Connecting Transmitter to PC

[sdueck]

Well, I had used a program called "computer model simulator" or something of the sort before, and it worked fine with my transmitter I used. I used a basic one that came with my dragonfly helicopter (RTR). I have a cable that connects it to my serial port (it came with the helicopter, as well as the transmitter and program). So anyways, I tried to use it the other day, and I can't get the computer to recognize that I even plugged anything in. The program won't work unless somehting is plugged in, and I have tried everything (with it off, with it on, crystal out, crystal in, all kinds of stuff).

I then downloaded FMS because I thought I would give that a try. It won't recognize my transmitter is plugged in either. I don't know what to do. I don't want to spend $200 on G3, so I was trying to go the cheap route. Any suggestions?

P.S. I know my computers... I am not some guy that just turns it on and uses it. Also, I have a Hitec Optic 6 transmitter I would like to use, but the buddy cable connector is not the same as on my cheap dragonfly transmitter...

Thanks, Scott

[mmormota]

I have a cable that connects it to my serial port (it came with the helicopter, as well as the transmitter and program). So anyways, I tried to use it the other day, and I can't get the computer to recognize that I even plugged anything in.

Unfortunately it seems to be hw failure.

The Dragonfly has a proprietry system to connect it to the PC. The internal uC in your radio provides serial bytes, these bytes are directly transferred to the serial port, and the cable is just a wire.

The majority of the radios send out ppm code. The "cable" is uses a microcontroller to convert the ppm signal to bytes for the serial or usb connector.

Considering it, your cable is working only with it's own radio. If there is no hw failure, you can use it for other simulators, like FMS, MS Flight sim etc. You have to install ppjoy, it receives the bytes and provides a virtual joystick for any standard windows program. Ppjoy has many possible input formats. First add a virtual joystick, then run ppjoycom and select "Zhen Hua" format. Calibrate it as windows joystick first, then try the sim program. Worth to take a look to the installation docs of ppjoy.

If there is a hw failure in your Dragonfly radio, you should buy a Hitec usb simulator cable for your Optic 6. (it converts the standard ppm signal to bytes for the usb input) It's about 30 usd. It has native windows driver, plug and play, no need for complicated drivers etc. Working with FMS, ClearView, MS Fligt sim etc.

[shaul_ei]

The Dragonfly has a proprietry system to connect it to the PC. The internal uC in your radio provides serial bytes, these bytes are directly transferred to the serial port, and the cable is just a wire.If you refer to Walkera Dragonfly, then you probably mean that it is a PCM transmitter.

If so, let me suggest you take a look at SmartPropoPlus (http://www.SmartPropoPlus.com) which I wrote. It is Totally free and it supports PPM and several PCM formats, including Walkera.
You will need to create your own cable according the instructions and connect it to your sound-card.

[oni222]

If you refer to Walkera Dragonfly, then you probably mean that it is a PCM transmitter.

If so, let me suggest you take a look at SmartPropoPlus (http://www.SmartPropoPlus.com) which I wrote. It is Totally free and it supports PPM and several PCM formats, including Walkera.
You will need to create your own cable according the instructions and connect it to your sound-card.

Hi, I just wanted to say that your a GoD! I am a newbie in the R/C scene but I recently got my xmas present from my Wife a Kyosho Calinato r/c plane and I have no previous flying experience. I cannot afford right now any expensive sims and controllers but I do have an old sim cd somewhere from my friend. Using your site I plan to make the cable myself and testing it out before I try to fly my baby in the real cruel world :P

Wish me luck. Thanks again for your info it was invaluable!

[GoLikeaFish]

If so, let me suggest you take a look at SmartPropoPlus (http://www.SmartPropoPlus.com) which I wrote.

Nice work! I've been using SmartPropoPlus to connect my DX7 to the 'puter with a simple audio plug and it works flawlessly.