Does one really need a simulator?
 

I am looking to buy one of AFP or G3 simulator.
Are they closer to real life them FMS?

I have FMS 2.85 installed on my computer and find that out of about 100 planes that I have I like 2-3.
But even they are far from being close to real RC planes.
I am learning 3D type of maneuvers. On FMS some are too easy to perform, that I can hardly perform in real life, and some are impossible to do in FMS, but I can almost do them with real RC plane. And it all depends on what 3D plane I choose in FMS.
I am really would like to know if buy one the commercial simulators (AFP) will help me to learn to perform aerobatic and 3D.

Thanks in advance,
Pashka.

PS
Just to explain my skills:
I have been flying for a while. I am not novice, nor a expert - kind of intermediate.
I am flying right now OMP profile Extra 300, Yak 54F, UCD 3D EPP and some others.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

Pashka 22: I have just purchased and installed AFPD, my first simulator. I am a beginner, still on the
buddy box. I have a Hangar 9, Alpha 60 trainer.

I found AFPD to be very realistic. The PT 40 trainer in AFPD flies just like my Alpha 60. I thoroughly read every thread in every forum I could find before puchasing AFPD. I am not sorry, it was not time wasted.

My final conclusion after thorough research was that AFPD had less technical issues and complaints than
either G3 or XTR Reflex. The service, as described, by individuals who owned AFPD was great.

XTR was intermittent and ofttimes the response was slow in coming. There seems to be many issues with the cables used to hookup the transmitter to computer.

G3 service is better, but still many issues with software problems during and after installation, freezeups, etc.

With G3, at least until recently you had to pay for add-ons.
XTR, I don't know.
AFPD many sites from which to download new planes and no charge for updates (software, patches, etc) and new planes when they come on line.

One thing I especially noticed was you seldom ever see AFPD software for sale on any of the RC forums or E-bay. G2 and 3, lot's for sale, XTR, a few.

When I recieved my software (3 days) I proceeded to download, and made my first flight within 30 minutes. I have a rather cheap computer with a on-board graphics card. I run between 50 and 75 FPS.

It actually looks just like flying at the club field. The transmitter controls are adjustable for expo and travel adjustment, and if you have a computer transmitter you can use your personal mixes.

You can record and playback your flights, fly with a partner, use the trace feature to see exactly what path your plane took. You can edit your plane and many other features. The instructions are very
understandable (wish JR could use their script man) and detailed.

I am very pleased, especially with what I feel is the realism on the controls and the way the plane reacts. To me, a beginner, it's great. It is not easy, I have crashed more than I care to remember, but I am
learning and I think it will certainly put me on the road to becoming an accomplished RC pilot.

Go to this link and read everything on it: http://aeroflypro.com/index.htm

Sincerely, Good luck and best wishes,

Jim Vines
AMA 821369

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

Thanks Jim,

I also read almost every thread on this forum. :)
I am sure simulator help a lot while learning RC especially in the beginning. I am used to learn to fly circles, landing etc on computer. I used FMS for it. I think everyone should learn not only on real life RC plane, but on the computer too.
But now I am in position that I don’t feel like I learn anything while using FMS. Every maneuver is so different in real life that it is just no point to practice them on FMS.
Well that is my question, Is AFP closer to real life then FMS? And how much closer?

Pashka.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

YES and a lot

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

don't forget,AFPD give always the biggest feetback.........[&:];):D

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

i wouldnt consider myself an expert neither would i consider myself a beginner. but after flying AFPD i was extremely dissapointed. it is fairly realistic when it comes to just flying around doing imac type maneuvers. when it came to the more advance maneuvers howver such as rolling harriers and hovering i found it to be like on the moon. the planes just float. it seems way to easy.
I would go with G3 hands down.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

o and between fms and AFPD. afpd is better but it should be for the price difference.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

Analog_boy,

That is interesting point.
I always thought that AFPD is more realistic, then G3. That is why I consider buying it.
I tried G3 demo and I kind of liked it that is why I started to think buying simulator.
But it is hard to judge how good it is going to fly 3D plane, flying a trainer and using keyboard.
Anyway I found plane behaving a lot better that on FMS, but reading this forums I thought AFPD is the most realistic simulator or may be G2, but I don’t want to buy outdated product.

Pashka

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

AFPD is not outdated for sure, you'll have no fears when you get it. You'll also get plenty of support and wonderful aircraft by some of the most talented designers anywhere.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

By Exsample, what to think about this ??

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

I guess it comes down to what brand of Sim you like, the only thing you don't get from the Sim as in real life is the sweaty hands & knee knocking.
NEDYOB

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

Alma... are you pointing out the seam in the photoscenery? What is your point?

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

Also worth mentioning is that you can edit the plane's parameters like adding weight..changing cg etc...this gets rid of a lot of the "floatiness" (is that a word ?) [8D]

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

I have a problem, i start in this and i try to find a flight simulator before crash my plane, but i have a macintosh, so im looking for a any software that run on mac with a t7cap futaba radio i find a usb cable adaptor for mac but i need the software any idea please helpme
thanks

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

I learned 100% on a sim , was on warbirds after 6 months of flying trainers , sims are fantastic !
I was so excited to solo that I emialed Tower and thanked them for there sim and I had the version 1 , they are all so much better now

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

you have to have a sim to be a great pilot.

You have to have one like afpd or g3 to increase your flying skill 10 fold.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

Yep that sums it up. To be really good, really fast you need a sim. You save so much money on crashes IMO. I have very few to tell about and I'm a sim nut. That means something to me.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

I would like to get another , i now have the G2 , I know this is a can of worms but what is the best sim for REAL flight , I fly warbirds and like to keep the skills on the sim during the winter