I built/tried to build the TX interface for FMS from http://net-express.com/nexus/fmsinterface.html I plugged it into the computer and nada. After pulling it apart I found that there was no current able to pass through one side of the transistor and a lot of resistance on the other side. Did the transistor melt when I soldered it or it the transistor up side down? The side that won't pass current is connected to pin 10 on the parallel port connector.

mmmkay,maybe i can help if you try to make more sense

What's unclear?

Which brand of Tx do you have?

OG.

Futaba 6XAS

I found another reference to the same thing:
http://www.tmac.asn.au/images/FMS/futaba.jpg

I noticed that there is another resistor in the above link.
Also, make sure the connectivity to the Tx is correct according to the above picture.

Good luck,
OG.

A nice test to check to see if your Homemade is working is to: use Hyperterminal within your Windows OS

1. Click Start=>Programs=>Accessories=>Communications=>Hype rterminal
2. Type in a name like Test and click OK 3. Where it says Connect Using switch to com1 (make sure your cable is connected to com1) and click OK.
4. Put settings at:
Bits per Second : 9600
Data Bits : 8
Parity : None
Stop Bits: 1
Flow Control: None
5. Plug your cable into the controller and turn it off .
6. Click OK.

Now when you turn on your controller, ASCII code should start streaming down the screen, and when you move around the controls, it should change a bit. When you turn off your controller, the stream of characters should stop. The guy I purchased my cable from recommended me to do this, and works pretty well. It's just an easy way to test JUST the cable.......Good Luck!

The Hyperterminal idea works only for the Serial cable (AFAIK) while the original question refers to the Parallel cable.

That's a nice and practical idea though,
OG.

Hmmm overlooked the part where he said he was creating the parallel one.

OldGuru, what I built looks the same as your picture, except for the second resistor. Do you know which side connects to which pin? And should I be able to get a current to pass through the transistor? Thanks for your help. Ed

Do you refer to the additional resistor? If you do, there in no meaning to a side here. Anyway you add the resistor should work the same.


I believe that you should. It may be pretty small though.

Also, please take a look at the troubleshooting section in the following link, it may not be the cable itself but some others settings on you computer (not only FMS settings):
http://www.tmac.asn.au/fms_free_flight_simulator.htm

Hope that helps,
OG.

Thanks for the help. I'll give it a shot.