Flight Simulator X and all PC sims: merged threads
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Hey Saud.
I just purchased:
Flight Simulater X (£20 off ebay)
Cheap headset (£5)
Saitek X45 joystick and throttle (£80 -£150 off ebay)
I connected it straight to the internet using gamespy which is on the mulitplayer option of the game.
If you are looking for good simulator training in your own home this is perfect - FSX has really helped me to become a better pilot (in real life!).
Yesterday I joined a game in Gran Canaria, I was talking to ATC and everything - I sort of forgot I was at home a one point - it really is that life like.
There are two helicoptors to choose from on FSX as well as over 20 different prop's and jets.
Hope this helps you. Holla if you need anymore info.
187.
I just purchased:
Flight Simulater X (£20 off ebay)
Cheap headset (£5)
Saitek X45 joystick and throttle (£80 -£150 off ebay)
I connected it straight to the internet using gamespy which is on the mulitplayer option of the game.
If you are looking for good simulator training in your own home this is perfect - FSX has really helped me to become a better pilot (in real life!).
Yesterday I joined a game in Gran Canaria, I was talking to ATC and everything - I sort of forgot I was at home a one point - it really is that life like.
There are two helicoptors to choose from on FSX as well as over 20 different prop's and jets.
Hope this helps you. Holla if you need anymore info.
187.
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This site is an excellent resource for all heli mods based on MS's Flight simulator http://www.hovercontrol.com/ It can help you find online communities that operate with full radio communication's with human control tower operator's.
For heli flying, with mods Fs2004 is more realistic atm than FSX with mods.
Dodosim has what is considered the most realistic flight model mod, it's the Bell 206. They are working on a Huey and R22 that should be just as good.
You can also download the free X-Plane ver9 beta. It's alot better for heli's than a default install of any MS Flight Sims.
For heli flying, with mods Fs2004 is more realistic atm than FSX with mods.
Dodosim has what is considered the most realistic flight model mod, it's the Bell 206. They are working on a Huey and R22 that should be just as good.
You can also download the free X-Plane ver9 beta. It's alot better for heli's than a default install of any MS Flight Sims.
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flight simulator
Since we are on the Flight Simulator Topic, the Nemeth Designs group are modelling realistic helicopters for FSX now, their previous models released are for FS2004, their CH-53E for FSX is awsome and the new EC135 is looking very nice..
http://www.nemethdesigns.com/
http://www.nemethdesigns.com/
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The desktop sim vs real life is always somewhat a hot discussion, and people are mostly right and wrong on both sides equally.
Lets begin with the choice people have when it comes to helicopter simulations on desktop computers... it is very short list. Really, best one can get is getting FS2004 and DodoSim Advanced Bell 206. That one works on its own flight model which I heard from many people is very accurate. But if one want to get best without paying for add ons, the FSX, now with Service Pack 2, is the best way to go.
The main change between FSX and FS2004 is in the handling - for example, in FS2004 the amount of thrust, that tail rotor could give, was depending on how much the main rotor was giving at given time (not in Dodo). Pure FSX have it fixed, now with the SP2, helicopters can become bit more complex - finely an governor with PID controller... unfortunately that one is apparently still tricky for add on makers to master - in the EH101 from the Acceleration add on, you can't maintain stable hover because of the governor. Its PID controller have wrong settings and the engines RPMs oscillate around the optimal value, producing to much torque one time, than to little the next. It can be changed simply editing one file in notepad, but requires some knowledge about the machine.
Since I'm not a pilot, (still working on my masters degree in engineering, than I'll go for the license) I did asked few pilots I know (I'm closely connected with Navy Aviation base here at Baltic coast) and one thing is quite common... non of them really look at the details in sim physics, until you tell them what they should look for. Not to offend any real time aviators here... just take everyones opinion with a grain of salt
Most of the people I give to fly in FS9 and FSX said the same things:
- it is harder to fly (no motion and no depth perception)
- it is quite accurate - physics wise
- the sensation is totally different
To cut it short. If someone thinks about getting PPL-H license, and thinks about practicing in Flight Simulator, go for it, it is way better than learn flying helicopters from a book only.
Hover control inputs, instruments reading, flying approaches, stable flight (holding altitude, attitude and heading), communications (with live ATC - via Vatsim) - those are things that one will learn for sure
Lets begin with the choice people have when it comes to helicopter simulations on desktop computers... it is very short list. Really, best one can get is getting FS2004 and DodoSim Advanced Bell 206. That one works on its own flight model which I heard from many people is very accurate. But if one want to get best without paying for add ons, the FSX, now with Service Pack 2, is the best way to go.
The main change between FSX and FS2004 is in the handling - for example, in FS2004 the amount of thrust, that tail rotor could give, was depending on how much the main rotor was giving at given time (not in Dodo). Pure FSX have it fixed, now with the SP2, helicopters can become bit more complex - finely an governor with PID controller... unfortunately that one is apparently still tricky for add on makers to master - in the EH101 from the Acceleration add on, you can't maintain stable hover because of the governor. Its PID controller have wrong settings and the engines RPMs oscillate around the optimal value, producing to much torque one time, than to little the next. It can be changed simply editing one file in notepad, but requires some knowledge about the machine.
Since I'm not a pilot, (still working on my masters degree in engineering, than I'll go for the license) I did asked few pilots I know (I'm closely connected with Navy Aviation base here at Baltic coast) and one thing is quite common... non of them really look at the details in sim physics, until you tell them what they should look for. Not to offend any real time aviators here... just take everyones opinion with a grain of salt
Most of the people I give to fly in FS9 and FSX said the same things:- it is harder to fly (no motion and no depth perception)
- it is quite accurate - physics wise
- the sensation is totally different
To cut it short. If someone thinks about getting PPL-H license, and thinks about practicing in Flight Simulator, go for it, it is way better than learn flying helicopters from a book only.
Hover control inputs, instruments reading, flying approaches, stable flight (holding altitude, attitude and heading), communications (with live ATC - via Vatsim) - those are things that one will learn for sure
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Thanks a lot for the reply, I´m a helicopter pilot flying both the AS 332 Super Puma and AS 365N2 Dauphin.
My idea was just to download the Super Puma and fly some IFR on the clocks.
Regards.
My idea was just to download the Super Puma and fly some IFR on the clocks.
Regards.
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Like Bravo73 wrote, there is an AS332 at HeverControl.com, it was made for the FS2004 but it works in FSX. You will only need to work a bit with the installation:
- Download the Super Pumas package from here
unpack it witch WinRaR, and run the install program
- When it'll ask you for FS9 directory, write in some temporary one, like "C: \Temp\SuperPuma\" it will install all files there just like it would in FS9
- then go to that directory, copy 'Effects', 'Sound' and 'Gauges' folders into FSX directory.
- open the 'Aircraft' folder and copy whole 'as332gjsar' into 'Flight Simulator X\SimObject\Rotorcraft'
Then run the sim... the a/c is quite butt-ugly, but if you need it for IFR it may do - the 2D panel is nicer than VC though.
- Download the Super Pumas package from here
unpack it witch WinRaR, and run the install program
- When it'll ask you for FS9 directory, write in some temporary one, like "C: \Temp\SuperPuma\" it will install all files there just like it would in FS9
- then go to that directory, copy 'Effects', 'Sound' and 'Gauges' folders into FSX directory.
- open the 'Aircraft' folder and copy whole 'as332gjsar' into 'Flight Simulator X\SimObject\Rotorcraft'
Then run the sim... the a/c is quite butt-ugly, but if you need it for IFR it may do - the 2D panel is nicer than VC though.
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au blue released
not sure if anyone is interested,
but certainly for low-timers or student pilots in Australia
Flight Terrain X (FTX) has just been released for Flight Sim X couple that with FEX (realistic weather)
& this would set you up for realistic VFR references
very handy for the budding student pilot wanting to conduct some solo nav practise.....
all terrain is produced from aerial photography & whilst there is still an amount of autogen, the difference between default flight sim & FTX is extraordinary
there are some nice screenshots of YMMB in the forums area where developers have been constantly updating viewers.
http://orbxsystems.com/media/screen230.jpg
met some of the guys down at orbx, nice blokes & very keen to producing a quality product, once all Oz regions are done I believe their going to start on some other regions too.
but certainly for low-timers or student pilots in Australia
Flight Terrain X (FTX) has just been released for Flight Sim X couple that with FEX (realistic weather)
& this would set you up for realistic VFR references
very handy for the budding student pilot wanting to conduct some solo nav practise.....
all terrain is produced from aerial photography & whilst there is still an amount of autogen, the difference between default flight sim & FTX is extraordinary
there are some nice screenshots of YMMB in the forums area where developers have been constantly updating viewers.
http://orbxsystems.com/media/screen230.jpg
met some of the guys down at orbx, nice blokes & very keen to producing a quality product, once all Oz regions are done I believe their going to start on some other regions too.
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I tried to download the AS332L2 from Hovercontrol.com according to the instructions by Lt. Fubar. I have Vista and FSX, I can´t get the AS332 installed properly.... 
Maybe there is somebody out there who could provide me with further instructions!
Thanks in advance,
Maybe there is somebody out there who could provide me with further instructions!Thanks in advance,
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Ups, Sorry, forgot that people started using Vista
On Vista, there might be problems with running those old installers.
Here I've uploaded packed with WinRaR what is installed by the original program. Unpack it anywhere, than proceed with my previous instructions. If it won't work... than well not much more to do than to wait for one made specially to work with FSX+Vista configuration - there is one coming, but the time frame is unknown.
On Vista, there might be problems with running those old installers.
Here I've uploaded packed with WinRaR what is installed by the original program. Unpack it anywhere, than proceed with my previous instructions. If it won't work... than well not much more to do than to wait for one made specially to work with FSX+Vista configuration - there is one coming, but the time frame is unknown.
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longline/vertical reference
Gentlemen
I'd like to put forward a couple of difficult questions if I may:
1. Is there any program that allows you practise longline sling flying ?
It seems that longline flying is normally regarded as one of the most difficult disiplines of hands-on helicopter flying, and one very seldom practised, except amongst a very few specialists.
2. I'm about to retire my old pc with a xp sp2 system.
I suppose I shall have to install vista on the new one. In your professional opininon, should that be done with a 32 or 64 bit system setup?
Thank you for your time.
"Hals und beinbruch!"
s61n
I'd like to put forward a couple of difficult questions if I may:
1. Is there any program that allows you practise longline sling flying ?
It seems that longline flying is normally regarded as one of the most difficult disiplines of hands-on helicopter flying, and one very seldom practised, except amongst a very few specialists.
2. I'm about to retire my old pc with a xp sp2 system.
I suppose I shall have to install vista on the new one. In your professional opininon, should that be done with a 32 or 64 bit system setup?
Thank you for your time.
"Hals und beinbruch!"
s61n
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dont go there
for what it's worth
in terms of Flight Sim X (FTX)
chatting with the guys at orbx
discussion came up regarding platform
they recommended Win XP SP3(beta) over Vista
far more reliable/stable/usable
the only thing Direct X 10 delivers that is different is instrument shadows
& some moderate effects on water/waves (low level)
besides that if you don't have a specific requirement for direct x 10
then dont go the vista path
for the long-lining query,
try tracking down the fella that did the dodosim 206 model
I'm sure he'd be a good start point
in terms of Flight Sim X (FTX)
chatting with the guys at orbx
discussion came up regarding platform
they recommended Win XP SP3(beta) over Vista
far more reliable/stable/usable
the only thing Direct X 10 delivers that is different is instrument shadows
& some moderate effects on water/waves (low level)
besides that if you don't have a specific requirement for direct x 10
then dont go the vista path
for the long-lining query,
try tracking down the fella that did the dodosim 206 model
I'm sure he'd be a good start point
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Like Gandgetgru said, don't go for Vista, if you can live without some uber graphics.
The sling loads and winches are included in Service Pack 2 (which is also part of Acceleration add-on). It is not perfect though, it feels more like the load is attached on some sort rigid rod not a line. It would be useful to install FSX: Deluxe, than SP2/Acceleration on it, because the deluxe version has SDK, which will allow you for building your own missions - so setting different loads for sling load wherever you want, with time, season and weather of your liking.
The sling load will work with every helicopter, also with those from FS2004, only thing needed is a small modification of aircraft.cfg file in notepad. You have to add, and modify function:
[Sling.0]
position = -30.5, 0.0, 0.0 //Feet from datum
max_stretch = 2.0 //Max stretch distance at ultimate load
damping_ratio = 0.75 //0 for no damping to 1.0 for critically damped.
rated_load = 10000 //Characteristics tension of cable in pounds
ultimate_load = 25000 //Breaking force in pounds
tolerance_angle=70 //Angle, in degrees, used to determine lateral breaking force limit
auto_pickup_range = 8 //Max Range, in feet, for auto-pickup
auto_pickup_max_speed = 8.5 //Maximum speed (feet per second) for auto-pickup
The length of the line is 60 or 70 feet and cannot be changed... unless you make it a hoist, so it than can be extend and retract manually.
Function for hoist looks like this:
[Sling.0]
hoist_extend_rate = 5 //Feet per second
hoist_retract_rate = -5 //Feet per second
position = -34.7, 6.7, 7.0 //Feet from datum
max_stretch = 2.0 //Max stretch distance at ultimate load
damping_ratio = 0.6 //0 for no damping to 1.0 for critically damped.
rated_load = 600 //Characteristics tension of cable in pounds
ultimate_load = 2250 //Breaking force in pounds
tolerance_angle=45 //Angle, in degrees, used to determine lateral breaking force limit
auto_pickup_range = 8 //Max Range, in feet, for auto-pickup
auto_pickup_max_speed = 8.5 //Maximum speed (feet per second) for auto-pickup
hoist_payload_station = 4 //Payload station in which the hoist will load in and out of. 1 is first station.
hoist_door=2 //Door associated with hoist. Must be open for use.
have fun
The sling loads and winches are included in Service Pack 2 (which is also part of Acceleration add-on). It is not perfect though, it feels more like the load is attached on some sort rigid rod not a line. It would be useful to install FSX: Deluxe, than SP2/Acceleration on it, because the deluxe version has SDK, which will allow you for building your own missions - so setting different loads for sling load wherever you want, with time, season and weather of your liking.
The sling load will work with every helicopter, also with those from FS2004, only thing needed is a small modification of aircraft.cfg file in notepad. You have to add, and modify function:
[Sling.0]
position = -30.5, 0.0, 0.0 //Feet from datum
max_stretch = 2.0 //Max stretch distance at ultimate load
damping_ratio = 0.75 //0 for no damping to 1.0 for critically damped.
rated_load = 10000 //Characteristics tension of cable in pounds
ultimate_load = 25000 //Breaking force in pounds
tolerance_angle=70 //Angle, in degrees, used to determine lateral breaking force limit
auto_pickup_range = 8 //Max Range, in feet, for auto-pickup
auto_pickup_max_speed = 8.5 //Maximum speed (feet per second) for auto-pickup
The length of the line is 60 or 70 feet and cannot be changed... unless you make it a hoist, so it than can be extend and retract manually.
Function for hoist looks like this:
[Sling.0]
hoist_extend_rate = 5 //Feet per second
hoist_retract_rate = -5 //Feet per second
position = -34.7, 6.7, 7.0 //Feet from datum
max_stretch = 2.0 //Max stretch distance at ultimate load
damping_ratio = 0.6 //0 for no damping to 1.0 for critically damped.
rated_load = 600 //Characteristics tension of cable in pounds
ultimate_load = 2250 //Breaking force in pounds
tolerance_angle=45 //Angle, in degrees, used to determine lateral breaking force limit
auto_pickup_range = 8 //Max Range, in feet, for auto-pickup
auto_pickup_max_speed = 8.5 //Maximum speed (feet per second) for auto-pickup
hoist_payload_station = 4 //Payload station in which the hoist will load in and out of. 1 is first station.
hoist_door=2 //Door associated with hoist. Must be open for use.
have fun
Last edited by Lt.Fubar; 9th Mar 2008 at 14:04.
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Hi Folks
re: Long-line ops
The FSX Acceleration extension pack
incorporates the capabillity for lifting ops of all types.
Loads behave dynamically.
Works in both missions & free-flight, (from a saved flight only).
Only catches are -
- if you snap the hoist or sling cable, you need to restart.
- sling lengths are preset by aircraft, and attached to a/c rather than to the load.
EDIT
Lt.Fubar posted whilst composing.
NB
Sling cable can be set to any length, and is set in the .flt file, (edit for correction).
HTH
ATB
Paul
re: Long-line ops
The FSX Acceleration extension pack
incorporates the capabillity for lifting ops of all types.
Loads behave dynamically.
Works in both missions & free-flight, (from a saved flight only).
Only catches are -
- if you snap the hoist or sling cable, you need to restart.
- sling lengths are preset by aircraft, and attached to a/c rather than to the load.
EDIT
Lt.Fubar posted whilst composing.
NB
Sling cable can be set to any length, and is set in the .flt file, (edit for correction).
HTH
ATB
Paul
Last edited by BASys; 11th Mar 2008 at 09:34.
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I looked it up today and the line length can be changed, but not in aircraft.cfg file. It is defined in mission or saved flight file (.flt) under:
[Sling.0.0]
Object=
CableLength=xxx
HoistSwitch=0
It is quite fun to try lift an HummVee with B206... well until you crash, or the engine quits
Bell 214B1 would come handy in this sim.
[Sling.0.0]
Object=
CableLength=xxx
HoistSwitch=0
It is quite fun to try lift an HummVee with B206... well until you crash, or the engine quits
Bell 214B1 would come handy in this sim.
Amazing new helicopter simulation!
Dont know if it has allready been mentioned but this year the helicopter simulation "black shark" will be released. It is fully track ir certified and i think those videos say it all...
for those who dont know what track ir is...it is an infrared device that you attach to your screen and it can detect in which direction your head looks and also the position of your head in relation to the monitor, so if you come closer, the picture will zoom in or if you move your head sideways, your virtual pilot will move sideways in the cockpit so that you can see the instruments behind your cyclic stick or move up to see more stuff directly in front of your helicopters nose...to me just an amazing thing and a must-have if you get this new game...ok...enough of talking watch this stuff:
Trailer1:
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/u...ies/87821.html
Trailer2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwlVGsrDPxQ
Startup and Checks!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEAnF...eature=related
Rotorblade physics in heavy wind!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyctBKipmCI
for those who dont know what track ir is...it is an infrared device that you attach to your screen and it can detect in which direction your head looks and also the position of your head in relation to the monitor, so if you come closer, the picture will zoom in or if you move your head sideways, your virtual pilot will move sideways in the cockpit so that you can see the instruments behind your cyclic stick or move up to see more stuff directly in front of your helicopters nose...to me just an amazing thing and a must-have if you get this new game...ok...enough of talking watch this stuff:
Trailer1:
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/u...ies/87821.html
Trailer2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwlVGsrDPxQ
Startup and Checks!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEAnF...eature=related
Rotorblade physics in heavy wind!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyctBKipmCI
Last edited by eivissa; 25th Mar 2008 at 16:40.