Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
Subject: Skylark Heli Simulator
From: cole@soldev.tti.com (Randy Cole)
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 1992 18:43:29 GMT
Distribution: all
Organization: Citicorp-TTI
Keywords: heli, simulator
Summary: Worth every penny

In response to Joe Diederichs' inquiry about heli simulators,
this is a updated repost of a message I posted here in January
about the Skylark simulator.

The simulator is called the "Skylark R/C Helicopter Simulator".
What a wimpy name.  Well, a rose by any other name, etc.  The
author is Rod Gilson, and his company is:

    digital WonderWorks
    P.O. Box 3118
    Ann Arbor, MI  48106
    (313) 662-LARK

The program runs on a 386 or better IBM compatible with EGA or
VGA.  It used to run fine on a 16-MHz 286, but by now Rod may
have changed it to so that it needs a 386.  Display refresh speed
depends on the scene (there are a number of options) and
helicopter (also a number of options), but a 16 MHz 386 should do
fine unless you choose the most complex scene and heli.  I run it
on a 25-MHz 386DX.  It doesn't need a math coprocessor at all,
and won't run faster with one.  Output is color, and the
helicopter body is a solid, not just a wire frame figure.  There
are numerous scenes and helicopter bodies supplies, but they're
fairly simple, of course.  The most complex heli is a Hughes 500.

I considered the Dave Brown heli simulator and the RC Aerochopper
heli simulator before I found out about and bought this one.  In
my opinion, Skylark beats the pants off both of them, especially
the Dave Brown simulator.  I hear both the others are being
improved, but they'll have to go a LOOOOOONG way to even come
close to Skylark.  Of course, if you have an Atari, Amiga or Mac
there isn't much choice.

I've talked to Rod on the phone several times.  I believe he said
he has an MS in aeronautical engineering, and it shows.  He is
extremely proud of the fact that the flight equations he uses can
accurately simulate ANY situation.  One of his hot pilot friends
uses it to invent and debug new acrobatic maneuvers.  It is so
lifelike the skids flex when you land it hard.  If you crash it
tells you what you broke, ranging from "tail rotor destroyed" to
"complete disintegration".

It really does feel like the real thing.  You can't expect to
learn completely on this or any simulator, but it sure helps.
Some things transfer over to the real helicopter better than
others.  A big benefit for me is that I don't lose skills between
trips to the field.

The program is EXTREMELY configurable.  It can be configured to
simulate any size heli, from electric RC minis to full-size
aircraft.  The manual says the default configuration is supposed
to be like a "typical" internal combustion RC heli, but mine
really came set up like a "typical" pilot would set up a
relatively hot bird like an X-Cell.  I've since changed the
configuration to feel like my Concept 30SX.  It has an adjustable
"beginner" mode which adds extra stability if you want it.

The configuration, scenery, and helicopter description are kept
on disk files.  Although it doesn't say how, I think you could
define your own scenery, make the helicopter look like anything
you like, etc.

The viewpoint can be configured to be outside the heli (normal RC
mode) or inside (like a full-size aircraft) or can "chase" the
heli.  It can also be set to move around the heli, like the
contest event where you hover while walking around the bird.
Multiple viewpoints can be saved and switched with a function
key.  The position can be held fixed (but not the orientation) so
you can practice nose-in, inverted, etc.  It can simulate fixed
and variable wind from any direction.  You can save and restore
multiple configurations.

The cost is a negative factor.  I guess it now costs $265, and
that includes the software, a dummy JR transmitter box, and a
modified game port card.  However, it's probably already saved me
more than the cost in heli repair bills.  The game port card has
been modified to IO port address 202 to avoid conflict with other
game port cards, and to work with the 5K pots inside the
transmitter.

There are a few other "minuses".  The default configuration has
the gyro turned off, but that's easily fixed.  The trim drifts a
bit while the dummy transmitter warms up.  The menu-driven
interface is good but not great.  The simulated rotor sound is
pretty bad (RC Aerochopper has it beat by a mile there).  I leave
it turned off.

The program has never crashed on me in 9 months of use.  The only
bug I know of happens when you're playing real heli pilot and
flying around at the edges of the virtual scene.  Rod fixed that
bug months ago.  I did have a problem with a bad potentiometer in
the "transmitter" box.  I called Ron and he offered to send me a
new box.  Instead I asked him to send me a new gimbal assembly,
which I put in myself.  End of problem.  Didn't cost me a cent.
I'm not crazy about the quality of the JR transmitter box, but
I'm sure it's from one of their cheaper sets.

Rod is working on an airplane version, but as far as I know he
hasn't shipped it yet.

Rod doesn't advertise yet, but has a small flyer with color
pictures he can send.  I don't know how he handles non-US
customers.  I believe it's only available directly from him in
the US.  Obviously I'm a very satisfied customer.

Randy Cole
cole@soldev.tti.com
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc