Trainer Cord Interface Spec

[Norm Tripp]

Does anyone know what a (Futaba) trainer cord interface looks like electrically? Is it a serial pulse train? Parallel per channel? Direct Joystick pot connections? Modulated RF?

I'm thinking of building Tx-to-PC interfaces (gameport, parallel port, USB, etc.) The PC interfaces are well documented but I can't find anything on the R/C gear.

[jeffs555]

For the PPM transmitters, the signal on the trainer port is just the baseband PPM signal. http://www.mh.ttu.ee/risto/rc/electronics/radio/signal.htm

Jeff

[steve lewin]

If you do a few searches you'll also find that any number of well-documented interfaces have already been designed for this purpose, usually for use with simulators. You may also need to be aware that, although the PC interfaces are well documented for "standard" PC use, their use with any particular software may often be rather strange. E.g. the FMS "parallel port" i/f just toggles one pin (RTS I think) ;).

Good luck

Steve

[Norm Tripp]

Wow! Thanks Jeff, this stuff is exactly what I was looking for...

[Eric Brouwer]

Have a look on my web (http://myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/interface.htm) for assistance on various interfaces available,

[PDK]

Hi Norm,

I downloaded the ppjoy program that is on Eric's website and it works great. I built a simple interface with 1 resistor and a 2n2222 transistor (used for a lot of simulator programs, a link to the schematic is on the ppjoy site) and the program reads the signal and uses it as a normal pc joystick. You can then use your R/c transmitter to control any program or simulator.
Great stuff

Regards
Phil