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FS One - Support FAQs

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Not really FAQ materials, but while you're here....

FAQ Updates

  1. What new FAQs have been added or updated lately? (Q1007-FS1)
  2. Where are more FS One FAQs? (Q1010-FS1)

General

  1. Is FS One "Plug and Play"? (Q1012-FS1)
  2. I don't need FS One support. I want to find out more about FS One. Where are the Product FAQs? (Q1011-FS1)

Versions, Patches and Other Updates

  1. What is the latest version of FS One? (Q1005-FS1)
  2. Where can I get the latest patch? (Q1008-FS1)
  3. Where can I get the latest Help Manual? (Q1052-FS1)

Calibration

  1. I am running FS One version 1.0.1 and having problems with calibration. What should I do? (Q1001-FS1)
  2. I am running FS One with the latest patch and there are problems with calibration. What should I do? (Q1002-FS1)

Using Your Own Transmitter/Controller (general)

  1. Why are there so many transmitter setups in FS One? (Q1037-FS1)
  2. What adapter cables come with FS One? What adapter cables do I need? (Q1038-FS)
  3. I have the G2/G3 controller. How can I use that with FS One? (Q1009-FS1)

Using Your Own Transmitter/Controller (airplane examples)

  1. How can I use my Spektrum DX6 or JR 662 transmitter with FS One (6-Ch JR)? (Q1004-FS1)
  2. How can I use my JR XP9303 transmitter with FS One (9-Ch JR)? (Q1013-FS1)
  3. How can I use my JR XF421EX 5-channel transmitter with FS One (5-Ch JR)? (Q1024-FS1)
  4. Can I use my JR Sport S400 or Quattro transmitter with FS One (4-Ch JR)? (Q1023-FS1)
  5. How can I use my Futaba T4VF 4-channel transmitter with FS One (4-Ch Fut)? (Q1027-FS1)
  6. How can I use my Futaba T9CAP 9-channel transmitter with FS One (9-Ch Fut)? (Q1028-FS1)
  7. How can I use my Futaba PCM1024 T9ZAP 9-channel transmitter with FS One (9-Ch Fut)? (Q1033-FS1)
  8. How can I use my Airtronics RD8000 8-channel transmitter with FS One (8-Ch Air)? (Q1034-FS1)
  9. How can I use my Airtronics Stylus 8-channel transmitter with FS One (8-Ch Air)? (Q1035-FS1)
  10. I'd like to use a dual stick (analog) gamepad with FS One. How can I do that? (4-axis)? (Q1043-FS1)
  11. I use a JR (or Spektrum) transmitter. When I plug the Tx into the interface, does this drain the battery while I fly? What happens with Hitec and Futaba transmitters? (Q1022-FS1)

Using Your Own Transmitter/Controller (helicopter examples)

  1. How can I use my Hitec Optic 6-channel transmitter with the Blade CP (6-Ch Hitec)? (Q1044-FS1)

Scaling Wizard (for airplanes)

  1. What's the easiest way to rescale (resized) an airplane using the Scaling Wizard? (Example 1) (Q1039-FS)
  2. With the Scaling Wizard, I want to add my own information about wing span, weight, prop size and motor info? (Example 2) (Q1040-FS)
  3. How can I size-up the electric Brio and add the Saito 180 glow motor? (Example 3) (Q1057-FS)

Airplane and Tx Customizations

  1. How can I reduce the control surface throws and adjust the rates and expos? (Q1003-FS1)
  2. How can I make an airplane in FS One fly like my own airplane? My airplane is smaller (or bigger) than the one in the sim, and I want to change the Tx settings to my own dual rates, etc. (Q1006-FS1)
  3. How can I "repaint" an aircraft in FS One? I want it to look just like my own airplane! (Q1036-FS1)

FS One Tx Setups

  1. Describe the SwiftE basic transmitter setup? (Q1055-FS1)

Airplanes and Helis in FS One

  1. I heard about the 30 plus airplanes and helis in the sim, but where are the 70 extra scaled variants? (Q1021-FS1)

Keyboard Operations

  1. When helis crash, the engine does not startup like I would expect on reset. What's happening here? (Q1032-FS1)

Camera Views

  1. Check your F1 and F2 views! (Q1031-FS1)
  2. How do I use the camera views in FS One? (Q1016-FS1)
  3. When I fly overhead I lose orientation. How can I keep the horizon in view (more)? (Q1020-FS1)
  4. How can I zoom in and out? How can I move in and out relative to the aircraft? (Q1018-FS1)
  5. How can view recorded airplanes while I fly? (Q1017-FS1)
  6. I'm flying in a Pano, where did all the camera views go? (Q1015-FS1)

Widgets and Tools

  1. How does the map overlay work? (Q1049-FS1)

Flying Scenarios

  1. I'd like to learn to hover 3D airplanes. How can I do airplane hover training? (Q1029-FS1)
  2. I'd like to try thermal soaring. What's a good example setup for that? (Q1019-FS1)

Physics Effects

  1. I'm flying the Hangar 9 Alpha 40 and at 1/2 throttle it climbs out and turns left without any stick input. Why? (Q1025-FS1)

Beta Airplanes (airplane testing in progress)

  1. Hangar 9 Edge 540 33% and Hangar 9 Ultimate TOC 46% hover aero changes. Beta testing status: Open (B1001-FS)

Moders (for people who like to look and work under the hood)

Note the items here go beyond the usual tech support. These things are for people who are comfortable editing files and tweaking things beyond what can be done using the menus in FS One. Word of warning: Make a backup copy of any files that you might decide to tweak or else you might need to reinstall FS One plus the patches.
  1. Advanced Users Only: How can I add my own panorama flying site? (Q1050-FS)
  2. Advanced Users Only: What's the trick to adding collision data to a pano field? (Q1053-FS)
  3. Advanced Users Only: I'd like to reorder the airplane/heli lists to put my favorites at the top. (Q1041-FS)
  4. Advanced Users Only: I'd like to reorder some of the other lists. How can I do that? (Q1042-FS)
  5. Advanced Users Only: I want to reinstall FS One. How can I "import" my previous edits to airplanes, helis, and transmitters? (Q1046-FS)
  6. Advanced Users Only: I want a wide-angle field of view with autozoom. How can I change the autozoom field of view (FOV)? (Q1051-FS)

Sound

  1. I hear a beep-beep-beep... when I fly. How can I turn that off? (Q1047-FS1)

Mac Users

  1. Does FS One run on a Mac? (Q1030-FS1)

Known Issues

  1. I made some changes in the Options menu, and now the program sometimes crashes. How can this be fixed? (Q1048-FS1)
  2. I installed FS One correctly, but when I try to launch the program it complains that it does not detect the USB interface. How can this be fixed? (Q1045-FS1)
  3. I am having issues with the sound quality in FS One. Is there a way to fix this? (Q1014-FS1)
  4. Some users have reported issues when using a program called "Window Blinds". What's the solution? (Q1026-FS1)

FAQ Updates

What new FAQs have been added or updated lately? (Q1007-FS1)

Where are more FS One FAQs? (Q1010-FS1)

General

Is FS One "Plug and Play"? (Q1012-FS1)

  • Yes, if you purchase the version that includes the TacCon Controller. Follow the instructions listed on the short install guide.
  • Test the system by following all of the instructions outlined in the blue "FS One Install Guide".
  • After installing and testing, be sure to install the latest FS One patch.
  • For the version with the TacCon controller, after installing the sim, go to Single-Player Freestyle on the startup window, and pick a plane. The Tx icon lights up "not calibrated", so click on it and calibrate. The calibration instructions outline exactly what to do with each stick, button, knob and switch on the TacCon controller. Do not skip a step. Go back and click the Fly button to fly. That's as simple as it can get. To end the session hit "Esc". These same instructions are included on the small install card/guide that comes with FS One.
  • Use the included keyboard card to see the function of the keys, or press "?" when flying to see the options available through the keyboard.
  • As an example, press the function keys (F1, F2, F3, and so on) to change the views. Press 'F1' for the pilot view, and then 'A' key when flying, and then 'Z' or 'X' to manually zoom in or out. Use the color coded keyboard card as a guide.
  • Set the three position switch on the TacCon controller to select the Flight Mode which controls dual rates, expos, and mixing.
  • FS One has more capability beyond the Plug and Play. Explore!
  • To use your own transmitter with FS One is more work. It requires some setup on the real Tx side with the channel assignments and then getting an appropriate setup on the sim side to accept those inputs.
  • FS One will work with the G2/G3 controllers out of the box without requiring any transmitter edits on FS One. As a result, using the G2/G3 controllers is Plug and Play. Using the G2/G3 controllers requires selecting that controller as a new interface ("Select Interface" button). G2/G3 - Read more.

I don't need FS One support. I want to find out more about FS One. Where are the Product FAQs? (Q1011-FS1)

Versions and Patches

What is the latest version of FS One? (Q1005-FS1)

Where can I get the latest patch? (Q1008-FS1)

Where can I get the latest Help Manual? (Q1052-FS1)

  • The latest Help Manual can be downloaded from here: http://www.inertiasoft.com/fsonefaq/FSOne.zip
  • Unzip the file to get FSOne.chm and copy it to your FS One installation help folder here:
    C\:Program Files\FS One\Help
  • When you click on help from within FS One, it will open the new help manual on the page related to where you are in FS One (i.e. it is context sensitive).
  • The help manual can also be opened outside of FS One by clicking the FSOne.chm file after unzipping.
  • We welcome any feedback for making it better. We realize there will always be more things to add!

Calibration

I am running FS One version 1.0.1 and having problems with calibration. What should I do? (Q1001-FS1)

  • Update your FS One by installing the latest patch by clicking here.
  • If you cannot get the latest patch, try deleting the .cal files within
    C\:Program Files\FS One\RadioEquip\Calibrations
    After deleting the files, recalibrate the controller normally within FS One. When recalibrating follow the on-screen instructions and move all sticks, switches, buttons and the flap knob. Still apply the latest patch to bring your FS One up-to-date and avoid future trouble with calibration.

I am running FS One with the latest patch and there are problems with calibration. What should I do? (Q1002-FS1)

  • Recalibrate. When recalibrating follow the on-screen instructions and move all sticks, switches, buttons and the flap knob.

Using Your Own Transmitter/Controller (general)

Why are there so many transmitter setups in FS One? (Q1037-FS1)

What adapter cables come with FS One? What adapter cables do I need? (Q1038-FS)

I have the G2/G3 controller. How can I use that with FS One? (Q1009-FS1)

  • Yes. The G2/G3 is a USB game controller and FS One can read any generic USB game controller. Plug in the USB interface, and then start FS One. Then select the interface from the fly page (e.g. Single-Player Freestyle) by clicking on the "Select Interface" button. Then click on the Transmitter icon, and pick the Tx category called "Other RC Controllers". To calibrate, move all sticks, buttons, switches, knobs and then click "Next" repeatedly until being done with "Finish". When flying, use the spacebar-key to reset and the u-key for instant up. Calibration is only required once, and the controller will fly all aircraft without requiring any transmitter edits. When picking a new aircraft, be sure to also pick the appropriate Tx from the "Other RC Controllers" Tx category on the Transmitter Selection window. In other words, to fly the Hangar 9 Edge 540 33%, pick that Tx in the "Other RC Controllers". (FS One works like in real. To fly an aircraft requires first picking the aircraft and second picking the associated transmitter for that aircraft. This is required because not all aircraft are alike!)

Using Your Own Transmitter/Controller (airplane examples)

How can I use my Spektrum DX6 or JR 662 transmitter with FS One (6-Ch JR)? (Q1004-FS1)

  • The Spektrum DX6 is a 6 channel transmitter (4 axes and 2 switches) with 10 Model Memory. The 6 channels and all dual rates, expo and mixing on the real transmitter can be used to fly airplanes in FS One, but the easier approach is to use the DX6 to emulate the functions of the FS One TacCon controller. When taking this approach all dual rates, expos and mixing are handled inside the "Software Radio" in FS One. This approach is described.
  • This outline also applies to the JR 662.
  • On your real transmitter, select a DX6 model to fly, say, Memory Model 1.
  • Refer to your DX6 manual to reset all programming on Model 1 to the factory default settings, using Aircraft mode (not Heli mode).
  • Since you are not using the actual TacCon controller, go to Options and turn off "Auto-Load Radio/Controller". When this is done, FS One will not automatically pick the FS One TacCon controller when an aircraft is selected.
  • Select an airplane to fly.
  • Select the transmitter by clicking on the transmitter in the FS One window. In the Transmitter Selection window, go to the categories and pick the "JR 6-Ch Emu + FS One" group. This name "JR 6-Ch Emu + FS One" means use a JR 6-Ch radio (Spektrum falls in this group), use the FS One USB Interface which comes with the simulator, and set things up to emulate the FS One TacCon Controller.
  • In the "JR 6-Ch Emu + FS One" list of transmitters, pick the transmitter corresponding to the airplane that you want to fly.
  • Now calibrate. Since the DX6 is a 6 channel transmitter and the FS One USB Interface has 8 axes, 2 channels (sliders) will not move when calibrating. This is OK.
  • Quick Calibration Method: Click "Calibrate" on the right. Move the sticks to all corners, move the top right and left switches, and then click "Next" repeatedly and then "Finish" to end the calibration process.
  • Now the DX6 can be used with any aircraft, and it does not need to be calibrated again. Always use the Tx from the "JR 6-Ch Emu + FS One" list.
  • The TacCon Controller has a three-position switch for Flight Modes, and also the "ResetPlus" and "InstantUp" buttons. The DX6 does not have these extra buttons and switches, so these functions have been moved to the keyboard. The keyboard Space Bar and U-key serve as the ResetPlus and InstantUp buttons. The keys 1 thru 9,0 include the other functions, like Flight Modes (rates), e.g. keys 1, 2, and 3. A description of all the functions of the DX6 + keyboard support is given in the Flight Manual associated with each aircraft. Back on the fly page, which shows the airplane, click on the Flight Manual button to get help, and then click on the "JR 6-Ch Emu + FS One" group to see the Tx setup for the airplane that is selected.
  • When using the Spektrum DX6 with the FS One Blade CP, the controls are given below.

How can I use my JR XP9303 transmitter with FS One (9-Ch JR)? (Q1013-FS1)

How can I use my JR XF421EX 5-channel transmitter with FS One (5-Ch JR)? (Q1024-FS1)

  • The JR XF421EX is a 5 channel transmitter. The best setup is to use your transmitter with the first 4 channels plus keyboard support to emulate the functions of the FS One TacCon controller. When taking this approach, the built in "Software Radio" will provide dual rates, expo and mixing. This approach is described.
  • Refer to your XF421EX manual to reset all programming to the factory default settings.
  • Since you are not using the actual TacCon controller, go to Options and turn off "Auto-Load Radio/Controller". When this is done, FS One will not automatically pick the FS One TacCon controller when an aircraft is selected.
  • Select an airplane to fly.
  • Select the transmitter by clicking on the transmitter in the FS One window. In the Transmitter Selection window, go to the categories and pick the "JR 4-Ch Emu + FS One" group. This name "JR 4-Ch Emu + FS One" means use the first 4 channels of your transmitter, use the FS One USB Interface which comes with the simulator, and set things up to emulate the FS One TacCon Controller.
  • In the "JR 4-Ch Emu + FS One" list of transmitters, pick the transmitter corresponding to the airplane that you want to fly.
  • Now calibrate. Since the XF421EX is a 5 channel transmitter and the FS One USB Interface has 8 axes, 2 channels (sliders) will not move when calibrating. This is OK.
  • Quick Calibration Method: Click "Calibrate" on the right. Move the sticks to all corners, move the top right and left switches, and then click "Next" repeatedly and then "Finish" to end the calibration process.
  • Now the XF421EX can be used with any aircraft, and it does not need to be calibrated again. Always use the Tx from the "JR 4-Ch Emu + FS One" list.
  • The TacCon Controller has a three-position switch for Flight Modes, and also the "ResetPlus" and "InstantUp" buttons. The XF421EX does not have these extra buttons and switches, so these functions have been moved to the keyboard. The keyboard Space Bar and U-key serve as the ResetPlus and InstantUp buttons. The keys 1 thru 9,0 include the other functions, like Flight Modes (rates), e.g. keys 1, 2, and 3. A description of all the functions of the XF421EX + keyboard support is given in the Flight Manual associated with each aircraft. Back on the fly page, which shows the airplane, click on the Flight Manual button to get help, and then click on the "JR 4-Ch Emu + FS One" group to see the Tx setup for the airplane that is selected.

Can I use my JR Sport S400 or Quattro transmitter with FS One (4-Ch JR)? (Q1023-FS1)

  • No. These transmitters were not designed to work with the FS One USB Interface.

How can I use my Futaba T4VF 4-channel transmitter with FS One (4-Ch Fut)? (Q1027-FS1)

  • The Futaba T4VF is a 4 channel transmitter. The best setup is to use your transmitter with the 4 channels plus keyboard support to emulate all functions of the FS One TacCon controller. When taking this approach, the built in "Software Radio" will provide dual rates, expos and mixing. This approach is described.
  • Since you are not using the actual TacCon controller, go to Options and turn off "Auto-Load Radio/Controller". When this is done, FS One will not automatically pick the FS One TacCon controller when an aircraft is selected.
  • Select an airplane to fly, e.g. the Alpha 40.
  • On this same page, click the "Select Interface" button next to the transmitter icon. Pick the "Hangar9 FS One v1".
  • Select the transmitter by clicking on the transmitter in the FS One window. In the Transmitter Selection window, go to the categories and pick the "JR 4-Ch Emu + FS One" group. Click on the Alpha 40 transmitter in this group. Click on "Copy" to make a copy of the transmitter. Give it a name, for example: "MyFutaba-4Ch-Alpha40". The new transmitter will be put into the first category in the transmitter list (i.e. "FS One" transmitters).
  • Calibrate your setup. Center the trims on your real transmitter. Click on "Calibrate" and move the right stick up and down. Then move the right stick left and right. Then move the left stick up and down, and left and right. Center both sticks. Then click "Next" repeatedly until the end and click "Finish". During calibration the first four sliders will move with stick motion. After calibration the top four sliders will move with the stick motion.
  • Now click "Edit" to reassign the channels. Reassigning the channels is necessary because the JR and Futaba channel order is different on the real transmitters.
  • The Edit Transmitter window will appear as shown below.
  • Move the transmitter sticks to observe that the aileron stick (right stick right/left) corresponds to Axis 4, the elevator stick (right stick up/down) corresponds to Axis 7, the rudder stick (left stick right/left) to Axis 5, and throttle stick (left stick up/down) to Axis 6.
  • Starting with the first line, in the Edit Transmitter window, the blue column indicates that this is the Throttle channel. Click on the source input (purple) and set the axis to the Futaba throttle stick, which is Axis 6. Click on the window slider at the bottom and now when moving the throttle stick, the throttle servo moves in the window.
  • For the next line with the rudder servo, set the input to be Axis 5.
  • For the next line with the elevator servo, set the input to be Axis 7.
  • For the next line with the right aileron servo, set the input to be Axis 4.
  • For the next line with the left aileron servo, set the input to be Axis 4.
  • Now at the top, click on blue "Show A/C" button. This will display the Alpha 40 airplane. Click on the window to move it to a convenient location. Seeing the airplane can be used to help assign the axes (in this example this reassignment was already done in the previous steps).
  • Click on the image below to see the new axes assignments and airplane.
  • Move the elevator stick. If the elevator moves in the wrong direction, reverse the channel by clicking on the "Rev/Norm" button in the Reverse column (purple column, button on right).
  • Move the rudder stick. If the rudder moves in the wrong direction, reverse the channel by clicking on the "Rev/Norm" button in the Reverse column (purple column, button on right).
  • Move the throttle stick. If the propeller slows as the throttle stick is moved up, reverse the channel by clicking on the "Rev/Norm" button in the Reverse column (purple column, button on right). Pressing the "k" key will kill the engine when the throttle is in the idle position. If the engine can be killed when the throttle stick is pushed all the way up, then reverse the channel.
  • Move the aileron stick. If the right or left aileron moves in the wrong direction, reverse the channel by clicking on the "Rev/Norm" button in the Reverse column (purple column, button on right).
  • Now test all 4 channels (move the right/left sticks) to observe the proper function on the airplane. Use the slider on the window to view the Alpha 40 servos as the sticks are moved. The servos are on the far right side of the slider window.
  • Note that the Alpha 40 "software radio" (transmitter) in this example uses dual rates. With a 4-channel transmitter, these dual rates cannot be activated by the transmitter. Instead, the keyboard is used to control the dual rates using flight modes. Press the "1" key for low rates. Press the "2" key for high rates. In the high rate Flight Mode the control surface deflections are increased for more control authority when in flight. The Flight Mode is indicated in the "Current Flight Mode" box in the Edit Transmitter window.
  • More details about this particular transmitter setup can be found by clicking on the "Flight Manual" button in the fly page. Then click on the 4-Ch Emu setup.
  • The boxes at the bottoms of the columns can be clicked to expand and collapse each colored group transmitter information.
  • This completes the reassignments of the axes for a 4-channel Futaba radio for use with the Alpha 40.
  • Close the aircraft window.
  • Click OK in the Edit Transmitter window.
  • Now on the fly page, click "Fly" to begin flying with the new transmitter. Be sure that the proper transmitter is selected. In this example it was named "MyFutaba-4Ch-Alpha40", and it will appear in the first group of transmitters named "FS One".
  • Although this outline was long, the operation is relatively quick. Decide which "Software Radio" is appropriate for your real transmitter (4 channel, pick the 4-Ch Emu; 6-Ch, pick the 6-Ch Emu; 8-Ch, pick the 8-Ch Emu). Select the transmitter for the aircraft that you want to fly. Make a copy. Calibrate the transmitter. Edit the transmitter to reassign the axes as needed. Show the airplane to check the proper function of the controls. Exit the Tx Edit window, and fly. Read the Flight Manual for the airplane/Tx combination to see what functions are controlled by the keyboard. With more channels on the real transmitter, fewer functions are displaced to the keyboard. Your new Tx will be put in the top category in the Tx list.

How can I use my Futaba T9CAP 9-channel transmitter with FS One (9-Ch Fut)? (Q1028-FS1)

How can I use my Futaba PCM1024 T9ZAP 9-channel transmitter with FS One (9-Ch Fut)? (Q1033-FS1)

How can I use my Airtronics RD8000 8-channel transmitter with FS One (8-Ch Air)? (Q1034-FS1)

How can I use my Airtronics Stylus 8-channel transmitter with FS One (8-Ch Air)? (Q1035-FS1)

  • The Airtronics Stylus uses a 4-pin mini DIN PS-2/S-Video style connector and Hangar 9 does not make an adapter for it. An adapter can be made by connecting up a cable as shown here (black wires to black, and red wires to red). A generic adapter is shown below. Click on the image to see the specific adapter layout for wiring the Stylus to the FS One USB 3.5 mm mono jack (JR size connector).
  • The Airtronics Stylus is an 8 channel transmitter. These 8 channels and all dual rates, expos and mixing on the real transmitter can be used to fly airplanes in FS One, but the approach here is to explain how to make the Stylus emulate the functions of the TacCon controller. For the Stylus in the default "AERO" setup, it couples the flaps with the spoilers, and we could not find a way to disable this coupling. Thus, it effectively becomes a 6-channel radio for use in the TacCon emulation approach described here. With this emulation approach, all dual rates, expos and mixing are handled inside the "Software Radio" in FS One.
  • If there is a way to uncouple the flap and spoiler channels, please let us know and we'll update this outline.
  • Refer to your Stylus manual to reset all programming on one of the models and use the "AERO" default settings. Set the transmitter into PPM mode.
  • Since you are not using the actual TacCon controller, go to Options and turn off "Auto-Load Radio/Controller". When this is done, FS One will not automatically pick the FS One TacCon controller when an aircraft is selected.
  • Select an airplane to fly.
  • Select the transmitter by clicking on the transmitter in the FS One window. In the Transmitter Selection window, go to the categories and pick the "JR 6-Ch Emu + FS One" group. This group (JR) will work because the Stylus radio (with "AERO" setup) has the same channel order as a standard JR transmitter. The "+ FS One" means use the FS One USB Interface which comes with the simulator.
  • In the "JR 6-Ch Emu + FS One" list of transmitters, pick the transmitter corresponding to the airplane that you want to fly.
  • Now calibrate. First center the upper left 17/18/19 switch. This switch will not be used, but it must be centered. Center all trims. Click "Calibrate" on the right. Move the sticks to all corners, and then center the throttle stick. Move the left slider up and down and center it. Move the right slider up and down and then center it. Move the upper right 4/5 switch. Click "Next" repeatedly and then "Finish" to end the calibration process.
  • Now the Stylus can be used with any aircraft, and it does not need to be calibrated again. Always use the Tx from the "JR 6-Ch Emu + FS One" list.
  • The TacCon Controller has a three-position switch for Flight Modes, and also the "ResetPlus" and "InstantUp" buttons. The Stylus when using only 6-channels per above cannot emulate these extra TacCon buttons and switches, so these functions have been moved to the keyboard. The keyboard Space Bar and U-key serve as the ResetPlus and InstantUp buttons. The keys 1 thru 9,0 include the other functions, like Flight Modes (rates), e.g. keys 1, 2, and 3. A description of all the functions of the Stylus + keyboard support is given in the Flight Manual associated with each aircraft. Back on the fly page, which shows the airplane, click on the Flight Manual button to get help, and then click on the "JR 6-Ch Emu + FS One" group to see the Tx setup for the airplane that is selected.
  • With the Stylus, the left slider will usually control the flaps, the right slider is not used, and the 4/5 switch will usually serve as the gear switch. But the specific function depends on the airplane as outlined the Flight Manual.

I'd like to use a dual stick (analog) gamepad with FS One. How can I do that? (4-axis)? (Q1043-FS1)

  • This example outlines how to hook up a 4-axis dual stick (analog) gamepad with FS One. The Logitech Rumble Pad 2 is used to show the steps. These same steps can be followed with any 4-axis dual stick (analog) gamepad.
  • One significant difference between a gamepad and a standard transmitter is that the throttle stick on a gamepad is spring loaded. On a real RC transmitter the throttle stick is on a rachet and stays wherever it is positioned (it does not spring back). This difference only matters during calibration which will be discussed later.
  • Plug in the FS One USB interface and have a transmitter connected to it. When setup like this, FS One will recognize that you have a legitimate copy of the software.
  • If you have a TacCon controller, plug it into the FS One USB Interface and then plug the USB interface cable into the computer. If you do not have the TacCon controller, then use a real transmitter and plug the real Tx into the interface, and then plug the USB interface cable into the computer. Now FS One will properly recognize the FS One USB Interface.
  • Next, plug your USB gamepad into the computer.
  • Start FS One.
  • Go to one of the fly pages, e.g. Single-Player Freestyle, and click on the "Select Interface" button. In the window, pick the gamepad that you want to use. Below the Logitech gamepad is shown in the example.
  • Since you are not using the actual TacCon controller, go to Options and turn off "Auto-Load Radio/Controller". When this is done, FS One will not automatically pick the FS One TacCon controller when an aircraft is selected.
  • Select an airplane to fly. Pick the Alpha 40 airplane for this example.
  • Select the transmitter by clicking on the transmitter in the FS One window. In the Transmitter Selection window, go to the categories and pick the "JR 4-Ch Emu + FS One" group. This group will work with the gamepad because it is setup for a 4-axis controller. Pick the transmitter for the Alpha 40 near the top of the list. Click on "Copy" to make a copy of the transmitter. Give it a name, for example: "MyGamepad-Alpha40". The new transmitter will be put into the first category in the transmitter list (i.e. "FS One" transmitters).
  • Calibrate the controller. Special care will need to be taken to make the throttle control function properly inside FS One. Click "Calibrate" on the right. Move the right gamepad stick all around, hitting the four corners. Now for the left, during calibration do not move it down. Move the left stick up to the right corner and then the left corner, and then let it return to center. Then click "Next" repeatedly until the end and click "Finish". This completes the calibration.
  • The right gamepad stick will control the elevator and ailerons. The left gamepad stick will control the rudder and throttle. Now when flying, when the left stick is centered, this will be the engine idle throttle ("zero") setting. Pushing the gamepad stick up will be full throttle setting.
  • Make note of the axis number corresponding to the stick motion. Patch 1.0.4 or later is needed to see the axis numbers displayed on the Transmitter Selection windows as shown below. Move the right stick up and down and note the axis number. Do the same for each axis (up/down and right/left). For the Logitech Rumblepad 2 USB controller, the axis numbers are shown below on a generic dual stick (analog) gamepad.
      
  • It's worth mentioning that some gamepad controllers have the sticks laid out on a square-type bezel frame (like the Logitech Rumblepad) and others are rounded (like Thrustmaster Firestrom Dual Power 3). The square-type joystick frames more closely match the sticks on a real transmitter and are therefore better for use in flight simulation.
  • Now click "Edit" to reassign the channel axes. Reassigning the channel axes is necessary because there is no standard order for the axes assignments, so these have to be set properly inside the Transmitter Editor in FS One.
  • Starting with the first line, in the Edit Transmitter window, the blue column indicates that this is the throttle channel. Click on the source input (purple) and set it to Axis 2. Click on the window slider at the bottom and now when moving the throttle stick, the throttle servo moves in the window.
  • For the next line with the rudder servo, set the input to be Axis 3.
  • For the next line with the elevator servo, set the input to be Axis 0.
  • For the next line with the right aileron servo, set the input to be Axis 1.
  • For the next line with the left aileron servo, set the input to be Axis 1.
  • Now at the top, click on blue "Show A/C" button. This will display the Alpha 40 airplane. Click on the window to move it to a convenient location. Seeing the airplane can be used to help assign the axes (in this example this reassignment was already done in the previous steps).
  • Move the throttle stick. If the propeller slows as the throttle stick is moved up, reverse the channel by clicking on the "Rev/Norm" button in the Reverse column (purple column, button on right). Pressing the "k" key will kill the engine when the throttle is in the idle position. If the engine can be killed when the throttle stick is pushed all the way up, then reverse the channel.
  • Move the elevator stick. If the elevator moves in the wrong direction, reverse the channel by clicking on the "Rev/Norm" button in the Reverse column (purple column, button on right). Repeat this process for the rudder and ailerons.
  • The boxes at the bottoms of the columns can be clicked to expand and collapse each colored group transmitter information.
  • More details about this particular transmitter/controller setup can be found by clicking on the "Flight Manual" button in the fly page. Then click on the "JR 4-Ch Emu + FS One" controller (used to make the copy).
  • This completes the reassignments of the axes for the gamepad for use with the Alpha 40.
  • Close the aircraft window.
  • Click OK in the Edit Transmitter window.
  • Now on the fly page, click "Fly" to begin flying with the new transmitter. Be sure that the proper transmitter is selected. In this example it was named "MyGamepad-Alpha40", and it will appear in the first group of transmitters named "FS One".
  • The space bar and 'u' key will function as the ResetPlus/InstantUp.
  • As per the "Flight Manual" for the Alpha 40, keys 1 and 2/3 will set the dual rates.
  • Although this outline was long, the operation is relatively quick. Decide which "Software Radio" is appropriate for your gamepad. For a 4-axis gamepad, pick the "JR 4-Ch Emu + FS One" category. From this category, then pick the transmitter for the aircraft that you want to fly. Make a copy. Calibrate the transmitter. Edit the transmitter to reassign the axes as needed. Show the airplane to check the proper function of the controls. Exit the Tx Edit window, and fly. Read the Flight Manual for the airplane/Tx combination to see what functions are controlled by the keyboard. Your new Tx will be put in the top category in the Tx list.

I use a JR (or Spektrum) transmitter. When I plug the Tx into the interface, does this drain the battery while I fly? What happens with Hitec and Futaba transmitters? (Q1022-FS1)

  • Yes, the battery on the transmitter is being used when flying. With the JR systems, the battery can be charged simultaneously. For systems like the JR XP9302, the RF module can be removed to conserve power.
  • With Hitec and Futaba, the transmitters must turned on when plugged into the FS One USB Interface.

Using Your Own Transmitter/Controller (helicopter examples)

How can I use my Hitec Optic 6-channel transmitter with the Blade CP (6-Ch Hitec)? (Q1044-FS1)

Scaling Wizard (for airplanes)

What's the easiest way to rescale (resized) an airplane using the Scaling Wizard? (Example 1) (Q1039-FS)

  • FS One let's you resize any of the original airplanes using the built-in Scaling Wizard. This outline is a condensed version of FAQ topic: Q1006-FS1.
  • Let's use the Edge 540 as an example. Suppose you have a 40% Edge 540 model in real (like the Carden 40% Edge 540) and you want to make the original Hangar 9 Edge 540 33% sim model fly like your larger version. Although 40% is not that far away from 33%, it's a huge difference when it comes to how the airplane looks and handles in the air.
  • Resize the airplane to match your own 40% scale version. In the Airplane Selection window, pick the airplane that you want to change, and click "Copy" to make a copy of the airplane. Then click "Edit" to get into the Aircraft Editor window. You can do a lot here, but let's fast forward to the Scaling Wizard buttons at the bottom of the list. The first of these is the "Scaling - Size/Wgt" page. On this page in the Aircraft Size section, set the wingspan to match your own model. Optionally, the percent change can be given. In going from a 33% scale model up to a 40% scale model, the original Hangar 9 model needs to grow to 121.2% (=.40/.33) of its original size. So instead of giving the span, 121.2% can be entered to scale up the original model.
  • That's all there is to it. Click "Ok", and go back to the fly page. Now the physics and model sized will be automatically rescaled.
  • When the sim starts after clicking "Fly", the airplane is recognized as being scaled and it reports the following information to the window.

  • This information reports that the scale factor is 1.21. The wing span has been resized to be 118 inches. The weight is autoscaled to 40.06 lbs. The propeller diameter has been autoscaled to 30.3 inches. The cost of an airplane this size as compared with the original will be near 1.78 times the original.
  • The relative speed is a bit technical. It's a measure of how many wing spans the plane flies per second as compared with the original Edge 540 33%. The value of 0.95 indicates that the airplane will appear to fly slower in flight. When *any* airplane is scaled in FS One, the relative speed is compared to this one Edge 540 33% - it's the standard against which everything else is compared.
  • The reporting rate of the Scaling Wizard data (shown above) can be changed in the Options. The screen grab above was made using these settings.

With the Scaling Wizard, I want to add my own information about wing span, weight, prop size and motor info? (Example 2) (Q1040-FS)

How can I size-up the electric Brio and add the Saito 180 glow motor? (Example 3) (Q1057-FS)

  • To turn the electric 41-inch span Brio into a scaled-up 74-inch span, Saito-180 powered Brio with a 17x6 prop, the first step is to make a copy of the original Brio. Then edit that and pick the Saito 180 glow motor together with the APC 17x6 prop. Then in the Scaling Wizard (size), set the span to 74 inch. In the Scaling Wizard (propulsion), set set the prop diameter to 17 inches and the max motor speed to 9500 RPM (a reasonable value for this motor/prop combination). That's it. Click OK to finish. That's all you need to do to make the transformation.
  • The last two steps mentioned above (prop diameter and RPM) are obviously simple (like the example above), but it does require some understanding of how things work. When picking the Saito 180 motor and 17x6 prop, that swaps out the electric setup with the Saito glow setup. So it's like putting a monster engine on the original 41-inch span Brio. That by itself will not workout well. Once you go into the Scaling Wizard part, the span is set to 74 inches. Stopping things there would take the Brio and Saito motor and scale everything up to 180% of the original. The Saito would scale up and that would produce too much power. To avoid that, the motor RPM is set to what the original Saito 180 can produce (say, 9500 RPM), and the propeller is set to 17 inches. This way the motor and propeller are not scaled up but are over-ridden by the specified RPM and propeller diameter.
  • Another tidbit, the motor sounds can be changed to the Saito motor. This is done by picking that motor sound (see images below). The RPM range shown in the image only means that correct sounds can be produced over that range -- not that the motor can produce that kind of max RPM(!). To get air rush sounds (for the larger plane), pick the air rush sounds by clicking on the Sound button a second time, and pick the air rush sounds for the Ultimate TOC (see graphic below). Now you will hear the swoosh of the plane when the motor is killed.
  • These steps are shown in the screen grabs below.

Airplane and Tx Customizations

How can I reduce the control surface throws and adjust the rates and expos? (Q1003-FS1)

  • In FS One the aircraft and transmitters are separate and must be modified in separate steps just like in real.
  • To change the control surface throws on an airplane, first in the Aircraft Selection window make a copy of the airplane and give it a name. Then click on Edit, and then click on Aerodynamics. Use the scroll bar to slide down to the Joystick section (yellow text). Click on the text for the surface that you want to change, e.g. "ElevRK" for the right elevator. A description of the item will then appear below along with the Current and New box. Enter the New value and click Apply. Click OK on the window to move back and fly the airplane with the new changes.
  • To change the transmitter, from the fly window click on the transmitter and then make a copy of the transmitter. Click Edit to enter the Transmitter Editor. Use the TacCon 3-position switch to set the Flight Mode that you want to change. The name of the flight mode will be displayed in the Transmitter Editor text box. Then, in the green section of the Transmitter Editor are all the values for dual rates and expos for that flight mode. Clicking on the items pulls up a box to enter the new values. As the edits are being made, the aircraft can be displayed at the same time by clicking on Show A/C. Click OK when finished.

How can I make an airplane in FS One fly like my own airplane? My airplane is smaller (or bigger) than the one in the sim. (Q1006-FS1)

  • Sit back. This is a long one. But in FS One it can take less than a minute to make the airplane tweaks. The discussion below is all about what few things need tweaking and why.
  • Let's use the Edge 540 as an example. Suppose you have a 25% Edge 540 model in real and you want to make the Hangar 9 Edge 540 33% sim model fly like your smaller version. Although 25% is not that far away from 33%, it's a huge difference when it comes to how the airplane looks and handles in the air.
  • When people watch airplanes fly, they get a sense of speed, but it's not speed in mph. Take a jet transport high over head. It's impossible to deduce how fast it's flying in mph just by looking up. In fact, it might even appear slow as compared with a model airplane if the model were high up and more or less looked the same size in the sky. In this case, the model would look like it's flying faster. (Think about your experience with smaller planes. They really zip around!) The sense of speed that a pilot sees is based on not mph, but instead how many wingspans the airplane travels in a given amount of time. In a sense, the RC pilot on the ground perceives a "relative speed" which is in fact relative to the size of the airplane - the more wingspans traveled in a given amount of time the faster it will look. To quantify this relative perceived speed, something called the square-cube law can be used to show this very effect. In can be shown that if the wingspan of the larger plane is twice the smaller, then the time it takes the larger plane to travel one wing span is 41% longer than the smaller. So although the larger plane is actually flying 41% faster, it looks 41% slower. That is a big difference! A 25% Edge is not going to look and fly like a 33% Edge. To get around this fundamental problem of size, FS One includes a Scaling Wizard. Any airplane in the sim can be resized and the physics is scaled automatically.

  • Step 1: Resize the airplane to match your own. In the Airplane Selection window, pick the airplane that you want to change, and click "Copy" to make a copy of the airplane. Then click "Edit" to get into the Aircraft Editor window. You can do a lot here, but let's fast forward to the Scaling Wizard buttons - the last two menu items on the page. The first of these is the "Scaling - Size/Wgt" page. On this page in the Aircraft Size section, set the wingspan to match your own model. Optionally, the percent change can be given. In going from a 33% scale model down to a 25% scale model, the original Hangar 9 model needs to shrink down to 75.7% (=.25/.33) of its original size in this example. So instead of giving the span, 75.7% can be entered to downsize the original model.

  • The relative speed mentioned above depends