FMS control box adapter for JR radio

[steve crewdog]

It would be "nice" to have a Sim but I don't "need" one. Just a casual flyer that would like to polish things a bit during some downtime.


I'm cheap so the FMS Sim appeals to me. I'd like to be able to use my JR XP-652 box with it though, to keep from having negative learning using a joystick. WinXP, plenty of computer power (trust me).


I've found a couple interface cables that both come with 250 airplanes on cd, but the cables range in price from 29.99 http://bigboystoys.theshoppe.com/Online%20Store%20Accessories%20HRC58318%20USB%20Si mulator%20Interface.htm

to

16.95 http://www.teamrcpilot.com/fms222.html

to another site that wanted 44.99 but I can't find it now.



So waddya think? Any opinions??


TIA,

Steve

[Malc C]

You're better off with the USB version - if you run XP the addressing of the ports may cause you problems with the parallel plug version.

I would look for a USB interface that emulates a windows Joystick rather than a dedicated FMS interface as this will give more flexibility and will work with other sims and games, should you "upgrade".

The alternative, is to make a serial PIC interface for FMS, and there are plenty of sites that offer the HEX code or pre-programmed PIC controllers.

[aeropal]

...

[steve crewdog]

Thanks guys. The USB is the way to go, now the choice is between the expensive usb and the cheap usb.

[Malc C]

Steve,

If you can follow simple schematic diagrams, and can solder, why not build your own. The only item you might have problem with if you don't have a programmer is the PIC micro. If you want to make your own, drop me a mail or PM and I'll sort something out for you. If you have access to a PIC programme then there are loads of free HEX code available for download on the net.