I'm looking for an inexpensive (ok, cheap) way to use my Futaba 6YG radio with FMS. Everything I've come across is about $40. However, on ebay there are some dealers in Hong Kong selling cables that look like they work for only about $10 shipped. [link=http://cgi.ebay.com/Flight-Simulator-Helicopter-RC-Controller-USB-FMS-Cable_W0QQitemZ220123660319QQihZ012QQcategoryZ3405 4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]Here is one example[/link]

Will that work? Thanks in advance. I tried searching and reading but just got more confused so I'm sorry if this has been answered before.

One more question. Would I be ahead to just get the ESKY radio/software kit for about $30 and not have to mess with using my "real" radio? [link=http://cgi.ebay.com/ESKY-RC-Flight-Simulator-Airplane-Helicopter-PC-SIM-kit_W0QQitemZ180132852139QQihZ008QQcategoryZ19164Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]Here is a link to the ESKY combo[/link]

The cable will work fine with [link=http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html]FMS[/link] and [link=http://rcflightsim.com]ClearView[/link]. You can get the E-Sky unit form [link=http://www.raidentech.com/e4chflsitrki.html]here[/link] for $20. It is very practical solution, does not require bateries and works well.

Thanks for the reply. I have ordered the ESKY kit. I am just returning to the hobby after about a 5-year absence. I started a family awhile ago and now my oldest son is getting interested so I figured a simulator would be fun and educational for him until he is mature enough to fly the real things. Of course my skills could probably use some polishing up as well

the only bad thing about the E sky and FMS is that it only uses 4 channels. Even if you get a usb cable, the only thing extra you can use from your 6 channel tx is the dual rates. The E-sky radio unit is only 4 hannel. As I had posted in an earlier thread, I have tried FMS, Clearview, pre-Flight, FS1 and RealFlight, and for what it's worth, all a sim will teach you is basic control. The sim assumes perfectly tuned engines, perfect control throws, perfect weight, perfect CG etc. If you're comfortable with a 4 channel radio, then get the E-Sky unit. But, if you like dual rates, get the ccable and download FMS or Pre Flight. Anything more than that is just the game and graphics.

So Raidentech's E-sky is workable. 10 years ago I used a simulator in a LHS for a few weeks to get going and was fine. Now I am starting the Helicopter area. Don't feel like shelling out $300 for a few weeks use. I already oredered it but was curious.