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Dino Cattaneo F14D version 2.35 steering alignment.

Eagle eye

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I have been enjoying Dino Cattaneo's F14D but I do have one problem which I can't seem to ace. When I line up for take-off and start to roll after a few seconds the aircraft tracks to the left and if left unchecked disaster is the result. Have calibrated my X52 Pro control several times with no success. The Goshawk T45 of his works fine and stays on line during the T/O roll so its a bit of a mystery. I sometimes make a movie using FRAPS and like to capture the T/O from an external view so a straight line is most desirable during T/O. Can anyone tell me what I doing wrong or suggest a Tweek/Fix
 
Very strange. I've never had any issues such as you're describing with Dino's F-14.

The only thing, other than controller configuration issues, that I could think of is that possibly you're only throttling up the right engine? I know that sounds silly, but it's really the only thing I could think of.
 
Another potential cause: The autopilot master switch is engaged and the AP is in HDG HOLD mode with the heading bug set to a course to the left of yours.
 
The likely culprit is the main controller settings for Rudder. Saitek controllers are notoriuos for having very sensitive rudder input and in my opinion too much of it. To compensate, I use 50% rudder settings and full null. That seems to alleviate the problem. These are my recommended settings for use with a Saitek X-45.

controller settings 1.jpg

controller settings 2.jpg
 
Check your fuel also. If your default flight (for whatever reason) results in an unbalanced fuel load in the F-14, it can effect your track.
 
Thanks so much for all the suggestions so far, however none have fixed the problem. Generally unless the aircraft is prop driven with 'torque effect' on, no deviation from track is noted. All jets seem to track the centreline without rudder input. The F14D slowly veers to the left and at about one third of the T/O roll is at the edge of the runway if no rudder input is actioned . If anyone has further suggestions please feel free to post. Otherwise this is a aircraft is superb, cheers.
 
I've had this happen with some jets too and I can't see any good reason for it. Do you have Accu-Feel installed by any chance? If you have.. try deselecting the 'Flight' section or disabling the model altogether in AF.

ATB
DaveB:)
 
No I don't have Accu-Feel installed. Don't get me wrong I can control the T/O run track, but no so good from outside the aircraft when I try to film the T/O with FRAPS.
 
Given that the default loadout ("Bombcat") is slighlty asymmetric (but should not be very noticeable), the Tomcat flight model should be free from strange "torque" effects... so my two cents are:

- Crosswind (check that you default flight has no crosswind...)

- Asymmetric loadout (fuel, etc.)

I know these areq quite obvious, but it happened to me several times during test flights...
 
Eagle eye..

If it's any consolation.. I installed Dino's F14D this morning (it's a fresh install of FSX).. wind set to zero and direction 'on the nose' and I also see it run to the left almost immediately (VF31 Tomcat Sunset). I reset the flight a few times trying different start rolls (from opening the taps gently to firewalling them on the brakes) and there's still an initial run to the left. It's no hassle if you're in the cockpit (as you say) but I can imagine it getting a little untidy if you're trying to film from outside. Never noticed this on the previous install but it's sure doing it now.
EDIT: I'm using a ratty old MS Sidewinder Precision Pro btw;)

ATB
DaveB:)
 
If it is not just an isolated case, I'll add it to the list of thing to check for the next update.
Please check with no stores (you can remove the loadout in the Fuel and Payload section).
 
Hi Dino:wavey:

I just tried again in clean config as requested and this time.. it tracked straight for a little longer but as the throttle was opened to T/O pwr, it swung to the left. My Sidewinder only has a single throttle control so it's not me misaligning the throttles;)
ATB
DaveB:)
 
Dino,
Have a look at yaw center under 1101 in the airfile. Every once in a while I have a "pull to one side" issue pop up, that requires a bit of fiddling with yaw.

Also have a look at empty_weight_CG_position = -34.20, 0, -0.6 as well as all lateral ordinance parameters to insure left/right weights are correct. A missing - (minus sign) could be the culprit.
 
Yup, she does pull to the left a bit, but it's nothing that can't be countered with a bit of rudder.
 
Dino..

If you're open to comments on future F14 updates.. would it be possible to offer the option not to have reflections on the HUD glass please..
f14glass.jpg


I realise it's an emotive subject.. some like it and others don't. I generally use the Mk1 eyeball for traps and seeing the carrier through those swirling reflections can be darned difficult.. let alone landing!!:encouragement:

ATB
DaveB:)
 
Thanks to you all for the great response to my post. Nice to see your input Dino, your F14D is superb one of my favorites. I have had a look at my aircraft config file and the following is my current c of g entry:- empty_weight_CG_position = -34.20, 0, 0 // (feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from specified datum I am afraid I am not too keen at playing around with the config files of aircraft unless I have good authority for doing it. For the moment I look for forward to Dinos update to my current version 2.35. I recently made a FRAPPS movie of the F14D taking off from Whenuapai military airbase here in NZ and landing at Auckland international and played it on my 65" 4K TV & sound system, it was downright awesome. This has fired my desire to make more!!


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No.. I don't like to delve in places like that either Eagle eye!! I hope you don't mind me taking the thread a little OT too:encouragement:

Much as I'm impressed with the look of the Aerosoft release.. I'm really more interested in the Kitty Hawk. Certainly no intention of moving away from Dino's model any time soon;)

ATB
DaveB:)
 
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