fms

Model Aircraft Flight Simulators.

Some years ago Microsoft produced one of the first Flight Simulators and have continued to upgrade this over the years. Good as it is, it does not meet the needs of Model Aircraft enthusiasts, designed to emulate full size aircraft in real life situations. Recently Flight Simulators designed specifically for MODEL AIRCRAFT have appeared on the market.(Real Flight, Phoenix, RC Master, Aerofly Pro Deluxe to name just a few, the latter was reviewed in RC Model World August 2007) These have features very different to the Microsoft version.

1) They can be flown with a standard four axis model aircraft radio Tx. Futaba, JR, Multiplex, etc.

2) The flight locations are more like typical model flying fields

3) The models have no instrumentation or radio navigation gear and look like model aircraft. (many are copies of actual models)

4) In general the program is much simplified and reflects the model flying experience.

5) Cockpit view is not usually an option.

Most commercial packages are quite expensive but have come down in price lately, typically Ł80.00 They do offer more functions, such as night flying (this can be simulated on the FMS system by closing your eyes) smoke, bumpy ground etc. If you are not careful you spend more time on the Sim than real flying. Warm, no wind, no crashes, tea and biscuits on tap, no travelling !!. One of the best, used by many professional model flyers is the Phoenix Model Flight Simulator. Be aware that most of these commercial programs require a fairly hi-spec PC. Before you buy make sure your PC is capable of running these programs without jerking etc. You may finish up spending more to upgrade your PC than the FS software cost in the first instance.

There is however a free option in the FMS Model Flight Simulator program. This is not as good as the commercial product, as far as the flying bit goes, but is supported by a vast network of very talented programmers. There are literally 100's of models and locations to choose from. All you need is a half decent PC and a 16" monitor or larger. I ran my first system quite well on a 600MHz system with the basic on board sound and graphics cards. Upgrading to an AMD Dual Core 4GHz with super sound and graphics cards does not seem to have made any difference !! FMS cannot compete with the latest commercial packages but then it is free and is being upgraded all the time. For the beginner or sport flyer it is highly recommended as a starter Sim.

You can operate FMS with either a Joystick or even via the Keyboard but for 100% reality the 4 axis Model TX is a must. Connecting leads are available from Hillcott Electronics and others. Details are given to make your own leads if required. see links page.

The FMS site has a Forum where you will find answers to most if not all of your questions and problems plus links to other related sites. Whatever problem you have someone else has been there and solved it.

Setting up to run FMS with a MacGregor JR Apex TX (PPM) FM

All that is required is a 2 metre lead ** with a 3.5mm mono jack socket at each end. (Maplin HF80B) One end plugs into the PC MIC INPUT socket (Orange) and the other end goes into the JR buddy plug. My PC is running Microsoft XP. Take out the RF module & Xtal. You will need to download the Smart Propo Plus software (see links page) and FULL instructions are give in this site. Including an On Screen Oscilloscope can you believe. You can see the JR output wave forms. Once it is all running you will need to set up the correct channel assignments and directions also calibration.

Setting up to run FMS with a Futaba Skysport 6A TX (PPM) FM

All that is required is a 2 metre lead ** with a 3.5mm mono jack socket at one end (Maplin HF80B) and a 5 way Din Plug on the other (Maplin HH28F 240 deg) I used a 5 way plug as I could not get a 6 way & the center pin is not used anyway. The jack end plugs into the PC MIC INPUT socket (Orange) and the other end goes into the Futaba Skysport buddy plug. My PC is running Microsoft XP. Take out the Xtal, there is no module. You will need to download the Smart Propo Plus software (see links page) and FULL instructions are give in this site, including an on screen Oscilloscope. You can see the TX output wave forms. Once it is all running you will need to set up the correct channel assignments and directions also calibration of your control sticks. This tells the FS how much travel each function has.

Setting up for Helicopters

Note that Helicopters use use a different stick allocations when you go to the Calibration Mode. Set Tail Item 5 to TX Stick 1, Item 6 Nick: ?? to Stick 3, Item 7 Roll to Stick 4 and Item 8 to Stick 2. You still need to set the Inv & Exp as required. Use low rates to start. For those unfamiliar with Helicopters Tail = Rudder, Nick: (whatever that is) = Elevator, Roll = Ailerons and Pitch mover the Helicopter vertically up or down. There is no Throttle as such, this seems to be close coupled to the collective pitch. Increase throttle model goes up etc.

** Cable is single core and screen. 50p per metre Maplin again.

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