Helicopter Simulation - Pumping up your immersion in helicopter simulation.

Pumping up your immersion in helicopter simulation.
By Tedd Jones (HC Instructor Pilot)
May 7, 2006, 21:50

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I don't know about this on the cheap stuff, but I do know what created the greatest immersion factor for me. In the following order, and since we are talking dollars here, we'll consider bang for the buck factor as we go along.

Pedals- I know this might seem elementary but if you don't have them, you're missing out. They should be considered as important as the joystick and fundamental to any type of immersion factor that you're striving for. Cost $ 100-125 for CH Products. Saitek is still a wait and see for their pedals, based on the quality of their other stuff they should be decent. If you're somewhat creative and skilled you can cobble a set from a sacrificed joystick.

The collective- I don't know why more people don't invest the time into making one of these. With an X45 or X52 you can use it as is and get good control. What's lacking in most cases with these is that it's still on the desk. You can actually remove the "throttle" potentiometer from some sticks and remote mount it in a small radio shack style work box and create a collective arm. This proved to be an excellent solution for me because I could design the linkage so it nailed the ergonomics of length, swing, activation and I could mount it permanently to the side of the chair. Cost $20-25. Bang for the buck is HUGE. How can you go wrong? Unless you fry your stick that is. Just pay attention to where the wires went and it's pretty much a no brainer.

The Cyclic - Get a good joystick and you're almost there. Design a way to incorporate that stick into a more ergonomic solution and you've really done something. After many years thinking of how to mount a joystick base on the floor and lengthening the shaft, and having to deal with all the problems assorted to swing and excess play and all the nightmares associated with that, I quit. Or at least to the point of having it on the floor. The solution was to not put it on the floor and not to mount it on a column (because that can make your wrist move somewhat unnaturally), but to mount the joystick base in an underslung fashion immediately in front of the seat. That way the shaft extension is only about 6 or 7 " which places the grip precisely where it is in the real helo. This allows your forearm to rest on your thigh just as it would in the real world.
You may have to relieve a 4" semi circle from the front edge of the seat to accomodate the rearward stick movement.
Cost: Chair $40, w/various other mounting hardware less than $80

These last few elements are things that really change the immersion factor and go from free to extreme as far as the wallet goes.

1) Learn to fly better and more realistically. This site and the things you can learn from the instructors, certified pilots, and real world pilots that frequent Hovercontrol will take your flying to a whole new level. All you have to do is avail yourself of this teaching and devote some time to practice. Price: to you, FREE!!!

2)Get a good aircraft to fly. I personally like the Dodosims. From the start up procedures to flight characteristics to virtual cockpit this helo will transform the way the think about simming.
Check the models available at www.dodosim.com. Cost: cheaper than a good joystick.

3) Now we're getting a bit more extreme. A projector. I have a setup that projects an outside view that's 6 ft high and 8 ft wide. I sit about 4-5 ft back from this screen so I have to look down to see the bottom of the screen and up to see the top. The sensation is incredible. The first time I banked over I almost fell out of the chair. I also use a second monitor for my instrument panel so the instruments are good and clear. Go for a projector with at least 1280x1024 resolution. Cost: Projector,screen, and second monitor. About $1800

4) Last but not least. Try the real thing. At least a discovery flight. Usually about $100 for a half hour.

5) So I lied about #4 being last. I love simming and the only thing more immersive is to go ahead and get your ticket. Yup, at least private. Of course this step will go through your wallet like Grant took Richmond, but speaking as someone that has done all the previous steps, I can tell you that there's nothing, I mean nothing, like taking your son as your first passenger and watching the smile on his face as you pilot the helicopter. I know because we just got back from the airport.

So I hope this helps you decide the level of immersion you're comfortable with and helps you discover new levels of enjoyment of helicopters and Hovercontrol. If I can be of any assistance just holler!