I got this FMS thing, and I am new to flying. I dont want to spend the 200 bucks on the realflight. IS there a way I can use a controller with this. what all do I need? what cheap radio do you recomend. please help.

The help files that come with FMS or their home page give details of wiring up controllers.

To my mind the easiest answer is simply to get the USB-JSIM from www.rc-electronics.co.uk as it works on all PCs with all versions of Windows (unless you have very early Win95 still?)

Cliff

Rather than ordering an interface in the UK for $42, you can buy one in the US for $25 + $5 Priority Mail shipping (will reach you in 2 or 3 days):
http://www.milehighwings.com/joystick.htm

It works in all Windows versions, including XP and 2000, and with most simulators supporting joystick input.

but what about a cheap radio to use.

Regarding the radio.

Which radio to pick depends on:
1) How much $ you are willing/able to spend on it.
2) How serious you are about getting into this hobby, i.e. what are your future plans.

It's easy to say what NOT to buy: don't buy any 3-channel crap like Hitec Neon or similar Futaba TXs. Don't buy anything less than 4-channel FM transmitter.

With some luck, you can get JR Quattro transmitter (without receiver or servos) for $30...40. I bought one several moths ago for $35, soldered my own battery out of surplus Ni-Cad AA cells (read SPAD forum regarding the sources of free cells). IMHO, the quality of entry-level JR transmitters is much higher than the quality of similar Futaba Skysport 4 or Hitec TXs.
Can't say anything about the new GWS Dream Starter radio, Quiet Flyer gave a quite positive review of this setup.

If you want to get a 6-channel computer radios (which are WAY better than any non-computer ones), you may want to think of getting a used JR 652 or Futaba 6XAs or 7UAF (or 7UAP) or similar Hitec gear.

If some serious $ is burning your pocket, you may even buy Futaba 9CAP transmitter--many vendors, like Tower or ServoCity, sell transmitter alone. You can then buy receiver and suitable servos later, which both give you better selection and distributes expenses over longer time.


Hope this helps,
Boris

I dont want to spend that much money. I wont beable to get a plnae for about a year anyway, so I just want something to get me used to the basic controls. Im getting pretty good with the keybord, but will that help me learn to fly at all?

Dan,

If you can find one, the older Realflight controllers with gameport interface work great with FMS. I've also used a Dave Brown interface as well with good luck. Keep your eyes peeled in the Swap Shop and you can usually pick up these interfaces for around $25.

Dave

Better yet, go to your local R/C auction (usually, hobby shops salespeople know such events in the area) and buy an old transmitter there.
Recently (it was the first auction I went to), I bought a nice working Futaba FG-series transmitter for $8. I just had to replacing the battery, everything else works fine!

Buying a transmitter is better than buying a "controller", which is merely a 4-axes joystick. You can use transmitter to both fly a plane and control a sim, while joystick can only be used with a computer simulator.

Just my 2 cents...

all I am looking for is one for a sim. I dont need anything for a plane because I dont have one

Yes, but a cheap airplane radio controller with battery and charger will handle the sim exactly as a plane when you get it, so you are practicing what you will be doing. Probably just as cheap as any other controller.
Get a Hitec focus 4 for 20-25 and a cable for 15-25 and away you go.

Works great in FMS and works just like a four channel transmitter. Plugs into the joystick port, requires no special drivers. Also uses no batteries.