Reflex XTR transmitter OFF! No Interface Response

[richgraf]

Hi' Can anyone help with this?
I've installed the Reflex XTR software. It plays the installed model videos just fine. When I hook up the interface i get either "Turn on Transmitter or Reflex interface is not responding". In their support section under "USB inerface" they say that if you have a MS Sidewinder Joystick (which i do, I use it on several of my favorite flight simulations) you need to do some sort of a fix download which they have on their website. My question is has anyone done this fix and more importantly will it cause problems with my sidewinder joystick or the other flight programs that I have. Thanks Rich

[Basketcase]

Hi Rich, there seems to be a LOT of people having trouble with the interface.

I just purchased XTR and have never gotten past the "turn on your transmitter" step. After looking around here, as well as RunRyder and the Reflex forums (which both are very good forums) it appears that this is a well known and very common problem. If I had known about this in advance I would have tried to wait awhile until they get the bugs worked out.

It seems they are having problems getting the interfaces to work with all the different kinds of radios. My spare transmitter is a HiTec Focus 4 that works fine with an FMS interface but the XTR interface can't tell it's there.

The main advice you'll find on the forums is to pull the plug out of the tx and work it back in slowly and repeat as many times as necessary to make the connection. Some people report having to try 20 to 100 times to get it to work. I must have tried hundreds of times before giving up and contacting MRC for help.

Another solution is to open up the connector that plugs into the tx and unsolder and reverse the wires. I don't feel soldering should be needed on a $190 sim.

The USB dongle I got with my XTR has a black shrink wrap sleeve over it. Does anybody else have one like that? Most I've seen have a blue plastic case?

Another factor is the lack of support. I tried to contact the dealer I bought it from HeliHobbies.com and they have so far refused to answer my emails. So not wanting to return it to Germany I contacted MRC and they told me to send in the USB adapter and they would send me a new one after they receive my old one. So now that I've had it a couple of days I'm now looking at an unknown time before I can actually try it. So far it's been nine days and it's not here yet.

Wayne

[William Bosco]

Wayne,

I received my reflex xtr last week from hobby warehouse. I use a hitec flash 5X. When I plugged into the usb my pc showed that it recognised a human interface. I had no problem using the sim............................and then, it quit working and all I get now is the sign saying to turn on the tx. I think I know what is happening, at least with mine.

The plug going into my tx is good as is the wire with the phone plug on the end. The purple plastic usb/phone connector with the electronics and circuit board inside is bad. I think the cause is plugging and unplugging the usb connector. I say that because mine is a bit loose where the male shinny plug is housed by the plastic case and it worked to begin with. I must have plugged and unplugged it a dozen times into the usb port on the front of my computer. I think they have big problem on their hands. I'll call hobby wharehouse tomorrow and see if I can get a new plugama thing. I'll report back with my findings. I plan to buy a new one and have it shipped quick. If it is the bad plug ,I'll send them back the bad one for refund.

Willie

[Basketcase]

Thanks Willie, mine recognized the USB interface too, both using the Reflex driver and the Win XP driver, that was no problem. Just the transmitter never gets recognized.

Here's three of the emails I recieved from MRC at mrcsupport@modelrectifier.com

1st: "I am sorry for the inconvenience if you could tell me what your usb adapter looks like I could help you better. We have received new adapters from the manufacturer that addresses this issue."

>> I replied that mine was covered in black heat shrink.

2nd: Please send me in your usb adapter and I will get you out the updated one as soon as I get yours in.

>> I asked if they needed the cable or just the USB adapter.

3rd: Just your USB adapter you can hold on to your cable.


More info on the problem on these forums:

www.reflex-sim.dyndns.org/reflex-sim/shop/catalog/forum_index.php?f=2

www.runryder.com/helicopter/f21p1/

Wayne

[richgraf]

Thanks for you responses. I think that the fix is on the Reflex Support site. If you go to Support> USB> USB Interface they say that If you have a Microsoft Sidewinder Joystick or Thrustmaster Joystick installed you need to download a software fix from Reflex to make Reflex XTR recognize the transmitter and USB interface.

My Question Is, will downloading this fix affect how my MS Sidewinder Joystick and the 3 Flight Simulators that I use with it operate. I am not willing to sacrifice these programs just for Reflex XTR? Thanks for any help.

[Basketcase]

I tried the Reflex "fix", it didn't make any difference. My other sims still work fine. MSFS 2004, MSCFS Pacific, FMS and G2 all function perfectly.

I totally agree that removing all other joysticks and USB devices like my printer, scanner and camera is not a workable solution. If Reflex cannot work with other programs it is not ready for the market.

[William Bosco]

I called Model Rectifier Corp. this morning and talked to Mike. He said to send in the usb interface. Now that I think of it , he didn't say he was going to send me another one. I hate being on hold with something like this.
I do like the sim and am learning to fly helicopters.
willie

[richgraf]

Hi Basketcase,
Thanks for the reply. I'd like to ask a few more questions if I could. I just want to make absolutely sure on these items before I either try the software fix or send this thing back.
1. You did download the Reflex XTR software Fix for Sidewinder and Thrustmaster joystick users in the Support>USB>USb Joysticks section?
2. What type of joystick are you using and does it still work the same as it did. None of the programmable buttons got changed? No problems with your programs?
3. The Reflex Software Fix made no difference at all, you still get the same "turn transmitter on, interface is not responding" error messages?
4. Did you try any of the interface cord to TX jack connections recommended? Such as reversing the connections or using the 3pole stereo plug that Reflex had in their Support>Transmitter section?
Thank you very much for taking time to help out!

[Basketcase]

Hi Rich, I wish I had some good news but I'm still waiting for my new interface to arrive.

1. I did download and try the ReflexHIDInstGB file. My computer recognizes the USB adapter either way, with the Reflex HID driver or without, with just the Win XP drivers. Didn't make any difference with the "Turn on Transmitter" window.

2. My joystick is a Logitech Wingman Extreme. Even though it's not a Sidewinder or Thrustmaster I was trying eveything I could find on the Reflex site.

3. Yes, same old message.

4. Nope, didn't try switching the connections or anything. I don't think that should be necessary for something in this price range. The tx I'm trying to use is an old HiTec Focus 4 that works perfectly with the FMS interface I've been using for three years.

By plugging - unplugging - replugging the connector into the back of the transmitter I actually did get it to work maybe two times, but that was out of many hundreds of tries. And as soon as I thought I had it, and turned it off to see if it would start again it's right back to the same old Turn on Your Transmitter. :( I have no idea how the plugging in can affect it but it's certainly not repeatable or reliable.

Maybe I'm being hardheaded about this but when I pay that much for something I expect it to work as advertised. Soldering and changing plugs is unacceptable.

My other transmitter is a Futaba 9C and has a small square plug instead of the round plug so I couldn't try it with Reflex to see if that made any difference. At least not without buying another adapter cord, and I don't want to use my good tx for the computer anyway. I've been thru that before and always end up with a dead battery when I want to go flying. :)

Does anybody know if the adapter cords are available anyplace here in the US? Or do they need to be ordered from Germany?

I think the best bet is to call or write to Mike at MRC, he'll probably tell you the same thing he told Willie and me, to send in the adapter for exchange.

Willie, I'm sure he'll send you out a new one but not until he gets the old one. Mike is the same guy I contacted thru email.

Wayne

[richgraf]

Hi Basketcase, and Bosco. Thanks very much for all the detailed information. I quess I'm going to try the download, if that doesn't do it I'll decide if I should just return everything to Heli Hobby or try to send in the USB device. I really appreciate the quick response from both of you. Rich

[richgraf]

Hi Basketcase, and Bosco. I also tried the Reflex download fix and it made no difference. I even switched the two wires in the stero jack plug, all with no change. The only good news, it did not change anything with my MS Sidewinder joystick either, my IL-2 Sturmovik still flies the way it did, great.
This is more than a little frustrating. I guess I'll try This fellow Mike that you mentioned at MRC. Once again thanks for all the Help!

[Basketcase]

Hi Rich, sorry to hear you're having the same problem as me. Hopefully new interfaces will get us all up and running. Still waiting on mine.

Also VERY sorry to hear that you purchased yours from HeliHobby too. I STILL haven't gotten a response from them, even after multiple emails over a two week period. NOTHING! :( I really wish I had done more research into HeliHobby because now I'm getting lot of advice to avoid them, as well as finding many many disgruntled customers who have nothing good to say about them in the various forums. I'm shocked how a company can stay in business when they treat customers like they do.

I've been flying planes for three years and am just getting interested in helis. I'm very glad that I found out about HeliHobby before buying anything even more expensive from them. I will never do any more business with them.

Wayne

[richgraf]

Hi Basketcase,
I talked to Mike at MRC. He's very helpful. Even though I removed the MS Sidewinder software I had installed prior to my Reflex XTR experience He talked me through getting the Sidewinder to work with the included joystick software that comes with MS Windows XP. I haven't tried to program the extra buttons yet but the stick works just as it did before I removed the Sidewinder joystick software yesterday. So thats some progress.

Then after fooling around with the plugs on the the USB transmitter cord I have occasionally been able to get the simulator to work. Wow its really great! Mike is going to replace the USB dongle, hopefully that will finish this off. When this program works it's great. I'll let you know when I get the part back. Rich

[Basketcase]

Glad to hear you got it to work Rich, if even for a little bit.

Update on my progress, I sent my USB adapter in on Friday 11-5-04, according to USPS delivery confirmation MRC received it Monday 11-8-04 at 9:22 am. After waiting all last week I sent an email on Monday requesting the status of my replacement, and another email late Tuesday after not getting a reply. I was hoping they were ignoring my emails because it was due to arrive.

But today I couldn't stand the suspense so called them up. They told me it was in progress and would be shipped tomorrow. :rolleyes: Makes me wonder if they lost it or what? And wonder if they would have sent it tomorrow if I hadn't called. Now I'm just hoping they actually do sent it. That will be a nine business day turnover from the day they received to to the day they send it. I was actually hoping for better.

Will let you all know when it arrives. Probably next week sometime, depending on how they ship it.

Wayne

[flyboy2610]

Also VERY sorry to hear that you purchased yours from HeliHobby too. I STILL haven't gotten a response from them, even after multiple emails over a two week period. NOTHING! :( I really wish I had done more research into HeliHobby because now I'm getting lot of advice to avoid them, as well as finding many many disgruntled customers who have nothing good to say about them in the various forums. I'm shocked how a company can stay in business when they treat customers like they do.
Wayne

They are like con men. Always able to find another victim.
Sorry it had to be you. :(

[richgraf]

I hope to get my USB dongle replaced Monday morning, hopefully this will take care of the interface problems. I have been able to get it going several times over the last 4 days.
I am very impressed with it when I have it running, the planes are great and I'm making very good progress with the helicopters, I can hover and move around pretty well. I've never tryed a helicopter before, this is certainly saving me a lot of money and frustration. When I am happy with my chopper flying I'll actually buy one.
Other than the interface/transmitter problems I couldn't be more pleased with the way this works. The graphics absolutely make me feel as though I were on the flying field.

Regarding my other USB device, MS Sidewinder joystick, I did just what Mike from MRC told me after I removed the MS joystick program I had loaded on the computer several months ago. Then I went into the the individual program I was using " IL2 Sturmovik" and set the 4 extra joystick buttons for cockpit view, flyby view, trailing view, and nearest enemy trailing view. They worked just fine this way, so it can be done. Things are looking UP.

[richgraf]

Hi Guys'
Mike at MRC replaced my USB interface, it works great now. It starts everytime. The sequence is: install the USB interface and cord to your computer USB port, start Reflex XTR, then plug the cord into your transmitter, finally click F4 "start simulation".

It works everytime now. This is great I really like this simulator. Mike at MRC is a great help. Thanks everyone for your input.

[Basketcase]

Hi Rich, how did you get yours so fast? Do you live in NJ?

Mike has had my interface since 11-8-04 and I'm still waiting for it. Starting to get upset with MRC's slow customer service.

Guess I should have just driven it up there in person. :(

Wayne

[richgraf]

Hi Basketcase, I live in NJ about 45 minutes away from MRC. Mike is real helpful I'm sure he will take good care of you. Thanks for mentioning that MRC was the importer, I didn't know that. I think I'm all set here.
The USB interface exchange now works everytime. If you need any help after you get it let me know and I'll try and help. You are going to like this simulator, I had the original Real Flight years ago, what a difference, this is like really standing at a flying field. When Mike was testing it he had it hooked up to a projector and a video screen, that was really sharp. Good Luck!

[Basketcase]

Good news and bad news, finally got my interface on Wednesday 11-24-04, 16 days after it arrived at MRC. :)

The new interface doesn't work much better than the old one. Still get stuck at the "Turn on your transmitter" window. Still have to mess with the plug to get it to recognize the tx. :( Also tried reversing the two wires which didn't make any difference.

More good news, I figured out that instead of unplugging and replugging the tx connector I can take the upper half of the round connector housing off and using a paperclip momentarily short out the two connections and it will start. :) The bad news is it has to be hotwired everytime the sim is started. :( Thinking about installing a momentary contact push button in the wire.

Apparently there is a very real problem with XTR and HiTec 4 channel transmitters. I notice that on the Extreme RC Products website they have the following message:

Reflex XTR Simulator,
Futaba Round Interface Cable
This version should now work with Hitec Eclipse 7 and older radios too. No guarantee on Hitec Laser radios though.

This is the only place I have seen that warns customers up front about the problem. I would be a lot less upset if I had seen this first, or if Reflex would have warned about it. Unfortunately I did not purchase mine from Extreme.

Well, at least I get to fly, and have to admit the graphics and flight physcis are great. But I'm still not too happy about paying full retail price for something that has to be jury rigged to get it to work.

Wayne

[richgraf]

Hi Basketcase,
I have the JR Quattro 4ch trainer transmitter that came with the Reflex XTR package I bought from Heli Hobby. I probably would just order Reflex XTR and use my Futaba 9CH if I were doing this over.
As far as getting the "turn transmitter on", I plug the USB interface into my computer, then start Reflex, hit F4 "start simulation" wait till I get "turn transmitter On", then I plug the the round connector into the transmitter. I don't even have to turn on the transmitter power switch, all the battery lights come on when I plug the round connector into the transmitter. I was told that doing it this way sends some sort of spike signal to the interface?
Do you think that your joystick program is causing a problem. You might try removing the joystick program temporarily to see if that makes a difference. I hope this helps.

[Basketcase]

Hi Rich, do you mean you have to unplug everything each time you shut off the sim, and then replug the USB interface and the transmitter plugs every time?

Mine works now if I unplug and replug just the tx connector (or do the hotwiring trick), but I still find that unacceptable. I expect the sim to work if it's left plugged in, with nothing more required than hitting F4 to start and turning on the transmitter when instructed.

I have my regular joystick uninstalled and removed. Because of the design of the USB interface it hogs two USB ports so nothing can be plugged in next to it. I've also unplugged my printer, scanner and camera connection. Doesn't seem to help.

If I had known that the trainer transmitter was a JR I would have ordered that version. But the picture on the HeliHobby site shows a GWS tx.

So your trainer tx doesn't need batteries? Interesting. I wonder if I can just pick up a cheap Futaba trainer tx and get everything working the way it should. Hm. Thanks, I'll have to think about that.

Wayne

Wayne

[richgraf]

Hi Basketcase'
Yes I unplug my transmitter connector and then disconnect my USB interface everytime I have finished using Reflex XTR. I'm not sure if I have to do this but its easier because I have additional USB connectors in the front face of my computer and I don't want to bang into it with my foot by mistake. I don't have the Reflex stuff with me at the moment (loaned it to my brother, he seems reluctant to return it to me, can't understand why) but when I do I'll leave everything connected and see how it behaves.

Start up is: plug in USB interface, start Reflex XTR, F4 or click start simulation, get "turn on Transmitter" then plug the round interface cord into the transmitter.

You have 2 USB connectors? try moving the USB interface to the 2nd connector port. I think that should allow you the room to plug in another device. Also check your printer, unless its very new you will probably have a 25 pin printer port that can be hooked to your computer's printer port, that would free up one USB port for you.

The JR Quattro 4 ch Transmitter that came with the set has a good feel to the sticks but the channel assignments for the sticks are all together different than my Futabas. It seems as though channels 1-2 are on the Throttle/rudder stick and vice versa, If I wanted to occasionally use my Futaba I would have to change all the channel assignments in the Reflex "radio section" each time I changed transmitter brands. I have ordered USB cords for my Futabas, will have to see how they work.

Yes I still need to have the batteries, I just don't have to turn the transmitter switch on, all I do is plug in the round plug to the transmitter and the transmitter starts up. There is no crystal in my transmitter, I quess that leaves the RF section off, Battery life seems to be very good, I don't recharge it very often, as a matter of fact all three battery lights have always been on, indicating a full charge. Rich

[Basketcase]

Hi Rich, thanks for all the good suggestions and taking the time to answer.

The good news now is apparently the only problem is because I'm trying to use a HiTec 4 channel transmitter. I tried a friends older Futaba with a round socket and Reflex worked perfectly, just the way it should. I could plug all my other stuff in plus the interface, then after starting the sim and hitting F4 it tells me to turn on the transmitter and when I do the sim starts up. Everytime. No unplugging of anything is required. So now all I need to do is buy a Futaba tx to use with Reflex. or buy an adapter with the Futaba square plug and use my 9C (which I don't want to do).

From what you said about the batteries I am guessing a buddy box Futaba will not work as they don't have batteries.

My motherboard has 6 USB ports, 2 pairs on the back and 1 pair on the front. The problem is because each pair of ports are next to each other, like this || if the Reflex adapter is plugged into one it overhangs the other and nothing can be plugged into it. At least Reflex works when plugged into the front ones. I also tried all the back plugs with the same results. I normally have five USB devices plugged in, printer (USB only), scanner, camera, steering wheel, and a sim, first FMS, then G2 and now Reflex.

Anybody got a cheap Futaba 4 channel tx? :)

Wayne

[richgraf]

Hi Basketcase,
You will probably want a 6 channel transmitter if you want to use the flap and retract functions in Reflex XTR. Check out the radio options and channel assignments.
Rich

[Basketcase]

Good point Rich, thanks. As long as I have to get a tx, might as well get the right one.

Wayne

[William Bosco]

Hey Guys and Dolls,

After just receiving my new replacement usb interface from "Mike" at MRC I decided to extend it's life by plugging it into a usb extension cord. This way you don't plug and unplug the dongle interface. I think it was an issue with my original. Anyway, it will last longer now that it is isolated from "use". I've been using the hitec flash 5 x but will soon get my new optic 6 installed.
Willie

[Cantona156]

I had some problems with XTR config.
Then voila. I forgot to set it in PPM mode.
It appears that it would only work in PPM mode
It would not work in SPCM mode. :D

[Lynxman]

I had some problems with XTR config.
Then voila. I forgot to set it in PPM mode.
It appears that it would only work in PPM mode
It would not work in SPCM mode. :D

I don't think that's an issue with the sim. I think most transmitters are like that. If you're going to use the trainer plug you need to set it to PPM mode.

[Cantona156]

I don't think that's an issue with the sim. I think most transmitters are like that. If you're going to use the trainer plug you need to set it to PPM mode.
Yep, for some strange reasons, all the sim i've used before needs to change to PPM before it works.

If it's not a bug, then it must be a feature.
:D

[Tipsy_WA]

I have had reflex for a week and love it. Do any of you know if any of the models have retractable landing gear. I can't seem to find one that will work.

[vrex]

I have XTR and use a Hitec laser 6 and found that if you go through the process of installing the drivers each time you use XTR it seems to work. This what I do. Plug in the dongle, right click my Computer, click on manage then open device manager find Human interface devices then reflex and go through the process of reinstalling the drivers. It is a hassle but it works.

[bc-slowflyer]

I just purchased Relex XTR and am having similar problems in the replies above. I have a JR 8103 that the sim cannot recognize but works great (after reversing all channels) on my JR Quattro. Anyone got any ideas??

Thanks;
Rod

[Tipsy_WA]

Make sure you are not in spcm mode, add 100% sub trim to all channels and try again

[ThrottleOff]

As with others above, my Reflex XTR wouldn't recognise that my Futaba 6EXA transmitter was turned on. It turned out in the end that there was a wire disconnected inside the Reflex interface black box. Re-soldering it did the trick.

[websherpa]

I had the same problems with my new Reflex XTR and Tower Hobbies System 3000 4FM, I was about to return it when I read that these models have trouble detecting the transmitter signal and require a quick short to get it recognized.

My method for getting it working is to insert the USB dongle, run the program, choose a simulation or calibration, at the point that it asks to turn on the radio, I do, then I get the Transmitter Off detection problem. At that point I take out the 6pin round Futaba trainer cord from my TX and then tap it in and out of the contacts until I hear the engine start, then I put the cord all the way in. Some extra wear and tear on the plug until I get a different TX, but it works consistently. I might add a momentary contact switch to this cable for this TX, but we'll see.

I hope this helps someone else.

[ARDILLA-22]

Hi m8,
Dear moderator.
I´m sorry a lot, my intention only wonted to solve some problems giving solutions to the menbers.
hope you understand me.
Thank you very much.


salu2
Ardilla-22

[amf14]

I am using Reflex for about a week now and does not encounter any problem specially so that I am using a Macbook + Boot Camp (for the uninitiated, Boot Camp is Apple's SW that allows Mac users with Intel processors to boot to either OS X or Windows XP/Vista).

Reflex is running smoothly in my Mac. I usually start out the sim with 60 fps and goes down to about 25-35 fps after 30 minutes of non stop flying. I just exit Reflex and start it again and I'm back to 60 fps.

I'm using a 6EXH with Reflex and it is helping me a lot in finding out what stick movement does what.