Real electronic gauges with DCS

[clara2g]

Hello :)

 

I'm electronics student and I've been searching for information on how to make my own gauges for DCS sims, I readed about export.lua but I only find info about how to make/use virtual gauges, instead of real ones.

 

I assume that is possible to make real gauges for DCS, but where can I find info and/or electronic schemes about input/output cards compatibles with DCS for interfacing the communication PC<->gauges?

 

Are the ones for Flight Simulator compatibles?

 

Thank you in advance and sorry for my bad english.

 

S!

[BaD CrC]

Hello Clara2G.

 

Yes, it is possible to build real gauges and make them work with either DCS or FS.

There are many companies already selling those like:

http://www.flightillusion.com/

http://www.opencockpits.com/catalog/gauges-c-48.html

or http://www.simkits.com/

 

I guess you might find answers there, on their support forum.

[clara2g]

Hello BaD, thanks for your answer (I love your cockpit by the way!).

 

But I'm looking for make my own gauges, not to buy them.

 

That cards you posted seems to be not compatible with DCS sims anyways.

 

S!

[Feed]

You need to look around a bit more at OpenCockpits - they don't just sell prefab gauges, they also sell interface cards, kits, or you can build your own. There are several folks on these forums working with DCS & SIOC (OpenCockpits interface).

 

Beyond that, check out Mike's Flight Deck - http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/ You may find some useful info there.

[Alex_rcpilot]

Since you're a student, if you're seriously considering building one all from scratch for yourself, you might need to do some homework including the following:

Driving servos/stepper motors/other actuator alternatives for spinning your needles;

Interfacing custom electronic devices with a computer through one of the following ports COM/LPT/USB/Ethernet. (COM and LPT are a lot easier to handle than the rest);

Building a windows application software with a language you're most familiar with, add socket communication support and support for the interface you've chosen to connect with your device;

A little bit of mechanics on calculating transmission ratios for gearboxes;

[hog_driver111th]

Anyone know if the Simkits gauges can be used with DCS A-10C? Although they are pricey, I'd probably pick up a couple of the standby gauges.

[Schredder]

Hi !

 

Im also doing some research finding the way to display the data on gauges.

 

Maxim Lysak (Mnemonic)and I had a project some time ago where we displayed info over LCD module. thus to be simple and cost effective whilst getting the job done.

 

Yet, I guess that building a pit without an actual looking gages spoils all the fun :doh:

 

I think that servo's and gears are a good choice but are not the most cost effective way to get the desired results.

 

It can be simpler than that.

 

Some time ago Iv'e managed to get an off the shelf gauge work with PWM.

 

PWM is the cheapest and simple to apply (using a micro controller).

 

Try to investigate about attiny2313 (has its RS232 tranciever buit in and about the right number of pins you need to drive the gages. 1 pin per gage.

 

I wish I had more free time to take part with this work.

 

Iv'e got some more projects on my shelf that were neglected for a while but ill get'em back soon... :smilewink:

 

Have success and keep updating us on this nice idea and its application.

 

I'll post some pictures of the basic circuit if you would like. I just need to find it...:smilewink: