I am a beginner and presently scratch building a Spitefull(Spitfire) and I would like to practice on my PC using FMS but I haven't purchased my radio as of yet. Is there a device that can be built inexpensively to simulate an RC radio to connect to my PC or perhaps an inexpensive device that can be purchased?

Now all of you are probably gonna say "a Spitfire for his first plane"? Actually I do have a FirebirdXL and I did start building the Spit prematurely(didn't research skill level for flying) Didn't realize this thing could be flying at 60 miles/h plus!

I do plan on building a trainer and learning on that but I would like to at least get the shell built on the Spit finished. I am really enjoying this experience scratch building and I am learning alot as I go from newsgroups as well as chat groups. Can someone recommend a place to download free plans for a trainer that I can scratch build?

Thanks, Chuck

Logitech RamblePad has two sticks on it (4-axis analog joystick). I bought mine off eBay refurbished for $10 + sh.
The only problem with it is that throttle stick is also centered (i.e., it returnes to the center instead of staying where you leave it).
Works fine with all sims, including FMS.

Another option is to find a broken TX and convert it into 4-axis analog joystick. There're plenty of places on the Net, where this conversion is described.

Hope this helps,
Boris

Thaks for the quick response Boris I will check out the controller at a local computer store.

Thanks again,

Chuck

I would like to try that as well, let me know how it works. I have two boys 5 and 6 who want learn to fly, but I always shudder when they are using my TX with Realflight. I think the logitech controller is better designed for that purpose and FMS looks Good.

I have been using it for a couple of days now and it works great! Thanks Boris.

I have about 80 models to fly with FMS and the controller works great for both airplanes and helis.

Chuck

A joystick or game controller will not give you the same feel as a transmitter. It is a totally different experience. You can convert an old transmitter or a buddy box to a controller that will work with almost any flight simulator. There is a complete article on my web page.