Simulator or Not

Eddie B · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 4:48 am Post subject: Simulator or Not

I have a Lama V4 still in the box. I've been researching on this web sight as far as simulators. I still don't know if I should purchase one or just try to fly this heli. Anyone out there just start flying theirs with any success, without the use of a simulator.
I was thinking about taking it down the basement and giving it a go. This is my first rc anything, so I don't have a clue on how to use any controls. Your input would be appreciated.

tombo242 · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:36 am Post subject:

Hi Eddie B,

Welcome to the hobby.

It is best if you have had no experience whatever in radio control to use a simulator first. A radio control helicopter is the most difficult type of model to fly and your first attempts with no experience whatever will result in a crash. Could be very expensive! Evil or Very Mad

If money is no object, then go ahead and fly. Otherwise there are free simulators that you can download and get in some vital training in the use of the controls. FMS will run quite happily on a 4 channel Tx linked to the computers' USB port via the TX training port. You can get it from this site.

HeliSimRc is a better free simulator, but requires a 6 channel controller to really take avantage of all of its functions. E-bay is a good source for these. You can get the sim from this site.

The final piece of startout advice that I would give you is the use Radds School of Rotory Flight course. You will find it on this site.

Good luck with your flying Wink

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NMGeezer · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:01 pm Post subject:

Hi Eddie B,

Definitely get a simulator. The only thing that will get you good at the controls is a lot of practice and you can spend a lot more time on the sim. Although the coaxials are a lot more stable and easier to fly than the single rotor, you can still get into trouble quick if you are not used to the controls. One of the first things to remember is when the nose is pointed at you the controls are reversed and that will be the hardest. I still have trouble once in awhile, it depends on how expesive the item that I am close to Smile

If flying in the living room, make sure to cover the TV, it is a big magnet for helicopters Smile

Eddie B · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:11 am Post subject:

Thank you Tombo and Geezer. I will check out the free simulators tonight, but I have doubts they will work with Windows Vista. If not I will order the clearview simulator, I have heard good things . Again thanks Eddie B

BillyFra56 · Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 5:11 pm Post subject: Sim

Hi I am new too. But found out real quick how much I needed a sim. I have windows vista too. The free ones didn't work to well with it. I got clearview and it works great and looks very realistic too it was a good choice for me.

tombo242 · Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 7:55 pm Post subject:

I go with BillyFra on this one.

I have 4 sims on my Vista64bit computer, they all work fine. The one I use most is ClearView. I have never regretted the $39.99USD I paid for the license. Another big advantage is that you can make you own models for it with AC3D and a paint programme. (See my models here. Scroll to bottom of the page.)

Aerofly Pro looks good and is great for planes, the retract is very realistic, but you cannot switch between "Normal" and "Idle Up" in Heli modes and in that way does not reflect reality.

HeliSimRC is excellent for helis only, but limited in models and scenes. I have put together an imitation B400 and a Chinook for it.

FMS is definately worth what you pay for it.
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pjdog · Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 12:48 am Post subject:

Welcome Eddie B and BillyFra56:

Tombo242 and NMGeezer have provided you with good information. I'm also a newbie. I also have a simulator. I've been in RC stuff sense 1972. Airplanes, boats, cars, submarines. Nothing will prepare you for helicopters like a simulator.

I never did get FMS to work. In my efforts to get FMS to work I found ClearView. It's super. I'm on a Gateway FX gaming machine with Vista operating system. I've got one of the best gaming machines you can get thanks to my very generous daughter. She purchased it for me cause she thinks I'm a good dad.

Anyway A simulator will save you many dollars. My little Falcon 40 V2 main blades are $ 7.00 a pop. I can't tell you how many times I've smacked a simulator helicopter up saving me at least $ 7.00 a crash. Keep in mind that I flew fixed wing for over thirty years and still I smack up helicopters. They are really hard to fly but very addictive. They are lots of fun. And you don't really need to go to an RC field to fly. I fly in the Garage, house, back yard or the park when no one is there. If a helicopter hits you it hurts and can do damage.

Trust Tombo242, NMGeezer and crashagain they know what they are doing.

Billfra56 - hope you got my return private emails.

I forgot to say - this is the best forum you will every participate on.

Jack
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