[simpits-tech] RE: FlightGear and Hardware

[Andre Breytenbach]

Al
I am working down the same lines - only using MCS51 family processors as they have a multi-cpu enabling serial mode. For the USB I have found modules and chips that are easy to hook up to microcontrollers and can be accessed via virtual com ports or directly. All drivers are available free of charge. See http://www.ftdichip.com/.
 
On the Flightgear side I am of no use - I work with Falcon4.
 
I have progressed quite a bit with the microcontroller hard and software, but must now start learning Delphi to do the PC side.
For the switches and keys I will receive the key-code from the panel controllers, look it up in a config file and dump the key-press sequence into the keyboard buffer.
For driving the indicators, I will read the F-4 memfile, translate the values to something more meaningful and shorter, tag on a header with the address of the gauge and dump it out via USB.
I do not plan anything more elaborate as my abilities and knowledge said KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid. Still I have a lot to learn to make it work.
Contact me directly if you want to swap ideas.
Good luck and all the best.
Andre SimNut Breytenbach
a_breytie at yahoo.co.uk
Sunny South Africa
 
On Sat, 13 Dec 2003 01:30:05 -0000 "Al West" <mail at prbox.com> wrote:
I'm running flightgear and want to start building generic hardware 
using PIC chips and USB interface. However, I'm not too sure how flightgear interface with hardware. i.e. what is envolved in getting a button press to action something like flaps down or such like. 

The design I've come up with gives 8 analogue inputs (10 bit 
resolution) and 20 digital inputs/outputs. I intend to make the design so you can have a number of these units connected at the same time.

However, I have not done anything with USB yet and don't know if common USB HID drivers for the OS will be enough.
If there is anyone out there who will be willing to speak to me with regards to this then I'd be very grateful.

On another note has anyone considered using touchscreen LCDs for their glasscockpit design. There are plenty of them about for about £140 ($200) on Ebay. They are 1024x768 with a USB interface and regular 15-pin DIN connection for video and they will also accept A/V inputs.

Best Regards,
Al




---------------------------------
   BT Yahoo! Broadband - Save £80 when you order online today. Hurry! Offer ends 21st December 2003. The way the internet was meant to be. 
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.simpits.org/pipermail/simpits-tech/attachments/20031217/fb373491/attachment.html