Redbird

770: RedBird Alloy RD1 Review Cont’d

| Tom Tsui

After received my second RD1 unit, I immediately swapped it with the first one being used in my main system.  Assuming it could run directly straight out from the box.  Sadly, no, it didn’t.–

NO TWO RD1 ARE THE SAME

Truly, the joystick axes for the rudders and brakes are the same.  But the new RD1 performed far from normal using the calibration from the first RD1.
RD1-2GIF
The Rudder Axis wasn’t centered at rest.  And the left and right Brake Axes were jumping up and down and didn’t return to zero when released, meaning that the toe brakes were somehow pressed all the time.

Obviously, the two RD1s are two individual equipment and they couldn’t be treated as the same unit.  Initial calibration for each individual RD1, therefore, was mandatory and inescapable. Continue reading →

769: My RD1 Rudder Now Fly in pairS

| Tom Tsui

Truly, the Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder (TPR) performs nicely in my second system.  But I found it more and more alienated when the Redbird Alloy RD1 has become my primary rudder and be used everyday in the last six months.

Consequently, I couldn’t help having two RD1s flying in pairs.
RD1_Extra_01S
Thanks goodness! Continue reading →

763: RedBird Alloy RD1 Review Part 2

| Tom Tsui

…continued from Part 1

–

SettingS in MSFS

Since Redbird isn’t an affliated partner with Asobo, users have to configure the Alloy RD1 in MSFS by themselves.  The assignment process can’t be said complicated.  But it was not straightforward either.

Also, the MSFS setting information RD1_30provided by the company is NOT fully CORRECT.   For example, in the mapping suggestion, Redbird states that the Right Brake Axis doesn’t need to be Reversed.

But it is incorrect as I have to enable the REVERSE to use the Right Brake properly. Continue reading →

762: RedBird Alloy RD1 Review Part 1

| Tom Tsui

Before the story, I would like to say that the Redbird Alloy RD1 is the best in the six rudder pedals* (see the list at the end of the story) I’ve ever used in my two decades’ flight simulation experience.
RD1_01S
To be honest, the purchase of this Alloy RD1 rudder pedals was unintended.  My original plan was to get another Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder TPR to replace my over 10-years old Saitek Cessna Pedals.

But unfortunately or fortunately, there were no stock from all vendors at that time (July 2021) and none of them could confirm whether new stock would arrive by end of the year.

Since I had already decided to take a bold step to get the Alloy TH1 at that time, I persuaded myself to go further to get the Alloy RD1 as well.

Frankly, its price tag, $549 (now $599) plus over $100 shipping, wasn’t attractive, nor does its appearance (the retro-looking isn’t my favorite).  I really was a bit hesitated when I placed my order.

Thank goodness, since I started using the rudders six months ago, I am fully impressed by its performance.  And in my opinion, it even out-performs the Thrustmaster TPR I am having on my other setup and the VirtualFly Ruddo I used before.

Following is my review : Continue reading →

737: My NEW GEAR – RedBird Alloy TH1

| Tom Tsui

I bet many friends like me have heard about the various flightsim gears from Redbird Flight Simulations, and very likely might have read reviews and comments about them on the Internet.  But I don’t think many of us really had a chance to try them on, because the company doesn’t sell their gears thru third-party vendors — at least I haven’t noticed anyone yet.
TH1_01Recently, I got the Alloy TH1 throttle quadrant from the company to replace my Saitek Cessna TPM which has been in service for over a decade in my work system.

TH1_002_resizeIn my flightsim-only setup, I have the VirtualFly V3RNIO+.

Actually, I was thinking of getting another V3RNIO+ to replace the Saitek TPM at the time the company was offering a 15% discount promotion.

However, the discounted price was around $900, which is still a lot of money, not to mention an extra $100 for the shipping to be added.

While I was hesitating if I should go for another V3RNIO+, I came across the Redbird Alloy TH1 again.

Just like the VirtualFly V3RNIO+, the Redbird Alloy TH1 is also a vernier-style throttle quadrant that comes with a Throttle Friction Lock and Propeller & Mixture Fine-adjustment Control mechanisms as found on the real aircraft.  And it earns some good comments from its users, too.

In addition, its $569 price tag, comparatively, sounds more reasonable and affordable.

Therefore, after some serious considerations and especially due to the $350 in price difference (or $480 with no discount), I decided to give the Redbird Alloy TH1 a go.

For more than a month now, I’ve been using the Alloy TH1 extensively.

Is my bold investment on the Alloy TH1 justified?  How does it perform compared to the VirtualFly V3RNIO+?  Here’s my review:  Continue reading →

583: Free Home Flight Simulators Guide

| Tom Tsui

Just came across this Pilot’s Guide to Home Flight Simulators on an email from Redbird Flight Simulations about their upcoming webinar Flight Simulation at Home.

Surely many of us have certain knowledge about flight simulation already, the book from the school is still a good reference to help pilots, student pilots and flightsimmers to keep their training focused with a flight simulator.  Click here or the image to download yours.