FAQ
How this works? - This RC Flight Simulator is FREE. You only pay for the models you use.
You can purchase any models from this site and in few minutes will be flying them on your computer. You can start flying for as little as $3.99 (compare that to starting with "the other" simulator for $200 at your local hobby store). Try ClearView SE now, you will love it!
What is the best controller or intreface cable?
The most practical solution that does not need batteries is this USB controller. If you want to connect your real radio Tx to the computer, you will need USB interface cable: - 4 channel USB cable - 6 channel GWS USB cable These cables work well with ClearViewSE on Windows XP and Vista and will work with any standard transmitter from Futaba, JR, Hitec and Spectrum DX6 and DX7 Some older 6 ch. chinese Tx send mixed channels over the trainer port and will work only with cable from here. The new version of these Tx has a dip switch behind the battery hatch that can disable the mixing. In that case you can use the 4 and 6 channel cables listed above.
I see a black screen or the program fails to run. What do I do?
ClearViewSE works great on Windows 7, Vista and XP. If you see a black screen or the program fails, download and install the latest video driver.
Click on Start (bottom left) and run "dxdiag" command. In dxdiag, click on the Display tab and see what is the video card manufacturer (Intel, NVidia or ATI). Write down your video card name. Go to your video card manufacturer web site and download and install the latest video driver for your video card and operating system:
http://ati.com - ATI web site
http://nvidia.com - NVidia web site
http://intel.com Intel web site
What kind of hardware I need to run ClearViewSE?
You will need at least 1GHz CPU and 128 MB 3D video card that provides support for OpenGL 1.5 For the water scenes you will need DirectX 9 card and Open GL 2.0
Can you suggest a video card?
No, but take a look at this table that rate the video cards performance. Any video card that is above or equal to ATI 9600 PRO will work well with ClearViewSE. You can find video cards that will run ClearViewSE online for as low as $50. The higher priced cards will generally provide better performance at higher resolution.
Can I use my game pad controller?
Yes. This is the most practical way to learn RC helicopters if you are just starting. Do not get discouraged by others that tell you that you need RC Transmitter and Tx to PC USB cable to learn "properly" to fly rc. If you learn with your game pad, you will be able to transfer your skills to real RC transmitter easy.
Why I need RC radio transmitter and Tx to USB cable to fly with ClearViewSE?
ClearViewSE supports any Windows game pad compatible device, so you don't need this cable. If you have the cable, or if you want to invest into teaching yourself flying, it will be best if you get one. The control of the helicopter is more realistic and you will progress faster.
How realistic is ClearViewSE?
It is very realistic. If you see video of experienced 3d flier and a see video of the same person flying a model in ClearViewSE, you will be surprised how identical and life-like is the flight simulation provided by ClearViewSE advanced physics engine.
I can do many 3d elements with ClearViewSE, can I do them with my real helicopter or plane?
ClearViewSE provides very real flight simulation. Your helicopter or plane, if properly set can and will do most of the 3d elements that you fly in ClearViewSE. By using the simulator, you learn the hand to eye coordination and that is really valuable. 3d RC flight require perfectly set model and pilot that complements his simulator experience by burning many gallons of fuel. Make sure that you don't over estimate your skills before going for real. The fact that the crashes are real and costly can make your brain freese and that does not help a lot. The best way to benefit from a simulator is to mix real flying with simulator time.
How ClearView SE compares to ClearView and other simulators?
Please read this rc flight simulator comparison chart here.