$10 GWS USB Interface for FMS - Any Good?

[ransom peek]

Is this computer interface (allows use of your transmitter with FMS) really usable? Why would it be so much cheaper that other products?

Unfortunately it appears to use a serial port. Is there a USB product available that is also inexpensive?


http://www.gwsexpert.com/index.php?cPath=21_152

[darkside212]

there is free emulator software called ppjoy
it turns the serial port into a virtual usb


I run that and it works flawlessly


cheaper sims like clearview have the comm port option, so you could use this cable with it....I heard that clearview is pretty good..I have it installed and it works on my pc but I haven't purchased the unlock code yet...they let you demo it to make sure it works

[ForestCam]

Actually if you could get the pinout for the DB9 connector you could make one for under $5

[EBlade]

try this...www.rcusbsimulator.com very worth to get...i got one last two weeks..FAB.

[Kosh]

GWS claims they will have a new USB cable out before Christmas, Sorry no price on that yet.

[flyranger]

I use that sort of cable and it works just fine.

[Bgnome]

I have that EXACT same cable and it works just fine!
yes.. its a DB-9 parrallel port cord. and yes.. its <$5 in parts.
PPjoy will take it.. and if yer flying in FMS select the pic controller from the analog menue and it will bring up your controller responce with out any set up at all.. just callibrate and map.

why is it so cheap? well.. all it is is a 650 ohm resister and a diode to volt limit over 12v
FMS even comes with instructions and schematics to build, granted.. its pigeon english from german.. but the instructions are there.. all this thing is yer paying an extra $5 for the convience of someone else putting it together for you.
I ordered mine from EPYAYA.com, and with cheap PO ground I got it in 2 days

[slipstick]

why is it so cheap? well.. all it is is a 650 ohm resister and a diode to volt limit over 12v
Just for your information it's not quite that simple. The GWS serial interface contains a programmed PIC microcontroller not just a resistor and diode. That's why it's called a PIC serial interface ;).

The components are still pretty cheap (PIC microcontrollers only cost a few cents in bulk) but you do need someone able to write the program for it :).

The old resistor/zener diode interfaces only worked on parallel ports and they haven't been made for years. However FMS do provide instructions for building PIC serial interfaces (look in FMS/Doc/Interface) but there's a bit more to it than 2 basic components.

Those GWS interfaces are a bargain. I used to build PIC I/Fs for my clubmates but it's really not worth the effort now.

Steve

[Bgnome]

y'know slip.. yer absolutly right..

the simple instructions I have are also included as well as the PIC.. I got those two mixxed up
but To FMS's credit.. both are in the documents.. even the firmware to stick in the PIC chip is in there..

but hell $10 + $5 S/H is a perfectly fine substituion.

I think the main point however is why get a PP-ESB adaptor when the PP works just fine?

are they starting to ship MB's nowadays with out parraled ports at all?
y'all better not tell me I need to finnaly retire my floppy drive :D

[Icaro78]

Try this other page www.rc-devices.com (http://www.rc-devices.com) I have buy one last month and works fine. It gives you 7 channels and six buttons. The other cables normally gives you only 4 channels. So if you wanna fly helicopters you will need more than 4 channels. They are a little more expensive but they have low shipping costs.