nitros - to keep the rotor powered throughout the collective range (from low to high stick). Assuming of course you are using powered up throttle curves in your idle up mode/s. As you know, producing a consistent head speed from low to high collective is the goal for all CP helicopters and that's where throttle curves come into play (or governors but this heli doesn't have a governor). I personally setup & fly all my CP helis from these little guys up to my big ones regardless of power type with 3 flight modes; the replacement term for idle up since you are also changing collective range along with throttle output range with today's computerized radios. 1. My normal flight mode (0) is used pretty much exclusively for taking off and landing so I can power off the motor with electrics, or go into idle to disengage the clutch with nitro, gas & turbine at low stick. I use a very tame pitch curve as well in this flight mode for improved collective resolution for very smooth lift offs & landings (at least with my scale birds). 2. Flight mode 1/idle up 1 depending on the heli (scale or 3D) will use a powered up throttle curve with a larger collective range, with a modest head speed for normal flying or light sport. 3. Flight mode 2 /idle up 2 will generally produce maximum head speed will full collective range for aerobatics. Just my setup of course. Everyone is different dependent how you want your machine to behave in the various flight modes.

[@christophersmythe1093]

@@Rchelicopterfun Hi john does this sound right Normal mode pitch. minus -5 to plus +100. Idle up 1 pitch minus -100 to plus +100. Idle 2 minus -100 to plus +100 Throttle Normal mode minus -100 to plus +100 . Idle up 1 +80to plus +80. Idle 2 +100 to plus +100. This is on the evil rascal OMPHOBBY 2 futaba T16SZ Thanks for the quick reply.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Again much depends on how you want it to behave in your 3 various flight modes. I use pitch angles when stating what I'm trying to achieve in my pitch curves, not radio output values for the simple reason, output values don't correlate to pitch values. This is dependent on several factors such as how symmetrical your collective range is and your overall collective range. Your first -5 value would seem to be a collective pitch angle, but then the rest from there are all radio curve output values? I usually run about 0 degrees to about +8 for take off and landing in normal mode. -3 or so to +10 or so for normal upright/scale flight. -10 to +10 for sport flight. -12 to +12 for harder acro flight. In this video I was only running -10 to +10. Throttle is totally dependent on what head speed you want to run at. The first -100 to +100 linear line throttle curve you listed will give issue because the speed is changing drastically throughout the collective range which is the last thing you want, especially with motor driven tails due to the massive torque variations as main rotor speed is varying so much. As per my setup & tips ebook, on electric collective pitch heli setup, www.rchelicopterfun.com/rc-helicopter-tips.html, I always run fairly flat line throttle curves to keep the rotor speed very consistent. So even in normal mode where I have no power at low stick, by the second point on the curve, I'm almost up to my normal flying head speed more or less. A throttle curve something like -100, +20,+25,+30+35 for example. A sharp increase off low, but very flat power after 1/4 stick to keep both head speed and torque consistent. Your other two throttle curves look fine for sport and hard 3D. I would lower the mid values on both a bit myself to produce a very shallow V curve since there is less drag when the rotors are at zero and the voltage drop will recover slightly. Any further setup questions, please contact me through my website ( www.rchelicopterfun.com/contact.html as I don't usually monitor YT comments beyond my first reply.

[@christophersmythe1093]

@@RchelicopterfunThanks for all your help John. all the very best to you in the new year. Christopher john allen Smythe UK Manchester England

[@mikesterbass8461]

Hey John What does in weigh with battery

[@Rchelicopterfun]

About 320g

[@WhittakerMark]

alishanmao has several flights on this M2 on his channel as well. Do you like this M2 more than the Align150 ? Thank you for the review

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Fairly different helicopters so it would be unfair to give them an apples to apples comparison, but here are my 2 cents. From the aspect of value and design, the OMP M2 wins hands down. It's only $50 more than the 150X and is a larger, better machine with better components. It also has better flight time by about a minute. However for my size flying area at home in the yard, the 150X is the one I will still be reaching for. The M2 is just a wee bit too big and too hot to throw it around much in the yard. I actually was planning on doing the flying portion of the review in the yard, but I soon realized I needed to head out to the flying field due to lack of space. I'm sure a hot shot 3D'er could toss it around in a more confined space, but that's not me.

[@germansnowman]

The M2 seems to be just a tad smaller than the T-Rex 250, actually. I just got the 150X because my 250 is way too large for indoor flying at home, and even a bit too large for my fairly narrow garden.

[@JayGee6996]

Any recommendations for a RTF heli that's similar size and cost wise?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Blade Fusion 180 BNF

[@emusp]

You should try an Oxy heli. They are way better, and have a belt driven tail.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

I'll assume you have flown the OXY 2 and the M2 back to back in order to quantify that statement with first hand flying and ownership experience.

[@scottdashnaw2345]

Love it !!!

[@giuseppedesimone4133]

Hello this model can mount a fuselage class 250? Thanks

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Nope, it's too small (it's a 180 size heli).

[@giuseppedesimone4133]

Thank you 👍

[@BigAlWillis]

would you recommend for first time copter ? been thinking of getting one

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Not really the best choice. It's too powerful & reactive, and regardless of those characteristics, starting out on collective pitch (if you are self learning), is a very steep learning curve for most newbies (both in learning to fly and learning how to setup a collective pitch heli (mechanically & electronically). This beginner heli page on my website gives you my beginner friendly recommendations, and more importantly what to look for in a first heli: www.rchelicopterfun.com/helicopter-for-kids.html

[@BigAlWillis]

@@Rchelicopterfun ok , thanks. after watching your transmitter setup vid I knew it was a little over the top for me lol. definitely going to start out with something less complicated. no sense in getting something I can't control & crash it right out the gate :)

[@SteveGergetz]

XK K100 is just about the perfect first RC heli

[@Triumphrider650]

Will this bird bind with a Turnigy 9X RX???

[@Rchelicopterfun]

I think you mean TX not RX - yes? If so, no idea? I don't know a thing about the Turnigy 9X radio. If you can get or have multi-protocol module for the 9X to use the S-Bus port & S-FHSS protocol RX then yes. Likewise if your 9X supports DSM2/X protocol, you could use the DSM2/X port with a Spektrum/aftermarket satellite RX.