Need advice on how to use with Sims, Futaba 9CHPS

[ormandj]

Hi,

I've got a Futaba 9CHPS arriving in the next few days. I want to be able to use it with sims, what is the best solution?

Right now I fly a Blade CP - planning to upgrade to T-Rex (and eventually get the 600 size too).

Also, I'm interested in planes, and intend to get into them. I want a sim that will let me work on helis and planes. Not only that, but I want to be able to build my own models inside the sim, so I can test new designs before I spend any money on hardware. :)

It looks like X-Plane is the best as far as realistic modelling goes, but I noticed they don't have any R/C planes in the default install (although sounds like you can download them - any good places?)

I've heard RealFlight G3 is the best, but it's pretty damn expensive for what you get. I know it's an expensive hobby, but they are charging a lot for not very much. :) When 60 gigs of sim on 7 dvds costs 70 bucks, something is wrong when a R/C only sim costs 200. I don't think the little controller thing is that expensive to manufacture.

Well, regardless, I'll need some kind of USB interface for my R/C remote. Any suggestions? Or is buying RealFlight G3 really the only way to get R/C sims right? I fly X-Plane with a normal joystick now which is great for REAL planes/helis, but I want to learn to fly my R/C models before I crash them.

Thanks for your advice!
David

[Malc C]

David,

The following is not a concise list, but something to work on.

FMS:
Free and will give you the basic stick co-ordination. Graphics are poor by todays standard and so is the flight physics. It supports a wide selection of 3rd party interfaces including hardware and software emulation.

Clearview:
Cost around $30 plus interface, which again can be any 3rd party hardware interface that emulates either PICserial or Windows Joystick protocol. Has photo realsitic backgrounds and better flight physics.

Reflex XTR, G3 and Aeroflight Pro Deluxe:
The current market leaders. All include dedicated hardware to interface with the radio, or have thier own controller which also allows you to connect your TX as well. All have excellent flight physics, with fair to excellent rendering of the models. Having tried XTR and AFPD my personal preference is AFPD. However they all have one thing in common, they are expensive, costing around £140 in the UK, around $170 - $200 in the US.

There are a few new sims that are due out any day now, one is the Pheonix sim, which claims to have everything the market leaders have, but with a proposed RRP if £80 including a USB interface.

Most of the sims have the ability to ceate or modify the models

At the end of the day only you can make up your mind how much you want to spend and which simulator is right for you. The subject of which is best crops up here about three times a week, and will confuse you more as everyone will have different opinions.