Edited by author 08-27-2002 10:16 PM
Hi - I have one, they are fun for a while and challenging to learn to fly. Not quite r/c helicopter level skill certainly, but satisfying to master.

The power travels through the tether, the signal through the IR controller. However, the tether need not pass through the base disk. The power plugs into the controller. The water-weighted base disk keeps the ring on a short "leash" while you learn to fly. As you progress you extend the tether. After you are experienced, you can remove the base disk. Another non-obvious interesting item is that since it is IR based, it "knows" where the controller is, so motion is always relative to the controller. Unlike RC airplanes and helis you don't have to "imagine" yourself in the cockpit.

I paid about $50 for it from ebay, I believe.

They are about a year or two old by now. You might also check out the http://www.snelflight.co.uk/ - another electric (more expensive tethered heli)

H.B.

You appear to be right, ernie. My mistake.

It sounds like it's perfect for indoor flight; a 10' tether would be adequate to explore most of a reasonable-sized single-story living room.

Nope. the battery packs just mean the base disk doesnt have to be plugged into a wall. Theres no way this think could fly if it had to support its own power supply, geven the weight of the LED array-hoop.

Hey, Gordon, it doesn't have to have a tether. Saith the page:

"The Vectron operates on AC/DC transformer current or can be used outdoors with two 9.6 R/C battery packs. Batteries are sold separately."

So getting rid of the tether adds a bit to the price, but seems to be possible.

Believe it or not, they sell that thing at Walmart of all places. I believe its actually cheaper than $99 too, I think its only $69.

Casey

That would be e.g., not i.e.

That would be LED, not LCD.

If only it didn't have that electric-cord/tether...