View Full Version : Sim Programs
mofunz
08-15-2007, 10:25 AM
Hey folks!
I've only recently started to dig around the RC helicopter world. I don't have any equipment (yet), and have never -actually- seen one fly. I have a few questions that I'm hoping the more experienced fliers might be able to answer for me.
#1 - What sim is the best? - I've read an overwhelming amount of info about the RealFlight G3.5, and it seems to be the most popular. But down at my local hobby shop they were showing me FSone (http://www.fsone.com/). Does anyone here have experience with both of these sims for comparison purposes?
#2 - I'm reading every 'how-to-get-started' guide I can lay my eyes on. - Is there a wiki somewhere or someone in particular who does a great job?
#3 - Are there other questions that I should be asking?
Thanks in advance to anyone who has advice for me!
mofunz
BarracudaHockey
08-15-2007, 10:35 AM
Having tried both I prefer G3 but its a resource hog, you need to have a current computer and a high end video card to get the most out of it.
Watch the finless build vids like your a kid in a candy store. Spend more time doing your research before buying anything, this will save you money in the long run. RealFlight G3.5 is ok, there are much better sims out there but they require you to have a radio.
DieselSA
08-15-2007, 10:39 AM
I work in a hobby shop and we've tried most of the simulators at one time or another. Phoenix Sim comes out on top for several reasons. I also use it at home a lot. You can't go wrong with it and the price is right! Go to www.phoenix-sim.com for more info. Phoenix also use less resources than some of the other sims, so it runs very well on an average pc.
I too use Phoenix sim, its fantastic. But it requires you to have a radio. If hes just getting into helis he wont have a radio.
DieselSA
08-15-2007, 10:56 AM
If you got a lot of time on your hands, go through the forum topics here from the start. There's tons of useful info, and you will spot some questions that you didn't even think of that's been answered by the great bunch of helifreaks here. It will keep you busy for hours!
TheBum
08-15-2007, 11:02 AM
Another vote here for Phoenix. I think the requirement for a separate transmitter is a good thing because I can train on the same transmitter I'm flying.
Gimbal Lock
08-15-2007, 11:15 AM
Welcome mofunz, let me offer the things that have worked for me,
Finless Bob, and his videos, are invaluable resources.
Look thru the events forum, and attend one near you. You'll meet a LOT of great folks, and get to see all the options before you. It will also show you what a great community surrounds RC helis
Do all you can to hook up with heli pilots near you, another reason to go to a FunFly- and having someone to help you will be invaluable. I don't think the Helifreak locator is up yet, but you can see where 'freaks are in profiles.
Go get a sim, and use it as much as time permits, making sure that you've gotten the framerates as high as possible and the physics and reality settings dialed all the way up.
As far as sims- the others are right -G3.5 is a resource hog, and the interlink controller tends to have a history of breaking, although Great Planes has wonderful service. But it's the one that I've used with great success.
Welcome to the Freak!!!!! But be careful, once the bug bites you, there's no going back! :YeaBaby:
LYNKKK
08-15-2007, 12:19 PM
I use G3.5 and love it, I have also tried FSone and it too is a good Sim but I have not used it a lot to do a good comparison other than the FSone seem to be more user friendly in respects to setting up or changing stuff on an aircraft and things, where as G3.5 is a little more confusing at first to go through the setups and editing things. The best thing about G3.5 is that you have online play or multiplayer, you can fly with people all over the world with a chat window so you can ask questions or just bs with friends.
I would say that G3.5, Phoenix, Reflex, and FSone will meet the needs of people learning, its just a matter of what you would like after hearing from all of us as to what you want, like resolution, realistics, price or what ever, even the cheap or free sims are better than nothing.
Good luck
mofunz
08-15-2007, 12:22 PM
Thanks everyone!
I'm definitely investing in a sim before buying a machine. Getting one without a controller is fine with me, since I'll absolutely buy something eventually. I'm curious about this Phoenix sim, given that this is the first place that I've heard anyone talking about it. Insider secret or something?
Anyway - thanks again everyone for the advice...I'll be sure to check out those forums that were mentioned!
mofunz
Its a relatively new sim but its winning people overly quickly. It looks better then G3.5 but still uses less resources. If you do get pheonix your first choice should be getting a radio. I suggest looking at getting a spektrum DX7 (I own and love and would rebuy my JR 9303). Spend as much as you can afford on the radio. The radio you really only need to buy once, if you buy a cheap one you will only end up replacing it quickly.
mofunz
08-15-2007, 01:36 PM
Do JR and Spektrum radios work out of the box with Phoenix?
Pheonix comes with the JR buddy box connection (they supply a adaptor for the square Futaba). You set your radio to output PPM and then the radio setup wizard in pheonix. Setup is VERY simple, it walks you thro step by step.
TheBum
08-15-2007, 07:06 PM
With a DX7, there is no PPM option. You have to set up a model with a "1 servo" swash type.
Weetobix
08-16-2007, 05:39 AM
I use Phoenix and I love it - can't recommend it enough.
The graphics are great, very realisting flying and models and the support is second to none. Any queries I've had in the past about setup or similar have been answered very knowledgeably within minutes.
Also, it's a good deal cheaper than the competition
kgfly
08-16-2007, 06:39 AM
Yes - Phoenix works out of the box with JR, Spektrum and Futaba radios (or you can order plug adapters for other radios).
Another vote for Pheonix as being a first-class sim at a budget price. RF/G3.5 is more expensive to buy and more expensive to own. It needs a high end graphics card and major upgrades, new models and new flying sites all cost extra. As well as being cheaper and evolving and improving rapidly all upgrades, new models and new flying sites for Phoenix are free.
My vote:
Spektrum DX7 + Phoenix and I am confident you will be very happy with what you get and not feel the need to upgrade for a long time, if ever.
While you are deciding and waiting for your new toys to arrive you can download and fly FMS for free just using the keyboard if you like.
As for your questions about other things to read/review, take a look at the following thread, I think you will find it very informative and the reference links at the bottom of the first post all worth investigating: Heli skills and setup 101 (http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=41692)
jarosujo
08-21-2007, 01:33 AM
If you use DX7 with Phoenix, do you need TX battery all the time ? Or you can power it through usb cable ?
kgfly
08-21-2007, 01:35 AM
No, you need the battery in the Tx. There is no way to power the Tx via the trainer port.
jarosujo
08-21-2007, 02:59 AM
Ok, thanx.
Thinking of getting phoenix for my DX7 and rex450.
I am using 4s A123 so ma rex is heavy, are there any options to adjust heli in sim ? Weight, size of rotor blades, wind, motor power...
kgfly
08-21-2007, 03:03 AM
Yes the model editor is very comprehensive and easy to use. For example not only can you can change total weight but also the position of the CoG. In your case you might lower the CoG slightly if you think it is needed.
TheBum
08-21-2007, 08:15 AM
I may try raising the CG on the T-Rex model I'm flying in the sim since I'll be flying a Diablo for real.
Weetobix
08-22-2007, 06:53 AM
No, you need the battery in the Tx. There is no way to power the Tx via the trainer port.
I have a JR PCM 10SXII and it takes power from the Phoenix USB connection - the TX will turn itself on as soon as you plug the cable it, even when the switch is off.
This isn't the same for my CX2 TX - that requires power to work with the sim
kgfly
08-22-2007, 07:15 AM
I have a JR PCM 10SXII and it takes power from the Phoenix USB connection - the TX will turn itself on as soon as you plug the cable it, even when the switch is off.
Try it with the Tx battery removed, it won't work. All JR radios automatically power-on with the RF section disabled when the trainer (sim) cord is plugged in. If you have the power-switch on at the time then the sim won't work!