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FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

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FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

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Old 05-09-2007 | 10:49 PM
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Default FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

The bazillion post long Hanger 9 FS One thread is pretty useless with banter back and forth, so I thought I'd do a new one.

I'm getting back into flying after a 15 year hiatus (My five year old wants to play and am dusting off my old birds and putting electrics into them. I never got very good with a full four channel and I'm looking at FS One as a simulator to help me out there. I've played with G3.5, but found it less than perfect in graphics, but rich in planes. The other sims seem to have cult followings that like to bash each other, which is of little interest to me and the AFP sim seems lacking in planes for the price. FS One has been labeled the sim to get for airplane realism so I'm intrigued.

Now that FS One has been out for a while, where are the plane updates? Every other "big" sim has updates with more planes, but I've not found any for FS One. Is FS One still being fully developed and updated? How does it stack up to the "800 pound gorilla that is G3.5? G3.5 even has fan planes available for exchange and downloading, does FS One support that kind of third party work?

I'm looking to buy soon, so I'm seriously considering what to get - The requirements are:

Accurate physics, else why bother? I don't want a video game. Altitude taken into account? I'm not at sea level!
Good selection of planes so that I can find one similar to mine.
An included controller, I don't want to risk my "real" ones.
Fixed point of view so that it is like flying at a field.
I have a Dell Dimension 2400 (512MB) with a GEforce 5500 (128MB) running W2000 SP4, will it install without hassle?

It seems like FS One is good to go with all but the planes. With only a couple dozen planes that isn't a very wide selection. is it good enough to risk the cash on a product that hasn't expanded in a year?

Thanks for your opinions,
DLC
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Dennis Clark
Colorado
Old 05-10-2007 | 01:23 PM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

Has it already been a year that FS One has been out? I bought FS One about a month ago - I was waiting like you for some updates, but I needed something to practise 3D on.

Graphics are nothing special, but I don't care about graphics. I much prefer the user interface in G2, which is the only other sim I have owned. In G2 everyhing in menu driven, so you can change fields/airplanes/options without much of a delay. To do the same in FS One, you have to exit the flying field and go back to the main menus. My PC is equivalent to the recommended (not the minimum) system, I spend a lot of time waiting for screens to load.

Realism (physics) is good - good enough to practise most 3D manuevers. Some things aren't modeled (wing rock), but basic physics is good. However, from what I understand, the basic flight model hasn't been updated since it was released, which I find very disappointing. I thought the main focus of FS One was realism, but they seem to be focusing on everything but realism up to this point.

Other drawbacks - essentially there is no documentation, after almost a year, this is very bad. As you mentioned, there is a lack of plane/helicopter selection. A lot of the planes in FS One are pretty outdated. I've asked serveral times if the new models are going to be free, but I've never received a clear answer. So my guess is you will have to buy an add on, but I would love to be told I am wrong. For me, none of the views provided are quite right. Apparently they don't offer the wider field of view that other sims offer for performance reasons, hopefully they will offer this as an optional view.

My overall impression of FS One is somewhat positive, I guess I would say "recommended with reservations". In hindsight, I should have waited longer to see if the improvements to the flight model, field of view and new and more up to date models are released.

Malcolm
Old 05-10-2007 | 02:04 PM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

ORIGINAL: malcolmm

Has it already been a year that FS One has been out? I bought FS One about a month ago - I was waiting like you for some updates, but I needed something to practise 3D on.

Graphics are nothing special, but I don't care about graphics. I much prefer the user interface in G2, which is the only other sim I have owned. In G2 everyhing in menu driven, so you can change fields/airplanes/options without much of a delay. To do the same in FS One, you have to exit the flying field and go back to the main menus. My PC is equivalent to the recommended (not the minimum) system, I spend a lot of time waiting for screens to load.

Realism (physics) is good - good enough to practise most 3D manuevers. Some things aren't modeled (wing rock), but basic physics is good. However, from what I understand, the basic flight model hasn't been updated since it was released, which I find very disappointing. I thought the main focus of FS One was realism, but they seem to be focusing on everything but realism up to this point.

Other drawbacks - essentially there is no documentation, after almost a year, this is very bad. As you mentioned, there is a lack of plane/helicopter selection. A lot of the planes in FS One are pretty outdated. I've asked serveral times if the new models are going to be free, but I've never received a clear answer. So my guess is you will have to buy an add on, but I would love to be told I am wrong. For me, none of the views provided are quite right. Apparently they don't offer the wider field of view that other sims offer for performance reasons, hopefully they will offer this as an optional view.

My overall impression of FS One is somewhat positive, I guess I would say "recommended with reservations". In hindsight, I should have waited longer to see if the improvements to the flight model, field of view and new and more up to date models are released.

Malcolm
Thanks for your assessment. I like to go with the new guys to foster innovation, but for $200+ I expect a certain minimum. The web page for FS1 is pretty flash and seems really good. But, after a year there is no documentation, no new planes, no flight mechanics updates and no word about upcoming additions this makes it pretty hard to choose FS1. This may mean that I'll have to drop it off the candidate list and look more at G3.5 and AFPD; but AFPD is even more expensive, so...

Thanks for your time!
DLC
Old 05-10-2007 | 04:07 PM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

Thanks for your assessment. I like to go with the new guys to foster innovation, but for $200+ I expect a certain minimum. The web page for FS1 is pretty flash and seems really good. But, after a year there is no documentation, no new planes, no flight mechanics updates and no word about upcoming additions this makes it pretty hard to choose FS1. This may mean that I'll have to drop it off the candidate list and look more at G3.5 and AFPD; but AFPD is even more expensive, so...
... i went for phoenix and havent looked back
Old 05-11-2007 | 05:47 PM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

I just bought FS ONE and installed it last night. I like it! I feel the flying characteristics of some of the planes are very close to the real thing.

All I can say at this point is...

WE WANT MORE PLANES, WE WANT MORE PLANES, WE WANT MORE PLANES!!!
Old 05-12-2007 | 02:19 PM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

Some quick comments here:

- FS One has only been available since Oct 2007. New planes are in the works. There's been no slowdown. A lot of time has been spent on supporting users and figuring out what we want to do next with this new product. And the answer is: new aircraft!

- There is a new help manual:

http://www.inertiasoft.com/fsonefaq/#Q1052-FS1

- For those who want to base their purchase on flying realism, I suggest read all you want, but then compare the videos all of the sim makers have posted. What looks real? What does not look real? Are they showing the really hard stuff (spins, snaps, stalls, tail slides, blenders, hovering, walls, elevators, parachutes, landings and ground handling, prop torque effects, crashes) or the easier stuff (like flying mostly "straight and level" where all planes WILL look the same and realistic). "You be the judge" or get a friend to help you.

- I agree the other thread is long, but I'm going to stick w/ the other long thread because it's convenient for people to search. There's also a wealth of information there. Someday we'll move all this FS One help forum stuff to the FS One site, but not yet.

- Malcomm has commented on the wing rock. I've commented back in another thread that research is being done to understand the aerodynamics of that. Some people commented on airplane hovering being a little too hard in the sim. I'm not completely sure that they're right, and this is based on sim flying feedback from the designer of the airplanes - Mike McConville, and others. Nevertheless there are updates/betas to 2 affected planes (hover type planes) and I await feedback from users:

http://www.inertiasoft.com/fsonefaq/#B1001-FS1

Both of these items relate only to freestyle 3D flying.

I've not gotten any general universal feedback that I should change anything else. What most people do is change the c.g. a bit, and tweak the expos and dual rates to their type of flying. That's a necessary step for those people know how they want their planes to fly. I will add that all Horizon airplanes in the sim are setup like their designers intended and defined in the building manuals, etc. So for most people, the planes are "RTF" without tweaks.

- I think this forum is good for getting help, but keep in mind all the major sim developers read this thread, and I'd guess that's 50% of the "readership". The point is asking what's the best sim here ... can lead to a skewed answer. Talk w/ your friends you know, and go from there.

Michael
Old 05-15-2007 | 11:10 AM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?


ORIGINAL: MSelig

...

- For those who want to base their purchase on flying realism, I suggest read all you want, but then compare the videos all of the sim makers have posted. What looks real? What does not look real? Are they showing the really hard stuff (spins, snaps, stalls, tail slides, blenders, hovering, walls, elevators, parachutes, landings and ground handling, prop torque effects, crashes) or the easier stuff (like flying mostly "straight and level" where all planes WILL look the same and realistic). "You be the judge" or get a friend to help you.

...

- Malcomm has commented on the wing rock. I've commented back in another thread that research is being done to understand the aerodynamics of that. Some people commented on airplane hovering being a little too hard in the sim. I'm not completely sure that they're right, and this is based on sim flying feedback from the designer of the airplanes - Mike McConville, and others. Nevertheless there are updates/betas to 2 affected planes (hover type planes) and I await feedback from users:

...

Michael
I would agree. Although I have concerns with FS One, realism is the most important factor for me, and FS One does seem to be the best for realism.

So far I have found hovering to be pretty well modeled. I wouldn't say it is too hard, I can hover the 33% Extra (I think it's an Extra) pretty much for as long as I want.

I also bought FS One to learn to fly helicopters. Not having flown a helicopter in real life I can't comment on the realism. I'm having fun flying the Blade CP pro, I am considering buying one. I do wish there was a better selection of electric helicopters - I am also considering buying a T-Rex 450. The only electric helicopter that seems to be in the T-Rex size range is the JR ??? (forgot the name). For some reason the JR is really really hard for me to fly, way harder than the Blade. Please add a T-Rex.

Malcolm
Old 06-11-2007 | 11:23 PM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

Hi DLC and others,

I'll jump in with my 2 cents because I was in shoes similar to yours, back in January. I'm just learning to fly and I may sound biased (as any purchaser would be after forking out some cash) but I'm not really biased and I went through the same process as you to get here. Keep in mind that most of the comments here and elsewhere preferring one program over another are from people who have shelled out for the one they prefer....seeing through this wasn't easy for me at least.

After going through all the forums and manufacturer info with a fine tooth comb, I finally settled on FS One partly because of the advertised realistic physics, partly because of the sailplane features and in large part because I could see from this forum that the FS One bunch provides great support. Phoenix looked good to me too but the support available from Brian and Michael sold it for me. Don't forget that this is not their official support site ... they are here on some weekends and at night like us.

Regarding the physics and flight simulation, if you google Michael Selig, you'll find that he is well recognized for these aspects. His comments above and elsewhere in the big thread speak for themselves. As far as altitude goes, their wind and thermal profiles vary with altitude but Michael/Brian would have to comment on whether the air density also varies accordingly or if it is adjusted/adjustable. I suspect that it is adjustable or they could tell you where to edit a file setting and you'll be on your way.

Regarding the points of view, that's one area they have gone to town on. For 3-D sites, they have plenty of views (stationary pilot, stationary observer, follow the plane etc). For Panoramas (eg. of your location), you're more limited to a fixed view point.

Regarding installation on your computer, it takes about an hour to transfer files from the CD's but the updates take about 30 seconds to install and you just need to install the latest one. The FS One guys will tell you if your graphics card/CPU will carry the load. All of these sims seem to be pretty demanding. By the way you don't have to buy their controller. I use my own, including its programming etc... if it's a Futaba, just remember to extend the antenna to be safe.

Regarding the upgrades since the program came out last fall, they have been issuing 'patches' to the program to correct issues that various people have identified. They have also added some flexibility here and there where the initial version wasn't as flexible. They added the effect of near-ground boundary layer growth and they're looking at wing rocking, amongst other things, due to questions raised here. The FAQ section of the FS One website outlines a lot of solutions to customer issues that have arisen. The amount of info there now has grown quite a bit since January.

Everybody has been bugging FS One for new aircraft but aside from that the program does work well IMHO.

Sorry for the monologue, I just wanted to help if I can.
Good luck with your decision,
Dave
Old 06-12-2007 | 02:45 PM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

I don't think I would get too concerned with what brand of flight simulator you are going to get.
Any of the sims that were mentioned here would serve your purpose's well.
If you have been inactive for 15 years it will take some time to get good enough to tell the differences between sims. If you buy any of them and use them, it will help your flying considerably.
All of the sims can be adjusted to make the plane fly the way you want it to. Most people don't go to the effort to dial out unwanted characteristics, but they would be the first ones to lodge a complaint against a sim because they don't think the sim is reacting properly to their inputs, when a small adjustment to the paramiters would make the change they want.
After reading most of the sim posts, you can see where several people will think brand A is best for helicopters, and other people will think brand B & C are the best helicopter sims. The same goes for planes, graphics, and every aspect of the sims. Almost all of the sims will help you out greatly. Just don't get too wrapped up in in feed back that says one of the sims is the best, and all others are no good. Hogwash.

Greg
Old 06-14-2007 | 10:40 AM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?


ORIGINAL: OldRookie

...

After reading most of the sim posts, you can see where several people will think brand A is best for helicopters, and other people will think brand B & C are the best helicopter sims. The same goes for planes, graphics, and every aspect of the sims. Almost all of the sims will help you out greatly. Just don't get too wrapped up in in feed back that says one of the sims is the best, and all others are no good. Hogwash.

Greg
I would agree with you to some extent. Yes, all flight simulators can help out greatly, provided that person is a beginner, or maybe an intermediately level pilot. I think that advanced intermediate pilots and all experts looking for extra practise time might not find the current generation of flight sims to be that useful.

In my case, I would call myself an intermediate level pilot. I was looking for help for certain 3D maneuvers, so I bought FS one for this purpose. I'm also starting in electric helicopters so I wanted it for this as well. Has FS One helped me with 3D? Yes, to a degree. But when I practise a maneuver on the simulator and can immediately fly it almost perfectly, but still can't fly it in the real world, which has happened, this is obviously disappointing. I'm still fairly happy with my purchase of FS One for 3D practise, but I'm hoping for more, and the updates released so far have been minor fixes.

For helicopters, FS One seems to be very useful. I can't tell for sure, because I am only now assembling my T-Rex 450. However, initially, I couldn't keep a helicopter in the air for long in the sim, now I can fly as long as I want, and do some basic mameuvers.

Malcolm
Old 06-17-2007 | 01:36 AM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

It's not as bad as I said it was, but I still prefer any other sim over this one.


Except FMS.
Old 06-20-2007 | 01:15 PM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

Just installed FSone last night. I'm running mine on a brand new machine I built running Vista premium. It is a fairly fast machine (Core 2 Duo E4300, 2gb 667, Sata 3.0 16mb wd, 7300 GT) however installation took me about 3 hours! This is probably because Vista has a pretty tough security layer that probably gets in the way of every individual file transfer. Anyway after install the simulator runs VERY fast and smooth on my machine. Going between menu's and returning to the flying field doesn't take more then several seconds maybe 4-5. FPS with max detail is over 100 in most situations.

My background. I have been flying RC since 1992. I started at age 11. I'm about to turn 27. I have flown a variety of airplanes from trainers to warbirds to gas/electric aerobatic and 3D planes, 170mph pylon racers electric and gas. and a large variety of slope gliders. I have been dynamic soaring gliders for a few years now and have gone 213 mph with a 60" glider.

So far after a few hours of playing around I am blown away by the realisim. Learning how to switch views in flight to gain proper perspective has been the only obsticle I have had to deal with. Everything I have flown seems to handle right on the money to me. The ground handling is especially impressive. I was able to to take off, pull off all my old tricks, and land without fuss. This means I didn't have to learn to fly the simulator. This goes to show how well the physics were designed. The slope flying was quite realistic as well. I especially liked the feel of the plane when I would put the crow on and hover it in for a landing. I havn't tried dynamic soaring yet or some of the more advanced manuvers to really test out the physics but at least for a general modeller I feel this will be a great tool to improve your flying. I played with G3 at a hobby shop a few months back and I felt the realisim wasn't quite there enough to get me to buy it. It didn't have nearly as natural a feeling to the real thing. I really feel this is a tool that can teach someone how to fly.

I will post more as I learn more about the sim and fly more.

Some airplane suggestions:
Plyon racers! F3D/F5D/F3B/Q40/Q500
Slop Racing! F3F with flags and times (I didn't see this feature if it does exist).

No comment on helicopters as I have never flown on.
Old 06-21-2007 | 01:23 PM
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Default RE: FS One, one year later, how does it stack up?

Did the dynamic soaring last night. Not too bad. It could be used to train a beginner for DS. Not surprisingly it fails to completely model such a complicated thing accurately. I had to turn off dammage so I could wrap up one of the gliders and I maxed out the radar at 355 quite easily. Too easy. Unfortunatly the DS is incredibly smooth with no turbulance and a layer that stays still. I guess it represents the equivalent of an orgasmic ds day. There needs to be a lot of turbulance under the sheer and a lot more "tossed aroudn" affect. The audio is the big disapointment DS is loud and amazing sounding. How you know your working the groove good is the sound of the plane punching through the sheer. This is not present at all. Maybe future updates they can sit down with some DS pilots and work on making it more realistic.

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