TX vs. game controller

[Mooncatt]

What kind of draw backs would there be from using a regular game controller for getting into sim work? I prefer controllers like the Xbox 360 style for regular gaming and was thinking of using it to get started on a heli sim. It'll be a while before I can afford a full transmitter, so I was thinking of using a regular game controller for the time being to get started with improving orientations and such.

Just to get it out of the way, I know using an actual transmitter with a sim is going to be the best so there's no need to tell me I should just get one. That's the plan when the funds are available. I'm still kinda new to this, so I'd only be working on some basics and not trying to learn full 3D flying stuff yet.

[ArchmageAU]

Originally Posted by Mooncatt

What kind of draw backs would there be from using a regular game controller for getting into sim work? I prefer controllers like the Xbox 360 style for regular gaming and was thinking of using it to get started on a heli sim. It'll be a while before I can afford a full transmitter, so I was thinking of using a regular game controller for the time being to get started with improving orientations and such.

Just to get it out of the way, I know using an actual transmitter with a sim is going to be the best so there's no need to tell me I should just get one. That's the plan when the funds are available. I'm still kinda new to this, so I'd only be working on some basics and not trying to learn full 3D flying stuff yet.

No issue with initially learning with a game controller. Your brain needs to learn the responses to be able to fly. When to correct, what are directions, etc...

If you stick with it, get a full TX, like a Turnigy 9XR and an all-in-one USB cable - about $60 + postage from HK. The Turnigy 9XR+ the Orange JR DSMX module $30 will fly any Blade helis (is cheaper than a DX6i and has more functions - MUCH better then the Blade RTF radios).

[Mooncatt]

Thanks, and that did address another question I had for later on down the road. Which remotes and such. I'll be looking in to that later on when ready, but good to know there are ones out there that work with different radio technologies.

[Russell Harding]

I got started myself with a PS3 controller and about 50 hours on Heli-X sim before I got my first heli. Really paid off and only took me about 10 more hours on the sim to un-learn the funny throws and throttle spring.

[chuk]

Stupid question? Will any decent flight simulator run on xbox1?

[Russell Harding]

Don't think so.

[chuk]

Too bad, the xbox has a usb port, good speed, good graphics. Would be nice to practice on the big screen.
Would this be something microsoft would have to develop or would the third party have to rework their coding?

[Russell Harding]

My guess is that an existing sim that runs on windows could probably be ported and added to as a downloadable game without too much trouble. I don't think the market would be very big for it though... However, there are sims for iphone and the input device there (thumbs on screen) is pretty much completely unusable, so perhaps it might happen someday.