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Re: Arduino controler

Posted: 26 Feb 2017, 02:39
by lesoreilly
Using one of these

http://www.dx.com/p/2-6-lcd-keypad-shie ... LIwJRgZPXE

I have started preparing for the future :)

I have the beginnings of the Transponder done using it -- though obviously I need access via Data Read/Write from SPAD but at least for now I have the ability to display what I want and have the buttons control and set that Data locally.

I will start working with some 20x4 LCD, 16x2 LCD and some Rotary Encoders -- (I bought a bunch of the Duals with push Buttons so want to make a either 1 Screen with 2 Com and 2 Nav or I will use 16x2s and make 2 separate NAV/COM units.

I was playing with the same 8 unit 7 segment displays but a 16x2 LCD is like 4 bucks so can get way more out of it. If your going this route the I2C interface uses less pins from the Arduino.

Re: Arduino controler

Posted: 26 Feb 2017, 03:17
by OldAirmail
I'm happy to see that someone else here is actively using these things.

While waiting, I tried out a couple of programs that interface the Arduino and a flight sim.

One, called Link2FS, does work but it has a few problems. Chief among them is the guy who started it, stopped developing it about 3 years ago. More work needs to be done, but he isn't interested anymore.

Another program, MobiFlight, is easier to work with but has numerous small problems. And right now it only works with one type of Arduino, the UNO. The Arduino MEGA is supposed to work but most people can't get it working.

After working with both programs, it's very clear that Ulrich will be able to do a much better job of it.

And, seriously, it might have more potential than SPAD.neXt.

Many people that I've talked to already have their buttons working with their fight sim. When you tell them that SPAD.neXt can do it better, they're simply content with what they already have.



A note on encoders

Some encoders work better or worse depending on the Arduino sketch.

The sketch in my post Arduino controller - Building a GPS works VERY well with every encoder that I have, both single and dual.

Good luck on your projects. :D

Re: Arduino controler

Posted: 26 Feb 2017, 08:38
by krono
Yep definitely waiting for the arduino programing. I was really excited when I saw it moved from in development to Alpha a few days ago but was then back to in development within 24hrs. I already have plans and materials waiting for when this hits the shelves.

Ken

Re: Arduino controler

Posted: 26 Feb 2017, 18:23
by c0nnex
Just to give a short update on this:

* working on supporting MobiFlight-Firmware
* working on creating an own Arduino-Firmware-Snippet for SPAD.neXt
* working on general support for Display and Led USB HID Devices.
* working on a general way to "teach" SPAD.neXt special devices, so you can provide a protocol definition on your own

Stuff is currently not followed with high priority, since other things are more important, but it is being worked on.

Re: Arduino controler

Posted: 26 Feb 2017, 22:19
by Oz Flyer
Thank you for the update.

Re: Arduino controler

Posted: 26 Feb 2017, 22:33
by OldAirmail
Ulrich, you've done an incredible job, and I can wait.

Most of what I would like to do with an Arduino (button, switches, encoders) works perfectly well with SPAD.neXt as is.

Reading sim data (AGL, Flap angle, etc) and displaying it on LEDs would be good enough.

What I'd like to display can already be done on the Saitek Radio display, but I'd like to move it off of the Radio.

Servo control would be nice, but is of less importance to me.

I have a childish dream of creating a model airplane that would mimic the attitude and angels of the sim plane. :oops:

Re: Arduino controler

Posted: 27 Feb 2017, 01:41
by krono
Yep thanks for the update Ulrich.

Ken

Re: Arduino controler

Posted: 22 Mar 2017, 23:42
by c0nnex

Re: Arduino controler

Posted: 23 Mar 2017, 01:29
by krono
Thanks Connex

Good to hear implementation is getting closer

Ken

Re: Arduino controler

Posted: 23 Mar 2017, 08:08
by Oz Flyer
thanks for the update and all the hard work you are putting in.

Ps. All I will need is a 3D printer to make the panels and NO will not ask for SPAD to driver the printer.