Flight Sim advice for a newbie

[timc770]

Hi Everyone,

I'm brand new to this and based on my reading thus far it seems like a simulator program would be wise before first flight. My son and I have our eye on the Hobbyzone Super Cub as our first plane. I'm interested in using the free FMS flight simulator but am confused on what all I need to get up and running. We would like to be able to use the control box that comes with the super cub but looks like I'll need an adapter? Also, anything else I should know?

I really appreciate any tips.

Tim

[CHELLIE]

Hi Tim And Welcome to Wattflyers, This simulator will work well for you, it plugs into the USB port of your computer and then you can add FMC flight programs to fly.

http://www.empirerc.com/gws-usb-tran...ms-p-3420.html

GWS USB TRANSMITTER FOR FMS AND OTHER SIMS
[FSM003A]

$35.00




''Learning to fly R/C airplanes can be easier", just apply this joystick with your computer at home !

This is the new GWS R/C flight simulator, battery pack and adaptor are NOT required,
simply plug the USB cable into the USB port of your computer, visit www.gws.com.tw
and get the free FMS downloaded, perform Mapping/Calibration well.

[AEAJR]

Looks like that should work. Just make sure the FMS will work on your home computer. Like all SW, you need to be sure what OS have been tested. If you are running windows 8, likely not much supports that yet. Windows 7, probably tested. Vista and earlier should work.

If you are running on a MAC or Linux you definately want to check.

[Sir Crash-A-Lot]

I would suggest Clearview over FMS. FMS has not been updated in years and can be tough to get to run on newer machines. Clearview is only $40 and works on most computers. You will still need the USB transmitter as well.

http://rcflightsim.com/

Mike

[dahawk]

And check on ebay for a used Real Flight sim. Pretty good and might find a deal. Same with RC Universe.

[solentlife]

Originally Posted by CHELLIE

Hi Tim And Welcome to Wattflyers, This simulator will work well for you, it plugs into the USB port of your computer and then you can add FMC flight programs to fly.

http://www.empirerc.com/gws-usb-tran...ms-p-3420.html

GWS USB TRANSMITTER FOR FMS AND OTHER SIMS
[FSM003A]

$35.00




''Learning to fly R/C airplanes can be easier", just apply this joystick with your computer at home !

This is the new GWS R/C flight simulator, battery pack and adaptor are NOT required,
simply plug the USB cable into the USB port of your computer, visit www.gws.com.tw
and get the free FMS downloaded, perform Mapping/Calibration well.

For similar price you can get Reality Plane master with incl. USB Tx ..... which is worlds better than FMS ....

To be honest I don't rate FMS at all ....

Nigel

[slipstick]

Another more modern sim which is still FREE and well worth trying is RCDeskPilot http://rcdeskpilot.com/

It will use the dummy transmitter above or your own transmitter if you get a "USB Simulator cable" (just Google or look on EBay, there are hundreds, all very cheap).

Steve

[matiac]

Clearview...

[flydiver]

Mostly, the SIM and compatibility with your OS/PC matters. FMS is old, can work, but likely will give you at lot of grief getting going if you aren't a 'techie'.

The TX does not matter as much and the mock USB ones are fine. SIM flying is NOT 'real' RC flying so the TX specifics don't make that much functional difference as long as it works, especially for learning basics.

[CHELLIE]

Originally Posted by timc770

Hi Everyone,

I'm brand new to this and based on my reading thus far it seems like a simulator program would be wise before first flight. My son and I have our eye on the Hobbyzone Super Cub as our first plane. I'm interested in using the free FMS flight simulator but am confused on what all I need to get up and running. We would like to be able to use the control box that comes with the super cub but looks like I'll need an adapter? Also, anything else I should know?

I really appreciate any tips.

Tim

I agree with everyone that ClearView is a better sim than FMS, but you will still need a controler, Take care and have fun, Chellie

[maxflyer]

Might I ask Tim, do you have any actual pilot experience? Do you have a good understanding of how aircraft controls are manipulated, and what function they have in controlling an aircraft? I taught myself to fly RC by hacking together 3 CH homemade foamies out of $5 toy store glider wings and builders foam. With a low power-to-weight ratio crashes didn't do much besides create a few dents, easily repaired. Crashes and repairs/adjustments even serve to teach. My biggest worry was in not getting the plane snagged high up in some big tree, and not being able to retrieve the RC gear. There is just no simulation experience that can replicate the experience of feeling and seeing the affect of real air on real surfaces. And it doesn't take that much time to "get it." With a slow flying glider type, using only rudder and elevator, and a basic understanding of control inputs, I feel many people can be flying much sooner than they would fussing around with a simulator, which, as stated, isn't much like the real thing anyway. Having someone with experience just standing by, ready to take the controls if necessary can be helpful, (and the larger the flying space, the better) but really...with the right kind of aircraft, and without the fear of losing an "expensive" model, you can be flying basic models sooner than you might think. PS. I know this viewpoint is going to generate some harsh responses, but I am living proof that this formula can work, and that you can have a lot of fun along the way, without a scary investment.

[solentlife]

I agree that the SIM's are not the best whatever you have - as they do not have Spatial Awareness ... that knowledge of whats out of sight around you.
But what I like is to test out ideas on it .... to use when weathers crap and I'm stuck indoors ....

The Reality Craft Planemaster is a good sim and as it comes with included USB Tx ... it is an absolute bargain. It'[s graphics may not be Phoenix / Clearview quality - but the flight style, action is about as close to real as you can get. It has all the variable stuff such as wind, gusts, shifts etc. that can simulate being out there.
I've been RC'g for over 40yrs and it does it for me ... at budget price.

Nigel

[slipstick]

Some people are practical and enjoy fiddling with foam, motors etc. For them build/crash/repair/crash again is certainly one way of getting started but there are plenty of others who don't enjoy or feel they have skills for all that building and repairing.

For them a simulator (used seriously to learn not just played about with) can cut down on the initial worries and dramatically speed up the learning in the air.

But before you get talked into spending a load of money on a sim make sure you've tried the free ones, RCDeskPilot and FMS. They're not perfect but they're both worth a lot more than you have to pay for them .

Steve

[maxflyer]

I should qualify my view by noting that I asked if Tim had any experience with or understanding of aircraft control inputs and responses (even some time on a non-RC computer simulation might qualify you). Many RC fliers are pilots, and have this understanding coming in. I should post a disclaimer here by revealing I am a licensed Private Pilot, who has also built and flown two experimental aircraft. (If you think the pucker factor is high when you throw your first RC bird into the air, you should try being the test pilot of a unique scratchbuilt Experimental for which no two-seat training is available) I don't think this do-it-yourself approach would necessarily be best for those with no aircraft experience. But if you have some understanding of aircraft operation and design coming in, I think you would stand a very good chance of succeeding using my approach. Most experienced pilots have some understanding of CG and how it affects AC handling. Simple observation of your crude aircraft in flight can tell you what you need to do to correct or improve handling characteristics. People with no experience, who may be starting on a sim or with a buddy box are going to have to learn this stuff before they are going to have much RC success anyway. I started learning to fly RC with this approach a dozen years back, and after a ten year hiatus, used the same technique to teach myself again. Bottom line: If you have some previous piloting experience, and construct the right kind of simple trainer, flying recreational/fun RC isn't that hard.

[AEAJR]

To me the benefit of a flight simulator:

Get a feel for the sticks
Learn to control you inputs
Get used to flying toward yourself
Learn to use the throttle to control speed AND altitude on landing
Basic muscle memory

Understanding surface controls sorta goes along with getting a feel for the sticks. You don't need theroy of operation in order to know that if I move the right stick right the plane rolls right. If I pull back on the stick the nose goes up.

[maxflyer]

Excellent points AEAJR. I would have to agree. One of the most difficult things for me has been to learn my radio in depth and to get used to reaching for the correct control without fumbling. A sim would definitely be helpful there. Thanks, BTW, for your tutorials. They have been a major assist in getting my head wrapped around the newer generation of electrics.

[AEAJR]

Glad you find them helpful. Feel free to ask questions in those threads. Every question adds to the value of the discussion and helps the next guy too.