Simulator interface cable
08-13-2003, 01:14 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Apopka,
FL
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Simulator interface cable
Of the following, what is the best way to connect with PC?
Serial, Parallel, USB or Game Port.
Does it make much difference?
Serial, Parallel, USB or Game Port.
Does it make much difference?
08-13-2003, 02:34 PM
#2
Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: VanderbijlparkGauteng, SOUTH AFRICA
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Simulator interface cable
This is not as easy to answer. It depends on the following:
- Operating System used.
- Simulator software used.
- Available money.
If you only want to use it on a specific simulator, for instance FMS, you can go for almost any type of interface. However, simple serial or parallel interface is limited to Win95/98.
If you want to go for the serial PIC type interface, it will work on all operating systems, but you will be limited to FMS.
The joystick option is cost more, but you are not limited to a specific simulator. However, with the new trend in PC's, as well as notebooks, the joystick port may not be available.
The next best thing is the USB interface, which will work on all operating systems that support USB. It will not work on Win95/NT/DOS.
As you see, you will have to decide on what simulators/operating systems you want to use it.
- Operating System used.
- Simulator software used.
- Available money.
If you only want to use it on a specific simulator, for instance FMS, you can go for almost any type of interface. However, simple serial or parallel interface is limited to Win95/98.
If you want to go for the serial PIC type interface, it will work on all operating systems, but you will be limited to FMS.
The joystick option is cost more, but you are not limited to a specific simulator. However, with the new trend in PC's, as well as notebooks, the joystick port may not be available.
The next best thing is the USB interface, which will work on all operating systems that support USB. It will not work on Win95/NT/DOS.
As you see, you will have to decide on what simulators/operating systems you want to use it.
08-13-2003, 02:54 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Apopka,
FL
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Simulator interface cable
To Eric,
Thanks for the reply from so far away. I found one source (simblaster) that offers a USB converter to work with interface cable and FMS simulator @ $65. Aerofly offers a Serial interface @ $140. And Real Flight has the controller with USB and/or interface to own TX. I don't know if it will work with my JR PCM/PPM selectable TX.
I am now using Windows ME and changing over to XP. Parallel port is used with one of the printers.
Thanks for the reply from so far away. I found one source (simblaster) that offers a USB converter to work with interface cable and FMS simulator @ $65. Aerofly offers a Serial interface @ $140. And Real Flight has the controller with USB and/or interface to own TX. I don't know if it will work with my JR PCM/PPM selectable TX.
I am now using Windows ME and changing over to XP. Parallel port is used with one of the printers.
08-13-2003, 04:52 PM
#4
My Feedback: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Simulator interface cable
entree18,
Besides the type of PC connection (USB, game port, etc.), different interfaces offer different features: sim compatibility, number of channels supported, etc.
Example: there are several USB interfaces on the market. One of them, so called FMS PIC interface, is just a serial interface with embedded serial-to-USB convertor. This interface will only work with FMS and isn't compatible with any other sim.
The second group of USB interfaces consists of universal interfaces (i.e., compatible with majority of sims, not just FMS), which convert first 4 transmitter channels into 4 proportional joystick axes; the rest of TX channels are converted into joystick "buttons".
Threre're also USB interfaces, which, in addition to being universal, offer more than 4 proportional channels. For example, MileHighWings interface can convert up to 7 channels into proportional axes, while the 8th channel is converted into a button (this interface can also be switched to "4 proportional + 4 discrete" mode).
> ...offers a USB converter to work with interface
> cable and FMS simulator @ $65.
You can get a better deal at www.milehighwings.com
For $50, you'll get a universal USB interface, which supports up to 7 proportional and 1 discrete channel.
I hope this helps
Besides the type of PC connection (USB, game port, etc.), different interfaces offer different features: sim compatibility, number of channels supported, etc.
Example: there are several USB interfaces on the market. One of them, so called FMS PIC interface, is just a serial interface with embedded serial-to-USB convertor. This interface will only work with FMS and isn't compatible with any other sim.
The second group of USB interfaces consists of universal interfaces (i.e., compatible with majority of sims, not just FMS), which convert first 4 transmitter channels into 4 proportional joystick axes; the rest of TX channels are converted into joystick "buttons".
Threre're also USB interfaces, which, in addition to being universal, offer more than 4 proportional channels. For example, MileHighWings interface can convert up to 7 channels into proportional axes, while the 8th channel is converted into a button (this interface can also be switched to "4 proportional + 4 discrete" mode).
> ...offers a USB converter to work with interface
> cable and FMS simulator @ $65.
You can get a better deal at www.milehighwings.com
For $50, you'll get a universal USB interface, which supports up to 7 proportional and 1 discrete channel.
I hope this helps
08-13-2003, 08:52 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Kitscoty,
AB, CANADA
Posts: 708
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Simulator interface cable
I just ordered mine from here
http://www.netpackx.com/html/fms_interfaces.html
Get the USB, it will do you the best in the long run. The other interfaces are old as dirt and being used less and less.
http://www.netpackx.com/html/fms_interfaces.html
Get the USB, it will do you the best in the long run. The other interfaces are old as dirt and being used less and less.
08-17-2003, 05:07 PM
#9
My Feedback: (5)
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Westminster,
CA
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Simulator interface cable
At Milehighwings ... they offer both the USB and an interface that plugs into the joystick port. Whats the benefits/limitations of either. Which is best? The price is certainly different.
Thanks,
Chuck
Thanks,
Chuck
08-17-2003, 06:42 PM
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Apopka,
FL
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Simulator interface cable
Chuck
Here's the answer I got from milehighwings.
Both, game port and USB, versions will work with your TX and computers (assuming that your PCs have game ports).
The main difference between our USB and joystick interfaces is in the number of proportional channels: USB gives up to 7 proportional channels, while game port interface is limited to only 4 proportional and up to 4 discrete channels (which is the limitation of the game port itself).
Tom Albers
Here's the answer I got from milehighwings.
Both, game port and USB, versions will work with your TX and computers (assuming that your PCs have game ports).
The main difference between our USB and joystick interfaces is in the number of proportional channels: USB gives up to 7 proportional channels, while game port interface is limited to only 4 proportional and up to 4 discrete channels (which is the limitation of the game port itself).
Tom Albers
