Simulator

[darthpaul]

Hi I am new to the site

I have an Ikarus Piccolo Fun electric RC heli which I have been trying to learn to hover for about a year off and on. I manage little hops in my front room before running out of space.

I was thinking maybe if I had a flying sim it might help so has anyone got any recommendations?

Thanks

a sim is a must,i would say get the REFLEX XTR, but im sure some other members will recommend something else as well

[darthpaul]

and do you use your PC joypad on it? dont think my TX can be connected to my PC but just want to get opinions

[mackem54]

hi darthpaul
most sims now allow youy to use your own tx,
all i can say is do like i do practice practice practice on your sim
i have a raptor 30 can hover it no prob.
trying to go into ff it bit my arse since repaired but it will not beat me
regards

[darthpaul]

Might need a new TX then as my shows no sign of any outputs cause its a very basic GWS Dream Starter that came in a kit

[Raptorite]

Hi DarthPaul,

There are a number of simulators around, some of which come with their own "Dummy" transmitter, which you use to fly the sim. This would mean you don't need to change your dream star just yet. The choices for simulators with their own dummy transmitters are Realflight G2 or the later G3 both of which are about 130 ish in the shops.

I personally think in the long run, you would be better off upgrading your transmitter now, and then get something like the Reflex XTR simulator mentioned previously.

There are some good deals on transmitters around, they important thing to bear in mind when choosing one is that you should always by the most expensive you can afford, as it will last you years and with careful choice will see you through from learning to hover to aerobatics and the likes later on as your skills progress.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Pete.

[darthpaul]

Wouldnt mind getting a JR X2610 if I can find 200 to buy it hehe

Seen a few JR Max 6 go on ebay for not huge money, are these any good does anyone know?

[Raptorite]

Hi DarthPaul,

I have just had a peek at one of the Max 6's you looked at. From what I can tell in the picture and basic description it is not a computer set and will therefore not have the functionality you need for flying helis.

The other set you mentioned the 2610 would be fine, although it only has 6 channels which you will find later on in your flying career may well not be enough.

Some sets to consider would be something like the futaba FF7 or the FF9, alternatively there is the JR 3810ADT or maybe the JR PCM9X or the Hitec Eclipse 7.

The other option is to get a slightly older second hand one, which come up fairly often, things like the Futaba FF8U Super is a good but slightly older set or if you wanted an older top of the range set there will soon be a few futaba 9ZHP WC2's coming up on the second hand market as the new T14MZ is due out in about a fortnight from now.

Cheers,

Pete.

[darthpaul]

Thanks for the info will keep my eyes peeled on ebay I think, there is an FF7 on there at the mo for 90 buy it now but my car MOT is due next week and cant afford to buy anything until thats done which is a shame. But at least I know what to look for now which is the hard part when you are a beginner with no idea whats good and what isnt.

[Dedcalm]

I started out with a FF6 but eventually found that I needed more than the 6 channels... its ok while running a heli in standard form but once you add a heading hold gyro with switchable gain you have used all 6 channels. When I got the TJ Pro governor I ran it in manual mode which was ok but eventually wanted to get the full remote control of that too so I upgraded.
I also fly planes and due to the number that I had at the time a FF9 was the perfect solution to my requirements.

Note that the FF6 has 3 point curves and so isnt great for helis anyway...I would suggest you go for a radio with at least 5 point throttle and pitch curves.

Rob