Connecting AFDPro Mac to DX7?

[nigelch]

So I shelled out for the programme, and want to use my shiny new DX7 with it.
Instructions say it needs a mono, NOT stereo (as supplied) lead to work with JR standard kit. So I carefully unsoldered the 2.5, and replaced it with a 3.5mm plug. I have followed all the other instructions, (leave the Tx off, it magically comes on by itself when you plug it in, so there can't be any problem there), the program finds the USB dongle, but doesn't find the Tx.
I find from a quick scan on the web I'm not the only person having this problem!
Does anyone have any useful thoughts?
tia
N

[Disc]

Turn on the transmitter ?

sorry only used it with futaba hardware with AFD

[nigelch]

Nope, that's not it! The Tx comes on when you just plug it in, but the program cannot find the Tx. It must be simple, but I'm b*ggered if I can figure it out so far.
When I do, I'll let the world know!
N

[Disc]

Have you tryed telling the tranny to output trainer mode ?

or be in trainer mode ?

[Milamber]

Ensure that the Tx is set with the Swash options for 90 degree operation. Don't go in 3 servo CCPM mode ISTR.

M.

[nigelch]

Thank for that... but how did you connect DX7 and USB in the first place?

[Milamber]

I purchased mine with the correct "dongle" and jack plug - can't help any further, sorry.

M.

[nigelch]

Thanks for trying anyway.
I must admit, I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that this was a terrible mistake.
Since I am reading all over the web about people having trouble connecting DX7 to Mac version with dongle, I would have thought it would be good for Ikarus to put something pretty explicit on their website other than "you need a special 3.5mm mono lead". How special can a 3.5mm mono plug be???
I tried to log on to the Members Area of the AFPD website, and was told my serial was already registered!!! Hence it refused to let me sign up. A query about both the above issues to Ikarus has been met with a resounding silence. I expect AT LEAST an automated reply saying "thank you, we're busy, but we'll get back to you..." but people who don't respond don't get my custom or recommendation. Customer service matters.
It's not as if I can get on a bus to Germany and give someone a whack round the ear...
Is my experience unique?
N

[nigelch]

Well, the good news is that I got a really good reply from a guy a IPACS. He quite reasonably pointed out that they wrote the software only, and Ikarus packaged it, did the interface etc.
He also asked if I had part 3024040. This is described on the Ikarus website as being necessary if you have a DX7. Funny thing is, it has a 3.5mm socket on one end, looks to be shrinkwrapped onto a very small PCB, then a length of three core ribbon cable in suspiciously familiar colours, end in... guess what...? A servo plug!!!!
Now, two things occur to me;
1) No, I don't have this.
2) My DX7 doesn't have anywhere to plug in a servo plug! So what the hell is all this about?
The bad news: Today, I got the recommended connecting cord for JR/Robbe/Spektrum transmitters. You know, the Y-lead with the little 3.5 socket one end, square plug in the middle, and 3.5mm plug on the other. Needless to say, when I plug it into my DX7, I still get the "recognise USB interface, but no Tx signal" message.
Which brings me to the next question.. (sorry) IF this did work, (which it currently doesn't) should I have the DX7 Trainer setting at "Normal", "INH", "P-Link", or "Slave/P-Link"? The DX7 documentation is gloriously vague. For example, the documentation says "you can programme the left or right rocker as the Trainer switch." What EXACTLY does that mean, 'cos it certainly doesn't explain it explicitly anywhere?
Sorry to bore you all with this, but I'm beginning to tear my hair out. A call to the UK Spektrum distributors said "someone will call you back..." Good job I didn't hold my breath.
Ripmax, UK distributors of the Sim, appear to know nothing at all about it.
I know I work in a different field, but I am used to a much higher level of documentation and technical support.
Comments, anyone?

[nigelch]

A small but significant update: I've been contacted by a guy at Ikarus requesting all the relevant info about my setup. I am beginning to feel like something good is about to happen, and my problem solved!
Stay tuned...

[nigelch]

All's well that ends well...
Got leads back from Ikarus, with a note in German (!) which I suspect tells me the long original lead was faulty. Plugged it all together, and oh joy, it worked first time.
I have read comments here about it being difficult to set up... I think it's pretty easy if you know how it "thinks". The documentation doesn't do it any favours, particularly for the helis.
Lessons learned:
1) With my DX7, just create a new model, FIXED WING, and leave it at that.
2) Choose a heli in the program.
3) Calibrate as instructed.
4) Open the Controls panel, and waggle each stick each way. THAT will tell you which is throttle, aileron etc. Just click the buttons in the boxes.
5) Hit "Fly", and CAUTIOUSLY open up. You will almost certainly have some channels that need reversing, reopen the Controls panel, and do them one at a time.
6) When you've done all four, go flying.
Pretty intuitive, took me about ten minutes to get it set up and flying.
Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions.
N