I'm considering purchasing the Rowsfire A110P A320 Flight Simulator Pedestal Stand to mount my WinCtrl panels and throttle to. Just curious to know if anyone here happens to have purchased this stand and can offer any opinion on it's quality?

https://rowsfire.com/collections/all-products/products/rowsfire-a110p-a320-flight-simulator-pedestal-stand

I've tried searching for reviews but have thus far come up empty.

I have a working physical cockpit that I need to align with the virtual cockpit of the stock C172 in X-Plane 12. I'm using a Vive Tracker 3 as the anchor point between the two. The difficulty I am having is how to calculate the position of the tracker in virtual space. From what I've seen, the models all use the firewall as the datum, but positioning is relative to a pivot, which I understand is represented by the CofG for the aircraft. So then the question becomes, where do I find the CofG relative to the datum (firewall)? In planemaker in the Weight an Balance panel there is a forward and an empty CofG listed at 2.9, but if that's meters it seems pretty far back... also, I assume that the CofG would be centered on X, but what about the vertical position?

Thanks for your help

I was wondering if anybody has the propwash simulation PWS 155. I’ve been needing a radio panel and I think it works well in my situation. Does anybody know the depth of the panel? I know it supposed to be mounted into a flight panel, but I wanted to use it standalone.

thanks!

There are 10 initial panel sets there and some others are following on in the coming weeks. There are many that are xplane compatible so come take a look. You may of already seen the ones that have been up on Youtube so most of those will come along with a few new ones either in the works or on the to-do list. It takes a considerable amount of effort to produce each one so please be patient. Any new items will be announced on the Experimental Sim Avionics Discord server and Youtube channel.

https://experimentalsimavionics.com/

https://discord.gg/sY2xK4p7mc

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ZqXXl-lHZzSkfZMq5BKig

I don't seem to find a thread where other members "showcase" their set-up. Any pointers where to look? Or we could start one? 

If you want to see the sim : https://youtube.com/shorts/7PF-261Lo5c?is=5VdEx_-vn_hhryiU

For now we go into the virtual cockpit (normally we have a collimated outside view and no VC) and turn on the knob. Not a very big issue to do this once a day. But we always want to improve things, so I was looking for a little Lua to connect to a switch.

With the datareftool I see that "laminar/B738/annunciator/brightness_mcp_light" changes from 0-1 when turning the corresponding knob so I tried:

function switches()

if button(1) then

set("laminar/B738/annunciator/brightness_mcp_light",1)

else

set("laminar/B738/annunciator/brightness_mcp_light",0)

end

end

do_every_frame("switches()")

It should go from out to fully lit, but nothing happened. If I got this to work I can refine it by using a potmeter. But I want to start simple.

I used this code for several other things like landing lights, parking brake and autobrake and that worked.

Thanks for any advice

Thanks

What started as a simple idea turned into a small ecosystem of plug-and-play GA modules — lots of trial and error, redesigns, and a ridiculous amount of filament along the way.

At this stage I’ve ended up with:

• 2 different flaps modules

• 4 variations of throttle quadrants

• 4 standalone engine/prop control modules

• plus carb heat and primer controls

Honestly, I’m starting to think I enjoy building these more than actually flying the sim 😅

I’ve attached a few photos of the current state — would genuinely love to hear what you guys think, especially from a usability / realism standpoint.

If anyone’s curious, I’ve documented a bit more detail on the flaps module and throttle setups here:

FLAPS

THROTTLE

and a photo of the ecosystem (part of it) below:

I have built two seater home cockpit based on A320/A330 and thus far been using "basic" MSFS2024+Fenix combo. Other hardware and software in use:

• HW: WinCtrl (FCU, MCDU´s,Throttle + Flaps+Gear) + Rowsfire (Radios, TCAS, WX panel, ECAM panel), SL3 panels (Master warn, Brake press, PFD/ND light panels), Java Simulator (Overhead panel L)

• SW: Mobiflight, SimAppPro, Rowsfire app, JS-Connect (for Java)

• 3pcs of 65" Sony tv´s

• 2pcs Ipad tablets (for EFB (Fenix); Navigraph charts; PocketSky for SayIntentions; checklists etc)

As MSFS still lacks critical camera/ visual capabilities for home cockpit I have been planning to jump to more "pro" setup with XP12 & Toliss Airbus.

I have identified that most critical aspects which have been blockers personally for me to jump to XP12 are:

• Proper ATC > SayIntentionsAi working with XP12

• Live traffic injection > Traffic Control or Live Traffic until SayIntentions traffic injection works with XP12

  • Q: Does the Traffic Control or Live Traffic work well in co-op with SayIntentions ATC?

• Extracting panels from Toliss to home cockpit

  • Q: 1) Natively from Toliss but requires additional license (with quite hefty price tag)

  • Or 2) use xtextureextractor to popout panels

• Extracting EFB from Toliss to home cockpit tablet

  • Q: Is this possible with xtextureextractor

• Using external Acars printer with Toliss (minor maybe but for immersion)

  • Q: Is this possible?

I am not too worried about the graphics or sounds etc. so let´s leave those out..

How do you fellow home cockpit pilots handle these in XP12+Toliss in your cockpits?

I am very keen to hear your experiences and comments Thanks in advance!

Thanks

I would like to ask how is the possible connection from xplane11 software using usb serial to carry roll and pitch axis data to raspberry pi pico microcontroller or arduino. My question is how to establish this connection each other via usb serial. I would like to control servo motors to move realtime wings.

What is the maximum amount of analog inputs for a controller?

What Arduino like micro-controller is best to use?

How do I send data like speed to the micro-controller?

I'm continuing work on interfacing OEM indicators/gauges in my B727-200 home cockpit project using FlyJSim's 727 and XP11.55b2.

I have made some great progress this year with interfacing (partial interfacing) with some items yet to be completed.

Currently, I'm working on my Sperry MHR-4B Horizontal Situation Indicators.  I have all the flags and the TO/FR indicators interfaced and working beautifully via a Teensy 4.1 and their Flight Controls.

I have run into a bit of a snag with regard to the HSI's Glide Slope Deviation and Course Deviation needles.

I'm using a non-linear variable resistor set for 1.67V with X-Plane not operating, which gives me a zero glide slope needle position.  I've hooked-up a multimeter to give me voltage readings from the center tap on the variable resistor at the various needle positions.

With X-Plane running, I'm getting           -2.0 dots UP...2.30V / -1.0 dots UP...2.38V / 0 dots...2.46V / 1.0 dots DN...2.52V / 2.0 dots DN...2.6V

With X-Plane NOT running, I'm getting  -2.0 dots UP...1.52 / -1.0 dots UP...1.60V / 0 dots....1.67 / 1.0 dots DN...1.75V / 2.0 dots DN...1.82V

The data ref readings are                       -2.5 / -1.03 / 0 / 1.03 / 2.5

I'm currently using this sketch/code:

/* 
   Glide Slope Deviation on HSI

 Using variable resistor (non-linear/potentiometer) as voltage divider set at 1.67V on Glide Slope ONLY
 Teensy 3.3V goes to voltage divider 'hot'
 Teensy GND goes to voltage divider 'ground'
 MHR-4B HSI J502-37 (+) goes to the center tap on the voltage divider
 MHR-4B HSI J502-36 (-) goes to Teensy pin 9  (Capt.)

*/

FlightSimFloat CaptgsBar;

#define CaptGsDeviation 9
 
void setup() {

  setupCaptGsDeviation();
}

void loop() {
  FlightSim.update();
  updateCaptGsDeviation();
}
 
void setupCaptGsDeviation() {
  CaptgsBar = XPlaneRef("sim/cockpit/radios/nav1_vdef_dot");
  pinMode(CaptGsDeviation, OUTPUT);
}
 
void updateCaptGsDeviation() {
  int Captgsdev = (CaptgsBar * 48); // gsdev = Deviation of Glide Slope bar
  Captgsdev = map(Captgsdev, -254, 254, 0, 254);
  analogWrite(CaptGsDeviation, Captgsdev);
}

Earlier in the week, this worked beautifully.   Last night and today, not so much...the glide slope on the indicator does not come close to matching what's on the sim's indicator.  I swapped-out Teensy 4.1 boards as well as a new variable resistor, properly set...and nope, still not giving the results I'm hoping for.

An acquaintance suggested early in the week that I try this sketch/code, which I did.   I could not get any movement, good or bad.

FlightSimFloat gsBar;   // -2.0 to 2.0   2-dot deflection

#define GsDeviation 9            
#define GsDeviationPWM 8       // PWM pin number

void setup() {
  setupGsDeviation();
}

void loop() {
  FlightSim.update();
  updateGsDeviation();
}

void setupGsDeviation() {
  gsBar = XPlaneRef("sim/cockpit/radios/nav1_vdef_dot");
  pinMode(GsDeviation, OUTPUT);  // PWM out

}

void updateGsDeviation() {

  int gsdev = (gsBar * 127); // gsdev = Deviation of glide slope bar
  gsdev = map(gsdev, -254, 254, 0, 255);
  analogWrite(GsDeviation, gsdev);
  analogWrite(GsDeviationPWM, 127);
}

His sketch/code eliminates the need for the external variable resistor (as voltage divider)--and I was all for that--but I could not get it to work.  I tried changing his "gsBar * 127" value to no avail, as well as his "GsDeviationPWM, 127" without luck.

My question (first of many, I'm sure)...

Is there an alternative way to get Teensy to read the incoming data ref float then send the appropriate voltage to the HSI?  Floating voltages (similar to the floating data ref values) would be the ideal answer but I don't know if anything like this is possible--I've certainly never worked with anything like this before.

I really appreciate constructive thoughts and guidance with this.

Thank you very much in advance.

Jay

Las Vegas, NV

After a little over a year of design work, testing and more prototypes than I can count, I finally reached a point where I’m happy with the Project-X GA modules I’ve been building.

The goal from the beginning was simple — create solid, realistic, plug-and-play controls inspired by General Aviation aircraft, something that actually feels right in the hand and not like a toy.

Everything went through multiple revisions until it felt mechanically right and reliable. It’s been a long process but a really fun one.

Just wanted to share the result with the community that inspired a lot of this project. I’d love to hear what you guys think.

If you are interested i added links to all the photos of all the modules below, still tons to come - currently finalizing transponder, autopilot and radio stack!

Calm Skies to all!

Mike

Throttle Quadrants, Standalone Throttle And Engine Control Modules, Flaps Modules And Primer Photos And Videos

Installation/Setup Videos

TikTok

Etsy

>> Weirdly, when I punch buttons on the box it alters things on my GTN, so the device is talking, it's just talking to the wrong place.
>> The box doesn't receive the freqs/figures from Xplane.

Before getting to deep into screenshots and the grit of it - anyout out there with experience of interfacing this module or any of the AP4000 modules into a sim setup?

I imagine I have a config / conflict issue.

Cheers,

Mike

Epic E1000-G for X-Plane 12 finished - Sim Innovations Forums

Regards, Herbert

The code is in an attachment on a message below.

This is the list of components I used:

• Arduino Mega

• 5V power source

• 3 MAX7219 8 digits display

• 5 momentary button KD2-22

• 12 toggle switches MTS-102

• 4 rotary encoders KY-040

For the box I used MakerCase to create the box layout, dimensions, etc. For the wholes layout I used Inkscape and measuring tape to get the right dimensions.

You can link each device to your aircraft's datarefs and commands, or desin your own commands with FlywithLua and use those commands on XPPanels. You can share your designs with your friends, and import .xppanels files.

Look at this videos to see it in action: https://youtube.com/shorts/PPWZwDvvwRk?si=GxTbqMtiW7ANJ9FV

Download at: https://apps.apple.com/hk/app/xppanels/id6754986883?l=en-GB

I tried building my own, with a 3-position rotary switch, and a spring actuated by a peg under the knob, but it wasn't very good. I also tried a 16mm switch, which was better, but a bit weak, and lacking much of a positive action.

Today I received a 22mm switch, based on this series:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005387492548.html

I asked the vendor if they could supply one that had a latching action left, and momentary action right. And they did.

I will 3D print an authentic looking knob which will clip over the supplied actuator. The switch has an LED inside, so I can light up the indicator line on the knob. It has two N/O contacts, so I can detect left, centre, and right positions (centre is neither contact actuated). It's also robust and satisfying to operate.

There is another 22mm series, which I didn't ask about. It has a similar construction, but the switch elements are different. In fact there are several families of industrial switches that could be adapted for DIY cockpit construction.

My favourite ones are these, in the 16mm series:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005791728074.html

They are very similar to Korry switches. I am using them for the Challenger 300 pedestal.

These are the rotary version:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005415440814.html

They are attractive as they fit in the same size hole and have the same wiring harness on the back. I have modified two of these to be left-latching, right-momentary, for a different panel. They are okay in that application, but don't feel right for a 3-position rotary switch, so I am using yet another switch in that case.

tl;dr industrial switches are available in a number of configurations ideal for DIY cockpits, and can be easier than making your own.

Risks and challenges
Limited experience with embedded systems design.
Limited experience with SMD soldering.
Cramming as many inputs as desired into a package that fits well on a desk.
Budget.

Tools available
FDM 3d printer
CNC router
Soldering station with hot-air rework.

I'm recently starting to try building my dream Dash 8 cockpit. I'm new to this- it's been challenging (and a lot of reading), but really fun too. I've been having good initial success using SimVim plugin for making switches/buttons etc work with the FlyJSim Q400. I'm now trying to use the SimVimPanel plugin (with a Raspberry Pi 5) for displaying e.g. PFD, ND....but am now a bit stuck. I've been able to get the panels to load on the Raspberry pi, but they don't seem to be receiving data from X-plane. XP12 itself runs great, and the SimVim plugin on the mac runs great and displays  the attached arduino and associated switches/buttons but it lists 0 panels loaded. The raspberry pi running SIMVimPanel loads and its panels altitude and heading etc are wrong and don't move/adjust. From SimVim's site, "Download SimVimPanel on the second computer, and start. If the computers are on the same network, they will automatically connect and you will see the instrument panel working.  I've spent days trying various things- I'm wondering before spend many more days on this, have any of you used the plugin successfully with XP12 on a mac and a Raspberry pi, and was there any specific network setting or something you found was critical?

A few details: I'm using Mac OS and XP12 with the SimVim mac silicon version of their plugin. I've tried ethernet connections, wifi, adding a network separate switch for just my mac and the Raspberry Pi,  and hunting around in the network settings for something obvious (e.g. turning on and off  UPnP). I will admit I'm not a networking guru. I can see that both my Mac and the Raspberry have IP addresses assigned (e.g. 192.168.1.22 and 192.168.1.30), and I can ping the Raspberry remotely from my mac and it works (again, not a networking guru, just googling everything...). I did also ask for thoughts on the SimVim community site, but it seems a bit quiet at the moment.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have. And also a huge thank you to the SimVim developer, I really appreciate all of the work they put into their tools and website