Ok, so I just got a [link=http://www.parkflyers.com/html/body_cessna_182.html]Parkflyers Cessna 182 4-Channel plane[/link] and I got the transmitter to talk to FMS (Flight Model Simulator) perfectly on my Windows XP SP2 computer. Here's what you need to do:
[ol][*]Download and install the free FMS software. I got it to work with both the [link=http://www.n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/alpha/fms2alpha85.exe]Alpha 8.5[/link] and [link=http://www.n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/beta/fmsdisk01.exe]Beta 7[/link], but I imagine the Beta 7 version is more stable.[*]Download the free [link=http://www.geocities.com/rizkyssetio/FMS/cessna.zip]Cessna 182 model[/link]. Extract the entire contents of the .zip file into the "Models" folder under your FMS Directory, i.e. "C:/Program Files/FMS/Models/".[*]Download the free [link=http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/alpha/spropo.zip]SmartPropo[/link] to allow FMS to listen to your transmitter via the audio card. Extract only the winmm.dll file in the /ppm folder and put it in the FMS root folder, i.e. "C:/Program Files/FMS/".[*]Buy this [link=http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT LG%5F007%5F002%5F003%5F007&product%5Fid=42%2D2420]cable[/link] at your local Radio Shack to connect your 4-Channel Parkflyers transmitter to your computer via the "Line In" audio jack. It is a regular mono 1/8" audio jack on both sides.[*]Connect the transmitter to your computer, turn it on, and open your computer's Volume Control utility. Go to Recording Mode and select "Line In", and gradually increase the volume...I keep mine on max. You should be able to hear a buzz sound coming from your transmitter. Then go to Playback Mode and mute the Line In so that it doesn't drive you crazy.[*]Start the FMS software! Go to Controls > Analog Control, select "Joystick Interface", click "Resources". For "Joystick 1" you should see the active SmartPropo setup. Click "OK" and then go to "Mapping/Calibration" for the "Joystick Interface". The click "Calibrate" and start moving the control sticks around. If you get a sloppy signal, i.e. the bars are jumping up and down sporadically, you may need to increase the volume on your "Line In" jack via Windows Volume Control. Like I said, I keep mine on Max and it works perfectly. Put the right Channel Number for each control and start using the program! You may need to go back and check the "Inv" box if a particular control is responding backwards.
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Some more info:
[ul][*]You can only connect the 4-Channel Parkflyers transmitter to your computer. The 3-Channel version does not have the right jack.[*]I've heard that [link=http://www.f3x.za.org/youth/smartpropo.php]SmartPropo[/link] might stop your FMS from even starting. This is due to your computer's sound card and not much can be done. Just delete the winnm.dll file you installed and it should work again.[*]You can also connect the transmitter to your computer's "Microphone In" jack. However, you may need to play with your Volume Control settings so that a decent signal gets in.[*]There are tons of other models all over the Internet that people have created, from airliners to X-wings. You can [link=http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=FMS+model+downloads&btnG=Google+Sea rch]search Google[/link] or use this cool [link=http://www.tti-us.com/sim/dlmgr.html]Auto Downloader[/link] to save time.
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Some tips to strengthen the plane before you fly:
[ul][*]Wrap the entire fuselage and wings in clear packing tape[*]Put a strip of strapping tape or clear duct tape along the front edge of the wings[*]Put in a small stick (carbon or wood) under the rear vertical stabilizer
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Hope this helps! Good luck!