Tom's RC Simulator - FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

A. The Parallel port version is FMS only. The PIC-Serial, and USB versions are compatible with G2 via the PICjoy joystick emulator software. The Gameport version would be compatible to any software that uses a joystick; including G2.
Note: You will need the G2 version that supports joystick input, not the interlink version.

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 the nVidia GeForce2 (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. What do you (Tom) Fly?

A. I fly gliders and some electric. The only wet fuel exposure I've had is a control line back in the 70's (long time ago, galaxy far far away). My latest building project is a vintage glider kit from Bridi Aircraft - the EZ-2 (100" standard class). Have a look here.

7. How does FMS compares to RealFlight?

A. Lenthy answer here from Tom:

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 now is reversed). You will crash many times before this "stick reflex" is learned, this is where a simulator is invaluable.

8. What makes you different from "brand X" ?

A. This one came from a few eBay customers. We've noticed that many RCers are not versed with the often unfriendly PC, so setting things up on the PC can be quite challenging. This is where we came up with the saying "all sales are NOT final". We will do our best to set you up with the simulator.

Also it seems other eBay sellers (not all) are purposely ignoring support and customer satisfaction. We don't want to provide something that you can't use! These are the things to watch out for:

Inflated shipping charges

non-Windows 2000/XP support (failure to state)

Negative campaigning, false advertising (Tom hates this one)
(the infamous) All Sales are Final...

Competition is good, but bad salesmanship is just bad business. How enronic?

9.Can I use a BuddyBox with the interface cable?

A. Previously BuddyBoxes need to have the batteries installed before using with the simulator. The recently released "BuddyBox Editions" will allow attachment of an AC Adapter to the interface cable housing, thus providing power to the buddybox in the same way as an instructor radio. You can fly until your thumbs fall off...

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Other aircraft are flying fine, my Helicopter just sit there.

A. Just copy the channel assignment for Rudder, Elevator, Aileron, Throttle to Tail, Nick, Roll, Pitch respectively. See this section.

6. I got the Transmitter + Cable combo with AC adapter, and the simulator is not running.

A. The AC adapter connects to the cable housing or cable circuit box, NOT the transmitter. See this section.