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Most trendy radio transmitters help FPV simulators by way of their USB port natively. Nonetheless, there are older radios that don’t, as a consequence of limitations like USB ports getting used just for charging or firmware updates, or the absence of USB ports altogether. On this tutorial, I’ll share different strategies to handle this situation. Due to Betaflight, you should utilize any radio to play FPV simulators wirelessly, all you want is an F4 or F7 FC (flight controller) and a radio receiver.
If you wish to decide up a contemporary radio that help FPV sims with none DIY mods, take a look at my radio suggestions: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/
By way of Betaflight Flight Controller
Betaflight can flip your flight controller right into a joystick (HID machine) and cross instructions from the receiver to your laptop. This implies you’ll be able to play FPV simulators with out instantly connecting your radio to the pc!
I do know, it’s a pleasant drawing. It was late at night time, however this may do for now 😉
This additionally means you should utilize any radio to play simulators, even those who won’t have a USB port or coach port, such because the Flysky i6 or Turnigy 9X.
Because it’s a wi-fi connection, you’re not constrained by the size of the USB cable, permitting you to lastly lay again and luxuriate in!
I haven’t measured the precise latency, however I don’t really feel any noticeable delay in comparison with a USB cable connection.
{Hardware} Requirement
You don’t want any extra {hardware}; you’ll be able to simply use your drone for this.
However in order for you a devoted FC and RX setup for taking part in simulators, listed here are the most cost effective parts I may discover:
Relying in your radio, select a suitable receiver:
Join the receiver to the FC. Ensure to make use of the “4V5” pad or whichever 5V pad that powers the receiver when the USB cable is plugged in, with no need to plug in a LiPo battery.
Right here’s a wiring diagram for the ELRS EP1 receiver to the JHEMCU F411 NOXE V3.
Betaflight Setup
Join the RX to the FC, and set it up in Betaflight as you’d usually do for a quad. If you happen to need assistance establishing receivers in Betaflight, here’s a full information on how one can setup ExpressLRS.
Enter This in CLI
When you’ve confirmed the RX is working within the Receiver tab (channels are responding to stay actions), go to the CLI and enter:
set usb_hid_cdc = on save
This command prompts joystick mode.
Choose Joystick in FPV Simulator
As soon as it’s arrange correctly, your flight controller will seem as a joystick in your PC, and you must be capable to choose it within the FPV simulator. Ensure to calibrate it within the sim the primary time, and also you’re good to go!
Warning: In case you are doing this on a quad, keep in mind to TURN OFF USB_HID_CDC earlier than your subsequent flight by coming into this command in CLI!
set usb_hid_cdc = off save
COM Port Disappeared After HID
If you happen to can’t connect with Betaflight once more after enabling USB_HID_CDC, there’s a simple repair.
With the FC linked to your laptop by way of USB (however not acknowledged, and no COM port seems):
- Go to the “Choices” tab on the left within the Betaflight Configurator dwelling web page.
- Allow “Present all serial gadgets (for producers for improvement)”.
- Unplug and reconnect the USB cable, then restart Betaflight Configurator.
As soon as this selection is enabled, your flight controller will magically reappear! If you happen to flip off ‘Present all serial gadgets,’ the flight controller disappears once more. However with the choice turned on, you’ll be able to connect with your flight controller once more.
Now, you should utilize the CLI to kind “set usb_hid_cdc=off,” or you’ll be able to depart it on if you want. The one draw back to leaving it on is you can’t connect with it till you modify that choice.
If that didn’t work, you may must reflash the FC with “Full Chip Erase” enabled. Maintain down the boot button on the FC whereas connecting the USB cable; this could put the FC in DFU mode (bootloader mode), able to be flashed.
Devoted Wi-fi Sim Field
For these comfy with electronics, making a DIY wi-fi simulator field could be an choice. This includes a devoted flight controller and a receiver.
I’m utilizing a Frsky receiver on this instance, however you’ll be able to change it with some other receiver you need, comparable to ExpressLRS, Crossfire, or Flysky.
The FC, RX, and the plastic field are all spare components that I not use. The coin stack is for stability, so it received’t get dragged or slide round by the USB cable.
Wi-fi Sim Stick
It is a business answer much like the DIY “wi-fi sim field” I made. It really works the identical means however is put collectively neatly as a extra polished product. It’s basically an ExpressLRS receiver with a processor that converts the sign and sends it to your laptop by way of USB.
If you happen to don’t thoughts spending a bit extra, this may prevent a while.
Get it from GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-bicw
ExpressLRS Bluetooth Joystick
Do you know that your ExpressLRS module has built-in Bluetooth? You should utilize it to hook up with your laptop and play FPV simulators with no USB cable.
In case your laptop doesn’t have Bluetooth, then you should get a Bluetooth adapter right here (affiliate hyperlink):
I’ve an in depth information on how one can set it up: https://oscarliang.com/expresslrs-bluetooth-joystick/
Coach Port to USB Adapter
In case your radio transmitter has a coach port, you should utilize a coach cable linked to a USB dongle to hyperlink your transmitter to the PC. This technique converts the coach port output right into a USB enter recognizable by the pc.
These dongles have been round for years and are designed for older radios (comparable to these from Futaba, Flysky, and Spektrum) which may not natively help simulators by way of USB. Earlier than shopping for, seek the advice of the handbook or vendor to make sure the dongle helps your explicit radio mannequin.
Get a RC Sim dongle from:
Edit Historical past
- Jun 2018 – article created for Frsky D16 receivers
- Apr 2021 – tutorial up to date, shared my devoted wi-fi sim field
- Dec 2023 – tutorial up to date for ExpressLRS receivers, up to date product hyperlinks
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