RealFlight RF7.5 RC Flight Simulator

 RCU Review: RealFlight RF7.5 RC Flight Simulator More On This Product
Research Airplanes Research Boats Research Cars Research Helicopters Research Engines & Motors Research Radio Equipment Contributed by: Geoff Barber | Published: December 2014 | Views: 25917 |
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Easy to Install Software Five Different Hardware
Versions Many Different Aircraft Several Multi-rotor Designs Lots of Scenarios and
Challenges Over 40Different Flying Sites Reactive 3D Objects Geoff Barber
(gabarber)
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Introduction
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Summary
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If you're like me, you fly every chance possible. Be that when
the weather is decent at my local flying field, or in our local high
school gymnasium during the cold winter months. But, even with
both of these options, there are times that I'd like to sneak in
some flying. It might be dark, or windy, or just too dang cold to
go outside.
So, what do I do? I reach for my RC flight simulator. I think
everyone can agree that a flight simulator is a useful tool, as
well as a lot of fun - for new and old pilots alike! Recently, a
buddy of mine showed up at the field and did some rolling
harriers. I asked him when he learned that, and he told me he
practiced the maneuver on his RC flight simulator until he felt
confident enough to try it with a real plane. Needless to say, all
of us at the field were pretty impressed by his new maneuver.
None as Tested Skill Level:
Time Required to Assemble:
Distributed by:
So, where can I get an RC flight simulator? What do I need for a
computer? How much does one of these programs cost? These
are all great questions, and I'll give you the answers you're
looking for and show you a few of the highlights of Hobbico's
newest flight simulator - RealFlight 7.5. RealFlight has been
going strong for 17 years now. Each and every year, they
release a new version, and each and every version is better
Frustration Level:
What do these ratings mean?
P.O Box 9021
Champaign, IL 61826-9021
release a new version, and each and every version is better
than the last! But, you don't have to take my word for it - read on
and see for yourself!
www.hobbico.com
Minimum Recommended System: (Note: Some graphical features may be disabled. Aerodynamic calculations will remain high-quality)
Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 - Local administrator access required
Intel Pentium 1.0GHz or equivalent
512 MB RAM
10 GB Hard Drive Space
DVD Drive
3D Accelerated Video with:
32 MB Dedicated Video Memory
Full Windows DirectX 9 compliant (Shader Model 2.0 or better)
Optimal System: (For best graphical performance)
Dual Core 2.4GHz CPU
2 GB RAM
3D Accelerated Video with:
512 MB dedicated video memory
Pixel Shader 3.0 support
Multiplayer Requirements: Broadband Internet connection
Computer microphone for voice chat
Interlink Elite Controller:
USB Port
Compatible FM or FM selectable transmitter if using the Interface mode
Name:RealFlight RF7.5 RC Flight Simulator
Price: $169.99 (Interlink Elite Version - Accurate at time of review)
Upgrade from RealFlight G4 or Higher: $49.99 (Accurate at time of review)
Stock Number: GPMZ4520
Compatibility: Compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. Local administrator access required.
Not compatible with Windows XP, Mac platforms or Windows emulators such as Virtual PC on a Mac.
As you can see, the box is almost too pretty to put away! The front flap of the box opens to reveal some of the major highlights and information
about the Interlink Elite controller. I removed the foam insert from the box, and found a DVD case, the controller, and a pair of cords.
This review will be focused on the Interlink Elite version of RealFlight 7.5, but there are five different versions. They are a software upgrade only,
a transmitter interface version, a wireless SLT transmitter interface only version, and a wireless SLT transmitter interface with a Tactic TTX610
transmitter, in addition to the Interlink Elite version.
A little closer look at the Interlink Elite controller shows a USB connector for easy, plug in connection to most PC's. The controller supports up to
eight channels, depending on which aircraft you are flying in the simulator. A rewind/reset button, as well as menu/select, cancel, and an
up/down toggle switch adorn the lower face of the controller - these are for scrolling and making selections in the various menus.
A pair of cords are included as well - these are for connecting supported transmitters to the Interlink Elite. Using these cords, you can fly using
your own (supported)transmitter!
Also in the box is a second throttle ratchet - the smooth ratchet is installed at the factory, and is suitable for flying all types of aircraft in the
simulator, but the stiffer ratchet is also included, should you choose to install it.
Installation of the software was really easy. I opened the case, inserted the RealFlight 7.5 DVD into my computer, and connected the Interlink
Elite's USB cord to an open USB 2.0 port.
What followed next was even easier! I simply did what the on-screen prompts instructed me to do. The hardest part was typing the serial
numbers for the software and controller into the spaces provided.
With the serial numbers verified, the 'Run RealFlight' icon popped up, and the RealFlight 7.5 opened. After a quick controller calibration, I was
ready to put my first flight into action! A 35% Thunderbolt SBach appeared on my screen, and I was ready to take off!
Though there's not a traditional flight report in this review, I felt that all of the aircraft flew consistently with their real life counterparts. Whether I
was blazing through the sky in an airplane or trying to keep a helicopter from destroying itself on the ground - each flight felt realistic enough to
be considered practice and was enjoyable. Some of the new maneuvers I was trying were even enough to get me excited a bit! I really liked the
rewind feature - whenever I crashed the plane practicing a maneuver, I simply held the reset button and the simulator would rewind until I let go
of the button. At that point, I could continue flying and redo the maneuver. I sure wish my real planes had THAT feature?
The first four videos I made to give you a glimpse into the world that is RealFlight 7.5. The last video is RealFlight/Hobbico's promotional video.
The six images under the videos are actual screen captures from when I was flying, edited only to fit in the image space of this review.
Time to wrap it up. RealFlight 7.5 is the newest version of this RC flight simulator that has been around for 17 years. There's plenty of aircraft,
flying sites, challenges and scenarios to keep even the pickiest of pilots engaged, and with five different versions of the simulator, RealFlight
has everyone covered. No matter what your level of flying experience, you'll get a kick out of RealFlight 7.5. As I finish up this review, it's two
days after Thanksgiving. Not that I enjoy the thought of our long Midwest winter ahead, but with a new RC flight simulator to help pass the time,
it just may feel like a shorter winter. Add to that all the practice time I'll have, I should be able to master a lot of new maneuvers by spring!
Thanks, Hobbico, for the newest RealFlight - version 7.5! It's a winner in my book!
Distributed by:
P.O Box 9021
Champaign, IL 61826-9021
www.hobbico.com
Comments on RCU Review: RealFlight RF7.5 RC Flight Simulator
Posted by: on_your_six on 12/10/2014
Profile I have used this brand of simulator for 8 years now. It is my preferred simulator. One big change in this version is Windows Xp will no longer run 7.5 it will run 7.0. It
was time for you to upgrade anyway, sorry. Let there be no doubt, RF is a game and runs best on gaming computers with good graphics cards and large power supplies.
It really does not do great on non-gaming laptops. The addition of multi-rotors really puts this simulator in the lead keeping up with the current market. There are a lot
of free down load content on the swap pages from other users. New hardware options give you more choices to use the simulator with your field radio and with a
wireless controller.
Page: 1 The comments, observations and conclusions made in this review are solely with respect to the particular item the editor reviewed and may not apply generally to similar products by the
manufacturer. We cannot be responsible for any manufacturer defects in workmanship or other deficiencies in products like the one featured in the review. EMAIL THIS ARTICLE OR CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT REVIEWS!
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