Simulator Training Environment

[Elroy Jetson]

Just uncovered an extremely useful and easy to create simulator environment that I have started using for RCS AND EVA training and practice.

 

  I'm on the console edition PS4.

 

Using the the konami code from the pause menu I set the gravity as low as possible (you could adjust this to match whatever planet you want to simulate).  Then, I constructed a very simple command module with 4 thruster blocks, a propellant tank.

 

now I can fly around KSC to practice using RCS. 

 

A BIG thing for me that I did to help me orient to the craft is I added a ladder to the side so I can easily identify the "front" of the craft.

 

I consider this a training simulator.

[bewing]

Yup, that's a good way to do it.  A ladder has offcenter mass, though -- and will slightly destabilize your trainer. You might want to use something more like a barometer, or maybe a whip antenna. It's a little harder to see, but the mass ends up aligned with your center of gravity.

 

[GoatRider]

I've flown RC quadcopter models since long before they became "drones". Unlike planes or helicopters, they don't have an inherent "front", and it's easy to get disoriented. It's important to do something to label the front- like paint one or two of the front rotors a different color (depending on if it's an "X" or a "+"), colored lights, and/or or have a body in the middle that looks directional.