Fr Robert Ballecer, SJ You said last week you would teach Leo Laporte how to fly the Syma I '...

[G+_John Buchmann]

Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ You said last week you would teach Leo Laporte how to fly the Syma. I'm probably too late for this tip for "this week", (since you tape in a few hours) but I found this super helpful for learning:

 

A Quadcopter simulator Android app (i assume iOS too). The past day i've been using Quadcopter FX Simulator on Android. (interface is a bit clunky, ugly, and bare bones, but it works well) It simulates flying the real thing from the ground, or even FPV. You can practice all sorts of crazy stuff virtually before you try on the real thing. :)

[G+_Steve C]

Too late, Leo said his flew away and he couldn't find it!

[G+_Jeff Brand]

That app is fun and decent for training orientation but the touch screen controls don't give feedback (or push back) like real ones, making it easy to mess up.

[G+_John Buchmann]

Jeff Brand Yep, I agree, it has a different feel, but that's the nature of a touch screen, that's not the app's fault. :) Apparently you can use a physical game controller too. (there are settings in the app to set it up) But for me I guess a touch screen is good enough, and in only a couple days I am WAY better controlling my Syma, plus I'm getting what I think is a good feel for what FPV is all about without spending over $1200. :)  

 

Plus you can practice for unlimited time without the battery running out! :D About 6 minutes of run time on the Syma is a bit frustrating.