Using the Reflex USB cable for other simulators ?

[Eohan]

Hi ,
I have a couple of Reflex USB cables(that obviously work only with Reflex XTR).Has anyone already reverse enginered the cable and found out the communication protocols ?
I am planning on developing a pseudo joystick(a software that fools windows to think that a real joystick is connected) that processes the channel values from the Reflex cables.
I guess , there are a couple of hundreds of Reflex cable owners wanting to do this.

Eohan

[archiebald]

If you do some searching, you will find that Reflex already pursued legal cases against companies and individuals that reverse engineered their dongle. It is proprietary confidential information subject to legal protection.

Proceed at your own risk.

[Eohan]

These aren't actual XTR simulators cables.I got it from a Chinese maker.I understand that this doesn't legally stand as a good reason.But look it from this point of view.There are some guys who reversed engineered an XTR simulator,I bought it.Now , I am not using this to illegally use their software or their USB cable.I am using this for FMS or other free sims.I am not misusing any of Reflex's hard-earned technology or money.

[archiebald]

You might want to read this then re-think.

"The products require the original Reflex interface. It is prohibited to provide and produce modifications that would allow the use of the products without the Reflex interface or with interfaces provided by other manufacturers. It is prohibited to reproduce the mode of operation of the Reflex Interface as the copyright applies to the interface as well. The Reflex interface is an exclusive part of this agreement."

From here (http://www.reflex-sim.de/reflex-sim/shop/catalog/faqdesk_index.php?faqPath=11)

[Eohan]

But this is neither a Reflex XTR simulator software nor an XTR interface cable.This is a cable that works for the XTR sim software.So as long as I dont dont use either of the above , I guess my "illegality" is questionable.

Anyway,I am taking back the phrase on first thread-start post mentioning "that it will be helpful to hundreds of reflex cables owner ". :confused:

Hope someone has a answer for the thread..

[Malc C]

But this is neither a Reflex XTR simulator software nor an XTR interface cable.This is a cable that works for the XTR sim software.So as long as I dont dont use either of the above , I guess my "illegality" is questionable.

In essance what you've bought is an illegal copy of the XTR interface. Even if you were able to read back the HEX code from the PIC chip (which I doubt as the chinese guy would of code protected the chip) you would still be breaking Reflex's EUL when used with the software (original or pirated)or the moment you programmed another PIC chip. Even using the current "compatible" interface breached the copyright.

A couple of years back there was a big case where Reflex caught up with a chap in Europe who had worked out the protocol and encryption of the data packets and wrote the code for a "compatible" interface. Not only was he facing cought action, Reflex also got hold of all his customers, who were aproached and offered a dicount on a genuine interface if they returned the compatible one, or they too would face court action.

However all this is beside the point. Regardless of whether you want to use this compatible interface, or try and produce your own, posting such a thread on the forum is likely to get you reported and even banned from the forum.

[Malc C]

I am planning on developing a pseudo joystick(a software that fools windows to think that a real joystick is connected) that processes the channel values from the Reflex cables
Eohan

In other words you are looking at writting a "dongle emulator" to fool the software - and you are advertising the fact on this forum --- Priceless :cool:

[Eohan]

hmm... I get your point .. :o :eek:

[Eohan]

:) Could I ask how exactly a dongle emulator work ?

[Malc C]

:) Could I ask how exactly a dongle emulator work ?

In theory :)

Create a virtual port on the PC - in this case USB. Then decode the encryption, protocol and handshaking method that the original dongle uses, and then write a program that produces the same and point the virtual port at it.

Now you know why most companies use hardware dongles as the above is a lot of work and can easily be scuppered if any part of the handshaking, encryption or protocol is changed in future versions of the software. The advantage of using genuine hardware dongles is that they can be flashed (updated) through the genuine software, although this is not an option used by most sim companies.

[Eohan]

Well , I guess I will have to try other forums to know about the practical side of it .. :) ..