How to use the non-centering joystick in the proper way

Well, now I'm completely clear. Perhaps I was confusing concepts with other helicopters like the Xtrident AW109, where pressing the FTR button overrides the upper modes and temporarily corrects the attitude until it's restored when released. Different helicopters, different behaviors

Thank you very much for your detailed explanations.

Hello,

I am considering to buy X-plane 12 and your 135 to practice instrument flying and IFR approaches, but after reading this thread I am a bit confused. Do I understand correctly, that when upper mode is engaged, the Force Trim cannot be used on simulated EC135? And same in follow-up mode? I own AB9 and I hoped that I could use it same way as a cyclic in real aircraft (that means, I can use Force Trim literally any time and in any regime). 

Thank You

Masaak

I think the confusion stems from the fact that this thread is about a non-centering joystick. The AB9 is a different story.

The only thing that actually happens when you press FTR in upper mode or follow-up mode IRL is that the stick becomes force-free. With a non-centering stick, this is pointless because it's already force-free. With the AB9, however, we can simulate this to a certain extent. The stick doesn't become completely force-free, but the "spring forces" are neutralized as long as FTR is pressed. We'll achieve a further improvement here with the next update.

As soon as you release FTR in upper mode, the spring forces return, and the autopilot moves the stick as needed to follow again the upper mode. This happens exactly the same way in the simulation if you have an AB9. Ultimately, in upper mode, FTR simply means that you can temporarily override the spring forces largely without having to work against them. For comparison: With a non-centering stick, you always do this, which is why the button has no function in this situation.

It's similar in follow-up mode. There, too, the only real function of FTR is to eliminate the forces. However, the centering forces automatically follow the stick's position when it's stable, so you can release the stick even without FTR without it changing its position. The AB9 can simulate this very realistically. With a non-centering stick, you don't need any of this because the stick doesn't move when you release it anyway.

In conclusion, this means we basically have three different behaviors for a centering stick, a non-centering stick, and an FFB stick. The first two can only provide different workarounds to approximate what actually happens as comfortably as possible. With the AB9, we can almost perfectly replicate real-world behavior.

Thank you very much for reply. That is what I wanted to get clarified. A need to be able to interrupt the springbox anytime I wish, co I am glad that your 135 can do that with AB9. As for follow-up mode, I don't use that. I do try it time to time, but it is too slow, so most of the time I just press FT, so I have better fine control during lift offs, landings, hovering maneuvers and HEC stuff. 

Thanks again. I am going to buy the plus edition.

Have a nice day. 

Petr