Newbie Sim question

[Moishe]

More newbie questions for you experts out there.

Everyone I've talked to agrees that sims are useful for training.
I'm not interested in a discussion of WHICH sim, because I've seen that and it appears to be mostly opinion.

FMS is free and does the job. I downloaded it and it works.

BUT

I have no controller.

Flying with the keyboard seems all too easy... which seems odd to me.

Q #1
Is there any decent way of using a sim without a controller and still getting training?


With the price of a decent controller, I'd hate to buy one just for FMS.

Q #2
Where can I get a cheapo controller (used?) that will let me train while I save money for a heli?

Thanks!

[MikeSt]

http://www.clubic.com/s/produits/1318.html

I use a WingMan rumblepad game controller. It has two sticks. Almost like a radio. The only minor pain is that the sticks are spring loaded, but I suppose you could take it apart and remove them.

[donlynn]

Gidday

thats the FMS sim it is to easy by heaps

It is suitable for orientation.
It does have a cool sound to the cobra.
option1
there are circut diagrams and instructions on how to modify your four channel transmitter(tx) so it can communicate with your pc I think the fms site had a link to make your own lead .youll buy a second hand 4ch tx cheap enuf even if you have to drill it to take more swiches .

option 2
Cables to plug into existing tx trainer socket can be bought.
buy a futaba 9cap tx ~$250-295 US shipped ,a interface cable and you'll be sorted, your simulation is with a real one that you have to buy anyway and by the time your flying you will know how to drive the radio which will help heaps
A non tx defeats the purpose of the simulator.
Regards Don