Conversion program to convert 8U CAMPacs to 9C format.
CMS Version 5.0 works only with the 16Kbit CAMPac for the Futaba 8U series radios. It does not work with the 64Kbit CAMPac. The 64Kbit CAMPac has a number of proprietary chips in it, including a Hitachi H8 microprocessor. That made communicating with it next to impossible, unless Futaba was willing to share its communication protocol with the rest of the world. Until now! Angelos Gonias of Model Gadgets (www.model-gadgets.com) has successfully decoded the secret to communicating with the 64Kbit CAMPac.
Version 6.0 now supports the 64Kbit CAMPac with its updated code and interface hardware. The new hardware design is much simplified, but now requires an external 5 volt power supply. The interface from version 5 used the parallel port data lines to generate 5 volts. Unfortunately, the parallel port does not generate enough current to drive the 64Kbit CAMPac with its microprocessor, crystal and power filtering circuits. The power supply should be capable of supplying 5 volts under a 50ma load. I used a 12v supply with a 7805 voltage regulator to power the prototype circuit.
CMS will work without any modifications in Windows 3.x or 9x. The parallel port should be set-up as a standard parallel port (SPP). It will work with Windows 2000/NT or XP, but some additional steps need to be taken. The latest versions of Windows put a security layer on accessing the ports directly from an application program. To get around this, you need to first run a utility that gives permission for CMS, or any other application, to directly address the parallel port. One such program is available from www.beyondlogic.org. Go to the web site and click on 'PortTalk - A Windows NT/2000/XP I/O Port Device Driver'. Download the 'PortTalk' utility and install it on your computer. Once installed, you will have a utility named 'allowio'. Follow the directions on the readme file and run allowio from the command prompt (Dos Window). This should allow any version of CMS to run under Windows 2000/NT or XP.
A schematic for the 16Kbit ClonePac has been provided for completeness. For those wanting a 64Kbit ClonePac, go to www.model-gadgets.com and have a look at their 128Kbit UltraPac. It combines two 64Kbit pacs, with a service enabler to access hidden menus, on a single plug-in board. Simply a work of art. One of the finest pieces of engineering you will see in RC electronics. UltrPacs are also available from Don Edberg at Dynamic Modelling. While you're there visiting his web page, order one of his excellent books on computer radios as well.
A complete construction article describing the new interface circuit has been submitted to R/C Modeler magazine.
The 8U to 9C CAMPac conversion program is in experimental proof-of-concept prototype form. It has NOT been tested! Use at your own risk!!! It will read in a CMS data file generated by a 16Kbit CAMPac from an 8U transmitter and write out a CMS data file in 9C format for uploading back to a CAMPac. Currently, it only supports the 16Kbit CAMPac, ACRO type models, and the following data items for conversion from an 8U CAMPac: model name, type (only ACRO), modulation mode, reverse, atv, sub trim, fail safe modes and fail safe settings. Everything else is set to the default ACRO mode setting. Only the first 6 models from the 8U CAMPac are converted, as the 16Kbit CAMPac can only hold 6 models for the 9C. Feedback appreciated.
Download CMS Ver. 6.0 software and hardware interface schematic.
Download sample output from CMS for a 16Kbit CAMPac.
Download sample output from CMS for a 64Kbit CAMPac.
Download 16Kbit ClonePac construction schematic.
Download 8U memory maps of ACRO, GLID and HELI models in MS Excel format.
Download 8U set-up data sheets of ACRO, GLID and HELI models in MS Excel format.
Download 8U to 9C CAMPac conversion program.
Download CMS Ver. 5.0 software and hardware interface schematic.
