Newbie to rotary wing.  I have Honeycomb Alpha & Bravo nicely configured for GA fixed wing aircraft.  I also have a (mostly unused) T.16000.

Once in a while, I would like to hop in a copter and sightsee.  It would be fun learning some of the basics.  
 

What would you suggest, controller-wise?  Nothing that would break the bank since it would casual use only.   Can I get by with the 16000?
 

Thank you.

 

 

 

It would be nice to have anti torque pedals (rudder pedals) but the twist on the 1600 would be fine for casual heli flying.

That should work. I use an X52 pro (and independent rudder pedals on the floor) with a setup that I can switch from a yoke and throttle system to joystick aircraft relatively seamlessly. If you've never used a helicopter before, please do some research/reading first. Common mistakes include vastly over controlling. Set your control sensitivities on max and use fingertip pressure and try to anticipate movements. Could go on with further insight, but the short anser is that joystick should work as long as it has a rudder (or for helos, anti-torque rotor) control axis. 

Edited January 30, 20242 yr by STK

Be wary of the twist function on a T16000...use of twist tends to flex the wires and they can come loose.  There are lots of vids on the net about how to fix but it's still an annoyance.

19 minutes ago, markmco said:

Newbie to rotary wing.  I have Honeycomb Alpha & Bravo nicely configured for GA fixed wing aircraft.  I also have a (mostly unused) T.16000.

Once in a while, I would like to hop in a copter and sightsee.  It would be fun learning some of the basics.  
 

What would you suggest, controller-wise?  Nothing that would break the bank since it would casual use only.   Can I get by with the 16000?
 

Thank you.

 

 

 

I flew copters for a couple of years with the T 16000M. I modfied it a bit by reducing the spring tension so it worked better as a Cyclic. I used rudder pedals for the anti torgue.

In my case, when I practice flying with a rotating wing, I want to recreate it in the most realistic way possible, that's why I invested in the following controls:

- Cyclic Stick: http://oe-xam-simulators.blogspot.com/2021/10/cyclic-stick-with-b8-grip-helicopter.html

- Collective: http://oe-xam-simulators.blogspot.com/2022/01/bell-206-jet-ranger-collective.html

- Anti-Torque pedals: I use my TPR: Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder pedals but there is also the option for more realistic pedals

http://oe-xam-simulators.blogspot.com/2020/05/34-9-incl.html

In my case I made my own controllers are a part of the motion rig I built. They convert between several configurations: pendulum yoke + throttles; joystick + HOTAS; cyclic + collective. The yoke/joystick/cyclic part is built with hall sensors so has no friction, is very precise and has large throws. Controls are powered bu Arduino Leonardo cards.

You can see my test video of the controls below. 

I think it's worth mentioning that I just released a massive MSFS Vancouver Island scenery that is purely geared for helicopter pilots (ans seaplane pilots to some degree). It has 4 hospitals with helipads, 6 heliports, including Coast Guard, and some exotic helipads: cruise ship, Coast Guard ship, private yacht and a private mansion with a breathtaking view. It even has 3 car accident scenes to discover, for simulating medevac. The video is shot at my CYOW Ottawa airport BTW. I should do something at my newly released Vancouver Island...

 

One of the best and most popular pedals for helicopters are the VKB. Not too expensive. The axis are up and down instead of forward and backward (it is far easier to hold them at a certain position, far less tiring on the legs).

Although not expensive, the sensors on these are as good as for instance the Thrustmaster TPR, I think they are better in fact. And it's easier to modulate the inputs, even when using them for conventional airplanes. ( But they do not have brake axis by the way).

https://www.vkbcontrollers.com/products/t-rudders-mk-v-rudder-pedals

 

 

You can fly them with an Xbox gamepad controller hahah, I fly all the planes with gamepad from always, I have been tempted to buy some Hotas but never convinced me personally by the moment, and with a gamepad you can fly well too and less hassle in my small room and desk, in the future who knows.