Superstar40, yes you can use your Futaba 4VF transmitter with the Ripmax simulator or FMS. The 4VF has a standard trainer connector (on the back of the transmitter).

I have not used Ripmax but you can download a demo here - http://www.rcsimulator.com. This way you can check to see if your PC (or video graphics card mostly) has enough horsepower. Most simulators (even FMS) require a decent video card to run well. If your video card is a few generations old, the graphics will not be that smooth.

The full version of Ripmax comes with a cable that plugs into the trainer port on your 4FV and connects to joystick port on your PC. After looking at the Ripmax web site, I must admit it looks better than FMS. You would probably like it better than FMS.

That being said, FMS is pretty good and the price is right - you will have to buy or make a cable to connect your controller to your PC (about $20.00).

Good Luck,
Moses