Introduction
The Bell 206 sits comfortably in its position as one of the most
widely used helicopters in the world. With a maximum speed of
only 122 Knots, and a low surface ceiling of 13,500ft, the 206
doesn't sound like the most exciting aircraft ever designed.
However, it's ability to operate out of rugged, uneven and
dangerous terrain using the extensive range of skids available
make it a very worthwhile choice for airlines, ambulances and
flight-training schools.
The 206 has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1,450Kg, meaning
it can be used to carry small cargo loads as well as passengers.
To this day, around 8,460 Bell 206's have been manufactured by
the parent company Bell Helicopter Textron. This means that the
helicopter is so popular it even has a larger network than the
extremely popular Cessna 206 range of light prop-aircraft.
| DodoSim – The Company
DodoSim are a very small development company who focus entirely on helicopter add-ons for FS2004 and FSX. They are commonly known within the FS Community as the only company to produce dedicated realistic helicopter add-ons. DodoSim is run by only four developers. Mark Adams handles the 3D Modelling and 2D Gauge Graphics; Simon Robbins takes care of the coding used by DodoSim, and also writes the user manuals. Jean Sylvestre has translated the GUI (seen in FSX) from English to French; and Thomas Moser has written a similar GUI translation into German for DodoSim. |
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The team is also backed up by many supporters and Beta Testers.
Many of these supporters reside over at the Hover Control
forums, which is where DodoSim have housed their official
support forums for their Bell 206 products.
DodoSim currently sell only two helicopter add-ons for MSFS,
namely the “Advanced 206” for FS2004, and the “FSX 206” for FSX.
A Huey UH-1H is also in development for FSX which looks like it
will see release within the next year or so.
Purchasing & Installation
The DodoSim 206 can be purchased as either a Download product
from Flight1 or DodoSim’s own store, or for a slight price
premium, a boxed product through Flight1 Publishing. The boxed
version is priced at £36.00, which is a small increase in price
over the average add-on, although the fee definitely suits the
features advertised (this is a first-of-a-kind product!).
After choosing your preferred method of installation, you will
be presented with a very easy-to-use interface to land the
DodoSim 206 on your system (pun intended!). A very large PDF
File with a plethora of useful information will also be
installed on your system.
If you chose the boxed version of the DodoSim 206, then the
installation CD also comes with a few extras, such as Flight1
promotional videos for other products.
Once the installer has been run, no further efforts are required
apart from accepting the FSX security request, which is prompted
whenever a new add-on is installed.
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First impressions and Features
DodoSim have chosen to model the Bell 206 helicopter in not one, but FOUR different models, each with different flight characteristics. Low skid, High skid, Amphibious and Utility variants of the Jetranger are all modelled in DodoSim’s package. Further adding to this variation is the ability to fly these helicopters with or without doors. All of these variants can be flown either using a Ceco or Bendix custom fuel system. The initial impact of the DodoSim 206 on me was the difference from the default Bell 206. Immediately, one can notice that the DodoSim 206 is far superior in both visuals and flight realism. Panels, annunciators and circuit breakers have all been faded away in the default 206, almost like an attempt to hide their existence, thus stamping out the need for their functionality. The DodoSim chopper leaves no stone unturned, rendering all the previously dead functions operable. |
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| All panels that are non-existent either in default or other add-on helicopters are guaranteed to be present in the DodoSim cockpit. | ||
The external model also boasts an improvement over the default
FSX 206. Exhausts, rotors, skids and much more have all been
re-vamped into a much more impressive model.
The flight dynamics have also been totally reworked by DodoSim.
The very easy to fly default FSX 206 is no more – to enter a
hover you must now apply appropriate cyclic and torque pedal
inputs all around the task. It is unlikely that your 206 will
ever stay still in the air as torque induced yaw, transverse
flow effect, translating tendency and much more play havoc with
your concentration skills.
A custom failure GUI Interface has been developed which can be
accessed during flight. Through this pop-up interface, failures
can be programmed to execute at random or at pre-determined
timed intervals.
Failures are also activated if you do not pay attention to
correct procedures. Named “Procedure Adherence” by DodoSim, this
impressive native feature forces you to stick to the operating
handbook if you do not want an engine fire or similar problem on
your hands.
Five levels of difficulty mean that Helicopter pilots of any
ability level can fly the DodoSim 206. The difficulty level,
which can freely be chosen in FSX real time, allows the pilot to
enjoy a fully automated tutorial start up if they are less
experienced, whilst a more knowledgeable user may wish to fly in
the highest difficulty level allowing all the flight dynamics,
failures and systems to be activated.
A comprehensive 76-page PDF manual is provided with every
install, whether it is a download or boxed product. The boxed
version, however, is shipped with an 80 page detailed printed
manual, two quick-procedure reference cards, and a small quick
start manual.
Internal Modelling
I am largely impressed with the cockpit rendering provided by
DodoSim. One thing I look for in payware products is 3-D
modelling, as I can’t stand 2D textures being used in the
virtual cockpit. Luckily, the DodoSim 206 has 3D textures built
into its blood.
The aft overhead panel, containing the cockpit’s circuit
breakers, is almost always displayed 2D by all default aircraft.
Even a large proportion of payware developers don’t see the need
for visual or system appeal in the form of the aft overhead
panel. It’s nice to see that DodoSim have applied 3D textures to
the entire aft overhead panel. The circuit breakers that reside
in the panel also feature very clear numerical and alphabetical
labels, again a feature absent in most payware products.
The forward overhead panel is equally impressive. Lights
switches, a rotary heater knob, further circuit breakers and
other switches are outstanding in crisp 3D. Everything that is
present in the real aircraft has been modelled in the DodoSim
forward and aft panels.
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The main panel also contains many 3D surprises too. All of the
gauges have accurately placed 3D bezels wrung around them, which
I find really adds to the feel of a three-dimensional
experience. Even the small TOT (Turbine-Over-Temp) push switch
and annunciator test switch have been built in 3D. Whilst most
of these features are present in default and other developers’
aircrafts, often they are blurred or only slightly outcropped in
3D.
Panning around the rest of the cockpit will reveal a few more
unique modelled features. Between both pilots’ seats a fire
bottle provides a little eye candy, although the writing on this
is rather blurred. A small manual has been placed below the fire
bottle, tattooed with the DodoSim logo. Again, this is slightly
blurred, but I don’t think it is necessary to add crisp,
FPS-hogging textures on items which bear no use in FSX.
Fortunately, with the exception of the fire bottle and the
manual, I didn’t find any blurred textures at all within the
DodoSim 206 cockpit. Slightly bland textures are used
infrequently throughout the cockpit, but these textures are
unnoticeable in normal flight and require a bit of work to find.
As a whole, the cockpit is very clear, crisp and provides a good
sense of depth. Furthermore, it is very easy to read the writing
that is present on, in and around the aircraft’s instruments
without the need to zoom in or out.
Although not the most pretty or detailed cockpit available on
the market, the DodoSim cockpit more than achieves its goal of
providing a realistic 3D environment. The textures used seem to
be very crisp, right down to very small warning and information
messages.
External Modelling
DodoSim have promised in their 206 a completely new graphical
model. This means that an original external model has been built
up from scratch, taking over a year according to DodoSim
documentation sources.
This work seems to have paid off. The 206 has been given a very
sleek, defined appearance that looks nice when viewed at any
angle or distance.
Details right down to the rivets joining the individual plates
of metal, and air vents adorning the top of the aircraft can be
observed.
The curved glass fronts in front of the cockpit, however, look a
little bland. This is also the case for the rest of the windows
around the fuselage; all seven windows are just grey transparent
faces. Maybe a little blue tint present in the real aircraft or
some nice curved vision effects on the windows would have been
nice. It’s all a matter of preference though, as extra detail
will impact FPS rates, and the current windows do a satisfactory
job anyway.
| Where the rotor blades are connected to the drive shaft on both
main and rear blades, a mechanical attachment head is used. This
small but vital detail has been extraordinarily well modelled by
DodoSim. Tiny little fragments of metal can be seen joining
casings together, fixed in place by nuts n' bolts. What detail!
Low skids and High skids, which are present on selective variants, have been modelled. Whilst the detail on these parts of the aircraft doesn’t quite stretch to the level visible on the fuselage rivets, the fragile skid network of scaffolding supporting the aircraft still boasts far better quality than any of the default aircraft. The Amphibious variant includes floats instead of skids. A nice bit of eye candy is the small ropes binding the floats to the helicopter fuselage. The floats themselves are quite detailed in turn; the contours of the floats create an unusual shape, which is the same in DodoSim’s model as in real life. The Utility variant plays host to a wire-strike kit, due to the fact that it is meant to be operated from within confined areas. This strike kit is visible from the outside and is another example of DodoSim’s added detail. An animated cargo hoist hook has been modelled underneath the fuselage too, for more information please read the “Animations” section of this review. Further external details include exhausts, fuel caps, door handles, and much more. The external model of the 206 definitely surpasses the quality of many other add-ons out there at a very insubstantial cost of frame rates. My only gripes with the external model are the lack of detail in the windows and skids; the rest of the aircraft, especially the mechanical rotor heads, looks stunning. |
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| It looks to me as if DodoSim have tried to create a model that delivers great visuals with a low-impact on system performance. Rivets, fuel caps, door handles and float details prove that DodoSim have succeeded in their goal. | ||
Liveries
DodoSim has provided several liveries with every installation of
the 206 product. These liveries decorate the 206 is several
different colours, and some liveries even include stripes or
other patterns along the sides.
The liveries included are excellent. Whilst they may not be
all-too-exciting, they do seem to have a superb finish to them,
and the liveries shine with a strong metallic sheen in sunny
conditions, which looks wonderful on screenshots.
However, I am disappointed in the lack of liveries provided by
DodoSim. Only these few different designs are included and
whilst repaints can be downloaded off the Internet, not much
choice is given for users who are not familiar with third-party
flight simulator sites.
Fortunately, there is a paint kit, which can be downloaded
directly off DodoSim’s official forums. Since I don’t personally
design liveries, I can’t vouch for the effectiveness of this
kit, but from the user-designed liveries I have seen, it works
very well. (See BananaBob's repaint below)
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2D Panels As well as a virtual cockpit, 2D Panels for the overhead, collective, MIP and radio stack are supplied. These panels are 100% functional and perform at equilibrium in terms of realism to the VC. The DodoSim panels are reminiscent of the old PSS 2D Panels. Very crisp, clear and easy to use. There is not much more to be said here other than I'm glad DodoSim have given support for 2D panels, and that the quality of them is absolutely superb. Night Lighting The DodoSim 206 comes with internal lighting that can be activated if necessary. At night, these lights will brighten up the overhead panel, MIP, Pedestal and other areas. The overhead panel is a little dull and could do with some improvements. Also, the collective lever and some other areas of the cockpit are almost completely blackened out at night. |
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However, the MIP looks awesome at twilight. The instruments are back-lit with a strong glow that is very satisfying at night. Each instrument also seems highlighted by some sort of light bloom, again adding to the already pretty night lighting. |
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The external night lighting is a little less pleasing. Sections
of the aircraft's structure located near to the lights are
visible, but, the rest of the aircraft is again completely
blackened to he human eye.
Aircraft Sounds
DodoSim have designed a custom aircraft sound set exclusively
for the Bell 206. A unique new feature for the 206 is the added
sound effects for blade slap and rotor rumble, which actually
vary according to air buffeting and the strength of aggressive
manoeuvres rather than being triggered by a specific event.
Blade slap is, as the name suggests, a “slapping” sound that can
be heard when sharp banks or pitches are performed in the
Helicopter. The more aggressive the manoeuvre, the louder and
more prominent the blade slap. DodoSim have mastered the
slapping sounds into the 206 product with great skill. It is
easy to notice how different the blade slap sounds at varying
levels of sharp movement. Gentle movements result in a quiet
background echo from the rotor blades, whilst hard turns supply
the opposite; a very loud grinding that overrides all other
cockpit sounds.
Rotor rumble is simply the noise of the air buffeting against
the main rotor in flight. This vibrating sound becomes more
evident at higher speeds, and, much like the blade slap effects
works very well in the 206 package.
A complete internal audio environment operates in full swing,
with virtual cockpit sounds for everything from switches to idle
release latch clicks. Annunciator warning horns can be heard
coupled with their relevant warning message.
Failures such as engine fires produce sounds that can be heard
either from within the cockpit or from the outside of the
aircraft.
Animations
All switches within the virtual cockpit of the DodoSim 206 are
animated, along with the collective lever, rotor brake, twist
throttle and many other details.
Animated opening doors can be observed from both inside and
outside the aircraft.
The spooling effects on both the main and rear rotor blades are
quite impressive; there is no stuttering whatsoever and the
speeds of the blades tie in with the RPM gauges flawlessly.
Whenever the cyclic stick is adjusted from within the cockpit,
the main rotor tilts forward, back, left or right depending on
what inputs have been made by the pilot. This animation is very
precise and is hard to notice unless viewed from the tail view
(facing forwards).
Flight Dynamics
The main focus of the DodoSim 206 product is without a doubt the
totally reworked flight dynamics. Practically all other
helicopter add-ons and all default aircraft do not feature even
a fraction of the flight dynamics the DodoSim 206 does.
DodoSim have stated that they have stretched the FSX engine “to
do things that it was probably never intended to do”. This means
that DodoSim could not produce a realistic enough flight
environment using the default dynamics, so they decide to design
an entirely new physics system especially for the 206.
It is important to remember that all of the flight dynamics
listed below are completely new to FSX; they have never before
been seen in any default or add-on aircraft. Everything below is
a result of DodoSim’s own efforts.
Torque Induced Yaw, or the tendency for the aircraft to turn
opposite to the main rotor blade, is possibly the most obvious
and most powerful new flight dynamic DodoSim have introduced.
Since the 206’s rotor blades spin anticlockwise, the
helicopter’s fuselage moves in opposition to the right. To
counter this effect, the pilot must apply leftward pressure on
the Torque Pedals. This effect has been excellently represented
in the DodoSim 206, and what’s even better is that DodoSim’s
Torque Induced Yaw has variable intensity at different speeds,
meaning that much more Torque Pedal must be applied at lower
speeds than at higher speeds. At and above 40 Knots, Torque
Induced Yaw is rendered ineffective.
Translating Tendency forces the helicopter to slide to the right
at low speeds. This is a further brand new flight dynamic
introduced by DodoSim to the FSX world. Left cyclic (“joystick”)
input must be applied to fight this force. Along with Torque
Induced Yaw, this feature is another strong, obvious yet
surprising movement for people new to realistic helicopter
add-ons.
Flight dynamics that affect stability include: Flap Back, where
the Helicopter starts to pitch upwards at higher speeds;
“Pendulum” Tendency, when cyclic input at low speeds gives very
weighted bank movements; Horizontal Stabilizer Lift, in which
the rear Stabilizer lifts upwards at low speeds in windy
conditions; and many more.
If the VNE (never-exceed) speed is bypassed, the helicopter’s
retreating rotor blade will stall, resulting in a very nasty
pitch and roll reaction, which is hard to recover from. Much
like the rest of DodoSim’s custom flight dynamics, you’d never
see anything like this in any other helicopter add-ons.
RPM Modulation is a unique and very interesting feature
introduced by DodoSim. The RPM (Revolutions-Per-Minute) actually
adjusts depending on the angle and strength of the airflow
passing around the main rotor blade. This effect is much more
subtle than the other flight dynamics in the 206 package,
however it is noticeable in the form of slight sound and RPM
Gauge fluctuation.
The most devastating and difficult to recover from error is it
should be made is that of forming a Vortex Ring State. If the
pilot exceeds a 500 feet-per-minute rate of decent whilst flying
at less than 30Knots, an extremely violent downward spiral takes
hold of the aircraft. The only way to recover is to reduce power
whilst holding the cyclic stick forward to bring the airspeed
above 30Knots. Entering a VRS in the DodoSim 206 requires a very
high amount of skill to recover from.
Cockpit Gauges, Panels and
Collective
The DodoSim 206 includes a fully functioning
cockpit that is modelled in almost exacting detail to its
real-world counterpart. All gauges present in the real 206 are
present in the DodoSim 206. The same applies for the cockpit
panels – the aft and forward overhead panels, along with the
collective lever and floor-mounted centre pedestal switch panel
are all mostly functional. A radio stack has also been included
in the 206 cockpits.
The main instrument panel stack, clearly visible in the centre
of the 206’s cockpit, houses all of the helicopter’s engine,
battery, airspeed, altitude and navigation gauges. All seventeen
gauges are fully working and are, much like the overhead panels,
very easy to read information from without the need to zoom in
or out.
However, despite the fact that all the gauges are functional and
that they work very well, I was disappointed that quite a few
default gauges have been used. The default HSI, ADF, attitude
indicator, clock, and some other instruments have been utilized
in the DodoSim 206. Don’t get me wrong, the gauges are still
adequate and it looks as if some sort of modification has been
applied to make them clearer, but I would’ve liked a bit more
customization of the cockpit gauges.
The TOT gauge, or Turbine Out Temperature gauge, is an
instrument that provides live accurate readings of the turbine
exhaust temperatures. However, this gauge is special as it is
not just limited to analogue needle movement; a small red light
embedded into the gauge illuminates if the temperature should
exceed certain limits. This light can be tested using a small
momentary push button positioned to the left of the MIP. If this
light should be lit up for any reason other than testing (i.e.
during a hot start), then it will stay illuminated until you
call an engineer to inspect your aircraft through the special
DodoSim interface (see “Maintenance and Repairs” section of
review).
Most of the cockpit’s circuit breakers (small latching
push-buttons that make or break circuit contact) are located in
the aft overhead panel. The DodoSim 206 comes with a mixture of
functioning and dummy circuit breakers. Whilst all of the
circuit breakers have been modelled, only the two fuel pumps and
caution switches can be depressed. These circuit breakers
function in real time with the rest of the cockpit, and certain
systems will not work without them. From what I have
experienced, DodoSim are one of the only developers that include
functional circuit breakers. I certainly don’t have any other
add-ons that allow these switches to be used.
The Forward Overhead Panel, located just above and in front of
the pilot’s head, is a small panel that mounts the lighting
switches, heating knob, two generator circuit breakers,
electrical system controls, and one directional gyro switch.
Unlike the aft overhead panel, the forward overhead is
completely functional. The directional gyro system will not work
until the correct switch has been turned on, the battery cannot
generate electricity unless the generator has been swapped from
Start to Gen mode; even the heating knob has been given a use as
a difficulty level selector (purpose explained later in this
review)!
Throttle and torque control on a Helicopter is controlled via
the use of the collective lever. This is a device located below
and between the two pilots, protruding from the central column.
To adjust throttle input, the pilot must twist the collective
lever. However, throttle movement is limited to 94% of the full
capability unless the Idle Release Latch has been depressed.
The idle release latch is a small switch that can be found
directly in front of the throttle. The switch’s sole purpose is
to prevent the pilot from inadvertently closing the engine
throttle in flight. If the switch is released, the throttle
cannot move below the 6% mark. To fully close the throttle the
pilot must twist the collective all the way to the right, before
depressing the idle release latch to bring the throttle to 0%.
The idle release latch has been designed by DodoSim to function
exactly like the real 206 throttle system does.
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Torque and actual thrust is controlled through use of collective
movement through a vertical axis. Raising the collective lever
increases power, whilst returning the collective lever reduces
power.
All collective torque and throttle movements are completely
animated. The auxiliary collective lever on the far left hand
side of the cockpit is also completely animated, but not
functional. The collective lever also holds the starter
push button and the logo lights switch for the Bell 206
aircraft.
A rotor brake has been modelled and can be used either through
the default FSX key mapping or by clicking and dragging the
lever located directly above the Pilot’s head.
Communication and navigational frequencies can be tuned by use
of the radio stack just below the main instrument panel. Radios
for NAV1/2, COM1/2, transponder and ADF can all be accessed and
appropriately tuned. The frequency tuned affects the partnered
instruments such as the HSI VOR indicator. However, I was a
little disappointed, as much like some of the MIP gauges, the
default radio stack has been used. The only difference is that
the DodoSim 206 has a 3D radio stack in the virtual cockpit,
whilst the default 206 does not – otherwise they are still
exactly the same panel.
Annunciator Light Panel
A completely functional twenty-strong annunciator panel is
mounted just above the MIP. This panel provides constant
readings in the form of illuminated warning messages giving
complete supervision control to the pilot.
Pressure, electrical, engine, fuel starvation and damage
warnings will appear in either amber or red upon this
annunciator panel. Every single annunciator has been modelled
and all are completely functional.
If you are attending to the correct procedures then you will
need to refer to this panel quite often. It is an invaluable
source of information.
DodoSim have also implemented one very special annunciator. This
warning light, which illuminates as “SC FAIL”, is a unique
warning due to the fact that it is not related to the
helicopter’s status whatsoever.
SC FAIL is in fact a reference to SimConnect fail. SimConnect is
an interim application within FSX that many aircraft, weather,
environment and other add-ons connect to in order to function
with Flight Simulator. Sometimes, this connection is broken and
often the add-on will not function correctly. When this happens,
certain switches may not move, sounds may not work, and users
are often wondering what has happened. Thankfully, DodoSim have
implemented this simple annunciator warning which tucks neatly
into the panel and illuminates if this SimConnect connection has
failed. If this light is turned on, the user will know that he
has a problem and may have to re-start FSX to rectify it.
The annunciator panel is possibly my favourite feature of the
DodoSim 206. It is realistic, fully functional, and is very easy
to understand and analyze the information supplied through its
twenty warning lights.
Bendix and Ceco Fuel Systems
DodoSim have added even further functionality in their 206 with
the option to use either a Bendix or Ceco fuel system. Like in
the real thing, the 206 aircraft were regularly manufactured
using one of either two fuel control systems designed by
Avionics companies Bendix or Ceco.
Whilst these two FCU systems are largely the same, and will
certainly not make the cockpit look any different, there are a
few fundamental differences that the pilot may wish to consider
before choosing which fuel system he/she may wish to use.
The Bendix system is generally “safer” to use and provides less
chance of a hot start or engine meltdown. However, the Ceco
system allows for much more control EGT temperature during start
up and shutdown procedures, at a price of being more tricky and
complex to use.
Each fuel system definitely provides differing results. I could
easily notice the difference in values such as exhaust gas
temperature. Throttle inputs also played a big part in
distinguishing each system. The Bendix system appeared to
produce higher and unmanageable temperatures during start up,
whilst the Ceco system seemed a little cooler when fuel was
introduced to ignite the engine and provided much better manual
override of the temperatures.
The user can tell which fuel system he\she is using by looking
on the small metal plaque located on the left hand side of the
MIP.
As a whole, I felt more comfortable using the Ceco fuel system
rather than the Bendix. It is, however, a matter of choice. One
thing that is clear is that DodoSim have definitely designed
individual fuel systems that behave very differently.
Difficulty Levels
DodoSim have clearly considered at some stage in
their development process that not all their customers will be
advanced helicopter users. So, they have decided to implement a
very clever and interactive “Difficulty Level” system that can
be changed according to the pilot’s tastes.
Whilst DodoSim have worked quite a bit of magic into the 206
product, they didn’t quite manage to figure out how to get the
206’s heater knob to adjust the real-world temperature in your
room. Nonetheless, they have found another use for the knob.
Instead of just rendering this otherwise useless rotary switch a
dummy unit, they have utilized the knob for another, fantastic
purpose…
Using the heating knob located on the forward overhead panel,
the user can select a difficulty level numbered 1-5. Level 1 is
the user-friendliest setting, implemented for beginners, whilst
level 5 offers the most advanced flight dynamics and failure
options.
Level 1 difficulty includes nearly no advanced flight dynamics
with the exception of ‘Enhanced Low Speed Behaviour”. The
easiest setting also offers a completely automated engine start
procedure, where just holding CTRL + E will prep the Helicopter
ready for flight in a few seconds.
Level 2 difficulty offers a similar experience, except with
slightly more advanced flight dynamics and instead of an
automated engine start procedure, on screen prompts will point
you in the right direction to get your 206 in the air. Level 2
is definitely the most influential mode for training, as you can
really get a feel of what to do and why to do it.
The manual procedures available only in Level 2 difficulty are
projected onto your screen in the form of bright yellow arrows
and diagrams. These prompts will appear on the Overhead Panels,
Pedestal, Collective, and many other places too.
Level 3 difficulty is identical to Level 2, except with the
inclusion of much more advanced flight dynamics.
Levels 4 and 5 are the most advanced difficulty settings,
designed either for real-world helicopter students wanting to
practice on their home simulator, or for the casual Simmer ready
to experience the most difficult and most complex helicopter
flight dynamics available on the market today.
Level 5 requires you to pay exact attention to the operating
procedures provided by DodoSim. If you stray away from the book,
you may have a hefty repair bill on your hands For further
information regarding this wonderful interactive feature
provided by DodoSim, please look at the tables below:
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Failures
The DodoSim 206 add-on has been released with a full set of
failures that can be activated or disabled at the pilot’s
discretion. Failures for the engine, fuel system, hydraulic
system, and electrical system have all been built into this 206
package.
The failures interface, which can be accessed through the ALT
menu, allows the user to set either timed or immediate failures
for the 206 they are currently flying. This is a very friendly
and easy-to-use interface – just set the failures you’d like to
happen and they will be activated according to your
instructions.
However, some failures cannot be set or disabled through this
interface. If correct procedure is not adhered to, then engine
flameouts, hot starts, over-torquing, and exceeding operating
limits will cause damage.
This damage will be executed in the form of cumulative wear.
Cumulative wear is an optional setting in the DodoSim 206, where
damage to a certain system does not result in immediate failure,
but, slowly depletes the reliability of the relevant system over
time before giving way to a serious failure which may require
inspection or even complete replacement.
Engine fires happen mostly during start up. If fuel is
introduced to the engine too quickly, the EGT temperatures will
skyrocket, most likely causing an engine fire. These fires are
represented in graphical form both internally and externally. On
the outside, flames can be seen appearing near engine exhausts,
whilst the inside of the cockpit is completely illuminated by a
strong bright fire. It isn’t very often that developers choose
to have natural cockpit lighting affected by things such as
engine fires.
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In the event of a mid-flight engine failure or fire, the engine
must be shut down and the auto-rotation procedure can be adopted
in order to land the aircraft safely back on the ground. This is
where the updrafts of air through the rotor blades are enough to
turn them and provide some thrust, preventing the aircraft from
entering an un-recoverable dive. I regularly enjoy training
myself with this procedure on the DodoSim 206.
DodoSim have written in their documentation procedures for
various failures, which really help in nasty situations. If you
wish to practice auto-rotation without the need to fail the
engine, DodoSim have provided an alternative realistic procedure
that involves cycling back the throttle input enough to simulate
an auto-rotation environment.
If you should damage the aircraft, whether it be “over-temping”
the engine, not following correct procedure, Over-torquing the
aircraft, messages will appear along the top of the screen
telling you that the 206 is “Accruing wear” for whatever reason.
Failures can even occur in the fuel system, where contaminated
fuel may be being burnt in the engine. This usually happens if
the helicopter is continually run with low amounts of fuel in
the tanks. If this is the case, a “FUEL FILTER” annunciator
light will illuminated on the annunciator panel.
If annunciator lights such as “TRANS CHIP” are illuminated,
these points towards cumulative wear in a mechanical system.
“CHIP” means particles of metal have been detected in the
magnetic trap of the relevant system. An immediate service or
inspection will be required (see below).
Maintenance and Repairs
Through use of the ALT menu, the maintenance and
repairs servicing dialogue can be opened. Through this menu,
repairs can be fixed, engineers called to inspect the aircraft,
or, if you wish, the helicopter can be completely overhauled.
There are three possible systems to repair: Engine, Main
Transmission and Tail Transmission. These systems can be
repaired in three different ways: Inspection, Service and
Rebuild.
A system inspection will not necessarily repair anything,
although the engineer will alert you in the form of an on-screen
text message if anything needs servicing/repairing.
A service will keep the relevant system in good condition, or
maybe restore it back to tip-top condition if the engineer has
inspected small amounts of wear and damage.
A rebuild will completely replace the system in question. A
rebuild will only be required if the helicopter has been
repeatedly abused, whether it be through constant damage to the
aircraft or lack of good servicing.
A final option to overhaul the entire aircraft is also
available. This option will reset all failures and wear the
Helicopter might have accrued.
“DodoSim Dollars” are charged every time an inspection, service,
rebuild or overhaul is performed. The charge varies according to
what system has been damaged and what sort of work is required.
An overhaul of the helicopter costs the most money, but restores
the aircraft to a completely fresh state.
Whenever fuel is loaded into the aircraft, you will also be
charged a certain amount of DodoSim Dollars. The fuel is charged
according to a Dollar per gallon ratio.
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| 3rd party livery, Australian Army by BananaBob |
Documentation
A very large amount of documentation has been supplied with the
DodoSim 206, in order to support the very realistic and complex
features of the aircraft.
Both download and boxed versions offer the same, 76 page PDF
manual. This manual has clearly been written to an extremely
high standard.
Diagrams, tutorials, explanations, procedures and much more all
come in spades with the 206 manuals. It is easy to understand
the information included, and comes with very interesting
side-points, which, although don’t contain knowledge directly
for the DodoSim 206, reference to real world procedure and
explain WHY certain steps must be taken when carrying out
certain tasks.
The brilliant PDF manual should certainly wrap-up any questions
you may have regarding the aircraft. Should you need even more
information, DodoSim are usually very quick at answering any
queries you may have.
The boxed version offers additional documentation alongside the
PDF manual. A very detailed printed manual, quick start guide,
and two quick-reference cards are included within the box.
The printed manual is similar to the PDF document and will
answer any questions you have in detail.
The quick start guide is useful for pilots who wish to “Install
and Go” (if that even is possible with this software!). It
includes essential information such as joystick key mapping,
simple procedures, basic introductions to certain elements of
the 206, etc.
Last but certainly not least are the two quick-reference cards.
These two cards provide realistic checklist style procedures at
the blink of an eye for both Bendix and Ceco FCUs. Using these
cards, one can follow start up, pre-takeoff, approach and
shutdown procedures quickly and efficiently. The cards are well
presented, and have been finished with a professional gloss.
They also smell nice =).
PC Performance
Users should face no problem running the DodoSim 206. It is one
of the most frame-friendly products I’ve ever used. When flying
at FSX default airports, I can achieve around 55+ FPS. At
certain payware airports, such as Orbx’s Tamworth Product, 30-40
FPS are sustainable without any problems.
My PC’s specification, visible at the bottom of this review, is
built with components found in higher-range PCs. Regardless, I
wouldn’t be surprised if a computer using much lower-end specs
could achieve at least 15-25FPS when flying in the 206.
Support
Support is handled through DodoSim via email or through the
Hover Control UK Forums
,
in which DodoSim have an official support forum.
I’m pleased to see that DodoSim are offering email support –
many developers just have a support forum, which can be
intimidating for users who prefer one-on-one direct email
technical assistance.
I had a few questions regarding procedure in the DodoSim 206. I
emailed DodoSim support and within 24 hours (on two separate
occasions) I received a reply from developer Mark Adams who
answered my questions perfectly.
Compatibility with Hardware Cockpit
Gauges
DodoSim have dedicated a page or so of information in both the
printed and PDF manuals on compatibility of their product with
Hardware Cockpit Gauges, such as those of SimKits, Belgium.
DodoSim have designed a small utility that injects the 206
Gauges with information to be accessed across FSUIPC or
SimConnect for SimKits Gauges. This is required as, by default,
FSX may give erroneous information when using the DodoSim 206
add-on. This utility is available for free upon request from
DodoSim.
I have built six Gauges by myself for use in my home-cockpit
simulator setup. These Gauges consist of an Airspeed Indicator,
Vertical Speed Indicator, Fuel Quantity Indicator, Total Cockpit
Load Amps Indicator, and two EGT Gauges. They are all driven by
servomotors powered by FSUIPC, the Opencockpits USBServos card
and Opencockpits’ SIOC Software. All of the Gauges work
flawlessly with the DodoSim206. I only had to make one slight
software modification, and this was for both EGT Gauges, as they
are driven by FSUIPC EGT Offsets for standard Aircraft engines 1
and 2, and Helicopter engine values seem to be handled
differently from other aircraft engine values in FSX. I did not
have to contact DodoSim for their special injection utility to
get my home-made gauges working.
I’m impressed that DodoSim are supporting cockpit builders
through both documentation and this small software utility. Most
developers that design FSX aircraft add-ons do not have cockpit
builders in mind when they release their products. DodoSim
however, do.
Fixes for Inherent FSX Bugs
DodoSim have implemented fixes for certain native FSX bugs which
affect simulator enjoyment. FSX’s tendency to drain the battery
too quickly if an aircraft is not running off its generator has
been fixed.
These fixes only apply to the DodoSim 206 add-on. Default and
other developers’ aircraft are not supported. I found that the
battery fix works wonders. I have often been annoyed that my
battery drains within about forty seconds of activation. In the
206, this problem is no more.
The fix, which deals with the windy or turbulent start-up
problem generally works fine. However, I was unable to perform a
good engine start in windy conditions whilst sitting on water in
the amphibious variant of the 206. I contacted DodoSim support,
and they confirmed that this is yet another core FSX bug. I can
believe this, as I have used other products that suffer from
issues in which FSX works against the developer.
Verdict
The DodoSim 206 is, without a doubt, a very
unique product. The custom failures and totally reworked
flight dynamics mean that FSX Helicopter Pilots can now get
a taste of what it really feels like to be at the hands of a
206.
With a little improvement on the cockpit gauges, addition of
a few more liveries and a small bit of work on the night
lighting effects I am confident this product will be the
most successful Helicopter add-on ever produced for FSX.
The training modes are perfectly suited for beginners whilst
the complex options available at the highest difficulty
level challenge the user’s sense of concentration.
I hope that DodoSim’s next release, the infamous Huey
Chopper used in the Vietnam War, contains equally realistic
flight dynamics, failures and procedures as the 206 does.
Pros:
-Extremely realistic Flight Dynamics never before seen in
FSX
-Virtual Cockpit modelled right down to circuit breakers
-Functioning circuit breakers -Impressive sound set
-Fantastic documentation -Custom failures interface
-Maintenance and Repairs interface -2D Panels Included
-Nice external and internal modelling
Cons:
-Default gauges used in parts of the cockpit
-Lack of
liveries supplied with the product
-Night lighting could do
with a small bit of work.
I award this a Mutley's Hangar
Score of 8.5/10
Jack
Whaley-Baldwin
Review machine Spec: Core i7 920 OC @ 3.8 Ghz |
6Gb Tri-Channel DDR3 Ram |GTX285 Graphics |Windows 7
64bit Home Premium
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System Requirements
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