I was debating if I should start a thread or write a blog. I decided to go with a thread so it easier for others to share their Linux RC simulator success and failures.
Anyways, I was introduced to RC airplanes via FMS(using a keyboard
) and later a borrowed Realflight 7. I fly real rc planes now but still like to keep a sim handy to hone up. Realflight is expensive and does not support Linux, so I started looking for alternatives. For a while I used several different sims on Windows and Android. However I since I hardly ever use Windows anymore, I decided to see what Linux had to offer. When it comes to RC Simulators, Linux doesn't seem to have a good selection, native or otherwise. While I haven't tried it, Steam appears to support several commercial rc sims. I also didn't try any of the Android apps via emulators, but that might also be an option.
My Setup:
Lenovo AMD Quad Core CPU, 8gb RAM
Spektrum DXe Transmitter
GoolRC Trasmitter To USB Adapter
For this I'm running Linux Mint 19.2. I did install the joystick package to detect/calibrate the usb interface, and wine to run Windows RC software. Here's a list of software that works for me.
CRRCSIM:
Is some neat software, running native on Linux. It worked with my usb transmitter setup after the standard asign axis and a calibration. Also the DXe has a mono audio jack on the back, this can be connected right into your audio in jack on your computer and configure it via crrcsim, this eliminates the need for the usb adapter.
crrcsim is rather basic, and the handling and graphic aren't the best, but it is free and open source and it does the job, plus you can find additional models and sceneries online.
FlightGear:
While not really meant as an rc simulator, it can work like one if you use the tower view. You can use full scale models or zoom in on one of the several basic rc models available. It runs on Linux, Mac and Windows, but you'll need a reasonable powerful computer to run it smoothly.
Not exactly out of the box, since it is a full featured flight simulator, However you can diwnload scenery for your area and fly out of local airports.
Make sure you calibrate your joystick before asigning in flightgear. Of course the Light/Ultralight planes will get better results as rc planes.
Picasim:
Is a free rc simulator running on Window, Android and iOS. I've used it quite a bit on Windows and it works great. Great graphics and realistic handling. On Wine it required a little tweaking for the 3D models to display properly. In the app.icf file in the ~/.wine/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/PicaSim folder, I changed one line to SysGlesDirectory=pvr
Setting up the transmitter is well thought out but might take a little to figure out. Since I was used to this software I had it asigned and calibrated very quickly. Highly recommend this software.
HeliX:
Runs native on Linux. Its paid software but they do have a free demo version that includes several helis, a drone and a Extra 300 plane. The demo version does show a popup every once in a while while flying as well. There is an older version that's completely free, but only supports helis.
This software worked very well out of the box and the transmitter asigned and calibrated very easily.
The plane handled well after I set the alerons to 50%. The graphics are very nice, and there is some training included.
AeroSim
A professional rc simulator that allows you a demo of 2 minutes of flight time before you need to restart the app. I'm not sure if the license usb dongle would work under Linux. Running on wine the preformance is just as good as under windows. I haven't quite got the transmitter asigned yet. I can calibrate it but the sim wants to use only certain axis, several of which don't match up with my tx channels. If you start it without a joystick you can select keyboard or mouse.
Includes games, fpv, training and access to all the planes and copters even in the demo. The graphics are great even if basic, but it is able to run smoothly on limited resources.
ClearView:
Running on Windows and Android, has a demo version with two planes and several helis. Features realistic graphics and handling. Realistic crashes as well, as the plane breaks apart.
My transmitter was detected but after successfully asigning and calibrating it failed to apply the settings. Worked perfect with keyboard controls though.
Leo's RC Simulator:
Is a free open source rc software running on Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and a very basic version on Linux.
I got the PC version running on wine, however certain buttons crash it. Like ClearView I only got it to work with keyboard. The graphics are good and the handling isn't bad. The Linux version leaves a lot to be desired. But it does install and work.
SSSStands for Simple Slope Soaring. A fitting name since it's glider software. It's the free open-source ancestor to PicaSim running on Linux, Mac, and Windows. I've tinkered a little but didn't (yet) try to get my transmitter configured.
I ran the Windows version in wine because I haven't got around to chasing down dependencies and building the Linux version. It's an interesting software and has suprisingly good graphics.
RCFSim:
An extremely simple simulator for Windows. The ancestor to AeroSim, it's free and runs great in wine. Includes two planes and a basic background. I couldn't quite get my transmitter calibrated yet, but the keyboard and mouse work great. It works as a last resort.
Sure none of these will compete with Realflight, Pheonix, Etc but they are plenty for me. Plus I get to tinker
Hopefully this list helps give somebody some idea on whats available on a decent spec computer running Linux.
Let us know what works for you.
