How to actually fly a helicopter?

[shagrat]

vor 29 Minuten schrieb Tasky:

It has the provision but, as mentioned, the friction clutches are sold separately. I might buy the kit as a birthday present for myself... along with the cyclic extension.

 

 

If you plan to deep dive into helicopters in DCS, I recommend to prioritize the extension, then safe for a FFB base. I know it's expensive, but along the natural and realistic force trim and hydraulic feel, you get force feedback for telemetry events... or in layman's terms, you can feel the stick shaking if you get through transitional lift, or the onset of a vortex ring state, before it occurs, a bump on touchdown, the blades actually spinning, weapons firing and other stuff.

It is definitely a game changer and with now 4 good bases in the pipeline, I wouldn't bother with investing in a clutch/friction based solution, if it's not already integrated.

Just my personal opinion, but I did go through the whole path of equipment over the last decades and would skip some steps, if I had to do it again.

Edited 16 hours ago by shagrat

[erniedaoage]

@Tasky You should try to setup curves for all your axis inputs. When you open the Tune Axis screen in the settings, be sure you have selected the right module in the upper left corner. Select the Axis assignments and set curvature of 25-30% increase or decrease to your liking. But when you look at the at the line and move your joystick you will see 2 little squares moving. One is the input from your joystick and the other one is the output to the module. Just be sure to start with a curvature for x and y axis with the same percentage. And also set one for your rudder axis. It will help with the small movements around the center and should help. Just try out a couple of different numbers and see what you prefer and what helps you with the fine movements of your joystick and rudder pedals. 

Edit: short video for setting up controls, maybe it will help you also in some way

 

Edited 15 hours ago by erniedaoage

[MAXsenna]

1 hour ago, shagrat said:

If you plan to deep dive into helicopters in DCS, I recommend to prioritize the extension, then safe for a FFB base.

This! Standard bases will probably become a thing of the past. If one can't afford one now, get an ordinary one second hand. Save up money for FFB and sell that other base. 

Careful with curves. Will teach you bad habits, its better to prioritise an extension. I've never used curves, and it tought me finesse. 

[Lace]

Guys, you are all fixating on the wrong issue.  Sure hardware can make things nicer, even more realistic, but in no way does anyone need to spend $$$s just to fly a helicopter in DCS.  I'm sure I've said before but I spend a lot of time away from home and this is where I do most of my DCS flying.  My main input device is an Xbox controller.  Even with this it is perfectly capable of fine control and helicopter flight.  I'm always wary that people believe the barriers of entry to DCS are too high, and this is reinforced when threads like this turn into recommendations for expensive hardware.

The crux of the matter is this - helicopter flight requires the correct anticipation and coordinated input of the three main controls.  They way to improve is simply practice.  Lots of practice.

[MAXsenna]

29 minutes ago, Lace said:

My main input device is an Xbox controller. 

Of course. Most RC aircraft are flown this way. Practice makes perfect.

(I even have an RC USB controller for an RC sim, haven't tested it with DCS though). 

I thought we just gave him advices on how not to waste money.  

[drPhibes]

I have flown choppers in DCS for hundreds of hours without ffb, and while it would certainly be nice to have, it is by no means necessary. It's not like racing games (iracing, assetto corsa etc) where ffb wheels are absolutely essential.

[MAXsenna]

52 minutes ago, drPhibes said:

I have flown choppers in DCS for hundreds of hours without ffb, and while it would certainly be nice to have, it is by no means necessary. It's not like racing games (iracing, assetto corsa etc) where ffb wheels are absolutely essential.

No one said that. But why waste money on a base without FFB if you can have one? One doesn't need one in other modules, but it makes very much sense in older aircraft where the stick moves when you trim, and you can feel how much you pull. Hopefully FFB pedals will be mainstream too. 

[Hiob]

Well, neither a RC remote control nor an X-Box controller have particular strong springs in the thumbsticks. Of course you can learn to fly with those (or even a keyboard) if you put enough treining in.
No Objection here.
I think the original spark for the discussion was that OP was particularly struggling with the control/coordination of Chopper flying. Which is not uncommon, since it is difficult. Some struggle more, some less.
However, I think it is not wrong to suggest, that good controller options are helping with that.
Of course you don't NEED a FFB option to fly properly. But a long extension and light resistance certainly does help with fine control. 

I learned Helicopter flying with a classic spring loaded stick (TM16000 to be specific), and whilst I eventually got it figured out (with proper utilisation of the trim options), getting a "better" Joystick with a 20cm Gooseneck extension and adjustable Springs made it a lot more enjoyable and my flying much more precise.

(Well and ultimately I'm certainly a committed FFB user, but I won't suggest that you NEED FFB to become a good virtual pilot or have a good experience with DCS. It's more like a cherry on top of the cream)

[MasaMan]

18 minutes ago, MAXsenna said:

No one said that. But why waste money on a base without FFB if you can have one? One doesn't need one in other modules, but it makes very much sense in older aircraft where the stick moves when you trim, and you can feel how much you pull. Hopefully FFB pedals will be mainstream too. 

I'm waiting for Winwing DirectDrive -base and their FFB -pedals. Interesting times.