Transmitter to joystick interface - any ideas

[Malc C]

Hi,

I've been looking for a CCt to build a transmitter interface that simulates a joystick when connected either by the comm port or game port on the PC. There are loads of PIC-Serial interfaces units for FMS, but this limits the user to FMS and all attempst to get an FMS PIC serial interface to work with Realflight using PPJOY or PPPIC virtualy joy pads fail, and my Son is getting bored with FMS

Whilst I know that there are commercial interfaces that do this for around £30 (I use a USB version from www.rc-electronics.co.uk) I'm really looking for something I can build myself, but all attempts to locate a working diagram and or HEX code (if a PIC is required) have been in vien :(

Any help would be welcome

[Mr.RC-CAM]

Joystick project: http://www.welwyn.demon.co.uk/joystick/joystick.htm

I believe this site sells the programmed PIC (the hex file not available).

RC-CAM

[arneansper]

I've been looking for a CCt to build a transmitter interface that simulates a joystick when connected either by the comm port or game port on the PC.

Hi!

I achieved excellent results using PPJoy and audio interface. Cable for audio interface is described here: http://home.cyber.ee/arne/flyhow/flyhow.html I think the idea for audio interface originally came from CRRCSIM-F3F.

PPJoy is available here: http://www.geocities.com/deonvdw/Docs/PPJoyMain.htm

I have seen installation problems under XP, let me know if you have problems I will dig out my modified INF files.

PPM mode was quite unstable because very precise timing is required and it cannot be done very well under Windows, or perhaps the driver was just poorly written. But the PCM mode worked very well. You can also map sticks to buttons. I used my TX to play Colin McRae Rally and NFS :)

Arne

[Luap]

Here's another site (in french) how to build one
http://membres.lycos.fr/silicium31/RC2PC/docrc2pc.htm

[Malc C]

RC - Ken lives just down the road from me so I might try and arrange an appointment to collect one of his PICs..

Arne - That looks really interesting, but a bit of a hassel to have all that video dubing software running and having to mod an INI file each time for different TX's - but thanks anyway, I've certainly bookmarked the site

Luap - Thats just what I was looking for - only one problem, it has the schematics, parts list, pictures etc but I'll be Bu99ered if I can find the HEX or ASM codes to program the PIC !! - my French is very basic which don't help !

[Luap]

You have to pay to get the programmed chip. :(

[Malc C]

How much ?? - I can't find it anywhere (site does jump about a bit !)

[Luap]

9 Eur if you send the 16F84 PIC or 22 including it. http://membres.lycos.fr/silicium31/RC2PC/docrc2pc.htm

[Malc C]

Ouch - I can get a TX to USB interface readymade for around 35 euro, which would be plug and play rather than build, plug and pray :)

[Fredovitch]

Hi MalC,

Check out this design by a russian enthusiast modeler: http://www.rcdesign.ru/eng/electronics/rc2joy

As far as low cost is involved, this design uses a trick to 'cheat' the game port and so doesn't use any costly digital pots you find in other designs

I must say though that I haven't tested it. See here what seems to be an improvement of this design by a czech developper http://www.zajic.cz/joysim/joysim.htm
it's a pity - no english version!

hope it helps

[Malc C]

I found the first site earlier this evening, but both my programmers only support Microchip PICs and nothing else.. :(

That latter Czech site looks good, but again same problem... I clicked on some of the links and it took me to another site which has a update to a manual in english for a TX to USB PC interface, but I couldn't find an details as to schematics or if the unit was for purchase only.

Thanks for the links though, more sites to bookmark :)

[Fredovitch]

TX to USB interface... with a PIC and .hex files here

http://rcsoaringpictures.free.fr/images2/simpic/index.htm

(in french, click on 'on-line translation' for english or german)

[Fredovitch]

By the way there seems to be a little mistake in the schematics. The PIC is labeled 16C645 but this reference is not a valid Microchip part number.
Fortunately, you can read on the pictures that the PIC is a 16C745.
Didn't test it though.

[Malc C]

That'll teach me to read the e-mail first rather than the full thread first :) - just spent ages searching for a PIC16C645 !!!

Thanks for all your help, my bookmarks has increased, and I've something that is very workable (assuming the code works).

[Malc C]

Fredovitch,

Using Bablefish I got the following translation

"The Pic microphone-controller must be with the precondition programmed with the binary file simpic.hex.

For the programming of the Peak, you can contact me in Francois."

I've sent an e-mail to ask for the programming details, but what do you make of the "pre-conditioning" of the PIC.

[Malc C]

Just received a mail and it appears that this HEX file is the correct file.. right off to order the parts now :)

[Fredovitch]

Hi Malc C,

Sorry that you had a hard time with the translation... Babel fish as well as Google wants to translate 'microcontroler' into 'microphone' :D !
It is simply said 'the micro controler must first be programmed [prior to installation or soldering] using the following binary file simpic.hex' And yes the binary file is given for free. It's a good point that François answered you, hope he'll make the part number correction on the schematics for other people.
BTW my notice regarding embeded translation doesn't make any sense if you don't have the html 'mother frame', http://pierre.rondel.free.fr/, the site is worth a look anyway.
Tell us how all this works!

[Malc C]

Fred,

Fracois has updated the desing, it just appears that the update hasn't filtered through to the other site. Here is the link to the latest version which has corrected the PIC identity

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/aero2000/Technique/Simpic/Simpic.htm

I'm going to place the order for the parts this afternoon and I'll report back on how it works

[Fredovitch]

Thanks for the new link, Malc, didn't know about it! Looks good to me.

[arneansper]

Arne - That looks really interesting, but a bit of a hassel to have all that video dubing software running and having to mod an INI file each time for different TX's - but thanks anyway, I've certainly bookmarked the site


No no, you do not need this video dubbing software if you want to use your TX as joystick :) The audio interface cable has just several usages. I use it to tape the PPM signal and also for using the TX as Joystick.

Arne

[Malc C]

Hi Malc C,

Tell us how all this works!

It works !!!

I received the 16C745 and 6 Mhz crystal this morning, but was busy with other things so I didn't get a chance to start it untill this evening. I was a bit scared at burning the code as all my other PICs have been flash type and I generally use my Microchip PICKit1 as the PICs are less than 14 pins. I'm still getting used to the IC-Prog software and the Olimx PG-2C programmer, and the thought of screwing up a £7 PIC just because I set something wrong made me panic a bit, especially as my fears almost came true. The first time I tried burning the chip it took ages and the verification came back with an error. Fearing I had screwed the chip I read the data back and it showed that nothing had been written. I remove the PIC, re-booted the PC and started again, this time the thing programmed fine, verified OK, and I could read the code back.

I then removed the PIC from the programmer and placed it in the breadboard, added the rest of the components, making a small substitution as I didn't have the correct value capacitor, but it was close enough. I then cut the end off a USB cable and soldered this to a 4pin header, taking jumpleads to the power rails and to the D- D+ ports on the PIC. I cut the 6 pin DIN plug off the old FMS interface I built for my son and connected this to the breadboard, and I was ready for the moment of truth.

I plugged the USB cable in to one of the spare ports on my PC and checked the voltage across the black and red wires.. 5 volts, so far so good :) I plugged the DIN lead in to the transmitter and removed the crystal.. Nothing was detected and Realflight would not recognise any input, even if I turned on the TX. I searched the net but couldn't find the colour code for the USB cable, so I removed all cables and swapped the D- and D+ links over and plugged in the USB cable... and bingo... Windows reported the old "new hardware found" and "SimPIC" popped up.

I opened up Realflight and selected "SimPic" from the list of available controllers - I then calabrated the controller and was able to hover a heli.. I'm one happy bunny :) I would estimate that if you had to buy all the components from scratch, including a case etc then you should still have change out of £15.

So there you go.. download the HEX code and schematic from http://perso.wanadoo.fr/aero2000/Technique/Simpic/Simpic.htm and purchase a 16C745 and a handfull of other components and have a go.. much more satisfying than buying a commercial unit at twice the price :)

[Fredovitch]

Very nice, thanks for detailed report Malc. Lots of emotions - I can imagine when you first plugged it and nothing happened :mad: :confused: :D
Neat design indeed, with very few components. I believe it to work with all simulators, because it is seen as a joystick. Have to build one asap!

[Malc C]

I've sent a mail to Fracois to ask when he will be updating the HEX code to include more than the first 4 channels, so that any mixing on the TX with the other channels will work too.

I'm so pleased that this worked first time :) especially after spending that amount of cash on one chip that would end up in the bin if I screwed it up !

[bigandy]

I wonder if the 16C745 chip can be replaced with a flash part so that it doesn't need any code mods?

It looks good this though! By the way, one of the things I seemed to have memorised on my travels is the USB cable colour codes. And it is this:

Edit: I forgot to put the alternatives in!:

+5v or Vcc: Red/Orange. Usually red though.
0v/ground: Black/blue/brown. Usually Black though.
Data +: White/yellow. usually white
Data -: Green/grey. usually green.

It's always good when shortening or modifying USB cables to pop a ultrabright blue LED with an appropriate resistor across the red and black lines. then not only do you have a USB cable/device, but it is a light up USB device! Winner... I've not figured out how to make it flash in time to data being sent/received though, and it can be done! My printer usb cable does exactly that.

Cheers!
Andy

[Malc C]

Andy, I spent ages looking for a colour code for the wiring yesterday - and you know it all the time :)

The LED in the CCt diagram lights up on plugging in the USB cable, and then pulses when the TX signal is being received, although I like your idea of having a LED across the supply as you know I like lots of LEDs on things :)

I've attached an image of the component layout which turned out nice and tight..all thats needed is to attach the cables and the LEDs. Thanks to everyone who helped with researching this project.

[ringoew]

I had successed to program PIC16C45 with this programmer.
Please check this Link:
http://www.dontronics.com/diyk150.html

[Eric Brouwer]

Try the following file for download. It was my first attemp, using PIC 16F876 and digital pot. The circuit also contains the FMS Serial interface on the same board.

PIC 16F87x Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 16F87x Interface.zip)

or

12F675 Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 12f675 Joystick.zip)

or

PIC 12C50x Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 12c50x Joystick.zip)

or

PIC 16F84 Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 16f84 Joystick.zip)

[hadihf]

Try the following file for download. It was my first attemp, using PIC 16F876 and digital pot. The circuit also contains the FMS Serial interface on the same board.

PIC 16F87x Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 16F87x Interface.zip)

or

12F675 Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 12f675 Joystick.zip)

or

PIC 12C50x Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 12c50x Joystick.zip)

or

PIC 16F84 Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 16f84 Joystick.zip)

Hi,

I just wanted to ask which one of these is suitable for Realflight simulator?

Regards

[Eric Brouwer]

PIC 16F87x is best, as it has 4 proportional channels, and 4 buttons.

[Malc C]

Just thought I would update this thread.

Fracois's design was great, but it only provided 4 channels. I kept searching the internet and eventually was put in contacted with a guy who has developed a USB interface that acts as a 6 axis 6 button joystick. He doesn't supply the code, but does supply programmed PICs, so I purchased one and built the interface, and its fantastic. At long last my son can fly the Harrier and Osprey in realflight G2 (non interlinked.)

[cubanflyer]

I wonder if the 16C745 chip can be replaced with a flash part so that it doesn't need any code mods?



Microchip do not do a direct flash replacement for this chip, they are bringing out a new 18f chip with usb support. You can get an erasable verison of the chip from microchip 'pic 16c745/jw' but do need access to uv eraser. I made my own eraser for under £10.


Cubanflyer

[mr_frogdude]

Actually,

My bro gave in to me and we bought the usb interface from milehighwings.com! It works very well...although you have to use your battery, but its all good!!!

Thank you very much for all your help,
Mark

[kanchana]

Does any one has a working link to the files mentioned(specally pic 16f877 version) i tried the links and it is asking for a password and login . please help


Try the following file for download. It was my first attemp, using PIC 16F876 and digital pot. The circuit also contains the FMS Serial interface on the same board.

PIC 16F87x Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 16F87x Interface.zip)

or

12F675 Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 12f675 Joystick.zip)

or

PIC 12C50x Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 12c50x Joystick.zip)

or

PIC 16F84 Joystick (myweb.absa.co.za/eric.brouwer/PIC 16f84 Joystick.zip)

[Malc C]

Looks like Eric has done this to protect his property... maybe you should PM him or drop him an e-mail ?

[kanchana]

Looks like Eric has done this to protect his property... maybe you should PM him or drop him an e-mail ?

I have sent hime mail but no reply so far
do you have the files with you?

[Malc C]

Sorry I don't have Eric's files