GREAT PLANES RealFlight Generation 4 and the InterLink Elite Controller © Great Planes Model Manufacturing Company P.O.
Table of Contents Introduction 1 RealFlight G4 Feature Highlights How to read this manual 2 5 Before You Begin 7 System Requirements Video and Sound Cards Getting the Most out of RealFlight 7 8 9 Getting Started Installing RealFlight G4 Using Your Own R/C Radio Exploring RealFlight G4 Where to Go From Here 11 11 15 17 31 The InterLink Elite Controller 33 Start Flying! 34 The Simulation Menu 37 Select Airport… Edit Current Airport… Utilizing the Editor Create New Airport Capture Screenshot Mut
Heli Orientation Trainer Virtual Flight Instruction 222 224 View Menu 229 Window Menu 241 Show Camera Type Camera Position Look At Quick Look Zoom Type Zoom In Zoom Out Zoom Reset Head Tracking 230 231 232 233 234 235 237 237 238 239 Show Title Bar Gadgets Arrange Close All Viewport List 242 243 255 255 256 Help Menu 259 Basics of Flying 267 Contents Keyboard Commands About License Websites Airplane Basics Helicopter Basics Helicopter Flight RealFlight G4 Launcher Run RealFlight Additional Op
1 Chapter Introduction Welcome to the RealFlight Generation 4 R/C Flight Simulator (also known as RealFlight G4, or simply G4). R ealFlight G4 is, without question, the most advanced R/C aircraft simulation available. RealFlight G4 is so technologically advanced and so realistic, you’ll find it hard to believe that it’s only a simulation. The culmination of many years of development and design, G4 offers advancements that will serve to fine-tune flying the skills of even the most seasoned R/C veteran.
Finally, we’d like to express our gratitude to you for purchasing RealFlight G4. We think you will be enormously pleased with G4. Have fun flying! RealFlight G4 Feature Highlights This section briefly outlines some of the new features included in RealFlight G4 with the USB InterLink Elite Controller. RealFlight G4 and the multi-patented InterLink Elite Controller incorporate a significant number of enhancements and improvements over previous RealFlight systems.
with real-world predictability because they are carefully modeled using advanced methods and extensive real-world data. If it happens at the field or in the air, it’s re-created with exacting detail in G4! • Float Fly- RealFlight G4 offers a number of flying sites with water along with a variety of float fly aircraft. Practice your takeoffs and landings on water and admire the view at the same time.
over 1,500 airfoils at your disposal, a multitude of propellers, and much, much more! AccuModel brings up a wire-frame model for easy reference and highlights the editing area. Make a change and it’s immediately reflected onscreen, ready for review and revision. • Sierra Nevada’s Flying Sites and over 5,000 square miles to exploreRealFlight’s TrueLife Terrain™ goes beyond the limitations of traditional simulator flight.
at the same time. The pilot has the option to activate the digitized transmitter display so that he/she can view the radio input while flying. • NavGuides™- Using the NavGuides, you can display a variety of heads-up on-screen informational displays. Options range from altitude and airspeed to aircraft heading and engine rpm’s. This feature improves your ability to “see” what is going on in your virtual world.
RealFlight G4 is a menu driven simulator which allows you to make quick changes without having to reload the simulator each time. This manual will break out each main menu to its own chapter. This allows you to quickly find information on features and functions by the related menus. Along with this manual, a large RealFlight community is available online to help and discuss with each RealFlight fan. This online support, in the form of a forum, can be found at: http://www.knifeedge.
2 Chapter Before You Begin To get the most out of RealFlight G4, it helps to understand how to get the most out of your computer first. R ealFlight Generation 4 is designed to work on a large variety of computer hardware. Similar to a car, if you want to go faster, you need a bigger engine. The same holds true with RealFlight. You’ll be able to enjoy the simulator on most modern computers, but having the most update to date software for your computer will greatly increase your enjoyment.
3 GB Hard Drive Space 3D Accelerated Video with: - 32 MB Dedicated Video Memory - Full DirectX 9 compliant (Pixel Shader 1.4 support) Optimal System - For best graphical performance Dual Core 2.4GHz CPU 2 GB RAM 3D Accelerated Video with: - 256 MB dedicated video memory - Pixel Shader 2.0 support Multiplayer Requirements • 56.
enhance your enjoyment of RealFlight. Aside from increasing your satisfaction with G4, a new video card will also work with many other games or simulators, improving their performance as well. For a list of the video cards that have been tested by our staff, please visit: http://www.gpsoftware.com/ While not as important as the video card, upgrading your sound card may also improve your satisfaction with RealFlight.
3 Chapter Getting Started A brief overview and assistance to help start you on your R/C adventure. T his chapter covers the installation procedure for RealFlight G4, describes the basics of running the program, and introduces you to some of RealFlight’s frequently used features. The first section, Installing RealFlight G4, offers a step-by-step approach to the installation procedure for both the program software and the controller.
The USB InterLink Elite Controller- To install RealFlight G4 using the InterLink Elite controller, follow the instructions in this chapter. Regardless of whether you plan to use the InterLink Elite controller by itself, or with your own R/C radio to control RealFlight, follow the instructions on Program Installation in the next section. Program Installation- RealFlight Generation 4 features a simple, one-step installation process.
http://www.gpsoftware.com/kb/q01-1038.htm. This support article will take you through the process step-by-step, and has links to driver download sites for most manufacturers. Installing the Software- After you have completed installation of the new video and sound card drivers, you are now ready to install RealFlight G4. 1. Before installing the software, make sure to close any applications that you are running. This includes virus scanning software and other similar applications. 2.
1. With the software installation procedure complete, firmly plug the InterLink Elite controller into one of the unused USB ports on the PC. Because the controller is hot swappable, you do not have to shut the PC down to plug the controller in. 2. Shortly after plugging in the InterLink Elite controller, a dialog box should appear on the screen indicating that Windows has located a new device and will then automatically install the necessary drivers.
Insert Photos and Captions here…. CD-ROM and InterLink Elite controller. 3. Click OK. The RealFlight G4 Launcher will appear. Click Run RealFlight. RealFlight G4 will start with a default aircraft and default flying site. Note: The procedure above will allow you to pilot the RealFlight aircraft using the InterLink Elite controller. The InterLink Elite controller may also be used as an interface unit, allowing you to pilot the aircraft with your actual R/C transmitter.
Locate the cable input port on the rear of the InterLink Elite Controller. Plug one end of the included connector cable into this port. Next, plug the other end of the adapter cable into the buddy box port (a.k.a. trainer jack) of your transmitter. The procedure for doing so depends on your transmitter: • If your transmitter’s buddy box port directly accepts the 1/8” stereo plug, insert this end directly into the radio. This works for most JR® radios.
Setup- After you have connected your transmitter to the InterLink Elite controller, you will need to perform a brief setup procedure before utilizing it with the simulation. 1. First, make sure that the transmitter is in FM or PPM mode rather than PCM mode. Refer to the manual for your transmitter if you are unsure how to do this. 2. If the transmitter did not power up when the interface cord was plugged into it, turn the power switch on at this time. 3.
items and pull-down lists for the related options of the respective menu. These menus allow access to the command and control functions for the RealFlight G4 simulation. Navigating the Menus- To access the various menu items, simply highlight and click the mouse on the menu that you would like to view. For example, clicking on the Aircraft menu activates the sub-menu items for that menu.
• View • Window • Help This manual includes a separate chapter for each menu title. Later chapters describe (in detail) all of the menu items, sub-menus and options. Please note that it is also possible to access many of the features and functions of RealFlight Generation 4 using hot keys. Pressing the H key on the keyboard activates the Keyboard Commands dialog, which summarizes the available hot keys. Aircraft Selection- When you start G4 for the first time, you will be piloting an Extra 300L.
Each aircraft available in G4 is listed along the left-hand side. The icon next to each name differs depending on whether the model is an airplane or a helicopter. To select an aircraft from the list, click on the desired aircraft. The selected model will now appear in the ReadySelect™ preview box. Additionally, an aircraft description and information data will appear in the aircraft information pane, which appears just below the ReadySelect preview window.
Airport Selection- Changing flying sites uses a process similar to the process used to select an aircraft. To select a new flying location, click the Simulation menu located in the header. Next, click the Select Airport… menu item found in the drop-down menu. This opens the Select Airport dialog, which lists the available flying locations. Select either the Archipelago, PhotoFields, or Sierra Nevada location.
Each airport is preceded with a [+] (plus) and an icon. The [+] (plus) indicates that another expansion level (selection) is available to you. To access the complete list of airports for a respective location, either click the [+] (plus) or double-click on the desired airport. For example, clicking the [+] (plus) on the PhotoField folder reveals all of the PhotoField flying sites available to you. To select an airport from the list, click on the desired airport.
QuickSelect Tabs- RealFlight G4 offers a revolutionary methodology in which to access many features and functions quickly and easily without ever touching the keyboard or mouse. There are seven main areas of access available through the QuickSelect tabs. They are as follows: Airplane Selection, Flying Site Selection, NavGuides, On-Screen Radio, Binocular view, Viewports and Variometer. To access any of the QuickSelect tabs, press the Menu/Select button on the InterLink Elite controller.
For additional information on how to use the QuickSelect tabs, please refer to the information contained in the section entitled QuickSelect- on page 35. Some Common Tasks- • The easiest method of resetting your aircraft to its original takeoff position is to press the reset button located on the front of the InterLink Elite controller. Alternatively, you can reset the aircraft by pressing the space bar on the keyboard, or by selecting the Reset Position menu item, which is located in the Aircraft menu.
on the Zoom Out menu item. Every time you press [-] (minus) key or select and press the Zoom Out menu item, the view will decrease incrementally. • To reset the view to the default magnification, press the Backspace on the keyboard. Creating a Viewport- RealFlight allows you to create an additional picture-in-picture viewport. Once you create a new viewport, you may resize or reposition it by dragging with the mouse.
The Window chapter of this manual contains a thorough explanation of the viewports and the viewport options. Using Gadgets- The RealFlight G4 software includes several gadgets that may be displayed in the main window when running the software. A gadget is an on-screen display that provides helpful information or allows you to access to a variety of RealFlight features and functions.
related maneuver, click the [+] (plus) near the airplane. Alternatively, you may also double-click the word itself (e.g., airplane). This brings up the pilot selections. To select amongst the pilots, click the [+] (plus) which precedes their name. Alternatively, you may double-click the pilot’s name. To select a maneuver, double-click the name of the maneuver itself. Alternatively, highlight the name of the maneuver by clicking on it, then select OK. After you have selected a maneuver, click OK to proceed.
You can even fly your own aircraft next to the instructor’s! This allows you to mimic the inputs and aircraft reaction simultaneously. To simultaneously watch your aircraft and the instructor’s, create an additional viewport focused on your aircraft. The main window will show the instructor’s aircraft and the on-screen radio will show the instructor’s stick movements. The newly created viewport will show your aircraft.
The Landing Trainer feature, is designed to enhance a pilot’s landing skills. As with full-scale aircraft, it is imperative that an R/C pilot be well-versed in the proper technique of landing their aircraft in various conditions. Failure to land an aircraft properly may result in a damaged aircraft…or perhaps even destroy it entirely. To select the Landing Trainer feature, click on the Training menu title followed by the Landing Trainer… menu item.
Airport Editing- RealFlight G4 offers the most powerful, flexible flying site editor ever produced on an R/C simulation. G4’s FlexiField™ editor allows you to completely customize virtually every aspect of your flying sites.
You can add, remove, change orientation, or resize virtually every aspect of your flying site. You can alter the position and orientation of the ground objects (such as runways) that ‘snap’ to the terrain—you can even have a runway running up a hill! It’s even possible to control lighting, terrain, clouds, fog/haze, and much more. FlexiField provides you with almost unlimited freedom to create the flying environment you want.
• Browse through the menus. Many of the menus are self-explanatory, providing you with a more thorough look at the software. If you’re adventuresome, dive right in and start making modifications to an aircraft or a flying site! It’s a great way to learn more about what makes G4 tick! • If you’d like to learn more about a particular menu or item, look it up in the table of contents.
4 Chapter The InterLink Elite Controller The InterLink Elite is your all-access pass to the RealFlight world. T he R/C transmitter is a key component in all types of R/C flying. This unique method of control is part of what separates R/C from every other type of aviation. Consequently, a realistically simulated transmitter is an important key to an authentic simulation of the R/C experience. With this in mind, we at Great Planes are proud to offer our revolutionary USB InterLink Elite (U.S.
Features of the InterLink Elite Controller- • USB compatibility and convenience. The InterLink Elite offers the “plug and play” convenience, “hot pluggable” installation and removal, as well as the highspeed digital performance made possible by Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology. • High quality “mockup” transmitter. Use the InterLink Elite controller by itself as a pseudo R/C transmitter, with the controls you expect in a standard 8-channel radio.
QuickSelect- The InterLink Elite also offers QuickSelect buttons located at the bottom of the controller. These buttons allow you to make simple changes to the simulator without having to put the controller down and reach for the keyboard and/or mouse. This makes it convenient to change the current aircraft and airport, or display popular onscreen gadgets. To access the QuickSelect tabs, press the Menu/Select button to display a number of tabs on the left side of the simulator.
Look for the icon to the left throughout this manual for suggestions on when to use the QuickSelect buttons.
5 Chapter The Simulation Menu Allowing access to a variety of simulation-related features, functions and options. T he Simulation menu brings forth a pull-down menu, giving you access to many simulator related features, such as changing flying sites, or importing and exporting RealFlight files. Clicking the Simulation menu will bring forth a screen that looks similar to the following screen shot. Menu items that are available are: • Select Airport...
• Create New Airport… • Capture Screenshot • Mute Audio • Environment • Flight Failures • Import • Export • Manage User Files • Settings • Exit • Airport MRU Select Airport… When you click on Select Airport… the following dialog appears: 38
This dialog lets you choose the flying site that you wish to use for your flight. Each location offers its own unique characteristics and challenges. The list on the left of the dialog box displays all of the flying sites available to you. If you have created any flying sites, those sites will also be visible here. The flying sites are listed in files and folders in accordance with the software from which they were loaded.
Movement Modes If applicable to the respective airports, Generation 4’s Movement Modes allow you to explore the scenery without an aircraft. Movement is not possible at PhotoField airports. To select a Movement Mode, press the ‘Q’ key on your keyboard. You can press the ‘Q’ key repeatedly to cycle through the available modes: Walk, Fly or Hover. Walk mode simulates the effect of you, the pilot, physically walking across the field, complete with sound effects.
Airport Editor Menus- Selecting the Edit Current Airport option activates the screen shown above. There are five menus in the Airport Editor dialog: • File • Edit • View • Options • Window File Menu- This menu and its menu items are used to manipulate and control the various folders and related items in the airport editor.
Open- This menu item is used to open existing and edited airports. Selecting this menu item opens the Select Airport dialog. Save- This option becomes active once you have renamed and saved the edited airport. Prior to doing so this option remains inactive and grayed out. Save As- Upon completion of the airport editing, click this menu item to save the modifications. You will be asked to create a name for this new airport. After you have renamed the airport, click OK to accept the new name.
To save the folder, right click on the existing folder and select Save Folder. This brings forth a dialog that allows you to determine the new folder’s name as well as the location where it will be saved. Alternatively, with the respective folder highlighted click on the File menu and select Save Folder menu item from the pull-down menu. Load Folder- This option allows you to load a folder from the saved folders. To do so, right click on an existing folder. Next, select the folder from the list.
Undo- Select this to undo the last change you made in the airport editor. Redo- Choose Redo to repeat the last action you did in the airport editor. Cut- Select one or more objects at the airport and choose Cut to remove the selected objects. The objects are stored temporarily in RealFlight’s memory and can be pasted back into an airport. Copy- Like the Cut options, Copy will store the selected objects in RealFlight’s memory allowing you to later paste it into an airport.
Select Parent- All objects belong to a group or parent. To pick the parent that the current selected object belongs to, choose Select Parent. Select Child- If a group is currently selected, choose Select Child to select the first object listed in that group. Set As Default Pilot Spawn- Choose a pilot spawn and click this menu option to set it to the default spawning point. This point will be the default camera position each time you load the current airport.
and Normal Camera. These modes, as well as the methods to access them will be discussed in depth in the sections that follow. Pan Camera- The Pan Camera option allows the camera to shift the vantage point on the selected scenery. There are several ways to access the Pan Camera mode. The first, and probably the easiest, is to press the ‘C’ key on your keyboard. Alternatively, you may right click on the scene and select Pan Camera from the available options.
Conversely, to decrease the pivot view, either rotate the mouse wheel away from the computer screen or press the [+] (plus) key on the keyboard’s number pad. Again, this will shift the camera incrementally. To exit the Pivot Camera feature, right click in the editing view once again and then mouse click the desired option in the popup menu. You can also exit this mode by hitting the ‘Z’ key, which returns you to the normal viewing mode.
Fit Selection in View- This option is utilized to ensure that your selection fits in the view. If, for example, your zoom magnification is at an extremely high level, the object may not completely fit on the screen. This feature ensures that it will. To access the Fit Selection In View, right click on the highlighted object in the scene and select the Fit Selection In View from the options listed. The final option is to use the View menu and select the Fit Selection In View option.
Selectable Items- The Selectable Items menu determines whether a particular type of object may be clicked and selected on-screen. To eliminate the possibility of selecting an item, simply mouse click on the desired listing in the pull-down menu. This capability is useful if there are many objects clustered in a small area and you want to select just one of them. For example, suppose that an airport has a tight cluster of trees with a dirt pile in the middle.
then classified by Type (e.g., Buildings, Trees, etc.). Once you’ve selected the Product and Type of object that is desired, the objects are then listed alphabetically by Name. For information on adding objects and how to use the Object Palette, please refer to the Object Palette section of this manual. Type, Name- This option causes the objects in the Object Palette to display by the Type and the Name designations only. They are not sorted by the Product in which they appear.
5 Degrees The object will rotate 5 degrees each time if this option is selected. Display Metric Units- Click this item with your mouse to switch the measurement indicators in the Properties pane from SAE (feet, inches, pounds) to metric (meters, centimeters, kilograms). Window Menu- This menu item activates or eliminates items from the display or window. For example, if you were to click the Properties item in the pull-down menu this would eliminate the Properties window from the screen.
Object Palette- The Object Palette includes the complete selection of objects available to you for use in editing an airport. Selecting this item from the pull-down menu will remove the Object Palette dialog from the screen. Pilot Preview- Selecting this item from the pull-down menu will eliminate the pilot’s perspective from the screen. Properties- Selecting this item from the pull-down menu will remove the Properties dialog from the screen.
To determine what items are contained within the Objects and Clouds folders, click on the [+] (plus) or double-click on the name itself (e.g., Objects). Doing so brings up the various sub-folders that are contained within the main item. As denoted by the [+] (plus) symbols, these folders, in turn, also have another level. Again, to open these respective levels, click on the [+] (plus) icon or double-click the folder name.
First, you can highlight the object or sub-folder (e.g., Fences) in the Folder Listing and press the Delete key on the keyboard. Alternatively, with the object or sub-folder highlighted, right click and select the Delete Object pull-down option. Properties Window- The Properties window indicates the detailed information for the item highlighted in the Airport Editor window. Consequently, the contents of the Properties window vary depending upon the selection in the Folder Listing window.
Object Palette Window- The Object Palette window is used to add a new object or objects to the airport. The object window consists of two separate sections: the preview box in the top section of the window, and the objects list in the bottom section. All objects are grouped according to their root directory. Within the root directory the grouping is further refined. For example, you will find all available benches in the Benches, Chairs and Tables group.
1. Click on the [+] (plus) icon in front of the Benches, Chairs and Tables group (or, double-click the group name itself). This reveals the next expansion level to you. 2. From this expansion list, select the ‘Bench’ object. The selected object appears in the preview box. 3. Click the Add button, which adds the object to the scene. You will find additional information pertaining to object placement, positioning, etc., in the Properties section of this chapter.
The number of pilot perspectives available to you varies; dependent upon the selected scene. For example, RealFlight Ranch offers: Runway Center, Runway End and Helipad as the viewing options. To select amongst these options, open the Spawn Folder in the Folder Listing. Use the up/down arrow keys on the keyboard or the mouse to select the desired perspective. It is also possible to modify the selected vantage points. For example, you may Zoom In and Out, or simply scan the horizon.
Create New Airport This menu enables you to create an entirely new airport, starting with a fresh canvas. The FlexiField flying site editor provides you with virtually unlimited editing options, limited only by your imagination. The options available to you when creating an airport are identical to those found in the section pertaining to the airport editor above. As such, we will avoid duplicating these instructions.
chance to snap off screenshots. Captured screenshots are great to share with friends, add as your desktop wallpaper, or put on the internet for the world to see. To snap a screenshot, click the Capture Screenshot menu item. Alternatively, press the Tab key on the keyboard. Screenshots are stored in the My Documents folder. Mute/Unmute Audio At times, you may want to fly without any sound. Choose this menu item to mute the audio. Select it again to activate the sounds.
Environment The Environment menu item has a number of sub menus that allows you to adjust the sun location and wind settings.
Sun- RealFlight G4 gives you the ability to adjust the position of the sun in the sky. By change the Azimuth, you can rotate the sun around you. Change the Inclination to adjust how high in the sky the sun should be, or turn day into night by moving the sun below the horizon.
The sun settings are not applicable at PhotoField flying sites. Adjusting the Sun Azimuth- If you customize an airport, and find that the sun is always in your flight path, adjusting the sun’s Azimuth is a good way to move it around the sky, out of your way. To adjust the Azimuth, select the Sun menu. This will bring forth the Azimuth and Inclination options. Highlight the Azimuth menu item in the pull-down selections. To rotate the sun to the right, click Increase.
To adjust the Inclination, select the Sun menu. This will bring forth the Azimuth and Inclination options. Highlight the Inclination menu item in the pull-down selections. To raise the sun higher into the sky, click Increase. Click Decrease lower the sun, or to set it below the horizon to make it night time. Alternatively, you may increase or decrease the Inclination by pressing Shift + Page Up or Shift + Page Down.
RealFlight offers you the ability to adjust both the speed and direction of the wind. To access the Wind settings, click on the Simulation menu followed by the Wind menu item. Several methods may be utilized to adjust the wind speed and direction. Adjusting the Wind Direction- RealFlight G4 also allows you to alter the direction (expressed in degrees) of the wind as well. This function is perfect for practicing crosswind landings. Selecting the Wind menu item brings up the Speed and Direction options.
When altering the wind speed, the simulation temporarily displays the new wind speed in the lower left corner of the window. Alternatively, you may adjust the Wind through the Settings… menu item. For information on how to do so, please refer to the Settings section on page 75. Flight Failures RealFlight G4 offers the ability to simulate common failures for your aircraft. This feature aids in teaching you how to remain calm and react appropriately when an actual failure occurs at your R/C field.
menu is visible, simply mouse click on one of the options in the pull-down menu. Alternatively, you can adjust the rate of occurrence in the Settings… menu item. To access this menu item, click on the Simulation menu followed by the Settings… menu item. Next, click on the Flight Failures listing. You can bring forth the Flight Failures options by clicking on the [+] (plus) or by double-clicking on the Flight Failures listing itself.
Selecting the Type of Flight Failures- As noted previously, RealFlight G4 also allows you to determine the type of flight failures that you will experience within the simulation. To do so, click the Simulation menu followed by the Flight Failures menu item. Next, select Enable to bring forth the list of available flight failures. If an item has a check mark next to it, then that flight failure is enabled. To disable the flight failure, click on it with the mouse.
Import The Import menu item allows you to utilize, or import, content created by other users. There are three types of files that are associated with RealFlight G4; each will be covered in the section that follows.
KEX- Knife Edge Software has created a plug-in, or software module that functions with popular 3D modeling tools to create subject matter for the RealFlight software. The KEX importer is used to bring the model from the plug-in into the simulation itself. For more information, see: http://www.knifeedge.com/KEmax/ Raw Panoramic Image- This file type refers to the panoramic image that helps generate the PhotoField flying sites.
process can take several minutes for large images. When the process is complete, G4 will automatically create a new PhotoField airport that uses your newly imported image. To edit the new PhotoField airport (for image alignment, object placement, etc.), access the Airport Editor. To do so, click the Simulation menu, followed by the Create New Airport… menu item. To see the image from the pilot’s perspective, refer to the Pilot Preview window.
G4 users may share the following items: Color Schemes, Aircraft Variant, Entire Aircraft, Airport and Panoramic Images. If one or more of these options on the list is grayed out, it is because the currently loaded color scheme, aircraft, or airport is part of the simulation by default and not available for export. Once any of these items are exported, you can then share them with friends or the rest of the RealFlight community.
Aircraft Variant- This option enables you to export an aircraft that has undergone structural modifications such as lengthened wing span, more prop thrust, different airfoils, etc. It is important to note in addition to any wire frame modifications, the Aircraft Variant file option also includes any modifications to the aircraft powerplant, batteries, etc. To export an aircraft variant, select the Export menu item followed by the Aircraft Variant option.
not the export was successful. This verification message will also list the location and name of the file that was exported. You may then upload the exported file to a web site for others to enjoy. Manage User Files The Manage User Files menu item allows you to modify the new user content that you have added to the simulation. You will find that the Manage User Files menu item is a handy tool as it maintains all such files in one, easy to find location.
Copy- This option duplicates the information and data pertaining to the currently selected item. If, for example, you wish to duplicate a flying site located in the User Files, click the Copy button. Once you have copied the respective file, enter a name for the new item. Using our previous example, simply rename the flying site as desired. This new name will then be used in the Select Airport dialog. Rename- This option is utilized to rename a user-created item.
Settings The Settings options are an integral part of the G4 software. This menu item allows you to adjust a multitude of features and functions within the simulation. To access this menu item, click on the Simulation menu followed by the Settings… menu item. The Settings dialog will appear, showing the available options.
The Settings that are available to you are as follows: • Audio • Camera • Console • Flight Failures • Graphics • Multiplayer • Physics • Wind and Weather Audio- Audio settings are split into two different categories which are as follows. Double-click on the Audio name, or click on the [+] (plus) to expand the list and show the Audio options.
Application- The Application section controls the sound over the entire simulator. • Volume (%) - This setting adjusts the master volume level for the entire simulator. • Sound Enabled - Choosing No for this option will mute all sounds for the simulator. Sounds- The Sound settings control the various options related to the miscellaneous sounds within the simulation. RealFlight allows you to make modifications to the various sounds based upon your preferences.
For each type of sound that is adjustable, there are two parameters that can be changed. First is the Volume, which is a percentage of the overall volume. The second is whether the sound should be enabled or muted. The different sound types are: • Aircraft – effects aircraft related sounds such as servos. • Airport – effects the ambient sounds around the airport. • Collision – adjust these to effect the crashing sounds associated with collisions.
• Wind – this effects the sound produced by the wind. Camera- The camera options available to you are designed to enhance the field of view when utilizing the Keep Ground in View zoom mode. For additional information on this option, please refer to the View menu section of this manual. Minimum Field of View (deg)- This setting determines the absolute minimum field of view when utilizing the Keep Ground in View zoom option. To adjust the minimum field of view, click the existing value.
enough so that minor changes in the aircraft’s speed/position are more noticeable. Please note: these settings apply to fixed view cameras only. They are not applicable to the cockpit or chase views. Console- The Console option has a number of sub-categories that allow you to perform modifications to the messages that appear on-screen while running the simulator. It also offers two parameters that effect all the sub-categories.
Clear on Reset- This setting controls whether all the on-screen messages are cleared when the aircraft resets. This prevents the screen from becoming overly cluttered with messages and information. Using either the up/down arrow keys on the keyboard, or the mouse, select either Yes (messages automatically clear) or No (messages remain on-screen after a reset) from the pull-down listings. If using the up/down arrow keys, press Enter to finalize your selection.
Font Size- This option allows you to adjust the font size for the messages pertaining to the instructions. Please note: this only effects the Instructions. It does not effect any other system messages. To access the Font Size options, click on the value shown in the respective column. The desired values may be input directly from the keyboard or modified using the mouse wheel. Foreground Color- This option allows the user to adjust the color of the foreground for the Instructions messages.
To select a color, click the desired color on the palette. If you wish to make a custom color, click the Define Custom Colors button and create the color or colors to suit your tastes. Click OK to finalize the selection. The selected color will be reflected immediately in the value column. Background Color- As with the Foreground Color, this setting allows the user to adjust the color of the background for the Instructions messages.
The desired values may be input directly from the keyboard or modified using the mouse wheel. The higher the value, the more transparent the text background will become. Message Duration (sec)- This option adjusts the length of time that a message remains onscreen before it disappears. You may input desired values directly from the keyboard or modify them using the mouse wheel. Of course, the higher the value, the longer the message remains on-screen.
Warnings- This option determines the settings for the system warning messages.
To select the Warnings options, click on the Warnings name. These options function in the same manner as the options for the Instructions messages, except that they only affect Warning messages. Errors- This option allows you to modify the behavior of system error messages. To select the Errors options, click on the Errors name. These options function in the same manner as the options for the Instructions messages, except that they only affect Error messages.
To select the Chat Messages (Sent) options, click on the Chat Messages (Sent) name. These options function in the same manner as the options for the Instructions messages, except that they only affect Chat Messages (Sent) messages. Chat Messages (Received)- This option allows you to modify the appearance of text that you receive from other players during multiplayer sessions.
To select the Chat Messages (Received) options, click on the Chat Messages (Received) name. These options function in the same way as the options for the Instructions messages, except that they only affect Chat Messages (Received) messages. There is one additional parameter available for this option called Play Sound. This allows you to set whether a sound is heard when an incoming chat messages arrives. Commands- This option allows you to modify the appearance of commands typed in the console screen.
To select the Commands options, click on the Commands name. These options function in the same manner as the options for the Instructions messages, except that they only affect Commands messages. Flight Failures- To adjust the Probability options or the Notify When settings, click on the Flight Failures root directory.
Double-click on the Flight Failures name or click on the [+] (plus) to expand the list and show the Flight Failures options. RealFlight defaults all Flight Failures to enabled (active). Each item may be enabled or disabled individually. To disable a specific flight failure, click on the respective failure located within the pull-down list. Next, click on the Yes value as indicated in the value column. This brings forth the Yes/No pulldown list. To disable the respective failure, simply choose the No option.
To adjust the settings of this feature, click on the value as indicated in the column to the right of the Notify When indicator. Your options are: After Flight - RealFlight will advise you as to the flight failure experienced upon the completion of the flight. Before Flight - RealFlight will tell you which flight failure you are about to experience before the flight begins. Never - RealFlight G4 will never advise you as to the flight failure that you have experienced, or are about to experience.
Multiple Failures which allows this flight failure to be triggered more than once during a flight. Graphics- Double-click on the Graphics name or click on the [+] (plus) to expand the menu and display the various Graphics options available to you. Quality Options- The Quality options are quite useful in fine-tuning your simulator to ensure that it runs as efficiently and realistically as possible on your PC.
Click on the respective value indicator. From the pull-down options select either Yes (clouds will be present) or No (clouds will not be present). Particles- This option determines whether RealFlight will utilize particles such as engine smoke. Click on the respective value indicator. From the pull-down options select either Yes (G4 will display smoke) or No (G4 will not display smoke).
Wind Field Indicators- This parameter determines whether or not RealFlight displays the wind field indicators that are present at select airports. Post-processing: Bloom- The Bloom effect will cause lighter colors or lights to bleed into neighboring parts, enhancing their perceived brightness. Please note: the Bloom effect does have an effect on the framerate of your simulation.
Please note: you must restart the simulation for the new setting to take effect. Shadow Quality- This setting specifies the quality of the shadows in the simulation. RealFlight G4 attempts to automatically optimize the settings for your PC. However, it may be necessary for you to perform some manual fine-tuning in order to obtain the best possible performance. To modify the quality of the shadows, click on the value indicated in the column to the right of the Shadows name.
To alter the Miscellaneous Graphics level, click on the value located to the right of the Misc. Graphics name. Next, select the desired level to utilize for the graphics. Please note: you must restart the simulation for the new setting to take effect. Brightness (%)- This setting adjusts the brightness of the ambient lighting found in the simulation. If dark colors appear to be overly dark, increase the brightness percentage. To adjust the brightness percentage, click on the current brightness percentage.
Graphics Adapter- The Graphics Adapter is the device that RealFlight utilizes to run the simulation, generically referred to as a video card. Most PC’s have only one video card; however, some PC’s are equipped with multiple cards. To determine if your PC has an additional video card available to you, click on the video card information located in the values column to the right of the Graphics Adapter name. If multiple cards appear in the drop-down selection there is another option for you.
To access the menu while in Full Screen mode, press either the ESC key or the ALT key on the keyboard. To adjust the Full Screen option, click on the value as indicate in the column to the right of the Full Screen name. From the pull-down menu, select Yes to run in Full Screen or No to run in the Windowed mode. Alternatively, you may access the Full Screen mode by pressing the Alt and Enter keys simultaneously on the keyboard. To exit Full Screen mode, press the ALT and Enter keys simultaneously.
To adjust the Vertical Sync, click the respective value. Select Yes or No from the pull-down menu that appears. Multiplayer- Settings available here effect multiplayer parameters, either in split screen MultiMode, or over the internet. Pilot Name- This setting allows you to enter a name for the multiplayer sessions. To do so, click on the value that appears to the right of the Pilot Name column. Click the more options button (the gray folder with the ellipsis). Enter a name of your choosing.
Collisions- The Collisions options allows you to enable or disable the collisions between aircraft in Multiplayer sessions. If you are connected via dialup, or have a slow network connection, Select No as this may speed up the performance of the simulator. Physics- The physics options are quite useful in fine-tuning the items applicable to the physics of your simulated aircraft. Airplane Physics Quality- This setting determines the detail level of physics utilized for the airplanes in the simulation.
Helicopter Physics Quality- This setting determines the detail level of physics utilized for the helicopters in the simulation. When the physics level is adjusted to the highest setting, the simulation performs the aircraft calculations more accurately and more frequently. Unless you are running the simulation on an older, slower PC, we suggest using either the ‘high’ or ‘highest’ settings.
To adjust the Physics Speed, click the respective value. Enter the desired value directly from the keyboard or use the mouse wheel. Automatic Reset Delay (sec)- This setting will force RealFlight to automatically reset the aircraft after a crash where a piece of the aircraft has broken off. To adjust the Reset Delay, click the respective value. Enter the desired value directly from the keyboard or use the mouse wheel.
and 359 degrees to modify the wind direction. Alternatively, the mouse wheel may be used to alter the input value. You may also adjust the wind direction from the keyboard. Press the Home key to increase the wind direction. The End key will reduce the direction of the wind. The direction that the wind comes from is expressed in degrees; where 0 is north, 90 is east, 180 is south and 270 is west. It is also possible to adjust the wind direction to any angle in-between.
Turbulence System- RealFlight’s wind model is so authentic that it even recreates the turbulence which your aircraft will experience when out at the field. Turbulent Layer Height- Use this setting to mimic the turbulence level at your local flying site. This setting represents the maximum height above the ground at which your aircraft will experience the effects of G4’s turbulent winds.
Micro-Turbulence Strength Proportion (%)- This option allows you to adjust the strength of the lower level turbulence. Some turbulence will be more severe. This is the lowest level of turbulence that you will experience, however. To adjust the Micro-Turbulence Strength Proportion (%) settings, click on the value indicated in the column to the right of this respective option. The desired values may be input directly from the keyboard or modified using the mouse wheel.
Airport MRU If you have previously selected an alternative flying location, or locations, you will note that it will appear on a list in the Simulation menu. This list is at the very bottom of the menu and is commonly referred to as a Most Recently Used, or MRU list. It is limited to the eight most recently selected locations. If you wish to fly at one of these locations simply click on the respective location and it will begin loading.
6 Chapter The Aircraft Menu Offering access to a variety of aircraft related features, functions and options. C licking the Aircraft menu brings forth a pull-down menu similar to the following screen shot.
• Edit Current Aircraft… • Select Color Scheme • Save Color Scheme As… • Remember Aircraft Position • Clear Aircraft Position • Reset Position • Kill Engine • Aircraft MRU The following sections describe the function and purpose of each of these menu items.
This dialog allows you to select the aircraft that you wish to fly. Change aircraft simply by using the InterLink Elite. Press the Menu/Select button, then, with the airplane tab highlighted press the Menu/Select button again. This will bring up the Select Aircraft dialog window. You can continue using the QuickSelect buttons in this dialog to select a new aircraft, or press Reset to resume flying without making any changes.
Alternatively, use the up/down keys on the keyboard to scroll through the list, one aircraft at a time. The first time an aircraft is selected, G4 creates a collision mesh for the aircraft. This process may take a few seconds to complete. A progress bar will appear while the collision mesh is being calculated. Click the [+] (plus) symbol to reveal the aircraft contained within the folder. Using either the up/down arrow keys on the keyboard or the mouse, select the desired aircraft from the listings.
If the list control is active, click on the down arrow to reveal the alternate trim scheme(s). To select an alternate trim scheme, use either the up/down arrow keys on the keyboard or select one with the mouse. When an alternative trim scheme is selected, this scheme will appear immediately in the ReadySelect preview box, replacing the previous trim scheme. Additionally, modelers may create their own trim schemes in RealFlight using a thirdparty bitmap editor capable of manipulating Targa (*.tga) files.
The Aircraft Editor dialog will have an appearance similar to the screen shot shown below. It may deviate slightly depending upon the type of aircraft that you are editing (i.e., biplane, electric model, etc.). However, all aircraft are edited in a similar manner. As such, this section presents you with the general information necessary to edit any aircraft found in G4. Aircraft Editor Menus- Selecting the Edit Current Aircraft option activates the screen shown above.
Open…- This menu item is used to open existing and edited aircraft. Selecting this menu item opens the Select Aircraft dialog. To select an aircraft from this list, follow the procedure described in the Aircraft Selection section of this manual. Save- This option becomes active once you have renamed and saved the edited aircraft. Prior to doing so this option will remain inactive or grayed out. This allows you to make further modifications to the aircraft without renaming it each time.
Revert- This menu item allows you to revert, or go back to the settings the last time that the aircraft was saved. If you have not previously saved the aircraft, the aircraft will return to the default settings. To use this menu item, open the File menu and click Revert. This will bring forth the verification dialog. Click Yes if you wish to return to the last saved version of this model. Please note: any modifications performed after the last time that this model was saved will be lost.
For example, if the aircraft name is highlighted and the Edit menu is selected, there will not be any actions available to you. If the airframe is highlighted, the aircraft editor will allow you to add various components to the airframe. Alternatively, if you wish to either add or remove an item from one of the aircraft components, right-click on the respective component. This will bring forth the available options.
Play Engine Sounds- Selecting this menu item plays the respective engine sounds during the editing of this aircraft. Please note: this setting is only temporary. That is, this setting is not retained after you exit the aircraft editor. To select this option, click the Play Engine Sounds menu item. This will place a check mark before the setting and return to the aircraft editor. Additionally, the engine sounds will become audible.
Additionally, you may also press the ‘D’ key on the keyboard to display or eliminate the advanced properties from the dialog. Units- This option toggles the units of measure between metric and SAE units. It is important to note that modifying this option affects all measurements in the simulation. For example, changing from SAE to metric in the editor also affects the airport editor dialogs. To modify this option, click the Display Metric Units setting.
Look At- This option allows you to determine the view of the aircraft being edited. There are three options available from this menu. • Aircraft Center- Check this option is you wish to keep the entire aircraft centered in the view. • Component Center- Check this option to center the view around the component you are editing. For example, if you are modifying the rudder, the aircraft will shift so that the rudder appears in the center of the preview area.
Look From- Alternatively, you can select from pre-determine angles from the Look From menu item. They include: • Above – Look from above the aircraft. Or press the Q key to quickly change to this view. • Below – Look from below the aircraft. Or press the Shift-Q keys to quickly change to this view. • Right – Look from right side the aircraft. Or press the W key to quickly change to this view. • Left – Look from left side the aircraft. Or press the Shift-W keys to quickly change to this view.
The Aircraft Parts Tree breaks down the entire list of aircraft components and radio data into an easy-to-use hierarchy. The first item listed is the name of the aircraft you are currently editing, and is considered the root item for all other items listed here. Selecting it will offer a variety of common parameters that you can edit in the Parameter window. These include the description of the aircraft, Launch Method, Power Plant Type and Radio Type.
• P-51 Mustang - root of the aircraft, found at the top of the Aircraft Parts Tree list o Airframe – Contains all the physical parts of the aircraft, like wings, fuselage, etc. Main Wing – One of many physical parts found in the Airframe • Main Gear – The Main Gear on the P-51 attaches to the wing, therefore, we found it under the Main Wing part. o Main Wheel – Finally, you’ll see the wheel component which, understandably, is found under the Main Gear part.
portion of the image. You’ll notice that the Horizontal Tail is now selected in the Aircraft Parts Tree. Preview Screen- As mentioned above, to quickly find the part in the Aircraft Parts Tree for modification, you can simply click that part in the Preview screen itself. At times, you’ll notice that the part you want to click might be hidden behind another section of the aircraft. If you find yourself in this situation, click and drag the mouse cursor around the Preview screen.
Add and Removing Components- There are times when you may want to add a new component to the aircraft. The first step is to determine the location for the new part. For example, if you were to add flaps, it makes more sense to add it to the main wing, than to the fuselage. After having determined the location for the new part, you can add it in one of two ways. Select the new part from the Edit menu. Alternatively, you can right-click on the component in which you are adding the new part.
To view the alternative color schemes, click the Select Color Scheme menu item. To select an alternate trim scheme, click the existing selection in the value box. This will bring forth the pull-down menu selections. Use either the Up/down arrow keys on the keyboard, or the mouse to select the desired option. If utilizing the arrow keys, press Enter to finalize the selection. The new trim scheme will appear immediately on the aircraft.
RealFlight G4 allows you to create a custom paint/decal scheme for your aircraft. The color schemes you create are limited only by your imagination. However, only individuals that own, and know how to use, a third-party bitmap editing program such as Adobe® Photoshop®, should attempt to create a custom color scheme. Your editor must be able to read and edit Targa (“.tga”) files. To create a custom color scheme click the Save Color Scheme As… menu item. Enter the desired name in the dialog box that appears.
Once you have finished editing and saving your color scheme, you will probably want to see the results of your work. There are two ways that you can do so. One is to use the Select Color Scheme menu, which is found within the Aircraft menu. Simply click on the color scheme that you have just edited, and RealFlight will reload the color scheme onto your aircraft and reset the aircraft. Within seconds, you are ready for flight with your new color scheme.
Alpha Channels Almost all of the color schemes for the aircrafts incorporate an Alpha Channel, which defines what areas of the color scheme are opaque and what areas are transparent. White portions of the alpha channel will be 100% opaque and Black portions of the alpha channel will be 100% transparent. Shades in-between will be partially transparent. Consult the image editor’s manual to determine how to use Alpha Channels. Note: RealFlight uses TGA files instead of the BMP format.
To activate this menu item, click the Remember Aircraft Position menu item when the aircraft is in the desired location and altitude. Alternatively, pressing the ‘P’ key on the keyboard will also remember the aircraft’s position. Each time the aircraft is reset it will begin flight from the saved location. Please note: the saved position is only temporary. If you select another airport, aircraft, or if you exit the simulation and restart, you will need to save the desired position once again.
Reset Position There are three ways to reset the aircraft to its takeoff position: 1. Press the Reset button on the InterLink Elite controller. This is probably the fastest and simplest method. 2. Press the keyboard’s space bar. 3. Click the Reset Position menu item. Kill Engine Click on this item to instantly stop the motor from running. This is useful when you are practicing dead-stick landings in airplanes and when practicing autorotations for helicopters.
Aircraft MRU The final items in the Aircraft menu indicate the most recently used aircraft. The first item is the aircraft that you are currently flying; successive items are aircraft you have previously flown. The MRU shows only the eight most recently selected aircraft.
You can load an aircraft by selecting it from this list. This shortcut allows you to switch between your favorite aircraft without using the Select Aircraft dialog.
7 Chapter Controller Menu Determine the method of control, map the channels to your liking, and calibrate the controller. T he Controller menu allows you to select the method of control, calibrate the controller and to map the channels for your desired method of control for RealFlight G4.
• Select Controller • Controller Calibration… • Channel Mapping… Select Controller When you click on the Select Controller menu item, the following sub-menu appears: To choose the method of control, click on the Select Controller menu item from the Controller menu. The selection(s) will vary depending on whether or not you have attached an actual R/C transmitter to the interface adapter for the InterLink Elite.
between the various modes and methods of control and the means and ways to access and utilize them. If you have attached a Generation 2 InterLink controller or a G3 InterLink Plus controller in addition to the G4 InterLink Elite, there will be an option allowing you to select these controllers as well. Controller Calibration The Controller Calibration… menu item allows you to adjust your controller for use in the simulation.
As directed, place all sticks, knobs and switches to their center positions. Click Next when finished.
It is imperative to move all of the sticks, knobs and switches through their complete range of motion several times. This is the key to a properly calibrated controller. When completed, click Finish. You will now be returned to the simulation with a calibrated controller. Channel Mapping… G4’s Channel Mapping feature allows for incredible flexibility and adjustability regardless of radio manufacturer or flight mode utilized.
It is important to have a basic understanding of the Channel Mapping… screen prior to actually modifying the actual mapping itself. Channel- This column corresponds to the actual channel of the transmitter used to control the functionality, as defined in the Map To column. For example, radio channel 3 on a Futaba radio corresponds to the throttle. As such, the Map To value is defined as throttle. On the other hand, radio channel 3 on a JR radio controls the pitch (elevator).
important to note that this will affect all aircraft. See Edit Current Aircraft on page 111 for information on how to edit the individual aircraft. The radio channel values serve as placeholders, or reminders, for the functionality of your transmitter with regards to the Map To functions. Map To- The values here define the function or duties that will be performed by the transmitter.
Joystick Mode vs. Transmitter Mode In single-player mode, RealFlight allows you to quickly and easily change the method used to control the action in the simulation. RealFlight G4 offers two control modes: • Joystick Mode. Using the InterLink Elite in Joystick Mode, RealFlight G4 accepts control input from the sticks, switches, knob and push-button on the InterLink Elite controller. This is the default mode when you install RealFlight. Again, we suggest that you fine-tune the calibration of the controller.
Channel Modification- It is possible to modify the mixing of the radio in the Software Radio menu. To access the Software Radio menu, click the Aircraft menu followed by the Edit Current Aircraft menu item. Next, click on the Software Radio menu. Every aircraft in RealFlight has its own unique software radio program that maps (converts) the raw stick inputs from the InterLink Elite controller into the correct servo input for that particular aircraft.
Two ways to use the InterLink Elite Transmitter Mode- There are two ways to use Transmitter Mode. They are commonly referred to as the “Pass Through Interface” and “Joystick Emulation Interface” (not to be confused with the “Joystick Mode” in the previous section). Here is a quick chart that will help you decide which mode to use.
R/C transmitter required No Required: 4-8 channels. Computer radio not required Required: computer radio with multiple model memory. Recommended: radio with 7-12 channels. Transmitter Mode: Joystick Emulation Interface The purpose of the Joystick Emulation Interface is to create a program on your own R/C transmitter to provide RealFlight with raw stick inputs. This enables RealFlight to use its own software radio to control all of the stock aircraft.
Channel. After this is accomplished, click Channel Mapping… Follow the onscreen instructions, making sure that you read all of the instructions in each step. Once you have finished, it is best if you never modify the RealFlight radio program in your transmitter again. A change in this “RFJOY” program will affect every RealFlight aircraft flown with this transmitter. Instead, edit the Software Radio in RealFlight. Changes to the Software Radio only affect the aircraft whose radio you have edited.
Setting the Pass Through Interface- After completing the Controller Calibration… and the Channel Mapping… procedures, select the desired aircraft. Next, select the Edit Current Aircraft menu item. Highlight the aircraft root (name of the aircraft) and select the value for the Radio Type. Using either the mouse or the up/down arrow keys on the keyboard, select the Pass Through option from the pull-down menu.