Sergio, I LOVE YOU ❤. You are my brother in mind, big hug. And thank's for your ongoing passion and valuable work, highly appreciated. We rotorheads are a fellow community of real enthusiasts. All the best to you, to your family and your entire life!
Aaaaaw. You're the best, man! Thank you so much for all the love! You rock! Yes, our community is incredible! We have amazing people such as yourself which makes it very special! All the best, my friend!
Just to add, another brand that is reputable is VKB Sim. Their controls can be suited for helicopters. I am using the T Rudder Pedals and Gunfighter stick with extension. It seems that the Winwing collective is no longer in production. The throttle twist axis on my unit went faulty recently, so as an alternative, I got a VKBSim GNX THQ to act as throttle axis. Not perfect, but it works
I hear a lot of good things about the brand. I haven't tried it myself, unfortunately, but I get some pretty good feedback about their line of products.
Sir, I'm a helicopter pilot and own my personal helicopter. I just bought a nice gaming computer and plan on purchasing Flight Sim 2024 next week. Any recommendations on which option to purchase? Also, I'd like the most realistic controls I can get. Functional collective, cyclic and anti-torch pedals. I'd appreciate your recommendations on each. Looking forward to hearing back from you;). Respectfully, Carl
Hello Carl! The version to get really depends on your preferences. The difference between versions is only regarding the number of aircraft and hand-crafted airports. I will get the Premium Deluxe because it comes with 2 extra helicopters. Nonetheless, from what I read (unofficial sources), we can probably get the extra aircraft in separate and they may actually be cheaper than purchasing the whole version. Unfortunately, I have no way to confirm this right now. Regarding controls, please do keep in mind that "realism" is always very, very subjective in consumer-market simulation. As a pilot you probably already tried simulators used in the industry and noticed they are not exactly like the real thing (although the controls feel very similar). In consumer market sims the gap is even bigger. But I don't mean consumer market sims don't have their value. They do. You just need to understand the differences and realize where you can use them to help you. I use the Pro Flight Trainer Puma X2 and I love them. I know a few real pilots that use it as well and they give me great feedback as well. It's a single unit with all the necessary axes (which may include toe brakes for wheeled helicopters). Are they "realistic"? Well, the truth is no controls in the market are. The Force Feedback ones seem to be better but they are still not the same as flying the real deal. I would get the Pro Flight Trainer, Carl. But I would also try to understand the shortcomings of consumer market sims and controls and adapt its use in a way that would benefit me. I assure you there are a lot of benefits such as familiarization with new regions to fly at, ATC practice (through the use of PilotEdge, a paid service that has real-world ATC professionals), IFR practice, etc. I hope that helps.
One thing you forgot to mention is the importance of force feedback for the controls, especially for the beginners as it makes things easier, more intuitive if you like.
I didn't forget. We don't have brands that are fully established in the market and full support from all the sims yet. I find it too early to cover it.
@@HeliSimmer Brunner? Pro equipment has been around for a while, ofc, but now there are more and more affordable options from various companies. I just think it's important to mention the need for this, as many don't understand how it transforms the experience.
@@br1ella129 I didn't mention companies that focus mainly in the professional market and we still don't have good overall support for FFB. That will eventually change but it's not a straightforward experience for newcomers.
I seriously considered getting the Puma X from PFT and was just a click away from completing the purchase, but the price is too steep. It feels like most of the cost comes from the small-scale production and the 'Made in Switzerland' premium. I believe it should be more reasonably priced.
It's mostly a scale economy issue. The product is good, mind you. I have one for quite some time and it is working great. Especially the one with the SnapAction buttons. I love the feel of it. But they have the same issues as any other manufacturer: parts cost more because they pay less, manufacturing time takes time because a bit part is manual labor, R&D takes time and money, which needs to be recovered, and they need to get their support time covered as well. That's exactly the same that's been happening to all the small developers that produce good quality products in the US or Europe. It's a shame, really, because that cuts out access for a lot of people :(
Yes, you can do that for yourself and it will be "cheap". A lot of folks do that and it's perfectly fine. The problems start if you try to make a living out of it.
Now the real trick is to make it affordable. If you can't bring it to market for the masses, then you shouldn't be bringing it at all. I'm tired of the flight simulation hardware creators catering to the rich and elite. I have been in flight simulation since the subLogic days, but I fly on a budget. I got the Winwing Ursa Minor because it was a good price, and it is a very good stick that works well with MSFS20, DCS:World and IL-2 Forgotten Battles, all for less than $150 with shipping. So, no, if it's not affordable it's not worth it to most people.
That is a problem. With the market being small, mass production is not a thing for these types of controls. Brands such as VIRPIL succeed by having parts of the controls that work for both (without being made specifically for helicopters). But they eventually manage to get bigger numbers as they are selling for both fixed and rotary wing. Manufacturers are not catering to the rich and the elite. They are selling at a price that allows them to sell products and make a living. If it was that easy to make affordable controls, I am sure we would already have, at least, one manufacturer doing it and stealing the market. It's a game of numbers and our community is not on the good side. Fortunately, some manufacturers have started looking into it but they too are planning on hybrid solutions, not specific ones. With Force Feedback, though, the scale may be a bit more balanced because the controls will be adaptable by software. But here's the catch: FFB hardware is even more expensive. It's a problem for which the solution may be out there but no one has come up with one so far.
@@HeliSimmer And that is another reason right there I have to have multi-use capability. The Winwing paired with the Throttle from my X-56 work awesomely for both helicopters (which I fly the most in both MSFS and DCS), and fixed wing in all 3 of the above simulators. Most people have neither the space nor the money for such a setup. I get where you are coming from with the cost versus gain, no one is doing this to not make profit, but making it affordable and selling more units will in the long run be better than a few at a higher price, and this is always about compromise. You have your standards and customers have their expectations and at some point something has to give, if there is no compromise and you set a high price, especially in this current economy where stuff like this is way beyond unnecessary, the you end up in the same boat, you've made a few at a high price and you are still stuck sitting on them until they sell. The issue with that method is that the manufacturer, you, has to eat the initial production cost, and that is the real issue here. When all the FFB solutions that are out there right now are between $700-$1000USD, it's hard to convince me they aren't targeting the upper segment of the community which as you correctly state is small. Helicopter simmers are a niche within a niche so I recognize that there isn't a mass market solution but, if made affordable, that market would sure grow.
@@ImpendingJoker having alternatives is great. That's why I mention them in the video. So people know what's in the market and they can choose from the several options available.
Just note with a Hotas , such as the WW. Dual throttle control. I also have the VPC Apache collective and grip with anti- torque. I run my engines off of the throttle base. Now besides a manual startup such as in the Apache and being a usn rotorhead your throttles are above your head. They are not on the collective. So I opted out of the throttle being on the collective. It is not a military design that is a civilian design. And the throttles are right there in front of me left and right engines. And when they come out with a third engine Helo such as the Sea dragon or super stallion I can add that to another axis. But everything else that you say is absolutely on point. I'm trying to teach people how to fly a Helo and they say they have it covered to find out they have a TM $200 basic hotas. With no anti-torq or rudder control to convert to anti- torque. Or anything for that matter and they can't understand why they can't keep the helos steady. Then they go get a coax Helo mad thinking they don't need an anti-torque. Sad. They want to fly. He loves so bad but they don't have enough options to function and I asked them to send me the pic and I can't give them a resolution to where they can fly efficiently. Able to hover is one of the hardest objectives and also or auto rotation and landing and weather.
Hardware does play a huge role in helicopter flying and I find a lot of people struggling for the exact same reasons you describe, which is a real shame :(
@@HeliSimmer It is a shame and I tried to explain to everybody. If you get a Helo set up you will be able to fly most aircrafts. I have the anti-torque and the Apache collective and grip from VPC and I have the hotas from WW f18 metal grip asked and they accidentally sent me the f-16ex which has more bindings in the f-18 stick which I use as a cyclic. But I really would like to get the pro the ProMod that you have and I've been looking at it seriously for a while cuz I primarily buy helos the Apache to be exact. Also the community Blackhawk. They have a lot of work to do on that. Apache it's 1,000 lb heavier than a Blackhawk but they have 10 knot winds that is making it Bank 45° which is ridiculous. But the Black hawk in a uh-1 can apply just fine in a 10. Knot wind. Probably mod problem. With the Apache. Is still not 100% yet. In the DCS world. Everybody thinks it's really cool when they see somebody flying to helos, but they don't realize it takes a commitment. You're not running around at Mach 2. With your hair on fire, traveling over 100 nautical miles in 10 minutes. You might go 45 nautical miles in a Helo and it'll take you 15 to 20 minutes depending on elevation and climb and descent and everything else. Takes commitment to fly helos, especially in military configuration. I'm an old US Navy rotorhead. I flew the Sea dragon from Norfolk to Pensacola NSA bringing the Seahawks back to Norfolk, VA. That's about the longest trip and stopping off of fort Bragg dropping off a Hummer and getting to stay a couple of days to fly to Kiowa. That was pretty cool. But I was dd214 honorable. I wish everybody had the same passion for Helo's as we do 🕊️
@@RagsHSC-7 I hear you. Do not take what I said above as being ungrateful that there is something out there, it's just out of my reach. Like you, I am a former military helo guy, US Army Hueys, 'Hawks, and OH-58Ds. Flying in DCS and MSFS20 is a different beast but not one that can't be mastered. A lot of the problem is that people see the Apache in DCS and that is what they want to get and learn to fly in, which is not wise nor realistic. The UH-1 or now even the OH-58D should be the starting points for helicopter flying. Learning to fly in the Apache is like taking Driver's Ed in a Ferrari, and people just don't understand why they can't tame the Apache, when they haven't mastered the fundamentals of flying helicopters in the first place. Like you say, the Apache is BIG and heavy and people don't realize that. When I first got into the Army it blew my mind when I saw an Apache next to a Chinook and realized they are almost the exact same length. The thing is a monster.
@@ImpendingJoker Oh absolutely! The damn Apache Max takeoff is 23k and poured a Blackhawk is 22k. The Apache is way too heavy and it's fly-by-wire. Also it has a computer assist as such in the B2 and also F-22 and f-35 as such. The inputs you put in it will try to accommodate. For everybody, the Huey seems to be too hard, but the Kiowa is a very good HELO that will hover well and I have to talk to them in pilot terms of such as turbo prop or jet or they just don't understand. You got that right? They always ask me. They say how can you make it hover like that? And I said the Apache is not a trick helicopter. Do you take a Helo and it does not have a tilt rotor head? You have to slow down like a train or if you yoke and try to swing the rotorhead left and right. Something's going to break in the real world. Thank God for the US Navy. All of our helos have tilt. Rotorheads including the USMC and finally the US army Blackhawk new Mike model. Finally, US army pull their head out of their six and figured it out. If you get 40% more torque that's 30% more left and a damsight more speed. I really love all that you put in to your tutorial and it really shows the love of Helo fight and I never stopped talking about it. Everybody's like here comes Rags. Here we go with the helicopters I say well when I get to a deep strike or AG hard and start popping 16 hell buyers and beast mode and y'all can't hit a damn tank from 30,000 ft 🤣😅😂 But you're absolutely right and Apache is not a good platform to teach. Especially basics. A single rotor should be sufficient. They have the Sea ranger US Navy that trains that they train with. But I try to tell them takes commitment. You're not going anywhere at Mach 2. With your hair on fire at 100 mi and be there in less than 10 minutes. A single mission 30 NM away will be over an hour of course depending on adverse weather issues and in the where the enemy AO is. Thank you so much! I definitely joined your channel. Keep them coming 👊😎
Sergio, I LOVE YOU ❤. You are my brother in mind, big hug. And thank's for your ongoing passion and valuable work, highly appreciated. We rotorheads are a fellow community of real enthusiasts.
All the best to you, to your family and your entire life!
Aaaaaw. You're the best, man! Thank you so much for all the love! You rock!
Yes, our community is incredible! We have amazing people such as yourself which makes it very special!
All the best, my friend!
Just to add, another brand that is reputable is VKB Sim. Their controls can be suited for helicopters. I am using the T Rudder Pedals and Gunfighter stick with extension. It seems that the Winwing collective is no longer in production. The throttle twist axis on my unit went faulty recently, so as an alternative, I got a VKBSim GNX THQ to act as throttle axis. Not perfect, but it works
I hear a lot of good things about the brand. I haven't tried it myself, unfortunately, but I get some pretty good feedback about their line of products.
I’m on version 8 of my 3d printed collective, using a small scooter damper with lower viscosity oil, very smooth now
I'd love to check that out! Plase send me some pics through sergio@helisimmer.com!
@@HeliSimmer will do next week 👍
❤ excellent presentation. Thank you very much
Thank you! And thank you for watching! I'm glad you liked it.
Sir, I'm a helicopter pilot and own my personal helicopter. I just bought a nice gaming computer and plan on purchasing Flight Sim 2024 next week. Any recommendations on which option to purchase? Also, I'd like the most realistic controls I can get. Functional collective, cyclic and anti-torch pedals. I'd appreciate your recommendations on each. Looking forward to hearing back from you;).
Respectfully,
Carl
Hello Carl! The version to get really depends on your preferences. The difference between versions is only regarding the number of aircraft and hand-crafted airports. I will get the Premium Deluxe because it comes with 2 extra helicopters. Nonetheless, from what I read (unofficial sources), we can probably get the extra aircraft in separate and they may actually be cheaper than purchasing the whole version.
Unfortunately, I have no way to confirm this right now.
Regarding controls, please do keep in mind that "realism" is always very, very subjective in consumer-market simulation. As a pilot you probably already tried simulators used in the industry and noticed they are not exactly like the real thing (although the controls feel very similar). In consumer market sims the gap is even bigger.
But I don't mean consumer market sims don't have their value. They do. You just need to understand the differences and realize where you can use them to help you. I use the Pro Flight Trainer Puma X2 and I love them. I know a few real pilots that use it as well and they give me great feedback as well. It's a single unit with all the necessary axes (which may include toe brakes for wheeled helicopters). Are they "realistic"? Well, the truth is no controls in the market are. The Force Feedback ones seem to be better but they are still not the same as flying the real deal.
I would get the Pro Flight Trainer, Carl. But I would also try to understand the shortcomings of consumer market sims and controls and adapt its use in a way that would benefit me. I assure you there are a lot of benefits such as familiarization with new regions to fly at, ATC practice (through the use of PilotEdge, a paid service that has real-world ATC professionals), IFR practice, etc.
I hope that helps.
One thing you forgot to mention is the importance of force feedback for the controls, especially for the beginners as it makes things easier, more intuitive if you like.
I didn't forget. We don't have brands that are fully established in the market and full support from all the sims yet.
I find it too early to cover it.
@@HeliSimmer Brunner? Pro equipment has been around for a while, ofc, but now there are more and more affordable options from various companies.
I just think it's important to mention the need for this, as many don't understand how it transforms the experience.
@@br1ella129 I didn't mention companies that focus mainly in the professional market and we still don't have good overall support for FFB.
That will eventually change but it's not a straightforward experience for newcomers.
I seriously considered getting the Puma X from PFT and was just a click away from completing the purchase, but the price is too steep.
It feels like most of the cost comes from the small-scale production and the 'Made in Switzerland' premium. I believe it should be more reasonably priced.
It's mostly a scale economy issue. The product is good, mind you. I have one for quite some time and it is working great. Especially the one with the SnapAction buttons. I love the feel of it. But they have the same issues as any other manufacturer: parts cost more because they pay less, manufacturing time takes time because a bit part is manual labor, R&D takes time and money, which needs to be recovered, and they need to get their support time covered as well.
That's exactly the same that's been happening to all the small developers that produce good quality products in the US or Europe.
It's a shame, really, because that cuts out access for a lot of people :(
Yes, you can do that for yourself and it will be "cheap". A lot of folks do that and it's perfectly fine.
The problems start if you try to make a living out of it.
@@HeliSimmer Exactly, cheap if you don't count the time researching and building. I like it but for most people it's simply not feasible.
@@EKTORPTULLSTA that's why I cover alternatives on the video.
Excellent take on getting started. Yes I curse you. I watched your vids and love the helis too.
I'm glad I could help!😁😂
Thank you so much for watching!
@@HeliSimmer I just built a 6DOF for warbirds and heli flying!
@@b6s4shelter Ooooh that is a lot of fun!!!
@@HeliSimmer the little piggy is crying for sure.
@@b6s4shelter 🤣😂 sorry!!!
Now the real trick is to make it affordable. If you can't bring it to market for the masses, then you shouldn't be bringing it at all. I'm tired of the flight simulation hardware creators catering to the rich and elite. I have been in flight simulation since the subLogic days, but I fly on a budget. I got the Winwing Ursa Minor because it was a good price, and it is a very good stick that works well with MSFS20, DCS:World and IL-2 Forgotten Battles, all for less than $150 with shipping. So, no, if it's not affordable it's not worth it to most people.
That is a problem. With the market being small, mass production is not a thing for these types of controls. Brands such as VIRPIL succeed by having parts of the controls that work for both (without being made specifically for helicopters). But they eventually manage to get bigger numbers as they are selling for both fixed and rotary wing.
Manufacturers are not catering to the rich and the elite. They are selling at a price that allows them to sell products and make a living. If it was that easy to make affordable controls, I am sure we would already have, at least, one manufacturer doing it and stealing the market.
It's a game of numbers and our community is not on the good side. Fortunately, some manufacturers have started looking into it but they too are planning on hybrid solutions, not specific ones. With Force Feedback, though, the scale may be a bit more balanced because the controls will be adaptable by software. But here's the catch: FFB hardware is even more expensive.
It's a problem for which the solution may be out there but no one has come up with one so far.
@@HeliSimmer And that is another reason right there I have to have multi-use capability. The Winwing paired with the Throttle from my X-56 work awesomely for both helicopters (which I fly the most in both MSFS and DCS), and fixed wing in all 3 of the above simulators. Most people have neither the space nor the money for such a setup. I get where you are coming from with the cost versus gain, no one is doing this to not make profit, but making it affordable and selling more units will in the long run be better than a few at a higher price, and this is always about compromise. You have your standards and customers have their expectations and at some point something has to give, if there is no compromise and you set a high price, especially in this current economy where stuff like this is way beyond unnecessary, the you end up in the same boat, you've made a few at a high price and you are still stuck sitting on them until they sell. The issue with that method is that the manufacturer, you, has to eat the initial production cost, and that is the real issue here. When all the FFB solutions that are out there right now are between $700-$1000USD, it's hard to convince me they aren't targeting the upper segment of the community which as you correctly state is small. Helicopter simmers are a niche within a niche so I recognize that there isn't a mass market solution but, if made affordable, that market would sure grow.
@@ImpendingJoker having alternatives is great. That's why I mention them in the video. So people know what's in the market and they can choose from the several options available.
Market could be bigger but many of us can’t buy in
Just note with a Hotas , such as the WW. Dual throttle control. I also have the VPC Apache collective and grip with anti- torque. I run my engines off of the throttle base. Now besides a manual startup such as in the Apache and being a usn rotorhead your throttles are above your head. They are not on the collective. So I opted out of the throttle being on the collective. It is not a military design that is a civilian design. And the throttles are right there in front of me left and right engines. And when they come out with a third engine Helo such as the Sea dragon or super stallion I can add that to another axis. But everything else that you say is absolutely on point. I'm trying to teach people how to fly a Helo and they say they have it covered to find out they have a TM $200 basic hotas. With no anti-torq or rudder control to convert to anti- torque. Or anything for that matter and they can't understand why they can't keep the helos steady. Then they go get a coax Helo mad thinking they don't need an anti-torque. Sad. They want to fly. He loves so bad but they don't have enough options to function and I asked them to send me the pic and I can't give them a resolution to where they can fly efficiently. Able to hover is one of the hardest objectives and also or auto rotation and landing and weather.
Hardware does play a huge role in helicopter flying and I find a lot of people struggling for the exact same reasons you describe, which is a real shame :(
@@HeliSimmer It is a shame and I tried to explain to everybody. If you get a Helo set up you will be able to fly most aircrafts. I have the anti-torque and the Apache collective and grip from VPC and I have the hotas from WW f18 metal grip asked and they accidentally sent me the f-16ex which has more bindings in the f-18 stick which I use as a cyclic. But I really would like to get the pro the ProMod that you have and I've been looking at it seriously for a while cuz I primarily buy helos the Apache to be exact. Also the community Blackhawk. They have a lot of work to do on that. Apache it's 1,000 lb heavier than a Blackhawk but they have 10 knot winds that is making it Bank 45° which is ridiculous. But the Black hawk in a uh-1 can apply just fine in a 10. Knot wind. Probably mod problem. With the Apache. Is still not 100% yet. In the DCS world. Everybody thinks it's really cool when they see somebody flying to helos, but they don't realize it takes a commitment. You're not running around at Mach 2. With your hair on fire, traveling over 100 nautical miles in 10 minutes. You might go 45 nautical miles in a Helo and it'll take you 15 to 20 minutes depending on elevation and climb and descent and everything else. Takes commitment to fly helos, especially in military configuration. I'm an old US Navy rotorhead. I flew the Sea dragon from Norfolk to Pensacola NSA bringing the Seahawks back to Norfolk, VA. That's about the longest trip and stopping off of fort Bragg dropping off a Hummer and getting to stay a couple of days to fly to Kiowa. That was pretty cool. But I was dd214 honorable. I wish everybody had the same passion for Helo's as we do 🕊️
@@RagsHSC-7 I hear you. Do not take what I said above as being ungrateful that there is something out there, it's just out of my reach. Like you, I am a former military helo guy, US Army Hueys, 'Hawks, and OH-58Ds. Flying in DCS and MSFS20 is a different beast but not one that can't be mastered. A lot of the problem is that people see the Apache in DCS and that is what they want to get and learn to fly in, which is not wise nor realistic. The UH-1 or now even the OH-58D should be the starting points for helicopter flying. Learning to fly in the Apache is like taking Driver's Ed in a Ferrari, and people just don't understand why they can't tame the Apache, when they haven't mastered the fundamentals of flying helicopters in the first place. Like you say, the Apache is BIG and heavy and people don't realize that. When I first got into the Army it blew my mind when I saw an Apache next to a Chinook and realized they are almost the exact same length. The thing is a monster.
@@ImpendingJoker Oh absolutely! The damn Apache Max takeoff is 23k and poured a Blackhawk is 22k. The Apache is way too heavy and it's fly-by-wire. Also it has a computer assist as such in the B2 and also F-22 and f-35 as such. The inputs you put in it will try to accommodate. For everybody, the Huey seems to be too hard, but the Kiowa is a very good HELO that will hover well and I have to talk to them in pilot terms of such as turbo prop or jet or they just don't understand. You got that right? They always ask me. They say how can you make it hover like that? And I said the Apache is not a trick helicopter. Do you take a Helo and it does not have a tilt rotor head? You have to slow down like a train or if you yoke and try to swing the rotorhead left and right. Something's going to break in the real world. Thank God for the US Navy. All of our helos have tilt. Rotorheads including the USMC and finally the US army Blackhawk new Mike model. Finally, US army pull their head out of their six and figured it out. If you get 40% more torque that's 30% more left and a damsight more speed. I really love all that you put in to your tutorial and it really shows the love of Helo fight and I never stopped talking about it. Everybody's like here comes Rags. Here we go with the helicopters I say well when I get to a deep strike or AG hard and start popping 16 hell buyers and beast mode and y'all can't hit a damn tank from 30,000 ft 🤣😅😂 But you're absolutely right and Apache is not a good platform to teach. Especially basics. A single rotor should be sufficient. They have the Sea ranger US Navy that trains that they train with. But I try to tell them takes commitment. You're not going anywhere at Mach 2. With your hair on fire at 100 mi and be there in less than 10 minutes. A single mission 30 NM away will be over an hour of course depending on adverse weather issues and in the where the enemy AO is. Thank you so much! I definitely joined your channel. Keep them coming 👊😎