Cheap controller for Realflight?

[matt28]

I'm a bit new, can anyone help me?
I've had Realflight G2 for a few days (I really love it) and want to learn to fly a heli. I'm currently using a 2 joystick gamepad which works, but I'm told a proper transmitter would be better. I don't doubt that, but the question is: what to get?
I don't plan to get a real heli for at least a year or so - I want to learn on the sim, and am quite cautious so don't want to buy anything until I'm confident I won't crash on every flight.
When I do buy a real heli I'll probably buy a micro electric heli, fixed pitch, so I think I would only need a 4ch tx.
I think I can either get:
1. A buddy box
2. A real transmitter (UK frequency)
3. A Ikarus 'game commander'.
Can anyone advise on the cheapest way to go?
Cheers,
Matt

[Vince Herman]

You were told correctly. The way you are using it now makes it a good game, but not a good training tool. The dummy box is needed to get the benifit of using a simulator.
Didn't G2 COME with a dummy box? Ours did.
You can use a real transmitter but using the G2 dummy box. It has a buddy cord port, so any transmitter that is compatible is useable. Our Futaba transmitters work well.

[OzzieFlyer]

For what you are doing, the buddy box sounds like a good idea. When the time comes, buy a good quality Heli Radio..it will cost you a bit, but it will last you years. If you can afford it, get the heli radio now...but failing that, get the buddy box.

A lot of people, including myself, buy the transmitter that they THINK they will need and save a few bucks....but before long, they realise that they've outgrown it and then need to upgrade. I'm on my 3rd tx in 3 years because I was trying to save money.

[matt28]

Thanks OzzieFlyer.
This might sound a bit open-ended and vague, but which buddy box should I get? I really want to minimise initial cost (I don't mind the thought of taking a hit in years to come by having to buy all over again) and all I know is that I only need a basic 4ch type, but it needs (obviously) to plug into the PC.

[Vince Herman]

Where did you get a copy of realflight g2 without a controller? I thought that the controller was part of the copyright protection employed by Great Planes. Are you the original purchaser of the package? Are you attempting to circumvent the copyright protection?
I could be wrong. Maybe Great Planes DOES offer a version without the controller. Where did you purchase this package?

edit: That came across sounding worse than I intended. I just want to know if the package comes without the dummy box. I am not aware of that. You are on the right track, though. Using game joysticks is worthless.

[OzzieFlyer]

I have no idea about which dummy box to get unforutnately

[Fred Bronk]

Moving to SIMs

FB