bnepethomas

Hi guys check out Open Hornet the work is already done https://openhornet.com/ cheers Peter

Well the good news is got it running - and pretty sure the root cause was I had been using the Arduino IDE and Serial Port monitor for testing a Led Matrix, which only had the port running at 9600. The ironic way I discovered it - was came out this morning to check things and much to my dismay the Genuine Mega wasn't working, so it was time to backtrack. After powering everything down and powering up and not running the Arduino IDE with other code that used the serial port, things worked fine on the Genuine Mega, so then tried the Mega with the CH340 and it also worked. PHEW

I managed to find an older original Mega - and it worked first time. Same sketch. Non-communicating Mega at the top, and the classic (working) below - So I'm guessing it something to do with the CH340. Any bright ideas?

Thanks - I did check that - as I'd unplugged the Uno and then plugged in the Mega - both used Com4. I'm pretty sure the Arduino is actually receiving data as the serial leds starting flash when I hit the connect button in DCS - if I didn't know better I'd guess it is a baud rate mismatch - but not sure how to validate - and I still could be completely looking in the wrong direction :)

I'm starting simple - a single Arduino at the moment

Hi Guys I know I'm missing the complete and utterly obvious - and probably overthinking it but I'm struggling to get DCS BIOS talking to my Mega. I connect an Uno and it just works. Use the same script and comm port (after unplugging the Uno :)) - I am unable to either update a led or trigger a switch change. The serial monitor led is flashing away - so the Mega is having serial data thrown at it. It is using the CH340 chip, and I've also tried a second mega. If I didn't know better I'd say its a baud rate issue. (and answering the question before it gets asked - I've got a single Uno and lots of Megas :)) What am I missing? Ta Peter

Ahh that is clever!

Really nice work on this - is it a dual stepper with the outer indicator done as a single piece?

Here's the site that generates the font http://oleddisplay.squix.ch/#/home

Nice work sir - and thank you very much for sharing the UFC Font file - I"m running down a very similar road to yours.

Magic - thank you Cheers Peter

Hi Guys Just trying to save - myself a little time - would anyone have a U8g2 14 Segment font that they be happy to share? I'm using OLEDs for the UFC - and had started with Adafruit (found a 14 Seg library that worked nicely) - but then found the Adafruit library doesn't 64*48 displays so started tinkering with the U8g2 library which seems to do the job nicely - just need the 14 Seg font - which I know I can build out if needed - just trying not to reinvent what has already been done. Ta Peter

Seconded!

Thanks Les I actually started with OverPros HID based approach, but due to issues in other pits with USB devices randomly disappearing decided to do something completely different. Now input Arduinos send changes to a Raspberry Pi which in turn uses API interfaces into Sims. I've documented the journey and design approaches here (HW & SW)_ https://github.com/bnepethomas/bne-arduino-flight-simulator-interfaces/blob/master/Python%20HW%20Link/Python%20HW%20Link%20-%20Design.odt

Progress on the DDIs - using the OpenHornet plans for the mechanicals.

Really nice work John

Working on the front panels, the Open Hornet plans and stls make it easy. Fired the Prusa up a couple of weeks ago and set it to work. Then over the weekend it was time to cut out a few pieces and MDF and throw things together. About now would have been a great time to have a CNC :)

Thanks Stang Yes it is - its been sitting not doing a lot for the past 12 months - now getting A-into-G, and the Open Hornet Project is definitely a major help

Hi Guys Just wanted to say a big thank you for what you've done thus far, I've been tinkering around and decided to hit the DDIs, was amazed at the quality of workmanship of the plans, amazing work gents. Cheers Peter

A long time between drinks - but being locked up at home has the project moving again. First step was sorting out how to mount the panels. So remove the cardboard panels from the tub Take a bunch of measurements and then cut out acrylic for the 'base' panel, and the cut out spots for individual panels. I'm cheating - so just lasering the mounting holes, and the taping them for 4mm screws. The right hand side is awaiting the same treatment. The individual panels are 3 layers of 3mm acrylic, the same construction used in the A10 put.

Hi guys - I know this thread is about the PCB - but just a quick heads up - found these switches on Alibaba - backlighting and tactile. Ordered a 100 last Friday and turned up yesterday.

Give Kicad a go - there is a bit of learning curve - but it isn't overly crazy

Thank you Ian for all the work you have done - through much of the magic you uncovered, interfacing DCS to the outside world has moved from some nasty attempts at OCR to some absolutely elegant solutions out there. Chers Peter

Thanks very much for sharing these - super useful Cheers Peter

Been goofing around with another approach that might just work for the three way switch (eg starter). Basically just use a couple of electro-magnets and microswitches. The rough prototype works nicely - now need to see if it can be shrunk.