I have downloaded FMS and made my own cable for about $6. Three resistors and a transistor -- no big deal. That cable WON'T work on 2k or XP though -- you need USB or a serial PIC controller -- there's info all over the web about it. You have to be careful with the models you download, however -- I have not flown a real RC heli yet, but I know that there is NO WAY some of those models are realistic. I found a Shuttle RG model that acts to me like a real RC model would act (I guess!).
Anyway -- I stopped by the LHS and looked at realflight for a couple of secs and it seems more refined and I know it has a lot of options like adjustable wind. I just can't seem to find anyone that can tell me if FMS is even CLOSE to realistic. I know some of you heli pilots out there have used it -- let's get some feed back. Thanks!