Backup charger

I've sent my Triton back to GWS for warranty repair. Fortunately, the lipo charger that came with my first heli (ESKY Lama 2) will actually charge the 11.1V 2100 mAh packs that I have.

http://tech-mp.com/lama_details.htm

It's actually a pretty nice charger. Has a balancing plug for both 7.4 and 11.1 (2s and 3s packs) and an AC adapter and 12V patch cord. The charger has an output of 800 mAh so it does take about 2 1/2 hours to charge a pack. But hey, it's better than nothing.

The Lama 2 is a great starter helicopter. I got mine as a very nice Xmas gift and it was the helicopter that got me started on this R/C helicopter obsession. It's very stable and is extremely easy to fly. Perfect for indoor flying and great orientation training. (Learned how to do nose-in hover and figure 8's on the Lama 2.)

The only area where the Lama 2 doesn't shine is in FF and general outdoor flying. The maximum forward flight speed is less than walking speed so it can easly over-powered by a slight breeze. Also, there isn't very much cyclic throw on the Lama 2 so if you get blown sideways, (where the rotor disc gets tilted beyond 45 degrees or so) there's pretty much nothing you can do except for drop like a rock. Fortunately, the Lama2 is quite durable.

The photo here, shows the results of a Lama 2 falling from about 2 stories high onto concrete. A little battered for sure, but still flys. Parts are plentiful (almost as plentiful as the Trex) and the helicopter is very easy to work on.

I already have a new tail, new blades and a new canopy, I just need to make some time to install them. Although, I'm also thinking about turning the Lama 2 into some sort of pseudo-scale project. Perhaps some Russian coaxial helicopter like the Kamov-Ka 27

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=480877