Design of the USB-Interface:
Wiring Diagram:
The hand wired prototype can already be inserted in a 50x30mm housing,
with 25cm cable connector to USB.
This is how it looks:
Description:
Together with your radio the interface works as a joystick with 6 channels and 6 buttons. It can be used for the following programs (of course you have to buy these programs officially):
-Aerofly V1.2
-Aerofly pro (original AFP Dongle needed)
-FMS 2.0
-Piccofly
-Easyfly
-Microsoft Flight Simulator
-Realflight G2
The processor PIC16c745 translates the PPM signal from your radio into a HID compatible USB signal of the “joystick” type. The interface needs a HID driver that is normally provided by Windows (Win98 or higher, except WinNT).
The first seven channels from your radio are allocated to the axis. The first button of a 4-8 channel radio switches by a full modulation of the 3rd channel. From the 5th channel on they are allocated to the other buttons.
On some radios with less than 7 channel the not allocated axis are fed with the inverted signal of the first channels.
The processor does digitize the channel information in 256 steps.
Modification or self build of a “USB Gamebird”:
Also without a radio the chip can be used to build a complete control interface. There RB4 is connected to GND, like mentioned in the wiring diagram.
The 4 potentiometers of the sticks, a slider and up to 4 switches or buttons can be used.
Installation of the adapter:
1. Under Windows
Windows will detect the adapter as a new device “RC-Joystick USB Interface”
It will start with installing the HID-driver. During this it can happen that you are asked for the Windows CD. If everything has worked fine, you will find a new Joystick “RC-J” in the System Panel.
Depending on the HID-driver you will then have a joystick with 6 or 7 axis and 6 buttons. In case that no “RC-J” is detected it has to be installed manually by adding a HID-Joystick.
The LED at the interface will be lighted as soon it is detected by the operating system. If your radio is connected correctly it starts flashing.
2. Calibration:
It is not necessary and not recommended to calibrate the axis of a joystick driver. If all sticks are on centre position the modulation is normally also in middle position. I would recommend to keep the Windows standard calibration and to use the calibration of your application instead. Set your radio to 100% amplitude.
Purchase:
The programmed PIC16c745 (28SO housing) can be purchased from me.
PIC16c745 1pcs. 15EUR
Complete Interface (incl. cable and connector)
RC-USB 1pcs. 47,50 EUR
+ 2,50 EUR shipping (inside Germany) or 4 EUR (outside Germany)
Orders from outside Germany only by pre-payment.
With your purchase please send the following information:
-Shipping address
-Payment method
-Connector type of your radio (3.5mm Jack, 180-Din etc.), not the manufacturer or radio type.
Please purchase by sending an email to:
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ATTENTION:
PIC16c745 is a MOS-component. This means, this component can be damaged by static discharge.
PIC16c745 are non returnable.
There is no warranty in case of damages caused by the use of this Intrface !!
