I want to get into the RC plane hobby and decided to
start with the hobbico avistar. Since many on this
group recommend the Realflight simulator, I thought I would
get the G3 software first, learn some basic skills and then
buy the real thing.
Can G3 simulate the flying patterns of an Avistar? Would I have
to get any add-ons for that? I already know about the
beefing up my PC part.
any advice appreciated,
slava.
I don't know if G3 has the Avistar in it, but I used the G2 for a while and
it did a pretty good job of simulating the real thing (don't remember an
Avistar though). But no simulator is going to be exact.
Landing is a problem because of the lack of peripheral vision. I made up for
it by having a second small "window" with a "Pilot behind aircraft" view
point to help make up for that,...but then it is almost like cheating
because you don't get that good of a close up forward-viewing perspective of
the plane in real life. So I had to force myself to only use it to get
pointed the right way and get mostly lined up with the runway then use the
big main "window" to do the actual landing.
The takoffs were fairly realistic with the engine torque making it hard to
keep the plane steering in the right direction. Take offs and landings are
the hardest part of flying the real thing as far as I am
concerned,...anybody can hold it in the air if they are fairly sensible and
intelligent.
Sims are cool, but should not be your only learning resource. You
should get an instructor. There is lots of things to learn when you
start out in RC. A simulator might help you, and maybe you might even
be able to fly your trainer. But there is more to flying, than just
flying.
If you can get the dimensions, weight, and airfoil (Selig) numbers for
the Avistar you can modify any of the trainers in G3 to act pretty
close to what you'll get from the real thing. Don't forget motor and
prop data. However, I do agree with PhantomFlyer. Take your plane to
the field and work with a qualified instructor. The most important
thing you'll learn is safety! Also, I have yet to find a simulator that
can replicate all the bumps and irregularities of a grass field. All
the sims I've used have been inadequate in this respect and that makes
all the difference when you try the real thing.
So go out, enjoy the fresh air, have fun and be safe!
I have G2 and it has the Great Planes PT40 as its trainer. However, I've
found that most trainers fly pretty much the same, although the Avistar does
seem to fly a bit faster than than most of them with flat-bottomed airfoils.
Can't remember if the Avistar is on any of the add-on discs. RealFlight
does offer the Big Stik, an intermediate plane with a symmetrical airfoil
that flies gentle enough for a beginner but agile enough to do the basic
aerobatics once you progress. I think you have to buy an add-on disc to get
it, though.
Morris
So does Hobbico's NexStar. I've got one of the NexStars. Trainers that are
a bit "fast" must be a common thing for Hobbico. The NexStar is definitely
more streamlined in its design and not so "squared off" and blocky looking
as most typical trainers are.
I have a different take on simulators. Download the free FMS simulator. It
has lots of free models including many trainers. You can get some basic
flying in using a joystick game controller. Then get an interface to hook
up your very own transmitter to the simulator. Get a lot of time flying
with this configuration until you instinctively get our of trouble and do
takeoff and land successfully.
At this point join an AMA sanctioned club and get a good instructor. A
buddy box is a must for the first few flights. A FMA Co-Pilot is a great
training tool too as you gain experience. If you get into trouble just let
go of the controls. Try the Avistar in this training environment.
Start planning your next plane ,,, I would suggest a SPAD type trainer
such as the Debonair. The reason is that with only $8.00 invested in the
airframe, the nervousness factor (shaky fingers and weak knees) is almost
eliminated. And if you crash you usually can repair it and get back into
the air the next day rather than stare at bushel basket full of balsa,
plywood & shredded Monocote.
I speak from experience .. I started with a GP PT-40 kit, FMS simulator,
CoPilot, and graduated to a Debonair which I fly the hell out of. Three
major crashes and several minor ones and it is still flying and doing
acrobatics! I'm pulling the radio, engine and wing off the PT-40 to
incorporate into another SPAD. I'm also building another SPAD for my 31cc
Ryobi gas engine.
The G3 does not have an Avistar in the software as you purchase it, but
others can add airplanes to the downloads page, and, in fact, someone has
added the Avistar. It is therefore available as a free download. I believe
you can see this if you go to the website and look at the available free
downloads.
I think one of the big advantages of the simulators is that you can get used
to the "reversal" of controls when the plane is coming toward you. I just
bought G3 and it turns out to be fun and instructive. I would think G2 would
be very much the same if you can get one substantially cheaper than you can
G3. You can usually pick up G3 on Ebay for $150 or less.
Still building my first trainer.
Harlan
I have RealFlight G4 (my computer will not run the 4.5
upgrade it lags badly). My flying club suggested that I try
the GWS Slow Stick, and that has worked out very well. The
entire airframe comes in an ARF kit (without the motor) for
$20.00. (Kits with motors cost $35.00). Also there are
several RealFlight GWS Slow Sticks that can be downloaded
from
formatting link
These sim models fly
exactly like the real plane. G4 can even very effectively
simulate various wind conditions.
PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.