Hotas Warthog without rudder and Helis

[Bersagliere81]

I read everywhere that rudder pedals are mandatory for helis and I accept that.

I will buy them in a second moment, but meanwhile I'd like to buy the Mi-8 if I find it again discounted. Which is always tempting me.

 

However, I am asking to Hotas Warthog owners, do you (or did) fly helicopters without rudder pedals?

I mean, is there any chance that it is somewhat "acceptable" to use the slider or second throttle as rudder?

[firmek]

Probably you could try to use the slider but my guess is that it is going to require building up some acrobatic skills with your hands and even if you'll manage to do it, it'll take away a lot of the fun factor before you'll get there. The point is that in heli you'll need to control cyclic (stick), collective (throttle) and yaw (rudder) constantly applying adjustments to all controls at the same time as changing one usually also requires simultaneous reaction with the others.

Probably the heading AP channel in Mi-8 may help. I don't have however much of a positive experience with it as due to differences in computer and real Mi-8 rudder pedal design I never turn it on.

 

My suggestion would be - get the Mi-8. It is a fantastic module but wait till you'll get the rudder pedals so that you can fully enjoy it.

[Art-J]

Unless You own a third hand, Firmek's observations are true.

 

There's always a "control helper" in Mi-8 special options, which I think might be equivalent of auto-rudder option for DCS prop planes, I never tried it myself. But You still have to rotate the helicopter yourself every now and then... I can't imagine doing it well with keyboard.

[milit]

I set right lever to rudder temporary till i buy pedals.

 

Отправлено с моего GT-I9082 через Tapatalk

[cichlidfan]

I would not say it is not possible, however, I suspect that it will be quite challenging. The biggest downside, IMHO, is that even if you make it work, when you get pedals you will need to pretty much relearn how to fly it.

[Rudel_chw]

... However, I am asking to Hotas Warthog owners, do you (or did) fly helicopters without rudder pedals?

 

I mostly fly the Ka-50 and I have a Thrustmaster Cougar with no rudder pedals ... I use one of the extra axis on the Throttle as rudder, specifically I'm using the "Antennae" knob because I can reach it easily with my left thumb.

 

I mean, is there any chance that it is somewhat "acceptable" to use the slider or second throttle as rudder?

 

Undoubtely, its much better to have good pedals (no the cheap ones, that are usually set very close together) ... but in the end the only one that has to "accept" a secondary axis as rudder is you :)

 

... in my case I can fly the Ka-50 fairly well with this setup, but of course I will not win any slalom races with it :D

 

In the end, the simulator is much cheaper than even the cheapest rudder pedals, so you should go ahead and buy one helo when its on discount and give it a try

 

... even if you cant get used to move the rudder with your thumb, it will be just a small amount of cash to find out ... and you can still use the heli when you finally purchase real rudders :)

 

Cheers!

[Art-J]

Rudel, keep in mind that flying coaxial-rotor helicopter is a completely different "kettle of fish" compared to any "normal" ones out there, which require constant and precise rudder operation in all flight regimes except cruise. Almost like comparing flying DCS jets to flying DCS props.

 

You can get away without pedals or twist stick in Ka-50, but it's going to be more difficult in all the others.

[Bersagliere81]

Thank you guys. I suppose the correct answer is to get the Mi-8 if I can find it on good sales, then think about rudder pedals

[Rudel_chw]

...

You can get away without pedals or twist stick in Ka-50, but it's going to be more difficult in all the others.

 

You are right, but I actually own all the DCS helos and can control the rudder fairly well with my thumb ... most rudder inputs are relatively small, and I've found that I can control the rudder with just a small movement of the thumb.

 

Its only that I liked the Ka-50 more than the others because of it combat abilities :D tough I do intend to learn the Gazelle next.

 

I'd love to be able to get a good set of rudder pedals, but for now the $$$ just arent available :(

[Art-J]

Bersagliere, maybe You're into into racing games/sims as well, or at least can get a second-hand racing wheel dirt cheap from someone? Then You could use racing pedals for rudder too. Works pretty well in DCS, especially given the fact, that it's probably the only flight sim on the market, which allows assigning two separate axes to single function, so that gas and clutch pedals can be used for rudder right/left.

 

I've been doing it successfully for years and only recently ordered a separate set of dedicated rudder pedals for flight sims. Otherwise it's still a good, affordable, compromise solution.

[Bersagliere81]

Thank you for your suggestion, but I just hate racing sims :D

On Amazon it appears racing pedals are more or less on the same price, so no real advantage in that choice, the best option at this point is to start some savings for rudder pedals

[dburne]

Thank you for your suggestion, but I just hate racing sims :D

On Amazon it appears racing pedals are more or less on the same price, so no real advantage in that choice, the best option at this point is to start some savings for rudder pedals

 

Oh yeah, DCS without rudder pedals is worse than a day without sunshine!

 

I too would heartedly recommend the MFG Crosswind pedals, especially if you think you are going to stick with it for quite some time. Once ordered delivery takes around 6 weeks or so , and do not have to pay until they are ready to ship.