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What do I need to do to connect FDS Ethernet Series (E-Series) products?

The typical way to connect the E-Series boards is via the ethernet cable to a Network Switch. The Network Switch needs to be connected to a Router with “DHCP enabled” to provide an IP Address to the module. Follow the instructions provided for the device purchased on our product pages.

Are there other ways to connect the E-Series Boards?
  • Connect to a network that has DHCP or Static IP addressing.
  • Connect (a single board) directly to the computer using static IP’s"
What network speed do the boards run at?

The board connects using Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps).

Do FDS Ethernet products need a Static IP Address?

No, they do not need to have a static IP address, however you can configure one via the web configuration interface. Send your request to the Tech Support Email and we will provide a manual for this.

What are the advantages to using the FDS Ethernet (E-Series) products?

The implementation of ethernet products allow for longer cable runs; more devices; faster communications. This allows for you to have more devices, in the simulator and having Rack Mounted computers position further away from the simulator. This is an advantage in Research Labs, Motion based Simulators and tighter spaces when creating your Simulator area. USB devices have always had cable length constraint and requiring USB Powered hubs. This eliminates these issues.

Do the FDS Ethernet (E-Series) products need Power Over Ethernet (POE)?

No, the E-Series cards have their own power adapters or connectors that supply 12VDC to the module. No POE network Switch required.

What future Ethernet products are going to be available?

Work has started on the SYS Boards utilizing Ethernet. This includes a new 256 input/256 output and 128/128 board. Twice the original Inputs than before! We are looking at a precision analog input board as well.

Does every Avionics vendor support FDS Ethernet products.

"At this time (Nov 2020):

  • Sim-Avionics has all Ethernet modules interfaced.
  • ProSim has the B737 CDU and MCP/EFIS. Further development is underway for the SYSBoards. B737MAX and A320 will be interfaced shortly.
  • JeeHell - Under Development
  • PMDG - Available for the CDU
  • AeroWinx PSX - Available for the CDU
  • Project Magenta - Not Available
  • AST - Not Available"
Can I retro fit my older USB SYSBoards to Ethernet (E-Series) SYSBoards?

We have designed a “break-out board” that will replace the older SYS1 and SYS4 (SYS3). Keeps the original 10 pin connectors and if you replace the plugs exactly as they are on the original SYSBoard the assignments won’t change. Making for an easy transition from the USB SYSBoards to the E-Series. Additional “Extension boards” (64 Inputs) are available as well, allowing you to connect any extra Inputs (Switches).

What Aircraft are supported by what Avionics Suites?
  • Sim-Avionics - B737NG, B737MAX, B777 and B787

  • ProSim - B737NG, B737MAX and A320

  • Aerowinx PSX - B747-400

  • PMDG - B737NGX, B737NGXu, B747 QOTS and B777x

  • JeeHell - A320

  • Zibo Mod - B737NG (X-Plane)

  • API is available for most interface products and integration may be possible for other Avionics vendors. Contact us for information"

Do FDS Products work with all Avionics Suites?

At this time FDS Products work with the following Avionics Suites: Sim-Avionics, ProSim, PSX, Jeehell A320 and some PMDG aircraft. Support ranges from minimal to much higher levels depending on the software. Installation manuals are available.

Do FDS Products work with Microsoft FS2020?

At this time the supplied SDK from Microsoft does not allow our products the full features required to interface with FS2020. As the software develops the functionality will be added. We plan to have these features available as quickly as possible. Watch for updates on our webpage or Facebook page.

Can I use Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3d?

There are drivers available for Radios and the Transponder that will work directly with LM P3D. Using Avionics Suites designed for P3D will work (Sim-Avionics, ProSim, PSX, Jeehell and some PMDG aircraft). P3D versions from 3-5 including earlier versions but 4.5 and 5.x are the latest updated versions.

Do FDS Products work with X-Plane?

At this time the only X-Plane functionality is with the B737 Zibo Mod. They have created an interface for our products. Support can be found in the XP Forums under Zibo Mod TEKWorx as your search. This plugin is for X-Plane 11 only.

Where do I find X-Plane Drivers for FDS Products?

Drivers are only available from Zibo Mod for their B737. Beta versions are available.

What FDS Products work with PMDG?

The FDS CDU (USB and E-Series), MCP and EFIS (USB Only at this time). There is a CDU Interface from TEKWorx that allows the CDU to work with PMDG B737 NGX and NGXu, B777x and B747 QOTS. MCP (USB Only at this time) works with the B777x and B737 NGX only. SYSBoards that are using TEKWorx InterfaceIT will work. You will need use the PMDG Offsets list from FSUIPC and do some manual assigning. No support provided for this interfacing. http://www.tekworx.ca/downloads.php

What PMDG aircraft work with FDS Products?

B737 NGX and B737 NGXu, B777x and the B747 QOTS.

Do FDS Products work with FSX Century of Flight?

Yes, our beginnings go back to FS9 but interfacing with FSX is possible and still available. We recommend upgrading to P3D if possible. Drivers are available at TEKWorx http://www.tekworx.ca/downloads.php