Hi again

Thanks to everyone who responded to my last post, all of it has been good advice.

My birthday's coming up, and I am wondering if I should buy a simulator (was looking at RealFlight G2-lite, don't think I'll need the full version), or if I should just get a good RTF plane (I'm looking at the Hanger 9 Alpha Trainer).

The Alpha would have a different brand of controller, but I've also been told that it "hurts" a lot more when you crack up a plane that you've put many hours into.

If I went with the sim, I could "practice" on my PT40 before it's even built (although I have an older Futuaba radio, might have to check compatibility before I buy a sim). Guess I'm kind of concerned about screwing up the construction, and especially getting my OS 40 to run right (I've heard that engine break-in and setup are difficult sometimes).

Any advice on Sim vs. Second RTF Trainer would be appreciated

Thanks

Hey... buy the simulator!! I see your in Michigan and your not going to be getting real good flyer weather soon. I'm new at this myself, only a few months into it, and the simulator has been well worth the investment... but, I bought the G2Lite version and now regret it.... I would would go for the full G2 if I had it to do over again.

Hi Barland (also of the great white north

Just curious, why do you regret getting the Lite version? I checked out their comparison website, but it doesn't help too much in explaining exactly what all their little "feature modules" are.

You probably know this, but I remember reading on the site that it is possible to get an upgrade to turn Lite into Full.

Thanks

OK... from the white north,,, on a COLD Minnesota morning.

I bought the G2Lite to save $50.00.... my son-in-law out did me by buying the full version. I have had a chance to use both and I learned this:

The full version has more planes and a nice variety of plane types

The full version lets you set up your flying fields with movable objects - lets you play with things more

The planes can be modified, engines switched out, and if your clever or go to a good site you can modify the colors

I haven't yet made use of the internet "fly ins" but if I figure out how to do this, and my computer can handle them, this could be fun as you can then "fly" with others on the computer

And yes.. I can upgrade and most likely will, but I will then spend another $90.00 to do this, rather than the original $50.00

So, in hind sight (and I find my best vison is placed there) I would have gone the extra $ to start with

But no matter which you get you will find it worthwhile, just make sure you computer can handle the graphics, I had to upgrade a video card and I understand that's the most common problem with this simulator -------- enjoy!!

AND ----- another thought:

On one thread or another here I saw references that using your "real" control with a simulator could be bad for the controller. I e-mailed Futaba (I'm using a T6XA controller) and learned that they strongly suggest either having the antenna extened fully or removing the crystal, extended use with out doing this would be hard on the controller. Maybe others have thoughts and would share on this..

I haven't got Realflight but I've been using my JR transmitter on FMS & Easyfly.

When you plug the cord into the DSC socket, the Tx is acting like a buddy box. The JR Tx's power up but you leave the transmitter switched off.

Although the power lights (or display) become active, the RF circuit is disabled.

As the Tx is active, the signal you send to the simulator will be the same as that you would be using on your aiplane. i.e. You have use of the dual rates, and if you have set the servo travel different from standard that will be reflected too.

Hmmm, intersting with your JR, but on G2 RealFlight I must power up my Futaba controller for it to work. If I have RealFlight set up to recognise my controller and the controller is not on the planes go full throttle and spin on the ground. Interesting to watch, but only for a moment or two.

I followed Futaba's advice and removed the crystal and everything seems to be great - in fact the battery last much longer in the controller!!

Up to 7 above now... wind at 8 with no gusts... hmmmmmm,
a guy could fly a few quick flights, where are the skis???

SIMULATOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I went through 2 planes before someone could get this through my head!!!!!!!!!

Lew where are you in MI?

Get the full version Real Flight G2 and Practice, Practice, Practice. Use the edit feature on the PT40, rename it what you want and change the visual size to 2.0. The bigger the plane the easier they are to see and fly. You will be amazed how much nicer it is.

Hey I read with interest about the SIM. Is it a standard connection, ie the buddy box connection on the rear, or are most of the sim's tied to a particular model/make of TX ??


Michael

The RealFlight G2 from Great Planes comes with a control box which looks and acts very much like a regular controller. You can, however, use that box to link your own contoller to the simulator.
In that respect it is like a buddy box! But you have the option or just using the controller package with the system. I think this is an answer to Bannaskin's question...

Thanks for the insight..

Michael

Hi all

I have an older (but unused) Futaba controller. I know less than jack about it

How difficult is it to remove and then replace the crystals? Is this something where I could really screw the thing up on accident?

Thanks

Lew

Boy - I hate to be giving advice here, I've only been into this hobby for a few months, hopefully if I'm wrong someone will save us both.

On my Futabas, on the front - in the lower left corner is a rectangular "button" with the controllers frequency on it - something like 72.370 which is channel 29. That button is actually the top of the crystal, and it can be lifted out with the fingernail of your thumb. When new, mine were lightly tacked in with soft glue. This is whatI was advised to take out, on the bottom are two pins which I will be careful to align correctly when I reinstall it.
Hey... hope this helps DickB

If you replace the crystal with the same frequency crystal, thats fine. I think you will run into problems if you go to another frequency, somone correct if im wrong.

Ground Force is right! I understand you have to be careful about changing the channel the controller operates on by installing a crystal for another channel. I ASSUMED he was asking about removing a crystal in order to use his controller with a simualtor and then replacing the same crystal.

doesn't matter which channel you put in the tx as long as you have the same frequency in the receiver

No matter what you use.Stock or your futaba getting your fingers use to the movements.With that uder your belt you'll be able to fly anything!When I started I used the original Real Flight.I was able to solo on my first day of actual flight & take and pass the pilot test the next!Practice makes perfect!