Now that I have already ordered a sim I have questions to see if I lucked-out in my choice.[
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My primary purpose as a newbie is basic trainer aircraft pattern work with as realistic wind, unforgiving landings, and running out of fuel (dead stick) simulations as possible. My PC is Windows XP based and is a very high-end gaming desktop so simulator graphic issues and costs should not be issues for me right now. Bells and whistles are fine for "fun" but not primary. There are a lot more sims then I thought. I've now read a little about PhoenixRC and FSOne??
??Can comparative reviews be pointed to?? This seems so far like an old topic with no real good conclusion??
At this point in time I intend to buy a Spektrum DX7 (I believe) and an ARF LT-40 trainer. I'm looking forward to my first crash. It will be a challenge with the simulator and instruction with a buddy box to see how long I can put this event off. I purposefully am not buying the plane until I've really worked the simulator.
??From what little I've read and those I've talked to I have leaned toward the G3.5 which only comes with a Futaba sim controller. But it isn't to late if I really should get the AFPD without a controller??
??If it comes down to the later being better for my newbie simulator pattern flying needs I expect I would go ahead and get the Spektrum DX7 to use for the sim controller??
A certain large Internet hobby store has been recommended ("t....h......".com[8D]). It seems they carried everything and would be a one stop place to shop but... It turns out that although they sell the G3.5 and AFPD (don't know about or didn't see the PhoenixRC or FSOne) they sell Futaba only so I cannot get Spektrum gear from them. This was really disappointing to discover as I can no longer consider that they do carry everything and are unbiased in what they carry.
??My last question then, is when I get around to buying the radio gear, and assuming I do want to continue to go with Spektrum that will work with the sim, are there any other good (discount--high volume) Spektrum and Futaba along with airplane / sailplane / glow & electric / trainer Internet stores??
Thanks much.