HobbyTron.com Introduces Its Own Branded Mini RC Helicopter, the Picco 3

Business Wire, Jan 8, 2007

Picco 3 Will Feature Hobby Grade Components, Resulting in an Improved Flying Experience for RC Flyers

OREM, Utah & LAS VEGAS -- HobbyTron.com today announced that beginning in February 2007, it will offer its own branded Picco 3 micro RC helicopter. HobbyTron.com will showcase prototypes of the HobbyTron.com Picco 3 tonight for journalists attending the Showstoppers CES media reception from 6-10 p.m. (PST) at the Wynn Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas (3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South).

The HobbyTron.com Picco 3 mini RC helicopter sets itself apart by offering top notch, high quality electronic components. Among the differences are a better microchip, faster motor and higher capacity battery.

"While previous mini RC helicopters have been categorized as toys, the Picco 3 is a hobby grade mini RC helicopter," said Jim Royer, president of HobbyTron.com. "Our Picco 3 raises the standard for these little choppers by offering better components, thereby creating a superior product -- hands down."

According to HobbyTron.com, the Picco 3 is unlike traditional r/c helicopters in a number of ways. The HobbyTron.com Picco 3 can be flown indoors; there is no assembly required, and the polypropylene foam body can withstand most collisions and crashes inherent to r/c helicopter flying.

In addition, the Picco 3 is very easy to use as it's designed for the novice and expert pilot alike and it comes virtually ready to fly right out of the box. (Note: an initial charge of 20-30 minutes is required before the first flight and six AA batteries are required for the controller/charger.)

Each Picco 3 will ship with a two-channel, proportional, infrared controller that allows for left/right and up/down movements. The controller also doubles as a portable charger and features a compartment with a hidden cable to recharge the helicopter between flights in as few as five minutes.

Picco 3 Specifications:

* Measurements: Main rotor diameter: 5.25 inches (130mm); Body length (excluding rotors): 6.5 inches (170mm); Rear rotor diameter: 1.25 inches (30mm);

* Helicopter weight: 10g (10 grams), including lithium polymer (Li-Poly) battery;

* Rechargeable flight battery: High capacity integral Li-Poly battery;

* Charger: Integral transmitter/charger supplied with LED indicator/auto shut off. Easy to use connectors;

* Charge time: Typically 15 to 20 minutes for a full charge;

* Flight duration: Typically 8 to 10 minutes on a full charge;

* Ready to run: Comes completely assembled and ready-to-fly, with pre-installed two-channel proportional infrared control system;

* Range: Up to 100 feet (30 meters). Frequency: infrared control system - bands A, B and C allow up to three models to be flown at the same time;

HobbyTron.com Picco 3s will be available in three different colors: red, blue and yellow. Each color represents a different frequency thereby allowing three helicopters to be in flight at one time.

"I am confident that RC flyers will appreciate the improved quality," Royer said. "With the popularity of these little choppers, we see lots of possibilities; this is just the tip of the iceberg."

Accredited members of the media unable to attend tonight's Showstoppers' CES media reception at the Wynn Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas who are interested in evaluation copies of the Picco 3 should contact Kristofer Beldin or David Politis, both of Politis Communications, at kbeldin@politis.com or dpolitis@politis.com, respectively, or by telephone at 801-523-3730.

About HobbyTron.com

HobbyTron.com is one of the industry's best and largest suppliers of the hottest, innovative toys and hobby supplies in the world, with an emphasis in remote-control cars, airplanes and helicopters and Airsoft guns. A dba of Absolute Toy Marketing, Inc., HobbyTron.com's success has come in large part by establishing long-lasting and unique relationships with overseas manufacturers and distributors to place HobbyTron.com on the cutting edge of the toy and hobby buzz. As a result, HobbyTron.com has been recognized through various awards, including No. 4 in the 2004 Utah100 competition from the MountainWest Venture Group; No. 208 in the 2004 "America's 300 Largest Retail Web Sites" from Internet Retailer; No. 42 in Entrepreneur and D&B's "10th Annual HOT 100"; and No. 45 in Inc. Magazine's INC 500's Fastest Growing Private Companies list. Visit www.hobbytron.com for more information.