SmartPropoPlus and PPJoy

[shaul_ei]

For those who want to connect their Tx to the computer via the soundcard. For those who think that SmartPropoPlus is too FMS-oriented. For those who like PPJoy.
I think I managed to create a piece of software that you are going to like. It is only Alpha, so it is still unpolished and basic. But, it works!
It goes like that:
You connect your Tx to the soundcard (e.g. Mike).
You install PPJoy (Virtual Joystick of course)
You launch this SmartPropoPlus Extension
And you get a universal joystick out of your Tx.
Please try it - I need your comments!
Downloads are here (http://www.geocities.com/shaul_ei/ppj/300/PPJoyEx.zip)
Documentation is here (http://www.geocities.com/shaul_ei/ppj/300/SPP-PPJ-3.0.0-RN.pdf).
My email address is in the application about box.

[skirtz]

Great news. This is the way to go. I tried to use it in ClearView and it is almost there. With my Futaba 8 radio, I could get only 3 channels working - throttle, aileron and elevator. The best about this solution is that the cable is only few dollars and trip to Radio Shack.

Stefan
http://rcflightsim.com

[shaul_ei]

Stefan has kindly sent me a license for ClearView. I will see what I can do ASAP. Thank you Stefan!

[rutat]

So it fully emulates a joystick? If that is the case I better try it with my code to run the RFG3 demo. Could be the easy tx-interconnect solution I was looking for. Thanks!

[shaul_ei]

Rutat, this is only a zero-zero version. It works fine on my box, but you will have to test it on yours as well. Please send/post your feedbacks.

[Daniel11]

I installed PPJoy, and when I start configure joysticks and click add, the options explained in your instructions are blocked out. What might be the problem, or did I do something wrong?

-Daniel

[shaul_ei]

On the contrary. You have no other option but the correct one. You are on the right track.

[Daniel11]

Ok, I got all four channels working corectly, now if I can just set up the dual rates.......

-Daniel

BTW, PPM-Audio played a key role in getting this to work. Apparently, having the ATV and EPA set up on my radio was causing problems, and I was able to see that by using PPM-Audio.

[shaul_ei]

Phil's Thermometer is very useful indeed. And since we do not share code, it helps me a lot when debugging mine. Thank you Phil!

[bazuka]

I installed PPJoy and it works very well with FMS. I now have complete throttle control. Before PPJoy, I had no way to stop throttle, it was always at one quarter, never lower.

I tried it on the ClearView demo, so far zero success.

[skirtz]

PPJoy works with ClearView. What was your problem?

Stefan
http://rcflightsim.com

[bazuka]

I tried everything out on FMS, then switched to ClearView. After opening Clearview, switched joystick but could not calibrate. It mentioned something about calibrating with Windows. Tried the game controller function in Control Panel, would not calibrate there either.

I am using a JR 6 ch, connected with trainer cord through my sound card.

[skirtz]

First, connect in your radio. Then start the SmartPropo console and make sure that PPJoy Virtual Joystick works and is properly callibrated in Windows Game Controllers screen. Just after that, start ClearView and select the Virtual Joystick in the Controllers setup window. Then assign the channels and save. It will work.

Stefan
http://rcflightsim.com

[sameershah]

I am thinking of connecting my 6EXA to the Mono jack using the following diagram
C:\Futaba_Square.jpg

Is it the right diagram. The thing that is confusing me is that the TX is labled as slave, but I thought it is the master as it is in control and sending the singnals to the computer. Can somebody explain it to me please?
Thanks.

[sameershah]

Lets see if the image is displayed now...

[shaul_ei]

Forget the Master/Slave terms- they are confusing. Note that the Out terminal of your Tx feeds the In terminal of the jack connected to your sound card. Looks OK to me.

[sameershah]

Thanks.

[sameershah]

I received my Futaba T6EXA Tx and I tried to connect it to the mic phone jack. I get a buzzing sound when it is connected, but PPM-Audio (RCaudio.exe) does not show anything.
I tried a lot of things and when I disconnect the signal (out) end from my TX the buzzing stops.

Is there an easy and accurate way to find out if my TX is transmiting the signals properly on the trainer port?
The TX is turned on and pins 4-5 are shorted.
Any help is appreciated.

[shaul_ei]

The buzzing sound is what you expect to hear. RCaudio is usually very accurate so if it does not detect PPM signal the it is probably not there. Either the signal is not PPM but rather PCM. Or you did not connect it to the correct jack or the volume is too low or too high.
A PPM signal noise will slightly change when you move your Tx sticks.
You may also use the Scope mentioned in my SmartPropoPlus to view the signal. If you wish, you may post a snapshot of the signal here for me to comment upon.

[sameershah]

Thanks for trying to help shaul_ei.
My TX is FM only so it is only PPM right? It does not have the PCM stuff )it is an older model).
When it is connected I hear buzzing and the buzzing slightly changes when I move the sticks on teh TX.

Attached are the images from zelscope and PPM Audio.

[shaul_ei]

This is clearly PPM. The signal is a little noisy, but not saturated. A snapshot of the entire signal, including the long period between pulses will help us to better analyze it.
Phil, do you see anything I don't?

[sameershah]

I noticed that when the TX is connected to the computer and PPM_Audio is running, then when I turn off the TX and then trun it back on, I do see some red lines in the thermometer. But it is there only for a few secs and then it becomes one blue line on the left side.
Hope this helps is debugging the problem I am having.

[shaul_ei]

Well, I'm not sure. I'm more concerned about the signal being a little noisy. Could you please try placing the scope picture, only now displaying a longer period? If indeed the problem is noise, you might need to elevate the volume of the incoming channel (Microphone, isn't it?). You do it through the Advanced-> Audio Source menu. You are very close now.

[sameershah]

Ok. I tried a lotof things here. I found that if the mono plug is inserted completely in the mic jack, I get the noise stuff. But when inserted only partly I think I get a good signal.
Attached are couple of images. Also I get good signal in teh PPM_Audio and when I move the throttle, elevator, rudder and aileron sticks on my TX the red bars in the thermoneter respond.
But I still cannot control the plane in FMS. It seems to not respond at all.

[sameershah]

One more questions...
Should I be able to caliberate using Windows Game Controllers? Right now I cannot. It just does not recognise any thing from the TX even when Analyser/PPM_Audio/Scope all show that the signal is present.
I eben tried to caliberate using FMS still they don't respond to the movement on my TX.

[shaul_ei]

Hi Sameer,
The last snapshots you have posted show a perfect 6-channel PPM signal. Means that your cable feeds the PC with the correct input.
Now, if you are using FMS, I really think you should use the traditional SmartPropoPlus version 2.3.2 which works seamlessly with FMS and has better documentation. Since the signal looks just fine - I do not foresee any difficulties there. Just ignore the right pane of the SmartPropoPlus (http://www.geocities.com/shaul_ei/SmartPropoPlus.html) homepage and go through the documentation on the left. I think we are almost there.

Shaul

[sameershah]

I tried versio 2.3.2, but then when I start sppconsole.exe, I don't see the PPjoy extension.
But when I use the new one I do see it. Any suggestions?
Thanks Shaul for your help

[shaul_ei]

It is perfectly OK. The 2.3.2 is FMS oriented and does not need anything but its own files and FMS. Not even PPJoy. You simply put the 3 files that in the package in the FMS directory and start FMS. Then you have to select the audio source (Microphone?) and Modulation (PPM). That should do. BTW, you don't have to start the SppConsole, FMS will do it for you! However, I'd like to remind you that 2.3.2 is designed for FMS only.

[sameershah]

Thanks shaul for the help. Now using 2.3.2 I was able to get my TX to work with FMS. Also thanks e-geezer for helping thru PM.
So the new verion works with other similators? I will give it a try and see if it is working. But atleast for me I cannot use the new version with FMS. In case if you need addtional information please let me know and I will be glad to provide teh data.

[shaul_ei]

Hi Sameer,
I'm happy to learn that you found SmartPropoPlus useful after all. I think the pros and cons for using the 2.3.2 vs 3.0.1 are not clear. I will open a new thread to explain the differences.
Thank you for your patients
Shaul

[mikel]

3.0.1 works great.
I was using a similar program (sbjoy) since SmartPropo 2.3.2 is FMS-oriented, but 3.0.1 is much better than sbjoy. Nice interface and it understands PCM!
Thank you!

[Tweener]

Ok. I tried a lotof things here. I found that if the mono plug is inserted completely in the mic jack, I get the noise stuff. Ahh! I'll bet that's part of the problem. Try a stereo plug. You should be able to insert it all the way. :D

[chachi17_ve]

Hi I have installed the PPJoy and the SmartProPo, but i have a problem, i instal the virtual joystick but when i am going to configure it i mean when im going to mapping it i cant configure it as you said, almos all the options are blocked, i will try to add an image, what i am doing wrong??? i hope you can help me, by the way sorry for my english.

[jboehle]

I have got this pretty much working, but I can't figure out how to get the 3-position switch (switch G) on the top right of my Futaba FP-T8UAP mapped to an axis/button/whatever in PPJoy. Thoughts? I am currently using Futaba PCM as my choice in SmartPropoPlus.

[shaul_ei]

chachi17_ve:
I think this is OK. Just continue.

jboehle:
I'm sorry. I support only the first 6 channels of Futaba PCM. So, if this switch is on channel 7,8 or 9, you will have to switch your Tx (and SmartPropoPlus) to PPM.
If this switch is on channel 5 or 6 that you can map it to any analog PPJoy channel you like. It's only a name.

[jboehle]

No problem, I just didn't know! I will try PPM tonight and see if I can get it working.

[sameershah]

Hi,
I am using FMS 2.8 with SmartPropoPlus (I tried both versions). All the planes are working fine but everytime while using the simulator, my computer crashes with a blue screen (after a few minutes of flying). I am using XP Professional SP2. I tired it on another computer and had the same problem.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[shaul_ei]

You can eliminate the SPP problem by removing it.

[sameershah]

But if I remove SPP, then my TX won't work with FMS right? I am using the mono plug connection cable.
But I'll try FMS with keyboard and see if it crashes it or not.
Thanks.

[shaul_ei]

Exactly. BTW, I'd try the FMS forum (http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html).

[TurboFlyer]

Will this program work with my Futaba 6EXA radio? It is a regular FM 6 channel radio. Thanks!

[shaul_ei]

Yes. Please let the forum know once you have tried.

[bindibadgi]

Hi

I'm trying to pull the PPM signal from my (very old) Futaba Tx, and I just want to confirm a couple of things.

With the plug, I've got a mono 3.5mm audio plug to go into the sound card. Where does the signal go? The ground? Will I fry anything if I get it the wrong way around?

Also, I'm going to stick a 10k (or maybe 4.7k) resistor in series with the signal so that the voltage won't kill the sound card. Is that a good idea?

[shaul_ei]

I don't think it matters which way you connect the signal. Just try one way then the other.
As for a resistor - it may be useful to add it if the signal is too high. However, I never heard of a Tx killing a sound card.

[bindibadgi]

Thanks shaul ei. I'm a bit cautious about connecting the thing straight to the PC because I'm having to pull the PPM signal from the circuit board in the Tx (there's no trainer socket). I think I'll try with the resistor, and if I can't get a good signal then I'll lower the resistance until it works.

Fingers crossed.

[ShokWaveRider]

Does this work with a Spektrum DX6? Basically a JR PPM.

Thanks

[shaul_ei]

Certainly. I know it does. Just make sure to select PPM (rather than JR).

[ShokWaveRider]

Certainly. I know it does. Just make sure to select PPM (rather than JR).

The last time I tried I could not get any control. PPJOY came up OK but smartpropo did not talk to it. I tried with REALFLIGHT and FMS. I did not pursue it so I will try again later.

Thanks

SWR

[ShokWaveRider]

Shaul Ei:

I have it basically working with my DX6. It is 6 channel. I am trying to configure the switches but it only recognizes 1 of the 2. the right top which is the AUX/1 it does not recognise the gear switch.

I am in the process of trying all options please can you advise?

Thanks for a great Proggy.

SWR

[shaul_ei]

Proggy,
I'm not sure I follow.
Please write one detailed message. I need to know the simulator you use, the cable, the version of SmartPropoPlus etc.
I'm not familiar with this Tx details, so please describe what you are trying to do.
Thanks

[ShokWaveRider]

Proggy,
I'm not sure I follow.
Please write one detailed message. I need to know the simulator you use, the cable, the version of SmartPropoPlus etc.
I'm not familiar with this Tx details, so please describe what you are trying to do.
Thanks

Proggy is slang for program. I was complimenting you on PPJOY..... it is a great program.

I am using the latest version with a Spektrum DX6 (JR) 6 channel radio using a microphone input. X, Y, Rudder and Throttle work fine.

There is not setting for switches, only dials, sliders, Wheel and Axis'

I am not sure what.

I am trying to set up my 2 on off switches that are normally used for Retracts and Flaps. They are Channels 5 and 6 on my transmitter.

What are VX, Vy and VZ Axis and VBRX, VBRY and VBRZ. I am nor sure what to use for my on/off switches. They are 2 position not 3. Simply on or off.

I am using it with AeroFly and RealFlight and as mentioned the firsy 4 channels work fine.

I am using ppjoy 3.01 or whatever is the latest.

Thanks

SWR

[shaul_ei]

Oops. Indeed, English is not my first language... Sorry for that.
As for PPJoy, I'm not the author, and I'm not sure I know how to solve the problem. However, you might consult its excellent manual.
If you have a question regarding SmartPropoPlus, I'll be delighted.

[ShokWaveRider]

Oops. Indeed, English is not my first language... Sorry for that.
As for PPJoy, I'm not the author, and I'm not sure I know how to solve the problem. However, you might consult its excellent manual.
If you have a question regarding SmartPropoPlus, I'll be delighted.

Both programs are superb, so you still deserve credit!!

SWR

[maddoctor]

I have a FT06-A 6 channel Tx (WFLY or something - kind of OEM) and it has an 3.5mm jack for "pc simulator". I'm using a mono cable to connect it to the sound-card. I get the signals in PPM Audio and they change correctly when I move the sticks. I also seem to get PPM waves with zelscope, but I simply can't make it work with SPP (and FMS). The bars stay at half height and don't move no matter what...
(I'm using XP SP2 with built-in audio). What do you think might be the problem?
Thanx

[ShokWaveRider]

I have a FT06-A 6 channel Tx (WFLY or something - kind of OEM) and it has an 3.5mm jack for "pc simulator". I'm using a mono cable to connect it to the sound-card. I get the signals in PPM Audio and they change correctly when I move the sticks. I also seem to get PPM waves with zelscope, but I simply can't make it work with SPP (and FMS). The bars stay at half height and don't move no matter what...
(I'm using XP SP2 with built-in audio). What do you think might be the problem?
Thanx

FMS requires you to put the SmartPropo DLL in the FMS directory. That is all I had to do.

SWR

[maddoctor]

I did that and FMS recognizes SPP, but the controls don't work. I guess the problem is between the Tx and SPP...
Any help would be great

[shaul_ei]

I did that and FMS recognizes SPP, but the controls don't work. I guess the problem is between the Tx and SPP...
Any help would be great Probably.
You have to make sure you have set SPP correctly: Source (Mic/LineIn...) and modulation type (you probably need PPM). These are the two common problems. Let us know what you get.

[maddoctor]

Thanx, but I allready tried that too...
I can't think of anything else...

[shaul_ei]

OK, so let's see what we have.
Your Tx is PPM and you set SPP to PPM and you see the PPM signal with the scope. Conclusion, your cable is good.
Can you see the signal on the scope while you try using FMS? If not, this means that SPP changes the input source to a wrong value. You can either set it to the correct one (e.g. Microphone) or uncheck Enable Audio input selection to prevent SPP from intervening with the audio source.
If you got to here and you have a good signal on your scope (while SPP is running) and you still cannot calibrate FMS then you might have a problem with the signal decoding. I assume your Tx is PPM and you have selected PPM (Generic) for SPP. SPP might be unable to detect the correct PPM signal polarity. Uncheck Auto-detect and try both positive and Negative options.
Please let us know how it went.

[maddoctor]

Bad news... I've tried it all without success. PPM audio is working flawlessly with SPP on... I've tried all the parameters you said...
Maybe it is some kind of interfearence in the ppm sinal.
Here goes my zelscope's image (while watching it in real time the image flickers a lot - maybe normal?):
Thanx

[maddoctor]

Update:
It works very well thru ppjoy...
Strange that it doesn't on the FMS dedicated version...

[shaul_ei]

The signal is a perfect 6-ch PPM.
The PPJoy code and the FMS code are identical. My guess is that you had some FMS calibration problem, but since it works now, who cares.

[maddoctor]

thanx

[HankF]

Shaul,
Thanks for the excellent piece of work. I've been able to use the Windows calibration screen and everything works so far except:

I'm using a Futaba T6XHs transmitter and can get only five controls operating (It may be the transmitter itself). I notice that PPJoy has a mapping function and I presume that mapping in PPJoy is what shows up in the Windows calibrate screen after being processed by your program. What I see there is labeled X, Y, Z, Xro, Zro, and Slid. Of these, X,Y,Z, Zro and Slid actually work. These map from the transmitter's Aileron, Elevator, Throttle, Rudder and upper right switch.

Your program must also do some control mapping. Do you have any recommendations on mapping?

Hank

P.S. Apparently, you pass whatever PPJoy names channels to the Windows Gaming Options applet. I set the mapping to default with 6 channels as you recommended and the actual controls that worked depend on the particular transmitter. I tried both the Futaba and the DX-6 Spektrum and they mapped differently but in either case I could only get 5 channels working.

I also tried the CV demo and it works O.K. with PPJoy and PP+. I'd sure like to find the missing channel since you say you support 6.

[shaul_ei]

Hi Hank,
If you see all channels but one, it is possible that SPP erroneously detects the shift polarity of your Tx (I assume it is PPM).
You can force correct polarity by un-checking the Auto-detect checkbox, and try both options. One is expected to detect only 5 channels. Try the other one.
One other thing you can do (again, assuming PPM) is to use the virtual oscilloscope (http://www.zelscope.com/) to verify that you have indeed 6 channels and then to use the thermometer (http://users.skynet.be/phildc/Files/RCAudio.exe) to see that it can really be detected.
If it is PCM - then I'm almost positive that the problem is not in SPP.
Please let us know what you found.
Shaul

[HankF]

Hi Shaul,

The oscilloscope shows a perfect PPM signal. There are six (negative) pulses per set and each varies in width as you move the corresponding control: Aileron, Elevator, Throttle, Rudder, Switch (upper right), and Flap dial.

PP+ (apparently) only recognizes the first five pulses and not the last one. This happens on both my transmitters.

I tried the steps you suggested, unchecking autodetect for polarity, and each polarity. Positive does not work. Negative or auto-detect works fine.

Hank

[shaul_ei]

Strange. Will it be possible to record about a minute of the audio and sent over to me. I cannot make promises, but if there's a but I'd like to fix it.
Thank you.

[HankF]

Shaul,

I also checked with the Audio Thermometer and it shows all six channels for both transmitters. I'll try recording.

Hank

[shaul_ei]

Thank you. Naturally, it was a buG I'd like to fix, not a buT.

[HankF]

Shaul,

I have a zipped .wav file but it's about 8 mb in size. I don't think I can load it up here, it's probably too big. How do I get it to you? Will your e-mail server handle that size? I could make a shorter one.

Hank

[HankF]

There was no real problem, I just didn't have the latest version of PP+. Make sure you do. I think Shaul has updated his site.

Hank

[ShokWaveRider]

There was no real problem, I just didn't have the latest version of PP+. Make sure you do. I think Shaul has updated his site.

Hank

I just wish I could get flaps and Gear working on channels 5 and 6. No matter what I do PPJoy cannot seem to handle it. All looks great on the Mike input to the computer. I have the little thermometer gauge and it shows all channels working. FMS does not seem to support flaps and gear.

AeroFly and RealFlight Do but no go on the 5 and 6 channel switches.

SWR

[HankF]

You may be right about FMS but to make sure the system is working as it should, check in the Window Gaming Options that all channels are working and calibrate them there if necessary. PPJoy mapping needs to show 6 analog channels (0 to 5). Also look at this thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=463395&page=3

Hank

[DDwaneR]

I am making adapters for the FMS and the SmartPropoPlus driver for the older Futaba Round with a center pin and the New Futaba Square and also the DX6 and JR mini plug cables and use FMS on my Windows 2000 and XP Pro computers. I think the SmartPropPlus driver from the sound card makes models fly more real than a computer joystick and I have a MS Sidewinder. Here is my web site with the cables and other power adapters I make and sell locally.
http://rcflyerscu.hobby-site.org/RC_Adapters_N_Stuff_Sales/RC_Adapters_N_Stuff_Sales.html

[shaul_ei]

I would like to emphasize:
When working with SmartPropoPlus+PPJoy - do not configure buttons. Only Axes.
Even if you have a switch - treat it as a usual, analog, channel.

Reason:
SPP is general purpose therefore does not "know" whether a channel is analog, two state switch or three state switch.
So, to be on the safe size, it treats all channels equally as having 0-1023 possible values. The switches are a case where only 2 or 3 values actually are detected.

[shekkmo]

After stumbling upon this little marvel I now can use my XP9303 with FMS instead of my little Plantraco TX. and all it took was a cord for some old PC speakers I had in a drawer.:)
It was a painless setup and perfect in PCM (PPM was a bit noisy) . What an awesome tool . $30 I can have for the next project Thank you for this !!

[schwarzekatze]

I installed PPJoy, and when I start configure joysticks and click add, the options explained in your instructions are blocked out. What might be the problem, or did I do something wrong?

-Daniel

I am having the same problem all those options are grayed out and for this program to work i a virtual joystick

[trees]

Ok, I seem to have an undocumented problem with SPP. I've loooked here, on the SPP forum, google, etc with no luck.

I installed and configured PPJoy per instructions on the SPP website then installed SPP Generic per instructions for use with Clearview. The SPP Console is visible in the taskbar and task manager but it won't actually open (double-clicking or right-clicking) so I can see the console options/parameters.

Vista SP1 32bit
SPP 3.3.7

Any help would be very much appreciated.

[Prop-er]

Same problem here. The icon is in the taskbar, but a left-click won't let the console appear.

Vista SP2 32-bit
SSP 3.3.7

[Malc C]

No expert, but could it be that it's just not Vista compatible ?

Since XP, direct communication to the ports on a computer from software applications has been complicated, often requiring a driver of some sorts. I would presume this "security" has been increased in Vista, hence the issues you are getting.

To be honest guys, with USB "joystick" interfaces costing less than $15, most of which will work with most TX's and any application that supports a joystick, why bother trying to resolve this issue

[shaul_ei]

Thank you Prop-er for drawing my attention to this post. I'll try to get back to you tomorrow.
Shaul

[trees]

I have given up on this method and I'm pursuing a USB option.

There are three reasons I tried this method:

1. I thought it was an interesting connectivity method.
2. Only having to buy one mono audio cable made it cheap.
3. I didn't have to wait for shipping.

Affordable USB adapters that guarantee compatibility with the Vista/Clearview/DX5e combination don't exist from what I've found (in the USA at least). Maybe they are compatible but they aren't documented compatible and you can't get any clear answers from the vendors.

The only one I have found is SimBlaster (http://www.simblaster.com) which is quite a bit more than I wanted to spend but if it works what the heck.

The last thing I want to do is buy something for $10 from Hong Kong on ebay only to find out that it doesn't work with vista or my radio then I have to eat it because it would cost more to return it.

So, my advice to everyone out there is this...

Try the SPP/PPJ method and if you don't have it working within an hour or two stop wasting your time and go for a USB interface.

I really wish Spektrum would buck up and just offer said adapter saving many of their customers the hassle of wading through a bunch of low grade options online. Oh well. Off to fly a sim on my keyboard :( Haha.

[Prop-er]

To be honest guys, with USB "joystick" interfaces costing less than $15, most of which will work with most TX's and any application that supports a joystick, why bother trying to resolve this issue

Because we can. Thousands of RC fans use Smartpropo with great success. I'm sure this issue can be solved. I'll patiently wait. Winter still has to start.

Luckily for us, Shaul Eizikovich, with the help of others, actively supports this great piece of freeware.

Vincent

[Malc C]

The last thing I want to do is buy something for $10 from Hong Kong on ebay only to find out that it doesn't work with vista or my radio then I have to eat it because it would cost more to return it.

That's the way of the world these days. A few years back you had to choose between Futaba or JR transmitters, then came along Sanwa and a few others, but most followed the same standards of Futaba or JR for compatibility sake.

These days with so many transmitters on the market, and a lot being bundled with RTF models there is more of a chance of incompatibilities between other hardware.

[Malc C]

I'm sure this issue can be solved. I'll patiently wait. Winter still has to start.

Vincent

LOL - I have visions of you sitting in front of your PC, TX in hand waiting for Shual to come up with the goodies. Then (like a clip from HG Wells's Time Machine in time-laps) winter comes and the snow builds up at the windows, cob-webs appear over your face and then finally as the first rays of spring sunshine break through the window Shaul comes up trumps.... and then your decide to upgrade to Windows 7 and have to wait again :eek: :D

On a serious note, I'm not knocking Shauls work, and when this was started some 4 or 5 years ago it was an excellent alternative to expensive USB interfaces. However, these days the market is awash with cheap interfaces, and even with shipping costs still make it a viable option for those who want a quick solution to a problem on their PC and can't wait for an alternative solution

[trees]

Lols on the HG Wells reference. :)

[Prop-er]

British humor, I'll never get used to it.

Trying to suppress the feeling I'm being laughed at for no obvious reason.

I've used smartpropo before, l like the 8 channel support (USB supports max 4 channels?), have the cable ready, and in case it can't be resolved, I'll just use my trusty old Pentium 4 running XP, instead of my notebook.

Just do a search for "USB interface problem" on this otherwise great forum...

[Malc C]

British humor, I'll never get used to it.

Trying to suppress the feeling I'm being laughed at for no obvious reason.



Sorry my friend, it was an image that popped into my head and had to share it :) wasn't meant in an offensive way

I've used smartpropo before, l like the 8 channel support (USB supports max 4 channels?),

Err no - there are interfaces out there that support 8 or more channels.
Three years ago (well almost four now) I was involved in developing a USB interface that supported 8 analogue channels have a look here (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=508122). This was when most of the commercial interfaces cost £50 or more.

But I agree some of the cheaper commercial ones built today from the far east only support 4 channels, and if the user's transmitter doesn't send them in the "standard" format then often they find they get something missing.

[shaul_ei]

I'm surprised at the amount of emotions expressed here regarding a piece of free software that a few thousand people found useful. I may perhaps add: a buggy piece of free software.

If you take a look at my new home page (http://www.smartpropoplus.com), you will find a comparison between SmartPropoPlus and the (generic) USB solution. I think it is a fair comparison and indeed once posting it the amount of downloads dropped significantly.

Now, to our business.
I don't know what happend but I believe it is a GUI problem. I'd start with making sure that there is no hanged (zomby) SppConsole process (Use the task manager). Then I'd uninstall SmartPropoPlus, manually remove its registry branch (HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Flying-Model-Simulator\SmartPropoPlus) and re-install SmartPropoPlus. If this still does not help, you may override the GUI and make changes directly in the registry. I will be happy to assist you.
Hope I did not leave anything out.

[trees]

I'm surprised at the amount of emotions expressed here regarding a piece of free software...

Hey shaul, please don't get me wrong. Even though your software didn't work for me personally I still commend you for it. Thanks for putting a sigificant amount of time and effort into SPP and providing it free for others to enjoy. :)

[Prop-er]

Did an uninstall, removed the regkeys, did a reinstall of 3.3.7, same issue.

(No emotions this time)

[Malc C]

(No emotions this time)

:eek: :eek: :eek: :confused: :confused: :confused: :eek: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Sorry - That British humor kicking in again :D

[Prop-er]

You're evil, Malc.

Get a life

I just bought a USB interface.
Just to experiment, of course. I'm sure it won't work.

[shaul_ei]

The USB will probably work as well as SPP. Actually, in this case, much better.
It still intrigues me why it does not work for you.
Did you check for zombie process? Perhaps SPP is working fine only you cannot see the console? Maybe the console is outside your screen viewable area?

[Prop-er]

SPPconsole is working fine. The process is there, and under "applications" is no hanged SPPconsole to be found.

It's a laptop, and has had a 2nd screen before. I will connect the second monitor, just to be sure.

Thanks so far.

Vincent

[ujjwaana]

Hi folks,
Got my Futaba T7C after much of hassle. Sadly, the USB cable in 'On way' form Hongkong. Hastily connected a Mono jack pin to the Futaba trainer cable so that I can use FMS with my Tx for the meanwhile .

So there seems to be issue SPP interfacing wiht PPJoy. though the PPM Thermometer shows bar as I move the sticks, even after exactly following the step in SPP site, the PPJoy virtual joystick I added does not respond to my Tx (as seen from Windows joystick control planel, jpy.cpl).

Is SPP + PPJoy known to work on Windows7/Vista ?

Looking for any help

[Malc C]

Is SPP + PPJoy known to work on Windows7/Vista ?

Looking for any help

Two clicks took me to the developers website - low and behold

SmartPropoPlus is compatible with most transmitters and runs on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Vista.

[shaul_ei]

Last version of SPP (3.3.7) works fine on Vista.
PPJoy works fine on any 32 bit Windows including Vista and Windows 7.
I've recently installed SPP 3.3.7 on my Windows 7 (Beta build 7000). Bottom line - it works.
However, I had several issues:


Although SppConsole was correctly installed in XP(SP2) compatibility mode - the drop-down list of sound-cards and the list of input sockets are both empty. I had to un-check 'Enable Audio input selection' check-box. This made SPP 'listen' to the default input as configured by Windows.
In the beginning, SPP did not work and the SppConsole window was not 'Always on top' as it should.
I'm not sure what I did, I changed it's privileges, compatibility mode checked and un-checked 'PPJoy Extension' and suddenly both problems where solved.

Any additional info will help other users to work around these problems

[ujjwaana]

Thanks Shaul. I am using W7 RTM (been paid for using W7 for over 2 years :D, till some time back ) but it seems to be something other than OS! PPJOY parallel port drivers installed after ignoring signature issue.

I have a futaba T7C 2.4GHz system which is built over the old 7c FM Futaba PPM platform. But Hola! Switching to Generic PPM and *Checking* the "PPJoy Extension" Checkbox made my day! It WOKZ!!

The whole feel of controlling RC on a Real Tx console is much different than the $10 Cheapo USB Game Pad! infact I feel that though having a potentio meter, the game pad didn't have a true proportional control! The Futaba is real pleasure to fly plane one. *Real* stick feel!

Gosh! I have to re learn the control proportion all over again! the game pad might have poiled my maiden trainer flight!

Thanks a ton Shaul for such a wonderful product!!


-Ujjwal

[cf33092]

What other simulators are supported by PPJoy and SmartPropoPlus besides FMS?