Hi,
I am planning to use my Futaba 6XAP Tx to connect to FMS simulator. What precautions do i take while doing this ? I remember reading somewhere about removing crystals before connecting them to PC USB  

Someone told me that i have to ensure that i extend the antenna if it is switched on? 
 

Yes, for this model (where shorting of PINs does not turn on the encoder alone without the RF section), you have to either pull the crystal out OR extended the antenna, per discussion on various forums. I also thought earlier that all current models of Futaba supported the "student mode" where the RF section was not active when used on the sim.

On my 10C I have an option to switch off the Transmission module but still the TX works with the cable.
I do that everytime i fly on the sim.
On the 6EXP i think extending the antenna should help avoid the module from overheating.

Would be good to know from the more experienced lot here.

i am a regular user of 6xas as a sim. before i connect it to my PC i usually remove crystal from tx.

Removing the crystal and pushing it back in again repeatedly is best avoided.  Also, being a non-module radio, accessing the crystal would involve opening up the TX, right ?  Don't have a 6ex to confirm. 

In any case, extending the antenna seems to be reasonable compromise for people who frequently alternate between the field and the sim.

I put the question to Sai today at his place and he showed me how to remove the crystal (BTW it is on the outside).

So dont remove the crystal as much and the TX heats up in sometime while on the SIM....hmmm ....
these manufacturers are really high flying and didnt think much about ground level functionalities..

So i guess the learning here is better get a dummy 4ch/6ch tx box to learn on the SIM....

@ Anwar - Like you i'd think this should have the dummy/student mode when you plug it to the system through the trainer cord....but nope! i just went through the manual... the only time it does that is with the buddy cable setup. Strike 3 for (beginners) Usability of the system ... and so much for all the sophistication of a being called a 'Computer Radio' transmitter....

Yep, now I remember that little plastic case (with the frequency sticker) that holds the crystal, and is pushed in.  Even with that setup, frequent removal and reinsertion cannot be good for the TX. 

unable to connect my futaba T4EXA with Phoenix sim via Phoenix RC cable. Gets disconnected again n again.....plz help

Must be a loose contact.  Happens a lot on Futaba connectors which are more like addons to JR connectors in most sims.  Are you using original Phoenix ?  I have ended up cutting that JR to Futaba connector pieces, and directly soldering the Futaba connector to the USB cable.

@ Anwar

Yes the Hardware is original Phoenix purchased from Hobbysea with multiple connectors. Software is downloaded from site. Discussed the matter with Mr Vineet of Hobbysea. Advised to run the programme on Win XP. Did that. Also tried to run the programme as administrator and in compatibilty mode on Win 7, but didn't work. It gets connected but soon gets connected/ disconnected. 

BTW, the same hardware worked for Mjet with Fly Sky transmitter on Win XP 2002. 

@ Anwar

Link to the item - http://hobbysea.com/products.php?72&sid=30b2b3e565feea41d1d015454eba1237

'I have ended up cutting that JR to Futaba connector pieces, and directly soldering the Futaba connector to the USB cable.' - How to do this.....

In the picture, you see you are connecting an audio cable like thing to the USB dongle, and then on the other end, you are connecting the a smaller piece that converts from the audio type connector to the Futaba one.  If you cut and solder (the 2 wires in those two cables), you can avoid lose contacts in that joint  (because you are eliminating that entire joint and the wires are directly connected).

But before that, make sure your PC/laptop is well grounded.  I also saw a case where grounding the PC stabilized the sim connection.  If you are on a laptop, try with and without the charger connected.