[simpits-tech] Electronic USB modules

Wed, 15 May 2002 19:47:14 -0600 (MDT)

Ah - and the existing code base interfacing to the sim software is
significant enough that it needs to be saved.

I'm not terribly crazy about making PS/2 interfaces for a specialized
application, however I believe this can be solved in software.

Is the existing software polling the PS/2 port registers directly, or
relying on operating system calls?  What operating systems is this code
running on?

Assuming a lot, I would say the solution (for my stuff) relies on writing
a quick piece of software that runs on the computer, and fires keyboard
events into windows.  Then the applications would receive their keyboard
strokes just as if it had came from a PS/2 port.  This little bit of
software would be configured from a file, so multiple USB phidgets with
hundreds of inputs each can be mapped onto key strokes.  Simple.

This assumes that the computers running these simpits
A) Have USB ports,
B) run Win2000/XP.

I can crank out a bit of code to demo this, if you want.

Chester

> Chester,
>
> I think an important question is if you can provide keyboard input like the
> EPIC or XKeys does.
>
> Many sims get their input from the keyboard, so having a pathway to send key
> characters directly to the keyboard input port (PS/2) would be very
> valuable.
>
> Sounds like all of the software resides on the PC, not the IO boards.  Is
> this true?
>
> I ask since it is necessary to process inputs and make conditional decisions
> based on the state of one or more switches.
>
> Marv
> --
>
>
> > From: fitchett <fitchett@cpsc.ucalgary.ca>
> > Reply-To: simpits-tech@simpits.org
> > Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 17:37:32 -0600 (MDT)
> > To: simpits-tech@simpits.org
> > Subject: Re: [simpits-tech] Electronic USB modules
> >
> >
> > The website is at www.phidgets.com, although these new products will not
> > have online documentation created yet.  I guess it's time to write the doc
> > while the boards are getting made.
> >
> > These devices interface as standard USB devices, and I have a software
> > library that builds on top of the Windows USB stack for programmers.
> > This library can be used from any programming language in Windows 2000/XP.
> >
> > Gene is using this library to bridge to the flight simulator programs, I
> > believe.
> >
> > Chester
> >
> >
> >> Gene,
> >> when I saw this I was thinking "wow" at last a much cheaper alternative, over
> >> here, the EPIC is basically double the US price (exchange rates are crap!)
> >> Just let me see if I understand this device correctly.
> >> Its a hardware interface kit, that I can hook up switches too, it uses USB
> >> into
> >> interface your PC. Does it just emulate a keyboard and send keypresses when
> >> the
> >> switch is toggled?
> >> And so your software, does it interface a sims like MSFS via the FSUIPC
> >> interface thus making it a whole lot more useful?
> >>
> >> Does chester have a website with more details, im sure there will be many of
> >> us
> >> that will take this up as opposed the EPIC.
> >>
> >> Chris.
> >>
> >>
> >>>> A 256 input InterfaceKit using a scanning matrix topology - see
> >>> Gene's
> >>>> nice diagram at
> >>>> http://www.simpits.org/fileproc/files/ematrix.png
> >>>> This module uses a 40 pin header to connect to your pit. It comes
> >>> with
> >>>> 256 diodes. This module is $50.
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>> I know that the high cost of entry as represented by the EPIC is
> >>> preventing a significant number of you from starting or
> >>> completeing(sp)
> >>> your projects.
> >>>
> >>> This new interface that Chester has created all but erases the biggest
> >>> barrier to a good cockpit - the hardware interface. Even the smallest
> >>> cockpit project can benefit from this thing. Additionally, you can
> >>> hook
> >>> up more than one of these things up to your machine. You need 2000 or
> >>> more inputs for that fancy passenger jet?? No problem. You can easily
> >>> hook up 8 of these to one or two USB hubs and get the job done. The
> >>> only
> >>> limitation is the USB specification itself.
> >>>
> >>> Now combine this with the other Phidgets that Chester makes and you've
> >>> got
> >>> the core of some seriously cool fun. The fantastic part is that they
> >>> don't cost an arm and a leg. You won't have to dig into the kids'
> >>> college
> >>> fund to build a cockpit with Phidgets. :)
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> The software I'm working on supports FS98/2k/2k2 and CFS2. After
> >>> completion, X-Plane and Falcon 4 support will be added. It's easy to
> >>> use
> >>> and with the exception of Falcon 4, doesn't have to run on the
> >>> computer
> >>> the flight simulator software is running on. I hope to have a beta
> >>> available soon.
> >>>
> >>> g.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
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> >>> Simpits-tech@simpits.org
> >>> http://www.simpits.org/mailman/listinfo/ simpits-tech
> >>> To unsubscribe, please see the instructions at the bottom of the above
> >>> page. Thanks!
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Chris Brace
> >> V(H) +64 4 973-6378
> >> V(W) +64 4 474-4222
> >> M +64 21 223-5163
> >> E chris.brace@paradise.net.nz
> >> _______________________________________________
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> >> Simpits-tech@simpits.org
> >> http://www.simpits.org/mailman/listinfo/simpits-tech
> >> To unsubscribe, please see the instructions at the bottom of the above page.
> >> Thanks!
> >>
> >
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>
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