USB to serial interface to work with FMS

[cheeyw]

hi all
Since FMS is using a parallel port, can i use a parallel to serial convertor that is plugged into a serial to USB converter?
in short,

USB <=> Serial<=>Parallel port<=> FMS.

Will this configuration work?

[bluesky123]

FMS supports many different interfaces, some of them use proprietary protocols while others are just Windows joysticks.
Interfaces implementing FMS proprietary protocols are:
- "one-transistor" serial cable (under Win 9x)
- "one-transistor" parallel cable (under Win 9x)
- "PIC serial" cable
For universal interfces, which are visible in Windows as multi-axial joysticks, it doesn't matter what phisical plug is used by the interface--it can be an analog Game/MIDI port or a digital USB port.

USB-to Serial Port adapters should work with Serial PIC interface (I don't think this combo will work with analog "one transistor" interfaces), but the cost of the adapter and the interface will approach if not exceed the cost of a universal USB interface, which can also be used with many other simulators besides FMS. Google "USB transmitter interface" and you'll find plenty of vendors offering such interfaces.

Boris

[slipstick]

It sounds like you have a USB device which you want to use with FMS. If so you can just plug it in without any converters. Just select the Joystick option in FMS.

Steve

[Zaragon]

Stacking converters almost guarantees that it won't work. Especially given the nature of the way in which the parallel port works with FMS as it isn't being used as a true parallel port. FMS is likely to be reading the raw state of the port and most serial to parallel converts expect to be handling printers which is a whole different operating protocol.

Also most USB to serial converts are expecting to provide a serial interface when you plug their USB connector into the computer and are basically designed for newer computers that don't have a serial port. The don't work if you try to plug them into a serial port on your computer.

As slipstick says plug the USB device straight into the computer. If you don't have USB ports then they can generally be added relatively cheaply or try one of the sound card interfaces as these are just a simple cable also quite cheap.

[cheeyw]

lets say i want to use my tx with ppjoy.
Will a "one-transistor" serial cable (under Win 9x) or "PIC serial" cable works with ppjoy?

I have tried to use an audio cable to connect my tx to the soundcard via ppjoy. It works, but the signal is not very stable, and i have spent alot of time to configure it to work.

since my laptop does not come with a serial port nor a parallel port, i am intending to use a USB - serial convertor via ppjoy to run simulations.

[Zaragon]

Cheeyw, I'd suggest that you go ahead and purchase a staight TX to USB converter with an appropriate interface for your transmitter. If you do a search of the forums for USB interface it should throw up a number of manufacturers of them. Make sure it is a proper USB interface not one that involves a USB to serial converter as well.

Most, if not all, of the USB interfaces automatically show up in Windows as a Human Interface Device (HID) and appear in your joysticks applet as soon as you plug them in. (You may need your OS disk handy or be online in case it needs to install the HID drivers.)

FMS and a number of other simulators can use standard joysticks that appear in the joystick applet. You won't need to use PPJoy or any similar interface software.

If you intend using a sim other than FMS then check the simulator information as a number come with their own interface that must be used.

[kushal_22]

I had a G2 Controler and was using it for FMS I Sold it to a friend of mine here in Town. He can get the Blue Calabration Lines to Move but when he goes to fly the plane it will not respond. Anyone have any idea what could be going on?

Thanks
Mal

[IPFlyer]

What other HID devices are installed? Gn is picky about them.

[kushal_22]

What are HID Devices and what is Gn? (Serious)

He is also trying to use the RF TX in FMS NOT with RF

Thanks
Mal

[Malc C]

HID = Human Interface Device (its a default descriptor for a USB device)
Gn = I think he means G2 or Realflight G2 / G3

[Zaragon]

Has he mapped the controls if not you will see the bars move but there will be no response in the program. Use the calibration bars to see what channel number responds to which stick movement then set them up in the mapping panel on the left. Don't forget to duplicate the numbers in the heli section which is the bottom 4 boxes.