		Alternative FS98 Bell Helicopter
		--------------------------------

Hi all...

Here's a much more 'user friendly' Bell206 helicopter. 

I've called this a 'Bell206A' model. Apologies to Bell <g>, but the
'A' is for 'Alternative' <g>.  This flight model is NOT a hack of the 
helicopter flight model - it is a modified version of my Squirrel FSW95 
flight model, which works, I am pleased to say, a lot smoother in FS98. 
The FS98 'Engine 3' flight model, used by the default Bell 206b, is, I 
find, impossible to fly comfortably at low airspeeds below 25 kts with 
the keyboard. This one is based on the 'engine 2' air file, the jet engine. 
You also need a very high frame rate for the default heli, which is only 
available with very high powered machines.

I consider my setup as the 'average' configuration. (P150, no 3d, 
Millenium 1, 2 mb). I can fly, in virtual cockpit mode, with the panel 
in view, at an average of 8 - 10 fps in 800 x 600 x 256 colours at Meigs 
with scenery/dynamic at dense. Shadows off, 3/10ths cloud at 10000ft. 
The framerate drops some when down low, to about 5 in between 
the skyscrapers, or when over O'Hare, but this helicopter is still 
fully controllable at those frame rates, even with the keyboard.

And what's more....you can fly this heli with the Autopilot on alt 
hold (Ctrl/Z), or heading hold (Ctrl/H), all day without problems. 
(As long you watch that stall speed). The default Bell has no provision,
as far as I am aware, for the autopilot. The original panel,
unfortunately, has no AP provision, either. Must do something about 
that...<g>

Lots of you have, however, already seen my views on the default
helicopter flight model... so I will not repeat them here.
Suffice it to say that I think MS have bungled a great opportunity
for FS98.

I've got to admit, even those low frame rates are SMOOTH in fs98. All
credit must go the the MS FS98 team for that. We never got that smooth 
flight with FSW95.

To get your 'virtual cockpit' view, just use the 'S' key and press the 
'-' (minus sign) once in front view to 'retreat' to your cockpit surround. 
You can even use 'shift 1' to include your panel also. That virtual 
cockpit certainly brings some extra realism to chopper flight. You must, 
of course, have your 'see own aircraft' selected in the 
'Options/preferences/display/display options selected, otherwise you will 
just see a 'distant' front 3d view with no cockpit.

I normally fly the Lear with that 'see own aircraft' option off, and most 
other aircraft, especially the 'heavies' with it 'on', to see that wing 
view at the side. Now that it is possible (Thanks to Tim Gregson, the
Tech Lead on the Microsoft FS98 project, for this info) to specify a 
config file on startup with the '<drive>:\fs98\fltsim98.exe /cfg:x' 
(where x is your favoured 'x.cfg' file in the FS98 base folder), I 
can specify at startup whether the 'See own aircraft' should be on or 
off for a particular aircraft. Ok, this means that I cannot switch
aircraft as often as I like, within FS98, but I had to use the 'separate
icon for each aircraft' system anyway with FSW95, so it is no great
hardship. 

<Soapbox mode on>
I find it a pain, though, to have to switch that view 'on' and 'off', 
having to go through four menus to do it. It is one of the most common 
tasks I perform in FS, dunno why it cannot be done from hitting a key. 
<Soapbox mode off> <g>

Unfortunately FS98 will not recognise a folder path after the '/cfg:' 
so you cannot use your own 'config' folder, unless, of course, you still 
use batch files. So just place this 'Bell206A.cfg' file in your 
<drive>:\fs98 main folder. So all you need to do, once the installation 
instructions below have been completed, is to create a shortcut on your 
desktop, or wherever, to the Fltsim98.exe executable, and edit its 
properties to include the ' /cfg:Bell206A' after the 'Fltsim98.exe'

This aircraft is really intended for use with keyboard control. If you 
normally fly with a joystick, then obviously the config file included 
here will not be required, and may be discarded. Or, of course, you can
just amend those keystrokes to your own selection. But you will have to
go back to using the 'flap' keys F5 to F8 again.....

This helicopter a little 'overpowered', and is therefore more responsive
than the default Bell 206B. This power is needed for the 'flaps' settings
for the collective. So it bears little resemblance to its real life
counterpart. But hey, what the heck. It is really enjoyable to fly in
FS98. If you set your keyboard sensitivity to maximum, you can throw it
around the sky with no problems. Unlike the default Bell helicopter.

If you appear to have no 'rudder' control and the 'Ins and Num 'Enter' do
not seem to work, and your right and left cursor keys appear to have very
little effect, check that you have your 'Aircraft\Autopilot\Yaw Damper
button unticked. That 'sticky' Yaw Damper button is also a pain....

Unfortunately, this flight model does have some 'creep' with the parking
brake 'on'. I cannot seem to correct that. Now you will have to watch that..
It could be a problem if you are stationary on top of 111 Wall St..

It is probably because of the extended flight parameters for the 'jet' model. 
Perhaps when enough is known about the heli 'Air' file, and we can use that 
air file, instead of this 'fixed wing' derivative, this problem will be resolved.

One reason why I particularly like this flight model, is that you can control 
this chopper even in the fixed spot view. This is the way I like to fly 
helicopters in FS. I even fly with the 'Shift/'Z/Z/Z' readout visible, showing 
the airspeed and altitude. You don't get that in real life, either <g>. 
It is a problem, however, in places like New York, when I'm viewing the
machine in full screen view with everything full on. The frame rate drops
to 2 or so, and even this chopper has stability problems at that rate.

You try and fly the 'other' Bell that way. you will not get very far. This 
is for keyboard fliers like myself. However, first indications with a cheapie 
joystick are favourable, although you still need to access the keyboard 
(which is the main reason I do not use the joystick anyway - you still have 
to use some keys, unless you have something similar to the EPIC system).

So to fly this model, I use the following controls:

Throttle max		num '*'
    ..   increase 	num '9'
    ..   decrease 	num '3'
Throttle min		num 'del'

Collective max		Ctrl num '*' (for max airspeed)
    ..     inc          Ctrl '9'
    ..     dec          Ctrl '3'
Collective min		Ctrl 'del'   (for 5 knots hover)

I also have the parking brake on 'Ctrl num '1'. I can then snap on the
brake just on landing. See my flying tips, below.

The collective controls are, of course, the remapped F5 - F8 flaps keys.
I have included this remapped config file for those keyboard jockeys like
me, who might wish to use it.

And now, for those who do not have my Squirrel Police Heli, I've included
the following from my text file. This flight model is a tweaked copy of that
flight model, so it applies equally well to this aircraft. I am pleased that
MS have given us the best of both worlds with FS98....improved the flight 
envelopes to an even greater degree of 'realism', and also maintained most 
of the 'tweak' values also. Pity about the lack of a simple 'vertical lift'
for helicopters...obviously it was not to be....

A warning here...

The Flight Simulator 'Engine 2' jet flight model used here is intended for 
fixed wing aircraft. There are problems, unfortunately, associated with 
helicopter flight with this flight model. For example, do not allow the 
Bell206A to fly at less than about 6 kts, if you can avoid it. It will 
start to spin, and although you can occasionally escape, it is difficult 
to recover. On some occasions, if the 'stall' or 'spin' is really advanced, 
the program will become unpredictable, and a flight reset will be the only 
way out. 

On many occasions a quick 'Ctrl num *' and a 'Num *' to apply maximum 
thrust can get you out of trouble if you are near to the 'stall', and 
the aircraft is starting to spin. Just hit the Numpad '5' key to centre 
your controls, and then the 'Ctrl num *' key quickly. 

I normally fly this helicopter with Autocoordination turned OFF. However 
leaving that option 'on' can give you a more realistic flight behaviour at
speed - but I find that suddenly resetting the 'airlerons' by centering 
with KeyPad '5' after a turn can be disconcerting - the machine 'wobbles' 
prior to settling on its correct heading. A more precise control - 
especially when hovering - is obtained with the Autocoordination setting 
'off'. You can, after a little practice, even fly slowly sideways with the
'off' setting. Take your choice. But watch that tail !

The aircraft is quite stable down to 8 knots. I have 'hovered' successfully 
down to 4 knots, but the aircraft becomes progressively harder to control, 
and requires a lot of correction at that low speed, to both rudder and 
'aileron' controls. So I do not usually allow the speed to drop that low, 
except when just touching down. And anyway, when those levels of correction 
are required, most of the 'pleasure' of flying disappears. At that low speed, 
you must watch the horizon very carefully - once a 'spin' commences correction 
is darned near impossible. I suppose it is a penalty of stretching the envelope 
so far. It also helps when landing at very low airspeeds, say 5 kts, if you 
use that spot fixed view, and have the Bell tail in the frame, towards you. 
Any slight sideways movement is then much easier to correct, before it gets 
out of control.

The aircraft is quite stable above 5 kts up to its max, 140 kts. 
But if you increase that maximum airspeed, by, say, going into a dive, 
then its behaviour may become unpredictable. I haven't managed to create 
these erratic problems with this model, but you may if your airspeed becomes 
too great (as in the real world <g>). I'm afraid the only escape is to do a 
'Ctrl ;' to restart the flight. I have had stable flight up to 170 kts,
after a dive. If there any control problems, it is usually when the 
helicopter gets into a spin, usually at the lowest speeds. This model,
is much easier though, to recover in flight from a spin or 'stall' than
the default helicopter. Hit the 'Y' key, then the spacebar, and switch
off the slew by hitting 'Y' once more. That usually works ok.
 
I have also found that the Autopilot 'Alt' hold and 'Alt/'H' heading hold 
work fine, but remember those 'stall' conditions at low airspeeds. Also, 
using the Autopilot 'Ctrl/D' for the yaw damper works to reduce the yaw 
oscillations, but not always. Use your rudder sparingly, a little at a time. 
I do not use a joystick (I don't play games <g>), so I apply rudder by 
'Enter' or 'Ins', and almost immediately reset it to centre with KPad (5). 
If applied for too long, the aircraft will go into a spin. You may have
problems with the heading hold, if your framerate is very poor. Be warned.

You will find that a successful landing can be made more often by setting 
the flaps ('collective') setting on the next but minimum setting on 
approach, only advancing with Ctrl num 'del' at the last moment when about 
10 feet above the pad. Just before touch down, lift the nose, and then apply 
the parking brake with a 'Ctrl/End' (yes, I know that sounds ridiculous). 
The parking brake cancels itself if applied too early, but a little practice 
helps you to find the correct point to apply the brake just prior to touchdown. 
Application of the parking brake at this point makes a helicopter landing a 
little more realistic. If you have a problem with landing, try straight-in 
approaches at first, progressively bleeding off the airspeed until your 
airspeed drops to about 7 or 8 kts. If you prefer, hit 'del' for minimum thrust. 
The airspeed will then rapidly reduce to about 40 knots, then use the 'Ctrl num 3' 
or 'Ctrl del' keys just prior to touchdown. 

	After a little practice, you will get the hang of it. You will 
enjoy flying this machine. I do. At the average airspeed of around 
135-140 kts it will manoeuvre like a fighter. I quite enjoy buzzing around 
the dynamic scenery at Woodvale, in the 'Mersey' scenery, or flying under 
those London bridges along the Thames with that brilliant MS London scenery.
This helicopter is ideal for VFR flying around London. 

By the way, I fly this model with the 'Shift/Z-Z' coords/Altitude/Airpeed 
readouts at the top of the screen. I've become used to that, now, and it 
certainly helps. I also use the 'fixed' spot view option a lot, especially 
when flying this model. So that 'Shift/Z-Z' readout then becomes essential. 
Once you get familiar with the fixed orientation, and keeping a mental note 
of which is 'North' as you fly around, you will enjoy that view option. 
I use a spot plane distance of 80', and a view altitude value of 0'.

With a standard fixed wing aircraft, I find that this 'fixed view' is not 
as useful when flying near to the ground, (the ground contantly comes up 
and hits you) but with this helicopter, it is ideal. I have also got into the 
habit of turning off the 'crash' option with this helicopter. I find that 
I do not have to restart as often !

For a panel, I use the default FS98 Bell206b panel for this aircraft. If 
you position the panel in the bottom left hand corner, reduce it in size, 
and move the panel to the left, I have found it ideal. 
 
Reducing the panel display that way allows me a full screen view, and 
offers that excellent forward view, so necessary for helicopter 'VFR' 
flight. 

I have found that Wilco van Deijl's adventure GPWS60 works well with this
aircraft. I haven't got around, yet, to editing Wilco's excellent source 
file, to comment out the 'Too Low - Flaps' warning ! But his Autopilot 
Heading / Altitude keys appear to work ok. I have had no problems with 
that adventure. I have this adventure playing UK ATC recordings in the
background. Adds a real feeling to flying. But unfortunately, GPWS60
uses a LOT of the available keys, and remaps them, so it can cause the 
occasional problem with the spot view keys, and others.

INSTALLATION

This model is 'oven-ready' for FS98. It does NOT require any conversion
with FSConv98.exe.
 
These instructions assume that you still have your 'original' Bell206B
aircraft folder for the default FS98 Bell Helicopter. It also assumes
that you have your main FS98 folder named '<drive>:\fs98'.

You should have the following files in this release...

	Bell206A.txt    You're reading it.
	Bell206A.cfg	<drive>:\fs98 main folder
	Bell206A.air	<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A folder
	aircraft.cfg	<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A folder
	model.cfg	<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A\model folder
	panel.cfg	<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A\panel folder
	sound.cfg	<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A\sound folder
	Bell206A.stn	<drive>:\fs98\pilots folder

1.	Extract these files to a temporary folder. I use c:\temp.

2.	Create a new folder, named '<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A' 
	with its four sub-folders 'model', 'panel','sound', and 'texture'.

3.	Place the Bell206A.air file, and this 'readme.txt' in your 
	<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A folder, this Bell206A 'panel.cfg' in your
	<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A\panel folder, and this 'sound.cfg' in your
	<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A\sound folder.

4.	Copy the 'BELL_206B_Jetranger_n.MDL file from your original 
	<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206B\model folder into your new
	<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A\model folder, and rename it 'Bell_n.mdl'.

	The Bell206A air file uses this original 'Mdl. file. It must be renamed,
	to avoid any conflict. FS98 appears to read all the aircraft folders on 
	startup.

5. 	Copy the 3 'Bell206B' interior texture files (those three beginning 'int')
	to your new empty <drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A\texture folder.

6	Because we are dealing here with a 'non-heli' air file, FS98 will 
	not allow us to 'alias' the Bell wav. files in the sound.cfg. So you need 
	to copy these files manually from the Bell206B/Sound Folder into the 
	Bell206A sound folder:

	He4.wav
	Xhe4.wav
	Hskidl.wav
	Hskidr.wav

7.	Place the 'stn' file in your pilots folder. It sets you up at Meigs, 
	facing the static Bell Helicopter. 

8.	Now to tell FS98 to start up with the 'Bell206A.cfg' file which we placed
	in the main <drive>:\FS98 folder...

	Use the mouse 'Right click' to create a shortcut in your preferred start
	up folder or desktop. Rename it to, say, 'FS98 Bell206A Helicopter'.
	Open up 'properties', hit the 'shortcut' tab, and edit the target line to 
	include the '/cfg:bell206a' after the fltsim98.exe. (do not include the quotes). 
	
	My own example here...D:\fs98\fltsim98.exe /cfg:bell206a

9.	Just start up FS98, hit the '*' key (on the numeric keypad) and away you go !

	As you lift off, press the 'Ctrl / num '9' once, then again a few moments
	later, then the Ctrl / '*' to get up to maximum forward speed from the
	'hover'. You may need to lower the nose a few times. Set the scenery level 
	to your own preference. I've set it on 'Dense' to start with. 
	'Crash' is 'ON' <g>.
	Enjoy !


PROBLEMS
--------

If you have any problems (other than a slow computer...sorry <g>)

Check your folder names - the original Bell heli folder is named
<drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206B. 

This version is named <drive>:\fs98\Aircraft\Bell206A.
Note the 'A' in the 'Bell260A'.

If you have panel problems, then it will probably be because you have renamed 
your original Bell206B folder. You will have to edit this 'panel.cfg' file in
the FS98\aircraft\Bell206a\panel folder to the correct path, so that the
'alias=' points to the correct panel. 

If you still have your default FS98\aircraft\Bell206B folder intact, and you
do not copy your original Bell206B texture files to this new folder for this
model to use, the program will find them on startup. With one exception - it
will NOT see your 'interior' cockpit textures for the virtual cockpit view.
Dunno why...I had to copy them manually.
 
The 3 'interior' textures for the virtual cockpit view must be in your new 
'FS98\aircraft\Bell206A\texture folder for them to show. FS98 appears to be
quite happy to search for the exterior textures, but does not look elsewhere
for the interior cockpit textures.

Do NOT use the converter. The Bell206A should appear in your aircraft menu
on startup. 

	If you do have a problem, like a 'visible model' fault appearing on 
startup, make sure all that the three '.cfg' files listed above are in their
correct sub folders. If they are, then try copying your original Bell206B
textures into your new FS98\aircraft\Bell206A\texture folder.

If you are still having problems, just yell. But before you do...check ALL
your folder names letter by letter. And, most important...check that you have 
not named your new 'texture' folder as 'textures'. That 's' has caused me 
more grief in all the past FS versions than I care to remember...


                            ----------------------------------

Credits.

	1.	Pete Dowson (100041,312) for his invaluable assistance
		with flight models. Thanks Pete ! and for all your
		other valuable tips in the past...
		(and a late tip, get a copy of Pete's 'fs98ctls.zip' if you 
		can, he has put some excellent FS keyboard info in there)

	2.	Wilco van Deijl for his excellent GPWS60. I use that a
		lot. I have added my own ATC recordings to that adventure.
		Gracious of you, Wilco, for releasing the source file !
		Thanks a lot. I simply cannot get to grips with all those 
		If...Else's. <g> (and I've been programming with Assembler 
		since 1981).

	3.	Chuck Dome (CIS 72723,734) for his all his utils, too 
		numerous to mention. Fantastic, Chuck ! Keep 'em coming ! 

	4.	Matthias Weidemann for his excellent Airdec 1.2. I couldn't
		have done this model without it. Thanks Mathias. Hope you
		working on a FS98 version <g>

	5. 	Compuserve FSForum. Thanks, sysops, for a GREAT FSForum.

	6.	RC Simulations, of Bristol. Thanks to Mary & all for my
		copy of FS98.

	7,	Rick Lee (Rick Lee, 71361,667) for his superb Helihlp.zip
		on flying the default FS98 heli. Thank Rick, but it didn't
		do me any good with my frame rates...<g> I'd be very
		interested though, if you let me know whether this flight
		model can be controlled with your setup, when this heli
		starts to spin at under 5 kts. Just curious about the
		difference in flight models at that airspeed.

	8.	And... last, but certainly not least, Microsoft. Thanks to all
		those creators, not forgetting Tim Gregson, Phil Saitta, and the
		remainder of Andy Silverman's team for a superb FS98. And...
		special appreciation has got to go to both Tim and Phil for 
		their invaluable contribution to the Forum. They get a lot
		of stick, too. (from me, also) But they do their visiting on 
		their own time.

	...and to all those I may have forgotten to mention... thanks.

Copyright biz 

The Bell206B 'mdl', '.wav' and texture files mentioned above, are the 
original Microsoft copyrighted files from FS98. So I have not included them 
here. See the installation notes, above.

RE-DISTRIBUTION

These files may not be further distributed in ANY way without my prior
consent.  This includes transfer to ANY other on-line service or sale in 
ANY way, including any type, colour or shape CD, but not limited to 
shareware, cardware, etc. These files may NOT be given away with any 
product which is being sold in ANY way.

...And I offer my apologies to those FS experts who may consider that I'm
insulting them, with some of my advice in this file....there are some 
fliers out there who need this help I have included..as I did, once.  
I am still learning. AND I have been using Flight Simulator
since ver 1.0...Glad I have never used the log utility, my 'flying' hours
would have so many noughts, I'd need a Cray to add them up....

If anyone wishes to drop me an email, please do so. I like to hear where my
creations end up !

I can also be found at least once a day, most days, on the FS Forum, Compuserve.
I must add here...I get an awful lot of queries regarding add ons for my
Mersey scenery. If you are a FS enthusiast, then the FSForum is the place
to be. I get most of my add ons from there. Another site, www.Flightsim.com, 
is also a great source of FS goodies.

If you enjoy this offering, please let me know. If you don't like it, say so. I've 
got a very thick skin. Once you've downloaded it, you can do what you like with 
it ! (But see my 'Re-Distribution' notes above....)

And finally....If you think that I am, or my files are, responsible for 
any problems of whatsoever type on your machine, TOUGH. I will not be 
held responsible in any way for failures of software or hardware as a 
result of loading or using these files. 

Sincerely hope you enjoy it. I think you will.
That's what it's all about......
There's such a lot to do....

Bill Cusick 
106251,303
Formby, Merseyside.



			

