Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 1:35 pm Post subject: Starting out - need advice on just about everything!
Hi guys, firstly an apology if this is in the wrong forum - I'm using FSX so I figured this would be a good place for it.
I've just signed up, and am becoming increasingly baffled by all of the different meshes and scenery packs out there, and was wondering if I could get some advice.
I'm at flight school at the moment, and I've always been into gaming, so getting FSX was a logical choice for me. Seeing real life lessons cost me about $250 an hour, I thought (and I've heard) that it can be a great way to build some skills, in particular navigation and instrument flying.
I have FSX and a fast computer, with a single 27" monitor.
I'm looking at getting the following hardware:
Saitek yoke and rudder pedals (possibly an extra throttle quadrant?)
Track IR4 Pro
Buttkicker gamer
Does this look like a good list? I'm not sure if the buttkicker is worth the coin or not, does anyone have any first hand experience with it?
As far as scenery goes, I was looking at the FTX AuBlue scenery, as I'm based in Melbourne, as well as the freeware GA airports pack. Ideally I would like something that I could navigate with real WAC charts etc with. Is there such a product, is this it?
Also, it is a priority that any aircraft I buy or download have realistic cockpits. I believe some don't, but I'm not sure which!
Sorry about all of the questions, it can be a little confusing for a beginner!
Hey Dan, I'm sure Gavin and the other experienced guys will respond with lots of good advice.
For my 2 cents, I have the Saitek X52Pro stick/throttle/rudder pedals and they're execellent. Since you're currently undergoing flight training the yoke may be more relevant for you.
AuBlue IMO is a must! The detail of terrain/roads/towns etc is amazing and you should (since your PC is up to date) be able to visually navigate referencing WACs. I live in Adelaide and have my PPL and I must say with AuBlue I have flown a number of sim flights and can quite realistically visually navigate.
I will definitely be investing in Tracker IR4 as the view hat in FSX is slow and annoying at times, particularly in the circuit. Like you I'm considering getting Butt-kicker but would also like to know if anyone out there already has it and what it's like?
Anyway, I'll leave the good advice for the experts. Enjoy FSX mate, despite being a 'sim' it does help with some fundamentals skills for real -life flying.
I went ahead and got the Saitek gear and the TrackIR Pro. I had a bit of difficulty getting the TrackIR working properly - I think I've nearly got it, just need to make it a bit less sensitive to my movements, and possibly find some way to move the sensor a bit closer (or my whole monitor closer!)
It makes a huge difference having the rudder pedals and yoke. The only problem I'm having is that I have the throttle mapped to the left hand lever on the quadrant, but when I open that all the way the throttle in the sim is only about 3/4 open... I've been into calibration, but haven't found a way to fix it yet.
The AUblue scenery is amazing! It was great flying towards the city from Moorabbin and actually being able to make out roads, features and buildings that I recognise. The guys who put it together have done a great job.
I'm still getting used to the pedals and yoke - while fields ahead of a mouse and keyboard, it still seems quite different to a real plane. I'm sure I'll get used to that though.
They were out of stock of the Buttkicker Gamer, but after reading some great reviews I've decided to get one when they're back in stock.
Joined: Feb 25, 2006 Posts: 321 Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 8:49 am Post subject:
Hi guys.
I'd love to see a review of the butt kicker. We slapped one onto my chair at the OZ Flight Sim Expo last year. We didnt have a lot of time to test it but it was nice getting to feel the landings at the point of touch down.
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