Question Should beginners use TransX or IMFD?

[gekko]

I am quite new to Orbiter, but thanks to the "Go Play In Space" tutorial I quickly learned how to orbit, transfer to the moon and dock with the ISS. But interplanetary trips seem a lot more difficult. I am sure that one should take a look at both TransX and IMFD - but which one is the best to start with in your opinion (if only for the reason of good tutorials)?

 

[Woo482]

I think IMFD would be easier to start with, but it depends on how much you want to learn.

 

[dgatsoulis]

In my opinion beginners should start with TransX and THEN with IMFD.

TransX is a tool that can help you do pretty much ANYTHING you want in Orbiter...but IMFD can help you do it with a GREAT more precision... When it comes to Interplanetary trips, or Solar system "Grand Explorations", i always have TransX on my left MFD and IMFD on my right one...

 

[ar81]

[nomedia="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=3403"]Tutorial: Concepts for Interplanetary MFD 4.2.1[/nomedia]

 

[Shadow Addict]

It doesn't really matter. I started with IMFD and now I use both depending on the situation. Learning TransX after learning IMFD isn't too hard, and vice versa is even easier. However, TransX will give you a better understanding of what you're doing, so you might want to start there.

 

[Tommy]

I would say that IMFD is easier to use for a beginner, but TransX will teach you more. TransX works like a multi-step TransferMFD that can plan burns along three axis's rather than just prrograde/retrograde. Using it requires that you understand the mechanics of the transfer fairly well or you'll have to get lucky and just stumble upon a solution. That said, it's capable of advanced maneuvers and superior to IMFD for certain flights such as multi-sling (cassini or voyager style) flights.

With IMFD there is a "step-bystep" process that allows you to set up an interplanetary flight without needing much knowelege. The up side to that is that it's easier for a beginner, the down side is that you don't always learn as much if you don't actively try to. There is an add-on manual for IMFD (due to be updated and expanded in the next couple months - keep your eyes open) that will teach you how to get from anyplace to anyplace using a "process oriented" approach that makes it relatively easy for the beginner to gain experience and understanding at their own pace:

[nomedia="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=4142"]IMFD Full Manual/Playbacks[/nomedia]

IMFD's Map program is the most accurate in Orbiter, and many people who use TransX to set up and execute burns also use IMFD's Map to verify trajectories and make mid course corrections.

 

[mdsmith2]

Although I don't have as much experience/knowledge as some of the others who have responded to your post, I felt a lot more comfortable with TransX for my first interplanetary mission then IMFD (i.e., I got within 2 AU of Saturn with TransX, and I was the first man to exit the solar system with IMFD )

 

[eveningsky339]

IMFD is more simple and automated, but Transx teaches you more... In all honesty I think it depends on the user. I started with Transx, but the learning curve was very steep. I switched to IMFD and have been using it ever since.

 

[supersonic]

I would say IMFD, I just can get TransX to work for me.

 

[markl316]

If your goal is to get to another planet, use IMFD along with [nomedia="http://orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=4142"]IMFD Full Manual/Playbacks[/nomedia] . IMFD can do almost everything TransX can do, and with much, much more precision. However, if you're looking to do multiple planet flybys, multiple slingshots and other super crazy stuff, TransX is the way to go. But IMFD along with the manual mentioned above, soon to be expanded as Tommy said, will get you anywhere you want.

 

[Shadow Addict]

I agree with markl316. I love precision in Orbiter, seeing as spaceflight itself is very precise, and IMFD's precision plus autoburn feature give me an amount of realism I don't feel with TransX.

But, however, when I wanna do a sling, TransX is your only option, really.

 

[markl316]

I agree with markl316. I love precision in Orbiter, seeing as spaceflight itself is very precise, and IMFD's precision plus autoburn feature give me an amount of realism I don't feel with TransX.

But, however, when I wanna do a sling, TransX is your only option, really.

You can do a sling in IMFD, it's just not as fuel efficient as TransX. However, the slingshot tutorial and directions are being rewritten courtesy of Tommy to make it more fuel efficient. However, when it comes to multiple slingshots, TransX is the way to go.

 

[gekko]

Thanks for your answers. I made up my mind - TransX will be tested first!

 

[PhantomCruiser]

Flytandem has some really good video tutorials for TransX. They should be easy enough to find, but I'll post a link to them when I get home.

I had trouble finding a codec for them initially, but I found a player that did it w/ no problem

 

[flytandem]

http://www.flytandem.com/orbiter/tutorials/video/index.htm

 

[Cpt CryBaby]

http://www.stillmixtup.com/E2M.html

Earth to mars checklist with TransX. Just in case.

 

[Tex]

'VLC Media Player' will play flytandem's video tutorials. You can see the link to his tutorials he posted above and you can find a whole list of tutorials here:

http://www.orbiter-forum.com/tutorials.php

They should be easy enough to find, but I'll post a link to them when I get home.

Easy way to remember the links when posting for someone, just copy the http://www.orbiter-forum.com from your browser then add /tutorials.php or for recommended addons it would be /addons.php

You can also copy link locations from the footer of all pages on the forum. Should make things easier. :thumbup: