[simpits-tech] sim meltdown

[Gene Buckle]

On Sat, 17 Sep 2011, Justin Messenger wrote:

> For a short period I had a functional g suit in my F-4 sim tonight. It 
> rocked! I could not believe the amount of pressure that thing can 
> produce, it completely changed the simulation experience and reminded me 
> of the feeling I had on my T-6 texan flight. Pulling g hurt!   Then 
> something went terribly wrong and the g suit didnt deflate after a turn. 
> Im controlling it with an USBoutputs card from open cockpits and supect 
> I over amped the card. Im well within the amp limit per an output, but I 
> see its total amp capacity is only 2.5. Thats not much when running 12v 
> motors, solenoids,  and LEDs on a card with 64 outputs. I trigger all of 
> the 24v equipment with relays  Half the outputs on the card will not 
> shut off even with the USB cable disconnected so the card has to be 
> shorted. They talk about running bulbs up to 40v, but to use all 62 
> outputs with such a low amp limit I think the card is really just good 
> for LEDs.   The computer also no longer reacts correctly to a mouse 
> click, so the damage seem to go beyond my cards. I fear i have a total 
> loss on my gear in the F-4 sim :(  If so Im not sure I will rebuild 
> it due to the cost. 

That's a real shame Justin, I'm sorry to hear this.

When I built my 16 channel output board for the F-15, I specifically 
designed it to use power transistors (TIP-125 in a TO-220 package) in 
order that I could power high-draw devices without worrying about blowing 
the board up.  I designed it so that any device capable of driving a +5vdc 
"high" could activate one of the channels on the board - this means 
anything from driving it directly via a 5V power supply to using a Phidget 
to control it.  If you want the schematics I'd be happy to provide them.

g.


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