JCook Posted June 21, 2012 Posted June 21, 2012 (edited) I starting from zero knowledge of the interfacing / electronics for a simpit and I'd like to get a summary of the options, advantages and disadvantages and some opinions on the various ways to wire the A10C pit up. I plan on having a full pit with left, right and front panels. I've read that some are using ethernet to connect, others Arduino, SIOC, USB, etc. Its all a bit overwhelming - but I've got to start somewhere. I like the modular idea of building an interface panel by panel. I have a GP-Wiz40 card which I bought to try out one of the tutorials - but I'd need many of these cards to link up the whole pit - and not sure thats the right way to go. Thanks for your suggestions in advance. John Edited June 22, 2012 by JCook
Gremlin77 Posted June 22, 2012 Posted June 22, 2012 i use the opencockit cards and i am quite happy woth it. there are multiple special cards for this system for servos display etc. but they are a bit tricky in programming using sioc. your decission..... visit my build thread Gremlin's A-10 :thumbup: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=86916
metalnwood Posted June 22, 2012 Posted June 22, 2012 John, depends what you want. I dont think there are any arduino solutions that cater for everything or have had their code published. You can go that way and have flexability but you will no doubt need to do a lot of programming yourself. Gadroc has support through Helios for a few different boards performing different things, e.g. phidgets board for caution light panel. There is no comprehensive support for getting all panels working yet. The only off the shelf interface I am aware of that may support alll or a majority of things is SIOC. I intended to have a look at sioc but have not got around to it yet.
rocketeer Posted June 22, 2012 Posted June 22, 2012 Most interface cards only support inputs, ie. toggles, push buttons, pots, encoders, rotary switches. The easy ones to use are hagstrom, Leo boards etc. esp now with Helios. Few also provide output for LED, LCD, 7 segment displays, namely phidgets, OC etc. you can use a vendor for both input and output, or use an easy to use solution for input, then use OC for output. Many I believe are hesitate about OC because of the need to learn SOIC. So far most use OC for output. I'd be using Alex RC pilot's boards which cover inputs and outputs, even support stepper motors etc. so far I've only tried his prototype input board. Works for all the input switch types, and easy to use. And the master card also has a breakout board for 128 inputs. I like it. My A10C cockpit thread
JCook Posted June 22, 2012 Author Posted June 22, 2012 Since this is my first build and every thing is new to me, I may try a few different solutions.
brydling Posted June 24, 2012 Posted June 24, 2012 You can also take a look at the B256A13 in the For Sale forum. Digital-to-Synchro converter for interfacing real aircraft instruments - Thread Check out my High Input Count Joystick Controller for cockpit builders, with support for 248 switches, 2 POV hats and 13 analog axes. Over 60 units sold. - B256A13 www.novelair.com - The world's most realistic flight simulators of the J35J Draken and the AJS37 Viggen.
avlolga Posted June 24, 2012 Posted June 24, 2012 Hi Jcook, i have also made my homework regarding to interfaces, before starting my own build. my recommendation is "B256A13" card above - it will provide you the best cover for most IO you need , you will have to complete other IO like encoders and LCD, 7 segment etc. it easy to deploy and you have great online support from "brydling". Avi
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