Liftoff Futaba USB Interface – Success (Updated) 18SZ, 14SG, 6K, 6J,

[dragonfly]

After weeks of systematically working my way through various combinations, I have a USB interface configuration for some Futaba systems using a Windows 7 PC.

This interface has been tested and is working (As at 04MAR) for,
Futaba 18SZ
Futaba 14SG
Futaba 6K
Futaba 6J

My gut feeling is that the earlier Futaba systems that utilise the square trainer port plug of about the same design vintage as the 14SG & 6J will work with this interface without significant change in set-up. The latest Futaba systems (18SZ & 6K as at MAR 2016) will require additional set-up of the trainer port to operate as a game controller in Windows PC.

USB Hardware – All-in-One, driver software switchable device. Windows 7 reports this device as “SAILI Simulator”

Driver software – FeiYing Simulator SimSwitcher X In 1 V2 software package utilising the RealFlight G6.0 + G6.5 driver selection.

Windows 7 reports the Game Controller as “FeiYing Simulator – G4.5+G5+G5.5+G6 Controller”.

Using a Futaba 18SZ, 14SG and 6J, the Game Controller Settings and Test functions operate normally within Windows 7.

For Futaba 18SZ - You'll need to configure the Trainer Port function;
Linkage menu > Trainer
ACT/INH - ACT
Teacher/Student - Student
Channel mode - 8 Ch

Both stereo and mono adapter cables appear to work with the Futaba trainer port, however caution is required here. A correctly wired adapter when installed turns the Futaba 18SZ and 14SG on. The Futaba 14SG indicates “DSC/Trainer cable is connected” and shows Trainer Function icon on the main display. The Futaba 6K & 6J requires the transmitter to be switched ON.

With the USB interface connected to the PC the LED indicator (BLUE) is continuously illuminated. With the Futaba TX connected and functioning with the interface, the LED flashes 1/sec. If you get this far, your trasmitter/interface system will calibrate/test as a game controller in Windows 7. Do this to confirm a functioning interface.

At this point launch the Liftoff software.

Perform a controls assignment only OPTIONS > CONTROLS > JOYSTICK SETUP > ASSIGN.

During assignment, adjust the Zero Point for the THROTTLE to ensure correct ARM functioning within the simulation.

When assignment completed, SAVE & EXIT.

The software development of the simulation presently requires control assignment each time the Liftoff software is launched; i.e. the Joystick settings are not saved.

You’re good to race!

Let’s build on this information. Please add what you know.

Dragonfly

[dragonfly]

Whilst I'm pleased to have a solution, when you look at it, it's not particularly neat or straight-forward.

There's got to be a better way; share what you know.

Dragonfly

[LuGus Studios]

Thanks a lot for these efforts dragonfly. We are also doing efforts to improve the calibration tool as we speak. We hope to improve the situation in the coming weeks.

[dragonfly]

Updated 04MAR to now include Futaba 18SZ.

Dragonfly

[dragonfly]

Updated 05MAR to now include Futaba 6K.

Dragonfly

[LuGus Studios]

You might want to add this to the user guides :)

http://steamcommunity.com/app/410340/guides/

[prwatson]

Very pleased to see Futaba Radios will work with Liftoff... i am hoping my 10C will connect and will let you know accordingly, just waiting on the Trainer Port cable arriving....

Bob W

Originally posted by dragonfly:

After weeks of systematically working my way through various combinations, I have a USB interface configuration for some Futaba systems using a Windows 7 PC.

This interface has been tested and is working (As at 04MAR) for,
Futaba 18SZ
Futaba 14SG
Futaba 6K
Futaba 6J

My gut feeling is that the earlier Futaba systems that utilise the square trainer port plug of about the same design vintage as the 14SG & 6J will work with this interface without significant change in set-up. The latest Futaba systems (18SZ & 6K as at MAR 2016) will require additional set-up of the trainer port to operate as a game controller in Windows PC.

USB Hardware – All-in-One, driver software switchable device. Windows 7 reports this device as “SAILI Simulator”

Driver software – FeiYing Simulator SimSwitcher X In 1 V2 software package utilising the RealFlight G6.0 + G6.5 driver selection.

Windows 7 reports the Game Controller as “FeiYing Simulator – G4.5+G5+G5.5+G6 Controller”.

Using a Futaba 18SZ, 14SG and 6J, the Game Controller Settings and Test functions operate normally within Windows 7.

For Futaba 18SZ - You'll need to configure the Trainer Port function;
Linkage menu > Trainer
ACT/INH - ACT
Teacher/Student - Student
Channel mode - 8 Ch

Both stereo and mono adapter cables appear to work with the Futaba trainer port, however caution is required here. A correctly wired adapter when installed turns the Futaba 18SZ and 14SG on. The Futaba 14SG indicates “DSC/Trainer cable is connected” and shows Trainer Function icon on the main display. The Futaba 6K & 6J requires the transmitter to be switched ON.

With the USB interface connected to the PC the LED indicator (BLUE) is continuously illuminated. With the Futaba TX connected and functioning with the interface, the LED flashes 1/sec. If you get this far, your trasmitter/interface system will calibrate/test as a game controller in Windows 7. Do this to confirm a functioning interface.

At this point launch the Liftoff software.

Perform a controls assignment only OPTIONS > CONTROLS > JOYSTICK SETUP > ASSIGN.

During assignment, adjust the Zero Point for the THROTTLE to ensure correct ARM functioning within the simulation.

When assignment completed, SAVE & EXIT.

The software development of the simulation presently requires control assignment each time the Liftoff software is launched; i.e. the Joystick settings are not saved.

You’re good to race!

Let’s build on this information. Please add what you know.

Dragonfly

[FRY FPV]

Here the video with all the step by step process you need to go through to connect your Futaba on any simulator installed via Steam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHelSfo1FWE

I hope you find this helpful

[LuGus Studios]

Thank you for sharing, we really appreciate it!