USB link cable

[BertVK]

I just ordered a USB to Tx cable from http://www.rc-electronics.co.uk/
The payment with Paypal went very smooth.
I hope I get it soon, so I can start 3D flipping. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Hooloovoo]

£30 seems a bit expensive to me.... is there a cheaper alternative anywere? Does anyone have plans to make your own? Does windows see the USB connection as a normal joystick so it'll work with anything?

[BertVK]

Yes, that's why I went for it. My Tx will be used as a normal joystick and I can use it with any game. I can now play Quake using my Tx, or drive in Nascar Racing or Need for Speed or fly in Commanche or fly in BF1942 or....

This interface uses a PIC controller to interface. It you want to go cheaper, get the FMS serial link. That's just some connectors, cable and 2 electronic components. That's the cheapest I know.
Of course if you go to the FMS site at http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html you will find all the data to create this cable yourself. It will only work with FMS though!

If you are using your transmitter for a game controller, you are obviously keeping it powered. Do you use your normal battery charger (mine is a robbe Power Peak Ultimate for a robbe-Futama FX-18 transmitter). Any special settings needed?
John

[BertVK]

I'm using my regular Tx battery. It are 1300mAh NiCd.
I don't like to switch on my Tx when it's connected to the charger. It interrupts the charge process and specially at the end of the charge can make the charger false peak.
I have a Graupner 4-16 cell charger that charges up to 3A. It's a very simple and cheap charger that does it's thing well. Best of all is that it has a 12V and a mains connection.

I'm not a hard core gamer, so when the battery is gone I'll quit playing.

I don't have the link cable yet, but if it works well, I'll report on it here and on the Flight School.

Bert