USB Simulator Interface Cable...

[Heidelberg Germany Flyer]

Just bought a USB Simulator Interface to hook up my PC to my Graupner/JR MC-12 Transmitter as a remote control.

Can't believe that it cost me $30+ dollars!

Could I just hook up an old USB connector to a audio (mono) connector, instead, or is there more to the interface that I purchased, than the connectors?

Just trying to save a few bucks if I can...

HGF

[slipstick]

There's microcontroller with its firmware and a few other bits packed into that little thing. It ain't just a piece of wire ;).

Steve

[ForestCam]

Thought about making one myself but I figured after I'd gathered all the bits and figure in my time I'd have more invested in making one then just buying it.

Where'd you find one for $30???? I haven't seen 'em much below $40.

[Heidelberg Germany Flyer]

Thanks, I thought it was too easy (and too cheap) to make connections with wire and the right connectors attached...

On the low cost, it was a one-time only sale in a German store. Did you try e-bay?

Another question: As I am now connected, should I pull out my crystal and disconnect the antennae while using the transmitter as a remote through the student plug?

Thanks again, sure glad I didn't try the home-made connector cable.

HGF

[slipstick]

Just remove the crystal. That will stop it transmitting, and make your battery last a lot longer. There's no need to mess with the antenna.

Steve

[watt_the?!]

interesting..i dont remove the crystal in mine...maybe i should?

never thought about it really...actually they operate in power off mode so i figured they were being powered by the PC via USB or port connection...figured that it was pretty low power so wouldnt transmit....or if it did it'd be pretty short range...

tim

[slipstick]

No the Tx is powered by its own battery. If it operates while switched off perhaps you're talking about a JR. Most other makes need to be switched on.

Basically depending on what type of Tx it is and exactly how the plug is wired it may already be prevented from transmitting. The easiest way to check is to (carefully) switch a plane on while you have it connected to the sim ;).

But simpler still is to take the crystal or module out then you know for a fact it ain't transmitting.

Steve

[watt_the?!]

yeah mine's a JR.....in fact it wont run the sim in powered on mode...has to be off...

didnt know about the others having to be on....interesting.

Tim

[Rugar]

When using a TX that has a module in it, the module should be removed to avoid overheating it and to keep it from going out of calibration from using it with the antenna down.

[inconel710]

If you're using a JR, you're plugging into the "Direct Servo Control" port (at least on my XP652 you are). According to the manual, DSC only works with the transmitter power switch off and the transmitter will NOT transmit any radio frequency while doing this. It only uses 70mAh while in this mode, not the full 200mAh. One more reason I'm glad I got the JR and put up with the funky colored servo wires.

Hope that helps.

[zappedalaskan]

Thay have them here: http://www.heli-world.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=sim
for $16.98us for all brands of Radio.. I bought my FMS interface here. It hooked to a serial port as oposed to a usb port.
Regards,
Jay

[Idaho]

I'm confused about sim cables. I bought a simple cable for JR type radios to use with my Spektrum radio from allerc for under $15. It powers on the radio but I can't make it work with FMS. I've tried using "device manager" to no avail.

This cable has no "electronic box" and plugs into the serial port. It's advertised to work with Win Xp which I'm running. Emailing allerc did not get an answer other than it should work if it's a JR type radio.

I don't know if I'm just incompetent with Win Xp or I need the cable with a box (selling for 29.95 - if someone wants the link I'll get it). I suspect I need the box otherwise why would they be selling it? But then why is this advertised to work???:confused:

Any ideas?

[watt_the?!]

fms has a forum where you can post questions and they have loads of answers....i cant help you out, but they may be able to there...

tim.

[Idaho]

Thanks.
I was a little premature posting this question here as I see your advice was given elsewhere on this forum. I'll go looking.

[Idaho]

Found tutorial on FMS forum for using serial cable, still no success. I think others have this problem.
I guess I could pay more for a usb cable. Or just keep using my game controller.:rolleyes:

[slipstick]

Are you sure that the Spektrum Tx is actually compatible with a JR interface ?

What happens when you try to calibrate it in FMS ?

Steve

[Idaho]

No I'm not certain. It is a JR style plug and I'm told the same company manufactures both radios. Good point though, I'll try contacting the company.

First I'll try a search for "Spektrum" on the FMS forum.

When I try to calibrate nothing happens (bars don't move) even though I have all the settings correct (com 1, 9600 baud, and port settings per the tutorial). Thought I had it for a minute as one of the port settings was not right but no dice.

[aeropal]

.

[Idaho]

That is the interface.

Have you tried programming a transmitter model called FMS and tinkering around with the parameters?


I used a tutorial to set the parameters in FMS controller setup. Is that what you are referring to?

[aeropal]

.

[Idaho]

On rare occasions, a conflict can only be solved by changing the COM port value. This can usually be done by changing the BIOS. Look for "integrated" devices in the BIOS listing and change the Serial port assignment to a different COM value.


The above is the only fix I have not tried because I haven't figured out how to yet. I'm not even a crude hack with computers I just fumble around and hope I don't screw it up.
Thanks, I'll keep trying.

[Idaho]

Wondering if there's anyone out there who's had success using a Spektrum radio with FMS.
Maybe I just have to invest in a usb type cable but I'm not even sure that would work. I guess I could buy a cheap 4 channel radio and cable.

[Idaho]

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=463395

Here's the answer to using the Spektrum with FMS using a simple mono mini phono jack to the sound card. I even had the cable already. Works perfect. What a huge improvement over the double joystick I was using.

Aeropal, I found this via your post on the FMS forum - thanks!

[jimw1956]

I hooked up a parallel interface and have used my radio a couple of times with the antenna down...haven't seen this warning before unfortunately. I haven't noticed any major heat or smelt anything...hope I haven't fried my transmitter! Don't have a plane yet on this freq. so guess I'll hve to temporarily hook up the receiver and servos and make sure it is still working all right.

[unterhausen]

I just bought a mono cable for the soundcard today. Have to use my daughter's computer though, this one only runs linux right now.

[Nitro Blast]

Sorry... delete.

[f9fken]

I have a realflight nexstar interface can it be adapted to work with other sims maybe plug-in or something.

Ken

[hobbymatrix]

Hi guys,

I have a new RC USB-interface with cable (choice of Futaba square/round pin or JR or etc)...just plug and play to FMS, Aeroflight, Realflight etc. Letting go....at US30.

Anyone interested?

Thanks
hobbymatrix@yahoo.com

[EBlade]

hey guys,
2 thumbs up for this interface...just got it yesterday...quality's great, works with my G3 and price real cool. Credit: worth to give a try.. :)

www.rcusbsimulator.com (http://www.rcusbsimulator.com/)

Cheers'
Dan

[David Logan]

hey guys,
2 thumbs up for this interface...just got it yesterday...quality's great, works with my G3 and price real cool. Credit: worth to give a try.. :)

www.rcusbsimulator.com (http://www.rcusbsimulator.com/)

Cheers'
Dan Do you have a welkera HM_22EZ-33 usb/cable

[EBlade]

im using walkera transmitter too...they have this svideo connector...:D

[unterhausen]

I use a microphone cable to the soundcard with my Spektrum and FMS works fine. A little tweaking in the channel calibration was required. Had to reverse some channels.

[Icaro78]

Hi
Take a look to the USB cable on www.rc-devices.com (http://www.rc-devices.com) i bougth one arnd they are cheap.

[Tintin]

If we are talking cables for use with FMS and you have a serial port then $ 15 and up is a ripoff.

I use this one with my JR9XII
http://www.align.com.tw/shop/product_info.php?cPath=22_29&products_id=470&language=en
http://www.align.com.tw/shop/images/function/bg71005.jpg

It cost me $ 10,- on eBay. You do not need to remove any module on JR radios as it's said. When you connect this cable it powers up but is not transmitting. Power should be off.