Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Helicopters / January 2010

Hi everybody. I am very new to this hobby and trying to find my way
without buying a bunch of worthless junk. I am researching the RC
helicopter hobby.
Maybe you can answer my question.

I want to use my Futaba Conquest 6 channel airplane radio to fly an RC
helicopter.

Ok, I know you going to tell me all kind of reasons why it's wrong,
but please read  first.
I have lots of stuff for building airplanes from park flyers to 3
meter electric gliders. 5 radios, receivers and servos of all sizes,
speed controls, and all kinds of batteries.

I am working part time and have to watch every dime.

WHEN I CONNECT MY SPEED CONTROL TO CHANNEL 6 (3 position switch) OF MY
FUTABA CONQUEST 6 CHANNEL RADIO, I GET; "OFF", "HALF SPEED", AND "FULL
SPEED".

So isn't this how real copters fly? Don't they power up the rotor and
then change the pitch to lift off the ground? So until I get a better
radio, why can't I power-up my motor to half or full speed and then
fly using ch 3 (L stick) for rotor pitch?. I would be pleased just to
lift off the ground and be able to go around in circles until I can
buy a real $200 Helicopter radio. Might be good practice.

What I am thinking is that I'll get a Bare Bones 450 kit, use my
current stuff as well as a cheap gyro, instead of just buying a co-
axle or fixed pitch helicopter that will break and be a waste of
money. I see these Bare Bones kits going for less than $50 and Gyros
for $30 or $40. I was hopping I could get into the hobby cheap and
then upgrade as I go.

If not, then is there a fixed pitch Bare Bones Kit that I can use my
equipment with that I can fly on 4 channels?

Thanks so much for taking the time to help answer my questions.
Larry