Controllers
Practise with the controller you actually fly with.
The Trainer and the Simulator both work with a real RC transmitter, connected over WiFi or USB. MFi Bluetooth game controllers are also supported, as are touch controls on iPhone and iPad. The pages below cover how to connect each one.
VBar Control WiFi Sim ›
Connect a Mikado VBar Control Touch radio to HeliSense over WiFi using its built-in Wifi Sim function.
iPhone · iPad · MacExpressLRS WiFi Joystick ›
Feed stick input from an ExpressLRS radio over the network using its WiFi joystick mode.
iPhone · iPad · MacUSB RC transmitter ›
Plug a transmitter that shows up as a USB game controller straight into your Mac. A guided wizard learns your sticks and switches for you.
Mac onlyBluetooth game controller ›
Use an MFi-certified Bluetooth controller for casual practice on the move.
iPhone · iPad · MacSetting up your radio over USB
Connecting a transmitter to a Mac by cable takes a few minutes of preparation on the radio itself. Start with the USB setup guide, then follow the page for your brand:
- EdgeTX, OpenTX and ETHOS — Radiomaster, Jumper, RadioKing, FrSky
- Spektrum — NX series and WS-series wireless dongles
- VBar Control over USB — Mikado radios by cable
- Futaba — needs a dongle or trainer-port adapter
- Jeti, FlySky, InterLink and generic dongles
What works where
| Input method | iPhone / iPad | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Touch controls | Yes | — |
| VBar Control WiFi Sim | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressLRS WiFi Joystick | Yes | Yes |
| USB RC transmitter | — | Yes |
| Bluetooth game controller (MFi) | Yes | Yes |
A real transmitter over WiFi or USB gives the best experience in the simulator. A game controller is a handy fallback when that’s all you’ve got with you.