Any RC'ers out there?

[topct]

There are 80+ pages in here, so if this has come up someware else I haven'nt been able to see anything about it. I'm using this sim as a possible RC simulater. Is there a radio type controller out there that will work? Or has someone been able to bash one out of a joystick?
I have moved the buttons on a cheapy sidewinder and shortened the stick. The thing is I still have to use the keys to turn the rudder. Any suggestions?

[fido]

I wish I could remember where I saw it, but there is a pc base R/C sim out there. Have you tried a Google search?

[Hagar]

topct. It is possible to modify a standard RC transmitter to plug into the old gameport connection on your PC. I have an old friend who did exactly that & it was apparently successful. We lost touch & I haven't seen him for a while.

Believe it or not, this was the reason I tried CFS1 over 4 years ago. I found the M$ sims are not really suitable for this purpose but became obsessed with the sims instead. I haven't looked at my RC models for over 2 years so be warned.

There is a free RC sim named Flight Model Simulator or FMS. There is also a free program for creating aircraft to use in it. It comes with instructions for making a lead to connect to the PC via the buddy-box socket on your Tx. If this had been available back in 1999 I would never have become involved in this hobby & wouldn't be here answering your question.
http://clubs.engr.arizona.edu/arc/simulator.htm

[KnightStryker]

For the best there is in R/C simulation go here:
http://www.realflight.com

It is expensive, but you can't find a better sim for R/C flight. Give it a look.

Kevin

[nicecloud]

You can also RC the cessna in X-plane, very funny, you'll also crash like the real RC planes because it's fast. Actually this is an indication for me that X-Plane works as far as a realistic flight model. The reason why I use it. I feel like flying. And the RC model behaves like they do in reality. There is a demo of X-Plane to try.

[Hagar]

nicecloud. Can you use a conventional RC transmitter with X-plane? If not I don't see the point.

I've been teaching people to fly RC models since 1980. After all the trouble I went to hunting down a decent RC simulator, I came to the conclusion that joining a club & learning to do things properly from the start is by far the best method. Having seen the cost of the professional sims it could also turn out cheaper in the long run. The cash would be much better spent on a model or RC equipment. IMHO

[Iroquois]

For the best there is in R/C simulation go here:
http://www.realflight.com

It is expensive, but you can't find a better sim for R/C flight. Give it a look.

Kevin

Definately. G2 is expensive but I found classic and delux aren't very realistic. I bought classic a while ago and it came with a 7 channel R/C style joystick which I use for all sims except Xwing Alliance because it isn't compatible with it.

If you want my opinion on R/C simulators, waste of money. Although I do like the controller (I have major functions at my finger tips for FS2004) they are pretty useless. I learned more flying the real thing than on the sim.

http://www.realflight.com/interlink_main.html
Here is their new USB controller. They also have a connection device available for Futaba and Airtronics radios. You can also plug your own radio into the back of their new USB joystick to use your own instead. Hookup is much the same way you would connect a "buddy box" to your radio. The controller can be bought separate but it's $80. Here's a place that sells them online http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wt ... LXBNU3&P=7


If you want to start R/C (assuming you haven't already) talk to myself, Hagar, or Rifleman. There are probably a few more good people to talk to but that's all I can remember off the top of my head right now.

[zeberdee]

Hi not sure if this helps UK e-bay item number 2764710461 this part links Futaba tx to the computer. Hope this helps. Chris

[KnightStryker]

If you want my opinion on R/C simulators, waste of money.

I totally agree.

There is no substitute for getting out there and doing it yourself. We have guys here that fly year-round snow or shine.
I only posted the link cause some of the guys in my club use it and highly reccomend it. Having never tried it myself, I should have said that I have heard it is the best not that it is the best. Sorry if I have confused anyone.

Kevin

[topct]

First, thanks to all who responded. The suggestions and opinions are all very much apreciated.
My background as an machine and equipment operator has already told me that there is nothing like having your hands on the real thing. You can read about it, you can have someone tell you about it, but until you actually do it on the thing, you won't get that neccesary 'feel' of it.
I looked at this program as a learning tool for RC because it does allow you to see the plane as it comes toward you. This updates the brains drivers that connect the hand, the eyes, and the brain. Just trying to get that reversing of motion into my head. Also it seems to be good for learning about under and over correcting, going into and out of a banked turn. My imaginery passengers like it when I'm smooth and gentle rather that pogoing all over.
Those are really the only two things I really work on. Ground handling, takeoffs and landings, although part of the fun, can only be, just what it is, a picture on the screen (not real).
Finally, this is a great program for someone looking to get into flying, and for those looking to update some of the tech stuff, it is not a substitute for profesional intruction.
Again thank you all very much for helping me on my little quest,     Gene  

[Joe_D]

Speaking as a Former ACer, I  also agree that  the hands on approach is the best way to go.
All the RC sims I`ve seen just don`t seem realalistic enough and are too hard to get a proper visual perspective with.

One tip to keep in mind when learning is to simply imagine youself actually in the aircraft.
Many find is easier to avoid turning in the wrong direction when doing that.

[aeronut]

I run Ripmax RC Simulator with my Sidewinder Pro seems to work O.K. Learned to fly my 60" Cessna with it.
The tower view comes in handy too in the MSFS's.

Try www.rcsimulator.com for Ripmax.

(I always photograph my fliers before the maiden flight-just like a wedding shot really.Its probably the last time you'll see it intact )

[nicecloud]

I mentioned X-plane because there is a rc mode in it and I found it funny. You do not connect a transmitter but doesn't the joystick do the same job... I see no difference. In rc mode, you can learn to fly those reverse courses. In the good old days when I flew RC planes, you had different flyers. Fist you had the ones that always oriented their transmitters in the direction of flying which lead to a lot of body tweaking. Then you have the ones that are stearing their plane where they want and not the opposite. If you watch a contest aerobatic pilot. He flies patterns on an imaginary screen in front of him. This is easy, believe it or not, the trick is to learn this with a slow and large plane at a high altitude where you can recover from one mistake. We call this a two mistakes altitude.With pratice, you do not think about it anymore.
I did not try any RC simulator except the RC mode in X-plane.
I flew aerobatic pattern contests in the eighties and flew a turnaround program of figures with my feet locked on a line in front of judges and the plane flying the whole pattern in front of me at a 90