I want to get a simulator to practice on over the winter. I don't need tons of planes, lots of fields, or lots of options, I just want a sim that's fairly realistic, and fun. What is the ripmax sim like? I know that the G2 lite is obviously the better quality sim, but I dont really want to spend that much.
Is the ripmax one anywhere close to realistic (control response, not necessarily graphics) or should I go for the G2 lite?

right now tower has ripmax for $19.95 so I m goingto try it myself. Then If I don't like it I can go to one of the others a chance. That's my 2 cents.

That's exactly why I asked! I saw it for 19.99, and started thinking about getting it. I want to keep my skills sharp, but don't want to spend 200.00 for G2, or 120.00 for G2 lite. I could buy lots of kits for that! I fly40 size planes, and 200.00 can go a long way if you build kits.
uproar....40.00
extra...80.00
a few spads...25.00
another funfly 60.00
To me, that's a lot of planes.

or I could get G2, and my airplane money will be severely limited for next season, but on the good side, I would have something to do on days like to day when the weather won't allow flying.[]

Anybody else have experience with the Ripmax sim and the Realflight sims?

For some reason two years ago I decided to purchase the Ripmax Simulator. At the time it couldn't be purchased in the states so I sent my $129 to the UK for the software and interface. Big mistake! Had I purchased GP sim at least there would be some resale value. Ripmax has basically abandoned the software and have provided no updates. There is no way to contact them either. I swear I will never purchase another Ripmax product. For me, they are Max Ripoff!

However, that's my problem. At $19.95 you can't go wrong - but that's about all its worth! Don't expect any support or upgrades. There are only a few planes and no helicopters to work with. However, it does have a good "school" to practice basic manuvers on. Also, balloon popping is fun and it has a bomb drop game.
Bill

yeah i just purchased the ripmax sim from tower the other day. and the interface drivers wont work on my computer. so i cannot use my transmitter to practice on. however i found that the software if fairly good, at 19.95 or whatever the the quality is just that.

I purchased mine direct from the UK approximately a year ago. Worked like a dream.

Upgraded to XP pro and the TX driver would not work. Hopped onto the net and in 10 minutes I had downloaded the XP driver and it worked great. The drivers can be downloaded from http://www.ripmax.com/Home/drivers.htm

As to the future, I do not know. As stated previously, for $19,95 you can't go wrong. You will not get any new planes (none have been added to my knowledge) but it will serve the purpose. I bought it for my daughter to start learning on - within 2 hours she was able to fly around unaided.

Regards
Mike

I can't get the darn thing working. It keeps saying driver is either not setup or installed right. Or transmitter is not connected. I download the driver updates and still have the same problem. Not sure what to do any more.
Thanks
Snowball

i was given ripmax
i got the best price for the program
lol
one problem is he didn't give me the controller
now here i am in need of one
i'm new to flying so i can't compare the sim to the model
mind you, i'm having a ball flying the kyosho F16 in the sim
i like to play around with it and change motor settings etc.
drawback is i'm useing a stick(microsoft force feedback)

Hi Snowball

As with all things Windows, try removing all drivers pertaining to the games port, including the Device under Control Panel / System / Device Manager.

Reboot and let Windows find the device.

Then attempt to install the driver.

Below is the instructions from Ripmax :

Ripmax RC Joystick Interface Driver for XP (Beta 2)

Please note that this is a Beta driver and use of this driver is at your own risk, and is supplied without any warranty or liability to Ripmax Plc.


To install follow these instructions:

1. Extract the zip to your computer and view the extracted files.

2. Right click on 'Install Ripmax RC Joystick (Win2000).inf' select install.

3. Select 'Continue anyway'

4. Go to Control Panel, Game Controllers, Add, Ripmax RC Gameport Interface, it will then find new hardware.

5. Choose 'automatic find', select next.

6. Select 'Continue anyway'

7. Then finish.

8. It will then find HID.

9. Choose 'automatic find', select next

10. Select 'Continue anyway'

11. Then finish.

12. Go to Control Panel, Gaming Options, select Ripmax RC Gameport Joystick then click properties and calibrate the transmitter as normal.

*Note, on the configuration screen, Slider 2 and Rudder are the wrong way round. Configure Rudder to be the 6th one down (stated as Slider 2)*

Any problems, please fill in Ripmax Problem Report Form, save it, and email it to [email protected].

Good Luck
Regards
Mike Stark

All,
I just bought the RipMax sim and its pretty good for the money, its a pain getting all the downloads and updates to run on Win2K but its not hard and the thing works very well. The guns and bombs are kinda rinky dink but who cares. The main thing I like is the flight station view and it really does simulate the take off, down wind turn, and landing that most students cannot master on their first flights. I can see now how a recent 8 year old who has never flown RC before in his life can play on an RC flight sim, buy a plane and radio and after three laps around the field with a buddy box can fly with no help at all. After three flights can take off and land solo. Fight sims help no matter if they cost $19.95 to $195.00 they both do the job they are intended. Teach students to fly.

Thats my story and I'm stick'n to it.

jds

I am using Windos 98. I have tried all the things Hobbico has suggested. I have updated the drivers and I am still not getting any where. I can run it and use part of it with my mouse but that's it. Can anyone help me. Thanks!