Keyboard control erratic on takeoff

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Keyboard control erratic on takeoff

Postby avoidz » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:16 pm

I read about Understanding Propeller Torque and P-Factor and Gyroscopic Precession, but I don't understand why this also has an effect on jets (like 767, SR-71 Blackbird) - could someone "please explain" or link me to some info? :D

I'm using the keyboard for rudder control, but it's still a struggle, and surely it's not also this difficult to control with stick yaw.

Cheers!
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Re: Keyboard control erratic on takeoff

Postby Nav » Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:29 am

I'll try to help, and also be brief, avoidz:-

1. It may not be torque - even a small amount of crosswind, or aileron movement, have a similar effect.

2. It's difficult for anyone on here to advise you since I don't suppose more than one FS fan in 100 uses the keyboard. A joystick is just about essential, whatever the FS brochure says. Broadly, they fall into three types:-

a) 'Two-axis' - just moves forward, back, and to either side. Still gives you pretty good control, FS has an 'auto-coupling' feature (see 'Settings') which allows you to apply rudder on the ground just by moving the stick sideways. In the air, they also add rudder as necessary when you bank to turn. Their other advantage is that they're cheap (well under $A50).
Last edited by Nav on Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:32 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Keyboard control erratic on takeoff

Postby avoidz » Thu Sep 04, 2008 9:01 am

Thank you, that's really good info and advice. The last time I had a joystick for my computer, it was for my Sinclair ZX Spectrum :)

I did see a couple of sticks in Dick Smith today. One was a Saitek two-axis one for $30 (no twist action, just digital throttle, a trigger and a couple of buttons; the spring looked strong, though).

The second one was an older Logitech one, which looked as if it was designed more for combat sims than pleasure flying :P

I'll probably end up looking online for one.

Thanks again!
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Re: Keyboard control erratic on takeoff

Postby Fozzer » Thu Sep 04, 2008 9:36 am

Thank you, that's really good info and advice. The last time I had a joystick for my computer, it was for my Sinclair ZX Spectrum :)

I did see a couple of sticks in Dick Smith today. One was a Saitek two-axis one for $30 (no twist action, just digital throttle, a trigger and a couple of buttons; the spring looked strong, though).

The second one was an older Logitech one, which looked as if it was designed more for combat sims than pleasure flying :P

I'll probably end up looking online for one.

Thanks again!


...any Sinclair Spectrum 48K enthusiast...is always a friend of mine!...;)...!

.... ;D....!

Don't forget, If you intend using the Joystick for "Flight Sims" make sure it is fitted with a "Twist Action".
It is essential for controlling the Rudder and Nose-wheel!

F.....Honourable Member of the Uncle Clive Appreciation Society... ;)...!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZX_Spectrum
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Re: Keyboard control erratic on takeoff

Postby JBaymore » Thu Sep 04, 2008 9:53 am

My start in computers was Sinclair ZX-81s...... from kits.
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Re: Keyboard control erratic on takeoff

Postby avoidz » Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:29 pm

Well, I've managed to land a few times now with the keyboard, but of course it's no substitute for a proper controller. I wonder if, in the meantime, an analog game controller would be better - I could try :-?

(I had a ZX81 as well, before a 48K and 128K Spectrum.)
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