DIY Network

Electric RC Helicopters: Computer-Simulated Training

Chris Chianelli demos some software that will allow you to practice your flying technique without fear of crashing your helicopter. Using this program, your computer is connected to your actual RC transmitter. The program mimics a helicopter's actual movements based on your controls, allowing you to refine your technique.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

RC Helicopters --Computer Flight-Sims

Wanna learn to fly a helicopter without worrying about crashing into the sofa? Consider using the Ikarus flight-simulator program to learn how to maneuver a virtual RC whirlybird. Using this program, your computer is connected to your actual RC transmitter. The program mimics a helicopter's actual movements in response to the action of your controls, allowing you to refine your flying technique.

• Using your own actual radio-transmitter (the same one that operates your RC model helicopter), simply plug the adapter cord into the back of the transmitter (figure A). You're now ready to begin a helicopter flight simulation. Since you're using your actual radio transmitter as a "joystick," you can practice your flying techniques and experience the same "feel" that you will when flying your actual RC model.

• The computer-generated graphic helicopter is displayed on the screen (figure B) and responds to your controls.

• The program offers a realistic three-dimensional representation of your craft and environment (figure C).

• Use your transmitter to operate the throttle, hover, move forward and backward, and finally to refine your skills with the three basic axes of control -- yaw, pitch and roll. Experiment with flying around the environment, avoiding obstacles and controlling your maneuvers (figure D). The program also offers the ability to vary your virtual flight environment, allowing you to select from various indoor or outdoor settings. As you refine your flying skills, you can choose from more challenging environments.