1. Is the interface cable compatible to RealFlight (G2)?
A. No, at this time the Parallel, PIC-Serial, and USB versions are FMS only. We are working on a Gameport version that would be compatible to any software that uses a joystick; including G2.

2. When do you ship? And when should I expect arrival?
A. We ship every business day (Monday to Friday) via USPS (Global) Priority Mail. If payment is cleared by 10am PST, the item is usually shipped the same day. Transit time is typically 2~3 days (upto 5) for US addresses; 3~5 days for most overseas locations (up to 10). However, mail delivery can sometimes be a bit unpredictable.

3. What's the bare minimum PC for running FMS?
A. Although the published minimum is a PII 300 MHz, we recommend a 500 MHz+ system, with a decent, DirectX compatible 3D graphics card (vitually all cards are). We've found that the nVidia GeForce (cheap) is an excellent buy. Please note that the graphics card is more important than the speed of the CPU!

4. What's the advantage of USB over the PIC-Serial?
A. Functionally the two are equivalent (FMS sees no difference). Some newer laptops do not have serial ports, and USB ports tend to have much less conflict. All this at a cost, however. Note: the latest USB can provide power to the Futaba FM (and compatibles) transmitter.

5. The package comes with the main FMS program or just the additional aircrafts?
A. The CD in the package comes with the latest version of FMS and the additional aircrafts, as well as the latest versions of DirectX drivers for your operating system.

6. How does FMS compares to RealFlight?
A. Lenthy answer here:

FMS is much cheaper because it is FREEWARE, being support by aircraft designers around the world. The cost involved is for the interface cable. The software itself is being discussed to be "open source" for which developers around the world could contribute to its functionality (not just aircrafts). Michael Moeller (FMS's programmer) will retain the copyright.

As for the comparison between FMS vs. Great Planes' RealFlight. I must say that RealFlight is more realistic on screen due to its "photo-realistic" graphics; and Realflight also pays more attention to minute aerodynamics details. The drawback of Realflight is its limited number of aircrafts and it's more picky on PC hardware in terms of compatibility. FMS on the other hand is excellent in its 3D rendering and the response of the models is very close to realistic. FMS also has the support of many aircraft designers around the world. FMS is more than adequate to develop your stick reflexes. Of course, FMS is freeware.

This is just a personal gauge, I would say FMS is above 90% in terms of plane response. FMS does not implement the full set of complex aerodynamics calculations, so some small subtleties are left out for the sake of performance (PC calculations).

About the hardest thing for a beginner is when the plane turns around and flies toward you (left-right is now reversed). You will crash many times before this "stick reflex" is learned, this is where a simulator is invaluable.
 

7. I cannot get my parallel cable to calibrate under Windows 2000/XP, what's wrong?
A. The parallel cable is Windows 95/98/ME only. You will need either the PIC-Serial or USB version to run under Windows 2000 or XP.

8. I need support using the interface, do you have phone support?
A. Yes! However the initial support contact is usually via email. If you're still stuck, the phone support number will be given.

9. What is the most frequent support issue?
A. Transmitter does not have batteries. This is usually because some buddy box (such as Futaba) does not require batteries (gets power from master box) so the user is accustomed to running the training mode without batteries. Note: The latest version of the Futaba FM USB cable will provide power to the transmitter.

10. I've read that I should extend the antenna whenever the radio is in operation or the RF module will "cook n burn", is this true?
A. This is an on going debate for many RCers. "In my opinion", it is technically true that any RF generator will need a load to dissipate power being generated. But in the case of RC, the energy level is too low to do much of anything (other than drastically reduce your range when antenna is removed). Further more, for most popular cables, the RF module is disabled (by the cable) when connected. It is recommended for you to remove the Tx crystal if possible while simulating. This should also disable the RF module and save some batteries as well.

11.Windows XP is not recognizing my USB FMS Interface ?
For very new BIOS revision, you may need to enable (or disable) "Legacy USB support".

12.Where can I get the latest drivers for my FMS Interface ?
Always check our download page which is always up to date with the latest software fixes.

13.Windows XP still does not recognize my USB FMS Interface ?
We've seen this problem when the USB cable is plugged into a long-wire external USB hub instead of the a USB port on the PC; also on some very old BIOS, plug-N-play may not recognize the device until repeated plug-unplug. (I suspect some current rating issue).

1. From the device manager, right mouse click on the device and [uninstall] it. Then unplug, plug the FMS USB on a DIFFERENT USB port if available - preferably one on the PC. Look for plug-N-play to recognize as [USB <-> Serial] then follow up with driver installation

2. From the device manager, right mouse click on the device and [uninstall] it. Then a power off.
Some users has successfully installed the drivers "manually".

14.My USB display an Unknown device ?
On some fast computers/bios if you plug in the USB cord too quickly, the built-in firmware may not have enough time to "wake up" and answer plug-N-play so the "unknown device” is displayed
 The USB connector is designed so that the power connectors will always engage first before the signals so it wake up the circuitry. Then when the signal pins are engaged, the circuitries are ready to go. To work around this, squarely position the connector before plugging in and plug it in at a "relaxed" pace.

 Products > Training > FMS > FAQs