PC Flight Sim Software

[gsrcrsx68]

In MSFS, it seems that once you set the weather, you can't reset or adjust the parameters after you've begun the flight.

Sure you can...you can even setup a separate instructor station with MS Sim.

It is a funny debate. I wouldn't be suprised to find out that the "guts" of the programs where reused by each company, but if some of you can tell the difference, I won't dispute your claim.

I can say I have used the ms sim the most but have use a pcatd also. To me, same-same...neither are actual ac, both have the most important features, the most important of all (to me) being the timing factor and task management required. As far as whether or not you get exact readings and responses off gauges I personally couldn't care less. You don't even get the same readings from ac to ac so why would I care on a simulator? If money is not a factor, buy'em all and compare for yourself. If it is a factor go with MS.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Sure you can...you can even setup a separate instructor station with MS Sim.

Apologies for being a little uninformed with MSFS, but could you explain to me how. I usually opt for launching On Top for practicing approaches since there seems to be many more variable that I can control throughout the flight. But how would one go about changin the weather once it is set andthe panel is on the runway. From the panel, it seems that you can only access the map window which allows you to only change position, airspeed, altitude and heading. There doesn't seem to be an option that allows you to go back to the "create a flight" section where parameters can be adjusted. Also, the GPS feature seems a little limited too. You can only create flight plans prior to creating the flight not during.

Anyway, I've had On Top a little longer and only recently purchased MSFS. So, if you've got some tips etc. for MSFS I'm all ears. Thanks.

 

[gsrcrsx68]

if you are running in full window mode press alt, then select world, then weather. You can change weather, then return to your flight.

If you wanted to, you could open an instructor staiton on a seperate connected computer and control weather without pausing(I think, I have never tried that though).

Amish, what do you use your sim for? Do you fly it a lot?

 

[time builder]

Another vote for Microsoft, as long as you know what's real, and what's not. FS2004 has the Garmin, functions like the real thing. FS2002 was pretty good too.
As far as aircraft go, you can always download aircraft and panels from cd-roms or internet sites like simviation.com. Many are unrealistic, but there's a few programers who have real life experience and can program well.

BTW, the King Air 350 on Microsoft really helped me with BE99 training, just divde the torque settings by two and drop the zeros (ie T/o power 1700, try 85% on the king air, 1400-70% for climb, and 1100-55% for cruise).
Speeds work remarkably similar, just remember to put your condition levers to low idle for flight. Have fun.

 

[gfvalvo]

I would recommend "On Top 8.0" by ASA. It contains all of what you ask. You'll need a yoke though, something like the CH Products Yoke works well.

RakeFight,

I downloaded the On Top 8 demo to give it a try.

Liked the features. But, I found the simulation to be very squirrelly in the pitch axis. Much more difficult to maintain constant altitude or climb/decent rate than in an actual aircraft. Very small yoke changes seemed to cause large deviations in the VSI. Perhaps one issue is lack of tactile feedback while applying elevator trim - you can't feel the change in the yoke pressure as you move trim wheel. Also, my current yoke is an older CH Products legacy analog controler. May need to upgrade to newer USB device.

By the way, I had the same complaint about an older Jeppesen FS2000 sim I used. However, that was with the same yoke so maybe it's got to go.

Your experience?

PS - I was VERY impressed with tech support at ASA. I needed help with software drivers for the yoke and got to talk to a very knowledgeable person right away. No "Press 1 for this, Press 2 for that, etc". Try that with Microsoft!!

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Thanks for the tips in MSFS. My PC would maximize the screen, preventing me from accessing the windows drop down menus. I can infinitely adjust the weather now!

 

[Amish RakeFight]

RakeFight,

I downloaded the On Top 8 demo to give it a try.

Liked the features. But, I found the simulation to be very squirrelly in the pitch axis. Much more difficult to maintain constant altitude or climb/decent rate than in an actual aircraft. Very small yoke changes seemed to cause large deviations in the VSI. Perhaps one issue is lack of tactile feedback while applying elevator trim - you can't feel the change in the yoke pressure as you move trim wheel. Also, my current yoke is an older CH Products legacy analog controler. May need to upgrade to newer USB device.

By the way, I had the same complaint about an older Jeppesen FS2000 sim I used. However, that was with the same yoke so maybe it's got to go.

Your experience?

In general, most flight sims are going to be more sensitive than the actual airplane. This is actually a good thing. If you can practice to the point where you have good control over the heading and altitude you should be able to do a better job in flying an actual plane on instruments. The On Top is defintately a little sensitive in pitch, but after getting used to it, you can hold altitude within 20' in all the AC types available. It is definately feasible. As far as getting the trim right, it's gonna take practice to find where the sim wants to trim to be. Here's a litte tip to get it trimmed properly a little quicker. After you're at an altitude and have cleaned up the plane (cowl flaps for instance, will change the trim when retracted), you can engage the AP ALT mode and the sim will auto trim for the altitude. Once you see the wheel stop moving, disengage it and the trim has been set for straight and level. I've had the On Top 8.0 for a few years and I find it quite helpful when I'm feeling rusty.

 

[gsrcrsx68]

ok, geek confession:
I wrote a program for my pocket PC so that I could use the touchsreen to control MS simulator. Basically in stead of knowing all the key controls you could just use the touchscreen for gear, throttle, flaps, radios, VORs and on and on.
I thought it was a good compromise between the home computer and the pcatd. It would be better with a fullsize monitor and some better graphics but it worked ok.
The pictures aren't so great but if you view them full size you'll be able to get the idea.

http://www.tricksweb.com/t/data/HPIM1451.JPG
http://www.tricksweb.com/t/data/HPIM1450.JPG
http://www.tricksweb.com/t/data/HPIM1449.JPG
http://www.tricksweb.com/t/data/HPIM1448.JPG
http://www.tricksweb.com/t/data/HPIM1447.JPG
http://www.tricksweb.com/t/data/HPIM1446.JPG
http://www.tricksweb.com/t/data/HPIM1445.JPG

 

[Amish RakeFight]

...it's okay, most pilots are geeks deep down.

Funny pics.

I do actually have the CH USB Yoke which has levers for the MPT, flaps, gear, trim, timer, and brakes. Makes it a little easier than using your PDA. But what you did was creative. It's a few bucks (the yoke) but well worth it in the long run. It costs less than an hour of flight time and will enhance your instrument flying on the PC. No need for rudders though, as it autocorrects.

 

[time builder]

RakeFight,


By the way, I had the same complaint about an older Jeppesen FS2000 sim I used. However, that was with the same yoke so maybe it's got to go.

Theres a way to adjust forces and sensitivities on Microsoft I forget what menu it's under. Also, if you have privledges on the programming (most downloads allow this), you can use gmax to tweak it to feel and perform like you want.