By Terry Dunnon Nov. 4, 2015 at 2:35 p.m.How To Get Into Hobby RC: Real Flight Drone Simulator

I focus a lot of my writing on the techniques and tools that can help you become a better multi-rotor pilot. There's good reason for my fixation on training. No matter how fancy and advanced your model may be, the skill with which you operate it is the greatest single factor in determining your success and safety. When things go south, competency trumps hope every time.

RealFlight Drone includes 14 different multi-rotor models to fly. Each has unique capabilities and performance.

I've mentioned the RealFlight RC flight simulator in a previous article. RealFlight has historically been a tool for pilots of RC helicopters and fixed wing airplanes. Multi-rotor models were introduced only in the most recent versions of the program. Real Flight's latest release is a simulator package that is intended specifically for multi-rotor pilots, Real Flight Drone ($130).

What You Get

RealFlight Drone (RFD) comes bundled with a Futaba InterLink Elite controller. This is a USB device with the same look and feel as a standard RC transmitter. If you have a particular attachment to your actual RC transmitter, the InterLink Elite includes patch cords that allow you to use a Futaba, JR, or Spektrum brand transmitter to operate the simulator.

The InterLink Elite device is a USB controller with the look and feel of a standard RC transmitter.

The actual software is on a single DVD. It is compatible with Vista or later versions of Windows. The program will not work on Macs…even when using a Windows emulator. The system requirements are pretty low. So you shouldn't have any problems if you're machine is relatively new. I've been using RFD on an aging Sony Vaio laptop (1.6GHz CPU, 6GB RAM, GeForce GT330M video) and it runs just fine.

RFD appears to be a subset of RealFlight v7.5 at a lower price. It includes most of the multi-rotor models and many of the flying sites found in v7.5, but it does not have any helicopter or airplane models. On the flip side, there are a few multi-rotor models that are currently only found in RFD. If you're only interested in multi-rotors, going with RFD rather than v7.5 will save you about $40. Should you subsequently decide that you want the full-blown software, upgrading from RFD to v7.5 will cost you $50.

There are 14 multi-rotor models to choose from with a wide variety of performance capabilities. If you're a beginner pilot, you'll probably want to start with a docile ship like the simply-named "Quadcopter". As you progress, you can tackle models with more power and additional features such as gimbal-mounted cameras. You may even want to try the insanely aerobatic model of the HeliMax Voltage 500.

As with most actual multi-rotors, the emulated models have multiple modes to define their flight characteristics. Each model has up to three predefined flight modes to choose from. Some flight modes will hold the aircraft in position without any control inputs, while others demand you to manage altitude and compensate for wind. Still others give you complete freedom for aerobatics. Choosing the correct flight mode for a given situation is every bit as important as your control stick inputs. The simulator provides a useful path to understand the attributes and limitations of each flight mode.

The controller also allows you to select between two control sensitivity options (aka "dual rates"). The rate settings are predefined for every model, but I didn't find much that I would adjust if given the option. For the models that are equipped with camera gimbals, a knob on the controller allows you to adjust the pitch angle of the gimbal.

You can choose from 20 flying locations. Some offer obstacles, while others are just pretty views. This Japanese garden offers a little of both.

You can choose to fly at any of 20 different "airports". Some have obstacles to test your skills, while others are more scenic. Two of the airports even allow you to fly at night with onboard lights illuminating your model.

Using Real Flight Drone

Using RFD does not have to be a complex affair. It can be as simple as choosing a model and a location to fly before taking off. The simulator offers many different viewing perspectives, but only two of them accurately emulate the actual experience of flying a model. Whenever you're really flying, you will either be looking at your model from where you stand, or you will be looking through the onboard camera via goggles or a monitor. Those two perspectives are represented by the "Fixed Position- Flight Instructor" and "FPV View" (or "Gimbal" on some models). The other perspectives are fun to play with on occasion, but I try to focus on the realistic viewing options.

There are several "gadgets" that can be overlaid on the screen. Most are specific to the simulation and do not reflect actual flying. One example is the binocular function, which gives you a close-up view of your model's orientation no matter how far away it is. A more realistic gadget is the Head-Up Display, which provides an array of flight data much like an instrument panel would. It functions similarly to many of the On-Screen displays used by FPV modelers.

I set the video quality to Medium when using the simulator on my laptop. More powerful machines can take advantage of higher-quality graphics.

Since I'm not using much computing horsepower to run this program, I have the video quality set to medium. Although you would never mistake the graphics for a photo, I think it looks good. Most importantly, the simulator runs smoothly. When I tried running with higher video quality, things got jumpy. My guess is that you could run without compromise if you have a decent gaming machine.

If you have a particular skill that you are trying to improve, the simulator lets you do that with much less stress and risk than actual flying. You can practice for as long as it takes to get it right. The only consequence of a crash is that you have to press the reset button and start over. Actually, you don't even have to start from the beginning. You can hold down the reset button and your current session will rewind. Just release the button at the point where you goofed and try again.

As you gain more confidence, you can gradually make your training more realistic by adding factors such as wind or poor sun angles. You'll rarely find perfect flying conditions in the real world, so it makes sense to practice with the same types of hindrances.

The simulator's Heads-Up Display works like an FPV On-Screen Display to provide real-time flight data to the pilot.

In addition to self-guided training, RFD provides two challenge features. "Quadcopter Trials" is meant test your precision flying abilities. You must fly through, around, and onto a variety of increasingly challenging obstacles…all while the clock is ticking. I found that these courses are very helpful for getting comfortable flying a multi-rotor in any orientation.

The other challenge is called 'Scavenger Hunt". All of the courses here are FPV-based and are meant to help you improve your piloting when using the limited situational-awareness that FPV provides. The final course has you seek out and photograph various zombies in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Although the scenario is pure fantasy, the skills required to carry out the tasks certainly apply to real life. Although, at times, I found myself taking shortcuts to beat the clock rather than focusing on smooth and precise flying.

The Scavenger Hunt challenge adds a little sci-fi fun to flight training as you seek out zombies with your airborne camera.

Performing well on the challenges will earn you medals that unlock additional models to fly. So far, I've added the "Dead Cat Quadcopter" to my training fleet. It looks just like the same suggests and it is fun to fly. I can't wait to see what other unique models are locked in the vault.

Many people believe that simulators are only helpful for rookie pilots, but that is definitely not the case. They are good practice tools for pilots of any skills level. In the time that I've been using RFD, I've committed a lot of effort to improving my airborne camera panning skills. I've also seen a tremendous improvement in my confidence and ability to fly inverted with the Voltage 500. All stick time is beneficial and simulators like RFD significantly broaden the window where it's practical to fly.

Closing Thoughts

My recommended path for beginning multi-rotor pilots is to start out with a mini-quad or a simulator…preferably both. Mini-quads are cheap and great for providing practical, hands-on flight experience with very little risk. While more costly, simulators drop the risk factor to zero and also provide access to more powerful and complex models. You're not likely to ever outgrow either option.

For those who choose to utilize a simulator, RealFlight has always been the gold standard. RealFlight Drone gets you the multi-rotor functions of the software at a lower price point than the full blown version. It only takes one or two avoided crashes for a simulator to pay for itself, so it's definitely something to consider.

Terry spent 15 years as an engineer at the Johnson Space Center. He is now a freelance writer living in Lubbock, Texas. Visit his website at TerryDunn.org and follow Terry on Twitter: @weirdflight

如何操作业余RC：RealFlight无人机飞行模拟器

how进入爱好RC：飞行无人机模拟器
我集中我的很多写作的技巧和工具，可以帮助你成为一个更好的多转子试验。我在训练上有很好的理由。无论你的模型是多么的华丽和先进，你的操作技巧是决定你成功和安全的最重要的因素。当一切顺利，能力胜过希望每次。

realflight无人机包括14种不同的多转子模型飞。每个人都有独特的功能和性能。
我在前面的文章中提到的realflight RC飞行模拟器。realflight历来是一个工具，RC直升机和固定翼飞机的飞行员。多转子模型进行了介绍，只有在最新版本的程序。实际飞行的最新版本是一个模拟器包是专门为多旋翼无人机飞行员、飞行（130美元）。

你

realflight雄蜂（RFD）捆绑一个双叶互联精英控制器。这是一个用相同的外观和感觉为标准USB设备RC发射机。如果你有一个特别的依恋你的实际RC发射机，互联精英包括跳线，允许你使用双叶，JR，或等候品牌变送器操作模拟器。

the互联精英装置是以看USB控制器和一个标准的RC发射机的感觉。
实际的软件是在一个单独的DVD。它是兼容的境界或更晚版本的窗口。该程序将无法在Mac…即使使用Windows模拟器时。系统要求很低。如果你的机器是相对较新的，你不应该有任何问题。我已经使用和对衰老的索尼VAIO笔记本电脑（1.6GHz CPU，6GB内存，GeForce gt330m视频），它运行得很好。

RFD似乎是一个子集的realflight V7.5在一个较低的价格。它包括了大部分的多转子模型和许多的飞行场地发现V7.5，但它没有任何直升机或飞机模型。另一方面，也有一些多转子模型，目前只发现RFD。如果你在多转子只感兴趣，而不是去与RFD V7.5将节省你40美元。如果你随后决定你想要的成熟软件，升级和RFD V7.5将花费你50美元。

有14多旋翼模型选择与各种各样的表现能力。如果你是一个新手飞行员，你可能想从一个温顺的像只船命名为“直升机”。随着你的进步，你可以有更多的力量和额外的功能，如万向节安装摄像机处理模型。你可能会想尝试的helimax电压500的疯狂特技模型。

作为最实际的多转子，仿真模型有多种方式来定义他们的飞行特性。每个模型有多达三个预定义的飞行模式选择。有些飞行模式将在没有任何控制输入的位置保持飞机的位置，而另一些人则要求你管理高度和风力的补偿。还有人给你完整的自由飞行。选择正确的飞行模式对于一个给定的情况是每一个有点像你的控制棒输入的重要。该模拟器提供了一个有用的路径，以了解每个飞行模式的属性和局限性，“/”，该控制器还允许您选择2个控制灵敏度选项（即“双率”）。速率设置为每个模型都是预先设定的，但我没有发现我会调整，如果给定的选项。对于配备相机框架模型，控制器上的旋钮可以调整框架的俯仰角。

you可以选择从20个飞行位置。有些人提供障碍，而另一些则是美丽的看法。这家日本花园提供了一点点的，你可以选择在任何20个不同的“机场”飞行。有些人会有障碍来测试你的技能，而另一些人则更风景。两机场甚至允许你在夜间飞行船上的灯光照亮你的模型。

使用真实的飞行无人机
用RFD并不一定是一个复杂的事情。它可以是简单的选择一个模型和一个位置，以飞行起飞前。模拟器提供了许多不同的视角，但只有2个准确地模拟飞行模型的实际经验。无论何时你真正的飞行，你要么是从你的立场看你的模式，或者你会通过板上的摄像头通过眼镜或监视器。这两个观点是“固定位置的飞行指导员”和“FPV观代表”（或“框架”在某些型号）。另一方面是好玩的场合，但我尽力去关注现实的观看选择。

有一些“小工具”，可以在屏幕上覆盖。最具体的仿真和不反映实际飞行。一个例子是双眼功能，这让你有一个特写镜头的方向看你的模型的方向，无论多么遥远的距离。一个更现实的小工具是头上显示，它提供了一个数组的飞行数据很像一个仪表盘将。它的功能同样多的在屏幕上显示由FPV的建模使用。

i设置视频质量中使用我的笔记本电脑当模拟器。更强大的机器可以利用高质量的图形，因为我没有用太多的计算能力来运行这个程序，我的视频质量设置为中等。虽然你永远不会错的照片的照片，我认为它看起来不错。最重要的是，模拟器运行平稳。当我试着用更高的视频质量，事情变得神经兮兮的。我的猜测是，如果你有一个像样的游戏机，你可以毫无妥协地运行，如果你有一个特别的技能，你是在尝试改进，模拟器让你做的是，比实际飞行的压力和风险。只要你能把它拿给你，你就可以练习。唯一的结果是，你必须按重置按钮，并开始。其实，你甚至不必从一开始就开始。你可以按住复位按钮和你的当前会话将倒带。只是释放按钮在你搞砸了，再试一次。

你获得更多的信心，你可以逐渐增加诸如风能和太阳的角度差等因素，使你的训练更现实。你很少会发现飞在现实世界中完美的条件，所以与障碍相同类型的实践很有意义。

the模拟器的抬头显示器就像屏幕上显示一个FPV为飞行员提供实时飞行数据。

除了自我指导训练，RFD提供两挑战的特征。”四旋翼试验”指的是测试你的精确飞行能力。你必须飞到周围，并在各种日益挑战的障碍……所有的时钟滴答作响。我发现，这些课程是非常有帮助的，获得舒适的飞行一个多转子在任何方向上。这里所有的课程都是基础和FPV是为了帮助你提高驾驶时使用有限的情景意识，FPV提供。最后的课程你寻求在世界末日后的废墟照片各种僵尸。尽管场景是纯粹的幻想，所需的技能来执行任务，肯定适用于现实生活。虽然，有时，我发现自己走捷径的时钟节拍而不是专注于平稳和精确飞行。

the寻宝挑战增添了些许科幻有趣的飞行训练为你寻找你的机载摄像机的僵尸。
在挑战你就能解锁额外的模型飞行勋章。到目前为止，我已经添加了“死猫直升机“我训练舰队。它看起来就像是一样的建议，它是有趣的飞行。我迫不及待地想看看其他独特的模式是什么锁在金库里的，很多人认为模拟器只对菜鸟飞行员很有帮助，但这绝对不是这样的。他们是一个很好的练习工具，对任何技能水平的飞行员。的时候，我一直在使用Internet，我犯了一个很大的努力去提高自己的机载摄像机镜头的技巧。我也看到了一个巨大的进步，我的信心和能力，与电压倒倒的电压500。所有的坚持的时间是有益的，模拟器如RFD显着扩大的窗口，它的实际飞行。

关闭的想法
我推荐的路径开始多转子的飞行员是开始与一个小型四或模拟器…最好。迷你四提供实用的是廉价的，伟大的，动手的飞行经验，风险很小。虽然更昂贵，模拟器下降的风险因素为零，也提供了更强大的和复杂的模型。你不可能在任何选择。

那些选择利用模拟器，realflight一直是黄金标准。realflight雄蜂让你软件的多转子的功能在一个较低的价格点比完整版。它只需要一个或两个避免崩溃的模拟器来支付本身，所以它肯定是值得考虑的。

特里做了15年的工程师在约翰逊航天中心。他现在是一名自由撰稿人，住在德克萨斯的时候。访问他的网站在terrydunn.org跟特里推特：@ weirdflight