HELI-X HELI-X

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 Support

Here is the support page of HELI-X. Here you can find some hints.

You are welcome to visit our forum (english spoken) if you need further help: http://forum.heli-x.info

Table of Contents

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

For which operating systems is HELI-X available?
HELI-X works on Windows, Linux and Mac OS-X. The version 0.9 of HELI-X needs Mac OS X 10.5, version 2.0 also runs on Mac OS X 10.4
What are the prerequisites for my computer ?
HELI-X needs a graphics adapter which is OpenGL compatible. It is recommended that on the graphics adapter there are at least 128 MB RAM. In order to control the helicopter, an USB joystick is required, which is recognized by the operating system.
How much does HELI-X cost?
You can download version 0.9 of HELI-X free of charge for private use at www.heli-x.net. The version 1.0 and higher requires a registration for a small fee.
Is HELI-X an open source project?
No, but ist is desired, that encouraged programmers join us in the development of HELI-X. People, which are seriously interested, contact us.
Is Java not too slow to write games?
Well, these opinions are based an older facts on Java which are not true enymore. As you can see with HELI-X, it IS possible to write games with Java. Perhaps you are interested in this paper?
Is HELI-X the successor of FMS?
No, HELI-X and FMS have nothing in common, the aims of both programs are completely different. The focus of HELI-X lies in the realistic flight simulation of helicopters, but still with a lot of fun ;-)
I am interested to generate a helicopter model for HELI-X. What do I need?
HELI-X models are based on the wavefront format (.obj-Files). You need a 3D modeller which can export files in the wavefront format. There are some particular requirements. Details can be found here: Developer.
Is it possible to import scenes from other flight simulators?
No, due to performance reasons, HELI-X uses its own format. The conversion of other scenes to HELI-X is possible. Details can be found here: Developer.
Are there planes available for HELI-X?
No, only helicopters. But who knows, what will be in the future?

Installation with Windows

  • HELI-X ist a java program and needs a current version of java (version 1.6 or higher).
  • The current download of the Windows version contains a java runtime environment.
  • You can check for yourself your java version: Open a console (Start -> Run -> cmd) and type "java -version".
  • For the sound, HELI-X needs the openAL lbrary. Often, the library is included in the drivers of your sound card. If HELI-X says at the startup that there is no sound available, then you might want to download the recent version here: http://www.openal.org/downloads.html. You do not need the sources but the installer.
  • For the installation of HELI-X just extract the zip file in a directory.
  • To start the program double click on the .bat file.
  • HELI-X stores the last settings in a file in the directory /files/ . Thus, the user needs the permission to write in this directory.

Installation with Linux

  • HELI-X ist a Java programm and needs a current version of Java (version 1.6 or higher).
  • The current download of the Linux version does not contain a Java runtime environment.
  • You can check yourself your java version: Open a console and type "java -version".
  • You can get the newest java version using your packet manager.
  • For the sound, HELI-X needs the openAL library. Often, the library is included in the drivers of your sound card. If HELI-X says at the startup that there is no sound available, then you might want to dowlnload the recent version here: http://www.openal.org/downloads.html. You do not need the sources but the installer.
  • For the installation of HELI-X just extract the zip file in a directory.
  • To start the program double click on the .sh file. (There are two files, one for 32 bit systems and one for 64 bit systems).
  • HELI-X stores the last settings in a file in the directory /files/ . Thus, the user needs the permission to write in this directory.

Installation with Mac OS-X

  • HELI-X ist a Java program and needs Mac OS X 10.5. with Java for Mac Update 1 (Java SE 6).
  • Hardware prerequisite is a 64bit Intel Mac (Version 0.9). Version 1.1 and higher also run on Mac OS X 10.4.
  • For the installation of HELI-X just extract the zip file in a directory.
  • To start the program double click on the .command file.
  • HELI-X stores the last settings in a file in the directory /files/ . Thus, the user needs the permission to write in this directory.

Starting HELI-X

For the start of HELI-X please note the following:
  • The USB adapter should be plugged in BEFORE the start of HELI-X.
  • Please configure first your controller. Configuration -> Controller Configuration. Then click at the button Auto Configuration and follow the directives.
  • Is might be of advantage to configure the controller first using the system settings of your operation system.
  • IMPORTANT! The helicopter uses idle up1 and idle up 2 for the engine speed. Thus, you have to configure the keyboard or the buttons with at least idle up 1. By the way: There are many other function you can use with buttons on the keyboard or at your controller.
  • Then you should choose an airport, then a helicopter.
  • HELI-X stores the current configuration. When you plug in another controller, HELI-X recognizes this, and automatically the right configuration is used (once the new controller is configured).

Tips

During th run of HELI-X the windows task manager shows 100% CPU usage. Does HELI-X need so much resources? Is this a problem?
No. HELI-X takes so much power from the system as it can get to maximize the framerate. If you run other programs, HELI-X will give resources back to the system. If you want to decrease the framerate, you can use the option -DheliX.maxFPS=200 (or other numbers) in the call of the HELI-X program.
HELI-X does not run smoothly. The graphics adapter seems to have not enough power.
Of particular importance are good drivers for the graphics adapter. When you have problems you should make sure to use the most recent drivers. Often the drivers of notebooks are not the best ones. It is worth to give the omega drivers a try: http://www.omegadrivers.net/. ;
Everything looks okay, but the engine of the helicopter does not start.
As for real radio controlled helicopters the engine of the heli is started with your controller. You have to configure the controller buttons or the keyboard with the function IDLE-UP1. Make sure, all the other buttons which are not used are configured with "none".
During the start of HELI-X there is a window saying that the sound is not working.
It is necessary that the openAL libraray is installed. You can download the newest version here: http://developer.creative.com/articles/article.asp?cat=1&sbcat=31&top=38&aid=46
The scrollbars during the configuration of the controller is possible anyway.
A reason can be that java has problems with the look-and-feel. Edit the batchfile and include the following option for the start of java: -DheliX.lookandfeel
The multiplayer menu does not work.
That is correct. The mutiplayer functionality will be available in the next version of HELI-X.
The timing is not correct. The simulation seems to run too fast.
These problems can occur on systems with a variable cpu speed. You should configure your system so that the CPU speed is fixed. This might work within Windows or with a BIOS setting. On Linux you can increase the CPU speed just before the start of HELI-X with cat </dev/zero > /dev/null
The sound is too soft after loading a new helicopter.
The drivers do not work correctly in every case. Try the following option in the java call of the batch file: -DheliX.noSoundKill
The sound does not change the pitch when the heli flies towards me (or the pitch changes too much).
Try playing with this option in the java call of the batch file: -DheliX.dopplerfactor=1.0 (try different values).
The joystick is not recognized on my Linux system.
Sometimes the reason lies in the read and write permissions. Have a look at the log file. Sometimes it helps to give all users read and write permission on /dev/input.

Hardware

  • HELI-X needs a controller which is recognized as joystick from the operation system.
  • Klaus Stangl wrote a documentation on the use of a do-it-yourself interface NG2. Here is the download.

Driver

  • To use your transmitter without USB interface but with your soundcard, this might be helpful: PPJoy.
  • And for Linux try this: TXPPM