Game Pad for FMS Simulator

[edkoz]

If you want to avoid the hassle of hooking your transmitter up to your PC to run the FMS software, Walmart sells an "AXIS PAD COLORS" game pad ($17.00) that works EXACTLY like your four channel Transmitter.
4 channels, 2 sticks, plugs right in to your USB port and runs GREAT right out of the box.

I taught myself on this and am having an absolute ball flying my Slow Stick.

[Basketcase]

Thanks Ed, good to know there's a good low cost alternative to a trainer port and a cable, which not all radios have.

BC

[FatJeff]

From the WalMart search engine:

We're Sorry!
There were no matches found for "AXIS PAD COLORS." Please try your search again, or use our Search Tips below to improve your search results

Got a link?

Jeff

[edkoz]

Jeff:

You won't find it on their site. I had to go the store and find it. As soon as I told the clerk AXIS PAD he took me right to it.

Ed

[edkoz]

Jeff:

Here's a link to another on line site. At least you can see what it looks like.

Ed

[edkoz]

Jeff:

I forgot to give you the link.

http://www.addonreview.com/axis-pad-colors-usb.html

[sheerLuck]

I used a similar one to initially learn on - worked great ! It's not perfect - controls weren't sticks, they had a flat top - but they were ok. I was able to practice manuevers on my laptop on the commuter bus to work !!

Larry

[FatJeff]

Originally posted by sheerLuck
I used a similar one to initially learn on - worked great ! It's not perfect - controls weren't sticks, they had a flat top - but they were ok. I was able to practice manuevers on my laptop on the commuter bus to work !!

Larry

So it's just basically a gamepad! I guess the only thing you've got to make sure of is that it has two analog stick inputs, so it's just like a transmitter.

Excellent. Thanks for the tip on a low-cost solution to RealFlight (200 bucks on sale - give me a break).

[TheAddler]

Thought I'd send a link of the gamepad I use. Aside from flying I'm a computer geek by profession/hobby. I've bought about 5 gamepads in the last year or two to find a really good one. This is the best one I've found. It works really good for all sorts of applications, including the flight sim. It also has a fairly easy to use setup that lets you program the buttons as any key on the keyboard. So you can set buttons to 'reset' game, or winch launch, or hand launch. Anyway, great gamepad and only $20
http://www.calibex.com/Belkin_NOSTROMO_GAMEPAD_P45~3561467z3znz300246zz1z 300246zzcalibex1z2-htm

Darren

[goofup]

Ok, I bit. I downloaded FMS and it works with the keyboard. Went to Wally World and they didn't have a Axis Color Pad, but they did have a AxisPad FX (same controls, but with vibration) for $19. I'm running XP, latest Direct X. I can go into the Control Panel and test it and it works fine, but I can't get it to work in FMS. When you select the Controller option, I have the following options:
No Interface
Joystick Interface
Parallel/Serial IRQ Interface 32-Bit VXD
Parallel/Serial IRQ Interface 16-bit DLL
Serial PCI-interface

None of them work.

The only other thing is that when I tried to use the installation CD that comes with the pad, it comes up with a warning that this is not "Windows approved" and may destablize my system, so I didn't do it.

SO, the pad seems to work fine in Windows, FMS seems to be working fine, but they won't work together.

Any ideas what's wrong???

Thanks in advance

[Fantam]

Your drivers did not get installed when you cancelled on the "Windows approved" screen. It will not work without them.
Another option is Logitech Wingman Rumblepad. It too has 2 analog sticks. I use it on my XP system with FMS with no problems.

[goofup]

Ok, did the install, gamepad works great, even the force feedback, but still won't work with FMS no matter what controller I select in either the digital (mode the sticks works in) or in analog mode (this pad has a switch so you can switch between the modes).

Speaking of Controller settings, I can get the Joystick 1 "test bars" to move when I select "Resources" on the Joystick interface setting in FMS, so FMS apparently knows my gamepad is hooked up, but it still won't control the plane.

Any more ideas?

Thanks

PS: while I'm at it, is there a good TM model for FMS anywhere? I can't seem to find one...

[Basketcase]

How do you have it set on the Mapping/Calibration screen? Are the bars moving there too? Mine is Rudder=4, Elevator=2, aileron=1, and Throttle=3. Maybe the gamepad is on different channels? Have you tried it with a few different planes?

There are a bunch of Tigermoths in Shinichiro San's Hanger #3:
http://kimagure-hikoki.hp.infoseek.co.jp/FMSMODEL/Hanger_index.html

BC

[goofup]

First, thanks for TM model link, I looked all over for it!!

Finally got it to work!!! Found out what channels each stick movement is on in Control Panel, then assigned them in the Calibration screen. Final set up (for R/E/T flying), 4=R, 3=E, 1=A, and 2=T. I'll have to move them around to simulate 4-channel later, but it works. (No, the bars never moved there before).

Thanks for all you guy's help.

Now if I can get the Force Feedback to give me a jolt when I crash... (just kidding!)

[Fantam]

Basketcase makes a good case. Sorry bad pun. You probably have to reassign the controls. On my PC its like this:

1-Rudder
5-Elevator
2-Throttle
4-Aileron

Good Luck!

[Tasmania]

I use this modified Thrustmaster pad, works well with FMS and RealityCrafts Plane Master :)

Taz

[Viper Pilot]

Originally posted by edkoz
. . . . avoid the hassle . . .

What hassle ? ?

Reach for cord, plug into trainer port, turn on, fly ! ! !

JMHO.

VP

P.S. I like to help young, R/C flying college students make a living.
Matt Clement's FMS cables are great, and the price is certainly right.

[Basketcase]

Another alternative to a gamepad is a Futaba Buddy box for $29.00 from http://www.brucknerhobbies.com/Aircraft%20Radios.htm . No transmitter, so it's only good for training on the computer or as a buddy box, but it has that "real" transmitter feel. :)

[edkoz]

A Tip: (Axis Pad Colors)
If you run the FMS software and can't get the motor speed to increase, push the rectangular button (mode,game,set) between the joysticks and that will reset the speed controller.

[FlyByMike]

Originally posted by Tasmania
I use this modified Thrustmaster pad, works well with FMS and RealityCrafts Plane Master :)

Taz Welcome to the Ezone Tas :) Just what are you 'sticks' made from ? Bottle caps and 5 mm tubes of some sort ? Whatever they are, that's given me the hint I need to make my own 'sticks'. I use: FMS, XP, & Logitech Wingman Rumblepad.
-Mike

[Tasmania]

Hi FlyByMike, and thanks for the welcome :) the red plastic thing that fits over the pad is from my wifes sewing box, she's a dressmaker and uses this thing in conjunction with another plastic "thing" to make fabric covered dress buttons, she doesnt know what they are called either but they come in all sizes, this one was a perfect fit over the thrustmaster buttons :) .

The stick thing is a threaded standoff from my electronics parts box, I just put a screw through the bottom to hold it to the plastic thing and then counter sunk the top of the standoff so that it would feel the same as my JR radio to my thumbs :)

I'm pleased with it as the Thrustmaster is also wireless USB so I can wave it frantically around in the simulators just like I'm told I do with my JR radio when trying to control my real plane :)

Tas

[jrb]

Do any of these game controllers have a way of disabling the spring return to center on the throttle stick?

[FlyByMike]

Tas,
Good advice you were given: "so I can wave it frantically around in the simulators just like I'm told I do with my JR radio when trying to control my real plane" :D
jrb,
Good question. I dunno as my Wingman has a slider I use as the throttle to mimics my Hitec 3 chan Tx.
-Mike

[Tasmania]

jrb, not a real hi-tech solution but a weak elastic band does the job for me, holds the throttle in the off position and overcomes the built-in centering.

btw FlyByMike, does waving the transmitter around when flying the plane realy help ? I hit a freind in the ear with the antenna the other evening :)

Tas

[FlyByMike]

Actually waving aroud of the antenna can hurt (and not just your buddy's ear :D ) The radio waves (RF) given off by the typical RC radio (the longish whip style that can be retracted w/ a button on the end) radiates out in the form of a cone. So there is a 'weak' spot along the lines of the antenna. By pointing the antenna directly at the airplane, you're sending the weakest amount of RF. (Is that written well enough to understand?)
-Mike

[Tasmania]

Yes thanks Mike, I'm trying to kick the antenna waving habit right now.. I think I'll start by not extending the antenna, that way it wont be a harzard to stand next too me... what do you recon ? ;) :rolleyes: :)

Tas

[FlyByMike]

Now I'm not really an expert on these things but I am aware that certain radios will fail if the antenna is not fully extended (something to do with the power not being radiated or emitted away from the transistors). My advice is to wait 'til someone says it is absolutely OK to do.
One concern I do have is that you significantly lower the range or effective distance of the radio if you run shortened. And you wouldn't want your plane flying out of range would you?
Go ahead and use the full length and learn to control yourself if you're really worried about getting nicknamed "Popeye" :D
-Mike

[FlyByMike]

Hey, a little body english helps, you know :cool:
-Mike

[Tasmania]

"body english" that's the word I was looking for Mike :)

I've only been flying a short while, and already I'm leaning the right words. I thought it was called panic :D

I'll tell my mate that next time I stick my antenna in his ear :)

only the other day, he said he new my Electrajet was a little bit low when it dissapeared up that cows ass :D

Tas

[jrb]

Tas,

The binder works great!

I picked up the Axis Pad FX from Wal Mart ($18). Opened it up to see if the spring could be removed now luck.

The I put the binder (rubber band) around the whole controller. It applies a bit of friction to the ball portion of the stick allowing the throttle to be set anywhere you like!

I originally built the JR parallel interface but found it very noisy/twitchy. Thought about doing the serial interface but read it was no better than the parallel. And it just wasn’t in me to spend $50 for the USB TX interface; I’ve been flying RC for over 30 years and just wanted this as a toy.

Mapping:
R-1
E-3
A-4
T-2

[Tasmania]

that's good jrb, I too built a serial interface for FMS, but it only works with my Win98 system not my winXP system, I needed something that worked with both. When i have 30 years rc flying under my belt I'll be 85 :) so far I have about 3 months :)

you should have a look at RealityCrafts Plane Master sim, it has programmable wind / strength / gusts / conditions and a lot of other features, its helping me a lot flying in real conditions we have most of the time on the island here in the roaring forties at 42 degrees south, the wind even has laminar flow near terrian, so I can practice slope soaring without rebuilding my plane each time :) the thrustmaster controller works fine with it. :D

http://www.realitycraft.com/

Tas

[daycat]

Sure glad I saw this thread! I just went to Wal-Mart and bought an Axis Pad FX for $17.00. Came home and had it working perfectly on Windows XP within 30 min. Much better than using the free simulator (forgot the name) with a joystick. Can someone point me to a Slow Stick that will run on the simulator.

Thanks,
daycat

[edkoz]

Daycat:

Use the "Park Flyer" that should be included in the FMS software. It's pretty darn close to the Slow Stick as far as handling. That's the one I used and I don't see much difference. Just make sure you don't have the ailerons activated. Fly only with Throttle, Rudder and Elevator.

Ed

[Basketcase]

Hi Daycat, try the FK Stik and Lite Fokker on Shinishiro's site, the link was on the first page of this thread.
http://kimagure-hikoki.hp.infoseek.co.jp/FMSMODEL/Hanger_index.html

here's some links to more planes and info on FMS:

www.griswell.com/fms.html

http://www.rcsites.net/aeropal/

www.griswell.com/fms.html

http://www.stregone.net/rc/fms/

http://home.introweb.nl/~erics/fms/

http://lotus49b.hp.infoseek.co.jp/download.html

www.tmac.asn.au/fms_free_flight_simulator.htm

http://homepage2.nifty.com/logic_wizard/fms_j.htm

www.rcsim.de/index1.htm

www.flyingbaer.de/flying_baer_dl.htm

www.interq.or.jp/sun/cyber/fms_aircraft.html

http://home.earthlink.net/~chemsurfer/fms_models.htm

[daycat]

Thanks guys, that should keep me busy for a while!

daycat

[Insaneflier]

I have a ? will mt laser4 trasmitter work with the computer it has a buddy slot. If so where can i get the cord that goes into my transmitter and computer.

[Parkflyer220]

Hey every body I was wondering in this post there’s a picture of coverings for the joy stick on the game pad and I was wondering how do you do make the joy sticks into sticks. Thanks Larry

[Tasmania]

Originally posted by Parkflyer220
Hey every body I was wondering in this post there’s a picture of coverings for the joy stick on the game pad and I was wondering how do you do make the joy sticks into sticks. Thanks Larry

hi Parkflyer thats a picture of my Thrustmaster, I made the joystick things to fit, the red bits are plastic cups, they are actually the backs to covered buttons (my wife is a dressmaker) luckily these were a press fit over the Thrustmaster pads, the black joystick things themselves are printed circuit board standoffs, they are black plastic with a metal thread at each end, I just made a hole in the red cup and screwed the standoff to the cup, this is then a press fit over the Thrustmaster pad .

hope this helps

Taz
:)

[help]

I tried loading the Axis Pad FX three times in my computer (windows 98SE) and nothing works. The device manager tells me that I have an unknown device loaded. Can anyone tell me how to get this game pad to work? I hate to take it back to the store. This is a game pad that I bought from Wal-Mart just for the FMS. I don't play computer games so if it doesn't work with :confused: the FMS it is no good to me. I followed the instructions that came with it to a T.

Any help to get this thing going will be appreciated. The FMS works fine with the keyboard but I would like to have it a little more realistic.

[radcast2]

I guess the good old Microsoft Sidewinder gamepad wont work with this huh? Guess I will have to vist Walmart.

[FlyByMike]

I guess the good old Microsoft Sidewinder gamepad wont work with this huh? Guess I will have to vist Walmart.Nah, probably not too well 'cause it's not got "analog joysticks". If you get it to work, it wouldn't be too much fun - sorta like using the keyboard. :( Any one of these that have the analog joysticks would do the job: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/productlist/US/EN,crid=28
-Mike

[radcast2]

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=11,CONTENTID=6951

This one?

[FlyByMike]

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=11,CONTENTID=6951

This one?Sure. And if you load the software with it, it'll allow you to customize the buttons to take over the keyboard functions like Pause, Resume, Zoom, Pan, Restart, etc.
-Mike

[radcast2]

thanks

[FlyByMike]

De nada. Be sure to let us know how it turns out :)
-Mike

[waltj2k]

Wow,

I can confirm that the logictech works for XP as well. I had to install the drivers. When I did that it still didn't work in FMS. I had been working with FMS for 3 days trying to get my TX to be recognized by XP. Then the USB didn't work I was at my wits ends.

I finally went into controllers and enabled legacy device support and everything worked.

The only real problem is that you cant trim the planes. So some drop like a rock and hard to keep straight level flight. Otherwise a great inexpensive solution to get "stick time"

Walt

[radcast2]

I had been working with FMS for 3 days trying to get my TX to be recognized by XP. Then the USB didn't work I was at my wits ends.

So are you using a Logitech gamepad. or are you using a TX? If your using a TX what type are you using..I want to buy a Futuba TX and would like to use it with FMS

I went and got the Saiteck P880 today for $20..So I should be okay.

[triumphtotty]

This topic is an eBayer's dream. I got a PC Line Tournament Pro for about £4 from eBay brand new and boxed. It's just a rebranded Interact Hammerhead FX, so have a look around for both of them.

http://www.xaviersite.com/pczone/hardware/interact-hammerhead.shtml

Plugs and plays as a USB HID game controller without drivers under XP, and plays FMS admirably, although I cannot see an easy way of despringing the throttle channel, but it's not /that/ tough a spring to hold against.

Great fun. I might try the 'add sticks' mod to it too at some point. I only use it for FMS, so don't mind epoxying it a bit :)

[K-Man]

I bought a Gamer's Factory gamepad from Best Buy for $14.99 that seems to work OK in FS2002 on Win2000, but I haven't gotten it to work on FMS in Win98. Does FMS run in Win2000?

[waltj2k]

So are you using a Logitech gamepad. or are you using a TX? If your using a TX what type are you using..I want to buy a Futuba TX and would like to use it with FMS

I went and got the Saiteck P880 today for $20..So I should be okay.

Sorry guess that wasnt a clear comment.

I worked with my transmitter for 3 days. XP wouldn't recognize the controller at all. I gave up and bought a USB controller with analog sticks. I thought intially that the USB should be plug and play. As far as the basic setup it was but FMS wouldn't recognize the controller as all.

Once I went into the game controller settings and enabled the legacy setting did it finally recognize the Logitech.

[tduro]

Are these commercially available controllers proportional? Can they be calibrated? If so, is that a function of FMS or the controller software?

[rutat]

FMS runs fine in W2K. Walt, there must be something strange with your XP. I've installed FMS in at least a half dozen XP boxes and they all work WITHOUT installing anything from Logitech. BTW - great deal on the Logitech dual axis pad at www.overstock.com $12.99