FAQ

Can the PCTx log the stick positions of the R/C transmitter?

• No the PCTx can only send new data to the transmitter, not read from it. A simulator cable along with some custom software could do this job.

 

Does the PCTx come with all of the buddy cord plug types?

• The PCTx comes with one plug standard. Adapters can be purchased at $9.99 each or if you don't mind soldering you can pick up the plugs separate as well.

 

Are there any plans to release a driver/libraries for Linux, BSD, or Mac OSX?

• All devices are hardware compatible with Linux/Mac but there is no sample software available at this time. Due to low interest in this area we have decided to leave this up to the community and would be glad to post any software that you come up with.

 

Can I use a 12 channel transmitter or does it have to be exactly 8?

• On some radios this is possible but some high end Futaba's prevent it. The PCTx will only generate a maximum of 9 channels.

 

Can I use a PCM transmitter?

• Only if the transmitters buddy input supports PPM.

 

I was wondering if there were any versions of the PCTx software that can control multiple R/C units?

• Please see the development page for an example project for controlling two PCTx units.

 

Can you take over only specific channels when using the PCTx?

• No. All 9 channels are generated always. Only transmitters that allow the user to enable/disable buddy port input channels may do this.

 

I'm hoping to build the line following robot that you built as a stepping stone for another project. I just wanted to know what type of video capture unit you used for the wireless camera.

• Hauppauge USB live

 

Can I use a flight stick and rudder controller to fly an R/C helicopter?

• ServoCommander can be setup do this.

 

Is it possible to connect 4 (or more) PCTx to a PC?

• Up to 128 PCTx units can be connected to the same USB port with proper hardware. Example software to control multiple units is provided in the development section.

 

Is there a way to connect USB PC joystick straight to a trainer jack?

• We have a proof of concept project was built but proved too costly. ServoCommander is currently the only option.

 

Will it interface with existing serial out servo programs like Brookshire software?

• No, however see the development section of a sample sequencer application.

 

I have Microsoft Visual C++.Net 2002 and cannot open your vcproj or sln files. Can you supply an earlier version of these files?

• Projects are offered in Visual Studio 2003, 2005, and 2008 only but the source files are provided so it can be done with a little setup effort.

 

Sometimes when using the demo program the channels get mixed up. I move slider 1 and servo 1 moves. After moving the slider past a certain point the servo on channel 1 doesn't move but instead a different servo moves. Do you know what is going on here?

• This is normal but probably not a desired result. The example software was designed with flexibility in mind. You must manually setup of end point values for each channel to prevent this type of behavior.

 

I was wondering if creating a GUI is necessary for controlling a PCTx?

• A GUI is not required and command line based programs are just fine.

 

What is the lead time for obtaining the PCTx interface?

• Orders usually ship the next day and usually arrive in 3 days. International orders will ship the following Saturday.

 

What do you think the maximum number of controllers a fast purpose-built pc can run is?

• The PCTx is not a hardware intensive device but what is more important is what else is running on the PC with the PCTx units. It is hard to tell exactly how much memory is being used with .NET applications however.

 

How much delay does the PCTx add?

• The PCTx updates at 50Hz or every 20ms. The maximum delay added would be 20ms waiting for the last frame to be generated.

 

Do you accept any forms of payment other than PayPal?

• PayPal is currently the only payment method we accept as of this time.

 

How is my package shipped?

• FedEx ground or home delivery

 

I need a ServoCommander solution but I only need some of the items. Can I purchase only a certain part of the full package?

• Please e-mail for individual prices. Please note that some items are only sold with the kits.

 

I already have a PCTx but I need a different connector, is there anything I can do?

• You may return your PCTx and it can be replaced for $5.00 + shipping. If you already have a PCTx with a mono plug adapters can be purchased for $9.99. We do sell connectors separately but install them at your own risk.

 

Can 2 buddy/trainer port device be used at once?

• Almost always no, unless once device supports a pass through function.

 

How do I submit a custom PayPal payment?

1. Go to www.paypal.com and login using your account info
2. Go to the send money tab
3. Enter the payment details
   - endurance@endurance-rc.com as the recipient
   - amount
   - goods
4. Press the send button

 

Do your items work with Windows Vista?

• Yes all Endurance R/C products are tested and do work with Vista with SP1 installed. All software and hardware is compatible with XP as well. The Vista firmware is still in beta so some systems may still be incompatible.

 

How hard is it to write my own software?

• This is a hard question to answer without knowing a persons skill level. The best thing to do would be to download one of the sample applications to see if they seem easy to modify for your needs.

 

Area there any radios that are not compatible with the PCTx?

• The only radio that we are aware of is the Futaba 6EX. The PCTx outputs a 9 channel negative or positive shift PPM signal and requires this to communicate with the radio.

 

Can you recommend a good radio for use with the PCTx?

• In order to answer this as best as possible we conducted a survey asking some of our PCTx users to let us know what radio they are using with the PCTx to give a real world recommendation. The results from the survey are below and should help point you to a good radio to use.

1. Tower Hobbies, (re branded Futaba) 4 channel TX
2. Futaba 8UHP and 8UHP Super
3. JR x-347
4. Futaba Conquest FP-T6NFK
5. Futaba 9CAP (Other 9C's will require a firmware change on the PCTX)
6. Futaba T4YF
7. Vex transmitter
8. Hitec 7
9. Hitec Eclipse 7
10. Hitec Prism 7
11. Spektrum DX7
12. Hitec Laser 4
13. JR XP662 (JR Max66 in Australia)
14. RoyalEvo 9 (Multiplex) Please note that this radio requires additional modification. Details are posted in the tutorials section.
15. Spektrum DX6 (DX6 needs trainer button be pressed down all the time when PCTx is used)

 

I get a message when I plug in the PCTx "The device cannot start (Code 10)". What is going on?

• The PCTx requires a powered USB port to function properly. If it is not receiving enough power it wont be properly recognized by the PC. Try another PC or USB port, if this does not solve the problem power may not be the issue but rather the PCTx flash memory may have been corrupted. Contact tech@endurance-rc.com for a package to re-flash the PCTx's memory.
  
  

The PC sees the PCTx fine but my transmitter goes dead or is un responsive when plugged into the PCTx. What is going on?

• Usually this is due to an un powered USB port or a port that isn't putting out enough power to drive the PCTx. This may also signal an incompatible radio or the radio may have a different buddy port protocol shift. You may contact tech@endurance-rc.com for a package to re-flash the PCTx.
  
  

I purchased the ServoCommander software but cannot get it to run on my PC. What can I do?

• Unfortunately software cannot be returned due to copyright concerns. The cause of this could be hundreds of things therefore we cannot accurately pinpoint the issue with ease. A full Windows re-install or using another PC is recommended and will usually solve the problem.
  
  

How long of a cable can be used with the 25 Servo Controller, PCTx, or Analog Reader?

• We don't recommend a cable longer than a few meters for maximum reliability. However this does not mean you cannot go longer. If you need a longer length experimentation is the best thing that can be done.
  
  

Does the PCTx/ServoCommander override the radio programming?

• This depends on the radio being used. Some radios have the functionality to keep the settings even with a buddy radio attached and some do not. Consult the radio manual for a better answer.