A frustrating technical issue on the computer with the flight simulator.

[John Shepherd 1]

Hi to you all out there. I am totally new to RC Airplanes and I have having a problem.I am not totally PC competant but generally do not struggle,but this one has got me wanting to cut my head off,not just scratch it.

I am aware that the disc is not without problems and especially when running Windows 7 or Vista. I am running Windows 7 with FireFox as my default browser.

I contacted the chap that sold the RC Model Spitfire to my other half,it was a surprised Christmas box,literally. He helped me with the setting up and initial adjustments of the controls and explained what to do about the file that was not loading.

I have Uninstalled the previous attemps and reloaded the disc.

I then went into the part of the programme that had the d3drmll file and copied it over into the simulator file onto a black part of the page.

I then went back into the simulator file and attempted to get it running,only to have the notice come up :- d3drm.dll is not loaded.

Can anyone help me please?

I am based in Ellington,Northumberland and if there is anyone nearby that can help me sort this out there is a very very warm welcome,tea/coffee and loads of chocolate biscuits and reimbursement for fuel and time if required.

[Ben B]

D3drm.dll is part of the Microsoft DirectX graphics package. Try manually installing DirectX before installing the flight simulator

Some instructions for installing the latest DirectX package can be found here **LINK**

[John Shepherd 1]

Hi Ben. Thank you for your prompt response. I was of the understanding that I already had the d3drm.dll file on the PC as part of my Google Earth programme,it is on my Desktop as a shortcut.

I have looked into the link that you provided,I will act upon it if I indeed do not have it already on my PC. also appears to have the ability to update an existing DirectX that have been included under certain circumstances.

[Colin Bernard]

John - you dont say which flight sim you are using but I guess it may be FMS. As Ben says, it is your DirectX install that is the problem and there is a link reporting a fix for exactly this problem and FMS here

[John Shepherd 1]

Posted by Colin Bernard on 06/01/2013 00:35:18:

John - you dont say which flight sim you are using but I guess it may be FMS. As Ben says, it is your DirectX install that is the problem and there is a link reporting a fix for exactly this problem and FMS here

Hi Colin. Yes,I have a FMS 2.0 Alpha 8.3 It is part of the Art-Tech Spitfire kit and is an E-Fly 2.4Ghz DSSS unit.

I am already aware of the link that you provided but was a little reluctant to enter into something that I am not completely 'Techno-Savvy' with.

I have also realised that the file whilst being necessary in the successful running of Google Earth is apparently not on the PC and would appear to activate as part of the Google Earth programme when opened up. Is as I believe, DirectX is a stand alone file/programme?

I have located and printed off the link info that Ben provided and it is a genuine Microsoft Download product.,but before installing it I thought that I would see if there was anything that I needed to be aware of first.

[John Cole]

d3drm.dll is from an old DirectX library and was present in XP. It was missed out when they made Vista. FMS is VERY old: V2 Alpha 8.3 is nearly 10 years old. There's lots of chat on this issue on the FMS website, dating from when people tried to run it on Vista.

Do a Google search on d3drm.dll plus FMS and you'll see lots of hits (solutions).

In XP, d3drm.dll goes into C:\Windows\System32

[Colin Bernard]

John S - if you have the link I am not sure what else you are looking for since that has the file you are looking for and the instructions you need.

To explain why google earth works OK you should be aware that programs make calls to .dll files as and when they need them, and look first of all in the program folder, and then in the system folders.

if you read the instructions on that link you will see that you are told to put the file in the FMS folder, so even though FMS will run afterwards ok, a third program that might need it would still not run because it would not be looking in the FMS folder.

Although you could install in the system folders and then only need one copy, as you say you are not techno savvy, so don't worry - just follow the instructions and enjoy!

[John Shepherd 1]

Hi to you all out there and thank you one & all for you help & inputs on this,my intended simulator Maiden Flight and hopefully the courage to try and avoid using Black Bags.

I really do not know why it did not happen earlier because I don't believe I did anything different to what I have previously done.

I have now got my FMS desktop short-cut to open up in the window for flight simulation. The sound works and the airplane is on the runway.

I cannot get the controller/transmitter to control the model on the simulator.

There are no straight forward step by step instructions to enable the FMS to operate.

The one that I have comes with a USB lead that has a pin that goes into the back of the unit and the USB is on the other end. There is a small rectangular unit mid-way along the lead that has an LED on it.

Am I supposed to remove the 8xAA batteries from inside the unit or just connect with the USB and switch it on ?

It appears that I am so near,yet still so far away from taking a simulated flight.

[Colin Bernard]

You will need to configure your system to get it all to work.

Google is your friend here - just search for 'FMS setup' and you will get loads of links. This one gives good instructions here.

[John Cole]

The default is keyboard control. You need to tell FMS that you want to use a Tx as the control. Plug in your Tx and USB connector and turn the Tx on. Don't remove the battery, but you can remove the Xtal if it's a 35 MHz Tx. Then start FMS and click the Controls tab at the top, and then the Analog option. Then select Joystick interface. Choose the one available. Then calibrate, assigning the sticks correctly, and their direction. Should then work OK.

[John Shepherd 1]

Posted by Colin Bernard on 06/01/2013 17:59:53:

John S - if you have the link I am not sure what else you are looking for since that has the file you are looking for and the instructions you need.

To explain why google earth works OK you should be aware that programs make calls to .dll files as and when they need them, and look first of all in the program folder, and then in the system folders.

if you read the instructions on that link you will see that you are told to put the file in the FMS folder, so even though FMS will run afterwards ok, a third program that might need it would still not run because it would not be looking in the FMS folder.

Although you could install in the system folders and then only need one copy, as you say you are not techno savvy, so don't worry - just follow the instructions and enjoy!

Hi Colin. Thank you again but it appears that you posted this input whilst I was away from the PC and I had not noticed it upon returning. I then posted again at 18:42:51 only then to find your earlier input.

I am still not able to give commands to the FMS. from the controller,albeit e appears to be an otherwise ready state for action

My model has been bound & calibrated but not on a PC,it was done by the chap that I went to see the other day, He did it whilst I was in his lounge. My understanding was that it was ready for use whether actual or virtual and all I needed was to complete the FMS installation process after locating the d3drm.dll file.

Do I have to go through the process of swivelling the sticks/controls but not other adjustments such as the channel selection for the individual controls,including a re-bind in order to synchronise the two and be able to send commands to the FMS ?

[Colin Bernard]

John - not sure if I am misunderstanding your last post, but are you talking about binding/calibrating your real model here? If so this has nothing to do with FMS. FMS is just a flight sim that uses your TX as a controller.

You will need to do the stick swivelling but that is standard windows config for a joystick. Nothing to do with the real model and has to be done on the PC running the flight sim.

[crispin church]

try using RC desk pilot its free and works

your tx lead dose the light come on?

with some tx you need batterys in and switched on and yes it will use up your battery so recharge before flying

go to game controlers in control panel check that your connected

[John Shepherd 1]

Posted by Colin Bernard on 06/01/2013 20:08:11:

John - not sure if I am misunderstanding your last post, but are you talking about binding/calibrating your real model here? If so this has nothing to do with FMS. FMS is just a flight sim that uses your TX as a controller.

You will need to do the stick swivelling but that is standard windows config for a joystick. Nothing to do with the real model and has to be done on the PC running the flight sim.

 

 

 

Hi Colin & crispin church.  No, I only mentioned the binding/calibration to put it into perspective as an action/requirement already carried out.

The Flight Simulator was finally fully installed after sorting out the d3drm.dll file but i still cannot get the controller to communicate with the FMS.

I was in the throws of typing another plea when FireFox crashed,I was about to ask was there another way around it and crispin church had provided an answer while the lights were out!!!

I am still a little odds with some of the jargon,what is a tx lead ? mentioned by c c (thank you for your reply).

If it is the one that goes controller to the PC then yes it does and with a tiny red light that flashes until the radio is switched on at the set. It then stays as a solid red light.

The game controller never even entered my head I'm afraid. I don't use or play games normally,I'm an old sod. In my youth,playing games just waisted time !!!,I used an amount of decorum and got stuck-in!!! ??

Is the Desk Pilot still used with my own controller and the set-up for activation the same with the sticks?

 

 

 

Edited By John Shepherd 1 on 06/01/2013 23:25:31

[Lima Hotel Foxtrot]

John, This may not be the answer you want, but...

I went through all this with FMS when I upgraded my Windows XP desktop to a super-whizzy Windows 7 laptop. After messing around with settingd, .dll files and all sorts (there was also something to do with my laptop not having a serial port and so FMS didn't want to work because it needs one. No, I don't understand it either) so in the end I decided to give FMS up as a bad lot. It was just too annoying.

I now use a flight sim called Clearview. You can download the time-limited free sample to have a play with, and can buy it if you want. It is much easier to set up and has a wider range of options within the simulator for flying sites, weather, models and controls.

[John Shepherd 1]

Hi L H Ft. thank you for your reply,until I get the Spitfire into the air after playing around for a while I would prefer the unit that I am eventually going to use.

It might well be that I cannot get the FMS and the controller to be 'Bed Pals' but they have not got long to make up their minds or I will do it for them !!!

[John Cole]

The version you are trying to run does I believe need a serial port. If your PC doesn't have one then install a virtual one from e.g. this link.  Or download the previous version.  That doesn't need it.

Edited By John Cole on 07/01/2013 09:13:58

[John Shepherd 1]

Posted by John Cole on 07/01/2013 09:13:14:

The version you are trying to run does I believe need a serial port. If your PC doesn't have one then install a virtual one from e.g. this link. Or download the previous version. That doesn't need it.

Edited By John Cole on 07/01/2013 09:13:58

 

 

Hi John. Thank you for your reply. I am one of those that has not grown up with PC's and the jargon and my use and skill is quite limited when it comes to installing and adding on external items as a crutch.

My PC was originally an XP but is now a 32bit Windows 7 and running FireFox with Google.

This link that you have provided how do I get my E-Fly 4channel 2.4Ghz DPRC System controller to recognise it?

How do I know whether my PC has a Serial Port or not ?

When downloaded is this automatically recognised or do I need to activate and locate it into a file or folder of some description?

My main issue with PC's is the language and application of something that reads more like a foreign language that I have not taken as a study area.

 

Edited By John Shepherd 1 on 07/01/2013 09:44:08

[IanR]

Hello John, I wanted to see what FMS looked like on a PC so went on Youtube and the first thing I came up with was this **LINK**

A young lad on this appears to know what he's talking about. Have a look.

Whilst writing I would just add that, since you're a complete newbie to RC aeroplanes, you might also want to have a look on this forum in the Newbie section to see what some of the old hands say about learning to fly. In a nutshell, you're going about it the wrong way, mate. By all means, get your simulator working but then also look at the type of model you're starting with and join a club (probably in reverse order!) You'll see this mantra repeated hundreds of times in this forum - because its correct!

Respectfully, Ian.

[John Cole]

I'm still on XP. On 7 it might be slightly different. I right-click on My Computer and choose Properties. Then Hardware / Device Manager / Ports and see if it lists COM1.  That's the Serial port.

If you still have your old XP box then run FMS on that!

Edited By John Cole on 07/01/2013 10:49:47

[John Shepherd 1]

Posted by IanR on 07/01/2013 10:30:27:

Hello John, I wanted to see what FMS looked like on a PC so went on Youtube and the first thing I came up with was this **LINK**

A young lad on this appears to know what he's talking about. Have a look.

Whilst writing I would just add that, since you're a complete newbie to RC aeroplanes, you might also want to have a look on this forum in the Newbie section to see what some of the old hands say about learning to fly. In a nutshell, you're going about it the wrong way, mate. By all means, get your simulator working but then also look at the type of model you're starting with and join a club (probably in reverse order!) You'll see this mantra repeated hundreds of times in this forum - because its correct!

Respectfully, Ian.

Hi Ian. Thank you for your reply and the really eye opening YouTube video link. I have looked at many since receiving my 'Surprise Christmas Box' on the 25th Dec. In real terms I know absolutely nothing nothing nothing about RC,except that is, for the obvious to an intelligent individual.

That being :-

They can be/are very dangerous and not a toy.

Insurance is an absolute must and you cannot just go and fly them anywhere you choose.

Hours of learning on a simulator is paramount before even attempting an outdoor 'Real World' test flight.

I am intending joining a local club. The one at Blythe looks to be a good starting point,there is also one at Cramlington;both in Northumberland,I am in Ellington.

I am not one for messing about with computers and learning by expensive errors of decision,that is why I have persisted on the issue of the simulator and controller not doing what I believed and understood that it would do.

The only thing at present that I am still not at ease with is the changing of the channels from the default setting over to 4:2:1:3 4:2:1:3.

I had the controller re-bound a few days ago because of some odd wiring configuration (straight out of the box) that I did not understand.

I will look for the controller that the young chap was recommending and that should make life a lot easier and allow me to take the 'Practice Field' with me when we go out with our caravan.

[John Shepherd 1]

Posted by John Cole on 07/01/2013 10:47:07:

I'm still on XP. On 7 it might be slightly different. I right-click on My Computer and choose Properties. Then Hardware / Device Manager / Ports and see if it lists COM1. That's the Serial port.

If you still have your old XP box then run FMS on that!

Edited By John Cole on 07/01/2013 10:49:47

Hi John. Thank you for your reply. My system is Windows 7,it is on a complete reformatted disc,I had a real problem with an XP system caused by repeated ISP dropouts during some vital updating.

I will investigate the likelihood of a Serial Port.

[John Shepherd 1]

Hi to you all out there. Well,a huge thank you to all of you that I have exasperated or amused with my apparently inane questions and queries.

I now have the simulator up and running.

OooooooooooooBooooooy,would I have spent some money in crash repairs and 3rd party property repairs. Even changing the Flight Scene to an Island Paradise with a runway would have only resulted in me needing to take my Diving Gear and wear it in readiness for the ditchings,many of them .

I have figured out the controls and the need to invert or swap over some of the directional commands.

Everything seems to be as it should for the control of the airplane on the simulator and it is now a source (one of several) distractions since my total retirement from having to keep money generating deadlines and customers happy.

There is however, one thing that I am rather puzzled by on the actual Spitfire model.

The Aileron control when activated raises one and drops the other. Is this the order of things in real life ?

I would have thought that one would have cancelled the other out and created a neutral state. Or is that just an indication of my simplistic thinking of flying.

The one thing that the particular simulator programme appears to be lacking is the option of being in the actual cock-pit and having the Flight Controls in front with an horizon and gauges . I have been using the Chasing Camera option but that is a little like driving a car from off the back bumper.

I guess that taking it out to see and using the horizon line as a datum and then practising coming onto the water rather than ditching might be away around it.

Any further input will be gratefully received,faithfully applied and digested with a massive intake of Lansoprazole.

[Gordon Bushell]

The ailerons should actlike that. To roll the plane one way you increase lift on one wing, and reduce lift on the other. The right hand aileron should rise when you move the stick towards it, if you see what I mean.

[Rusty C]

The Aileron control when activated raises one and drops the other. Is this the order of things in real life?

Yes this is the norm it generates the roll, Up aileron for a downwards motion down for upwards . Of course they need to be the correct direction.

I would recommend ditching the chase view asap as you will not gain the orientation skills required, There is a time for this view at the start to understand how the aircraft works but that all really.

rusty