Now that I have already ordered a sim I have questions to see if I lucked-out in my choice.[]
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.

Possibly helpful info:

I live in Central Oregon, USA, and drive on the right side of the road.

Okay, well, this post hasn't gone over to well. I would delete it if I had the capability since no one has responded here. If the moderator would like to delete feel free.

Whats the problem?

There's different distributers that carry different products.

G3 is probably the best sim available IMO and I've tinkered with quite a few which is distributed by great planes, Tower is just the retail side of Great Planes. It has nothing to do with being biased.

Spectrum Radios are sold by Horizon the US distributer for JR and I believe FSOne. http://www.horizonhobby.com

There are comparisons all over this forum. I don't think any model magazines have done comparisons. There really isn't an outside "Consumer Review" for models. But there are a lot of consumers reviewing the sims throughout this place.


Both are good choices. Truth is, buddy boxing at the field with an instructor is the best way to learn. Sims are excellent support, but not really good for the primary lessons.

The G3.5 controller is basically just a simple almost-generic box. I've got one of the cheap Futaba TXs that is the basis of this box and a couple of JRs and when flying the Interlink with the sim, don't notice any real difference. Of course, I handle about every TX made when teaching at the field, so probably have less problem with stick locations than most.


You don't have to whisper. We say TOWER around here all the time. We also say HORIZON HOBBY and Chief and some other names. An easy way to find email order sites, whenever you are interested in a major item, do a Google and the list of finds will point you to whomever sells the item. And after awhile you'll start seeing the big hitters with most searches. Tower does seem to be the most valuable site for newbies however, because their detailed description of every item provides lessons in model airplane hobbying.

Chief and Horizon are the only two I know of that seem to do a fair amount of business. And Horizon's web site is a chore to use. Chief isn't a lot better. Not very easy to use and often have no real detail.