SIOC Input issues

[fsaviator]

I'm looking for a little help with SIOC. I have spent the last two days fumbling through the various sources of information on SIOC and my brain is now numb.

I have poured over Nico's site, and understand the process, as well as the verbage and examples.

I am using the PMDG 737NG.

I have figured out how to use "contralador" and have successfully hooked up my landing gear module, indicators, and lever. My outputs work fine through contralador, and the OC Landing Gear SIOC script compiles without an issue.

The issue I am having is that my inputs, i.e. the Gear up and down switches are jittering around like crazy. For instance (I was connected to PINs 0 and 1, and GND 1 on the Input(w/encoder) card. Controlador showed inputs 002 and 007 (I think). It was hard to say because the numbers wouldn't stay still. they jumped up the range from 002 to 007 in the white box.

I tried different inputs with the same result. I attached an SPST switch to an input and the GND and got the same results, so I know it's not wiring.

I fired up FS9 and the landing gear handle kept cycling, along with the lights in tune with the inputs jumping.

It seems like an interference issue. I seem to recall reading something about SIOC and interference in one of the multitude of threads I've read. Couldn't find it again though.

Any help would be appreciated

I have one Mastercard, connected through a USB expansion (using a parallel cable). I am using one output BOB and one input with encoder BOB connected to the MC.

I am running FS9.1, PMDG, and Win7. this is just my testing system. My FS System runs XPSP2. Both FSUIPC and WideFS are registered.

Oh... my +5V is on the pin closest to the parallel port, coming off of a computer power supply.

Here's my sioc.ini:

[ fichero de configuracion para el SIOC ver. 3.7 ]
[ Configuration file for SIOC ]


[************** SIOC ***************]

[ Puerto del servidor IOCP ]
[ IOCP port ]
IOCP_port=8092

[ Tiempo de respuesta máximo de los paquetes IOCP ]
[ IOCP Timeout ]
IOCP_timeout=4000

[ Arranque minimizado en la barra ]
[ Start minimized in tray ]
Minimized=No

[ Retraso necesario para las variables toggles (Project Magenta)]
[ Deley needed for var. toggles (Project Magenta) ]
toggle_delay=20

[ Fichero de configuracion ]
[ Configuration File ]
CONFIG_FILE=.\sioc.ssi


[************** IOCARDS MODULE ***************]

[ Desactivar el módulo de las IOCards ]
[ Disable IOCards module ]
IOCard_disable=No

[ Usar puerto LPT en las IOCards ]
[ Use LPT port in IOCards ]
IOCard_LPT=No


[------------- CARDS CONFIG -------------]

[ IOCard Master ]
[...............]

[ Spanish : ]

[ MASTER=(Indice device),(Tipo),(Número de tarjetas),(Número device) ]

[ Indice Device: Índice usado en la variable SIOC como device, para indicar a que tarjeta se hace referencia ]
[ Se usa 0 en el caso de que sólo haya una tarjeta y no se tenga en cuenta el número de device, por defecto un script en SIOC cuando no se pone parámetro DEVICE, se hace referencia al índice 0]

[ tipo = 0 : Emulador de Master Card ]
[ tipo = 1 : Tarjeta Master conectada al puerto paralelo directamente ]
[ tipo = 2 : Tarjeta Master conectada al puerto paralelo mediante cable de compatibilidad ]
[ tipo = 3 : Placa de expansión por puerto paralelo ]
[ tipo = 4 : Tarjeta USBExpansion usada ]
[ tipo = 5 : Modulo MCP de Opencockpits ]
[ tipo = 6 : Tarjeta USBOutputs ]
[ tipo = 7 : Modulo EFIS de Opencockpits ]
[ tipo = 8 : Modulo Radio COM de Opencockpits ]
[ tipo = 9 : Modulo Radio NAV de Opencockpits ]
[ tipo = 10 : Modulo Radio ADF de Opencockpits ]
[ tipo = 11 : Modulo Radio ATC de Opencockpits ]


[ Número de tarjetas = Número de placas Master usadas, 1 a 4 para uso de placas de expansión, 1 para conexión de placa Master directa o del Emulador ]

[ Número de device = 0 en el caso del Emulador o primera tarjeta USB detectada, Dirección del puerto paralelo (por ejemplo $0378), o número de dispositivo USB ]

[ Por ejemplo para una Master conectada al puerto paralelo : ]
[ MASTER=0,1,1,$0378 ]

[ Un ejemplo de 2 USBExpansion conectadas con 3 y 2 placas Master ]
[ MASTER=0,4,3,22 ]
[ MASTER=1,4,2,24 ]

[ Un ejemplo de conexión a simulador ]
[ MASTER=0,0,1,0 ]


[ English : ]

[ MASTER=(Device index),(Type),(Number of cards),(Device number) ]

[ Device index : Index used in SIOC variable like device, this is the card used for SIOC sentence ]
[ Use 0 for only one card, for this value you not need specify Device number. If you not use DEVICE parameter in a definition in SIOC script, the default index used is 0]

[ type = 0 : Master Card Emulator ]
[ type = 1 : Master Card connected directly to parallel port ]
[ type = 2 : Master Card connected throught compatibility cable to parallel port ]
[ type = 3 : Expansion Card connected throught parallel port ]
[ type = 4 : USBExpansion Card used ]
[ type = 5 : Opencockpits MCP module ]
[ type = 6 : USBOutputs Card used ]
[ type = 7 : Opencockpits EFIS module ]
[ type = 8 : Opencockpits Radio COM module ]
[ type = 9 : Opencockpits Radio NAV module ]
[ type = 10 : Opencockpits Radio ADF module ]
[ type = 11 : Opencockpits Radio ATC module ]

[ Number of Cards = Master cards connecteds, 1 to 4 for expansion cards, 1 for a Master card directly connected or Emulator ]

[ Number of device = 0 for Emulator or first USB card detected, parallel port address, device number for specifies USBexpansion card ]

[ For example, a Master Card connected directly to parallel port : ]
[ MASTER=0,1,1,$0378 ]

[ For example, two USBExpansion cards connected with 3 and 2 Master cards used ]
[ MASTER=0,4,3,22 ]
[ MASTER=1,4,2,24 ]

[ For example, use of Master card emulator ]
[ MASTER=0,0,1,0 ]

[ Use the first USBExpansion card connected with only one Master Card attached ]
[ Esta definición es para usar la primera tarjeta USBExpansion que se encuentre instalada que además llevará conectada una placa Master ]

[MASTER=3,6,1,252]
[MASTER=0,4,1,0]
[MASTER=0,4,1,0]
MASTER=0,4,2,0


[ Others Cards / Otras tarjetas ]
[...............................]

[ Spanish : ]

[ Nombre_de_tarjeta=(Indice device),(Número device) ]

[ Indice Device: Índice usado en la variable SIOC como device, para indicar a que tarjeta se hace referencia ]
[ Se usa 0 en el caso de que sólo haya una tarjeta y no se tenga en cuenta el número de device, por defecto un script en SIOC cuando no se pone parámetro DEVICE, se hace referencia al índice 0]

[ Número de device = 0 para usar primera tarjeta USB de este tipo detectada ó número de dispositivo USB ]


[ English : ]

[ Name_of_card=(Device index),(Device number) ]

[ Device index : Index used in SIOC variable like device, this is the card used for SIOC sentence ]
[ Use 0 for only one card, for this value you not need specify Device number. If you not use DEVICE parameter in a definition in SIOC script, the default index used is 0]

[ Number of device = 0 for first USB card of this type detected, or device number for a specifies device ]

[ Ejemplo de dos USBServos en indices 0 y 1, y números de devices 17 y 23 ]
[ Example of two USBServos for index 0 and 1, and device number 17 and 23 ]

[ USBServos=0,17 ]
[ USBServos=1,23 ]


USBStepper=0,0
USBKeys=0,0
USBServos=0,0
USBRelays=0,0
USBDCmotor=0,0

[ Para los ejes analógicos se usan los números de devices de las tarjetas donde están alojados ]
[ For analogic axles, you use the device number of cards what allow the axles ]

USBAnalogic=0,0


[************** FSUIPC MODULE ***************]

[ Desabilitar lectura de las FSUIPC ]
[ FSUIPC disable mode yes/no ]
FSUipcdisable=No

[ Refresco recepción FSUIPC ]
[ FSUIPC refresh ]
FSUipcRefresh=50


[************** IOCP CLIENTS MODULES ***************]

[ Retraso para inicializacion una vez conectado el cliente en milisegundos ]
[ Delay for initialization when client has been connected in mseconds ]
IOCPini_delay=3000

[************** IOCP CLIENT MODULE #0 ***************]

[ Desactivar el módulo cliente IOCP ]
[ Disable IOCP client module ]
IOCPclient0_disable=Yes

[ IP del servidor donde debe de conectar el cliente ]
[ IOCP client host name ]
IOCPclient0_host=localhost

[ Puerto de envio del protocolo IOCP cliente ]
[ IOCP client port ]
IOCPclient0_port=8090


[************** IOCP CLIENT MODULE #1 ***************]

[ Desactivar el módulo cliente IOCP ]
[ Disable IOCP client module ]
IOCPclient1_disable=Yes

[ IP del servidor donde debe de conectar el cliente ]
[ IOCP client host name ]
IOCPclient1_host=localhost

[ Puerto de envio del protocolo IOCP cliente ]
[ IOCP client port ]
IOCPclient1_port=8099


[************** SOUND MODULE ***************]

[ Ficheros de sonido ]
[ Sound Files ]

[ Desactivar el módulo de sonido ]
[ Disable Sound module ]
Sound_disable=yes

[ Volumen general de los sonidos 0-100 ]
[ Master Volume 0-100 ]
Volume=100


[ put '*' first filename for loop Sound ]
[ anteponer '*' en el fichero para bucle continuo de sonido]

[ Sound=wav_file,frequency,volume,pan ]
[ frequency=100 to 100000 0=original -1=current ]
[ volume=0 to 100, -1=current ]
[ pan=-100 (left) to +100 (right) 0=center -1=current ]

[ Sound=Fichero_wav,frecuencia,volumen,balance ]
[ frecuencia=100 hasta 100000 0=original -1=Por defecto ]
[ volumen=0 hasta 100 -1=Volumen por defecto ]
[ balance=-100 (Izquierda) hasta +100 (Derecha) 0=centro -1=Por defecto ]

[ #1 ]
Sound=APDis.wav,-1,-1,-1

[ #2 ]
Sound=*outermk.wav,-1,-1,-1

[ #3 ]
Sound=*hello.wav

[************** KEYBOARD EMULATOR MODULE ***************]

[ Nombre exacto de la ventana donde se enviarán las teclas ]
[ Name of window for key send ]
[window = "Project Magenta Glass Cockpit - Build 396" ]

window =a.txt - Bloc de notas


[ Asignación de teclas ]
[ assign youe keys ]

#1=\B\A
#2=B
#3=C
#4=D
#5=E
#6=F
#7=G
#8=H
#9=I
#10=J
#11=K
#12=L
#13=M
#14=N
#15=O
#16=P
#17=Q
#18=R
#19=S
#20=T
#21=U
#22=V
#23=W
#24=X
#25=Y
#26=Z
#27=1
#28=2
#29=3
#30=4
#31=5
#32=6
#33=7
#34=8
#35=9
#36=0
#37=<
#38=,
#39=.
#40=-
#41=*
#42=+
#43=//
#44=/0
#45=/1
#46=/A
#47=
#48=
#49=
#50=
#51=
#52=
#53=
#54=
#55=
#56=
#57=
#58=
#59=
#60=
#61=
#62=
#63=
#64=
#65=
#66=
#67=
#68=
#69=
#70=
#71=
#72=
#73=
#74=
#75=
#76=
#77=
#78=
#79=
#80=
#81=
#82=
#83=
#84=
#85=
#86=
#87=
#88=<a
#200=<b

[ End of File ]

[fsaviator]

Just tried removing ALL inputs... still getting the jittering so I guess that means it's not a wiring issue...

I swapped out input card... not the problem
I swapped out cables... not the problem
I swapped out Mastercards... not the problem
I swapped out USB expansion cards... not the problem

Help!

[fordgt40]

Warren

On the basis of trying the simplest things first, check that the ribbon cable between your BOB and mastercard is properly crimped. I have had a few cables provided by OC that were poorly done - pressing/waggling the connection will generate spurious, random or rapidly changing inputs numbers. Drove me mad until I found the cause!

David

Edit - your second post beat me to it

[fsaviator]

Thanks for the reply David,

In actuality, you are right... I did find a badly crimped cable. That spurred changing cables, and I thought I had it. Then I restarted Controlador, and it was back to the same. That spurred swapping everything out. Still didn't fix it.

I just resited the +5V power to the MC, thinking maybe it was too close to the boards and creating some interference... nothing.

I'm starting to think it is either an ini setting (wrong type/numbe of board specified), or... a windows 7 issue...

I'm swapping computers next.

EDITED: No change under WinXP

[deering]

Warren, with one Master Card attached, specify MASTER=0,4,1,0. Try that without your power supply attached.

Jim.

[fsaviator]

Back in Win7 now.


Warren, with one Master Card attached, specify MASTER=0,4,1,0. Try that without your power supply attached.

Jim.

Jim. I had already tried 0,4,1,0 but that hadn't fixed it... HOWEVER...:D that, along with pulling the +5V to the Mastercard seemed to have done the trick!

I guess as I only have two swtiches and six LEDs wired to it, there just isn't enough to put a load on it.

It seems to working fine.

I just took a test spin in the PMDG and the gear worked (kind of... it would appear that the PMDG does not have the gear off setting so it is playing havoc with the OC script I'm using). That however is something I can work with now that i know that my I/O works.

Thanks a Bunch Jim.

[deering]

Welcome, Warren.

I wanted you to try that before I ask this potentially insulting question.



... my +5V is on the pin closest to the parallel port.


Did you connect a ground lead for that supply?

Jim.

[fsaviator]

The black and red wires from my PS are connected to a breakout bar, with leads from there going to the MC.

The only other ground for the PS is provided via the household plug.

[deering]

Warren,

your description sounded like a problem with voltage levels/reference. Have you checked the levels from that supply?

Jim.

[fsaviator]

Warren,

your description sounded like a problem with voltage levels/reference. Have you checked the levels from that supply?

Jim.

5.41VDC as of right now. The 12V side gives me cause for concern... 10.5VDC which is kind of low. Nothing is connected to the PS at this time.

Warren

[fsaviator]

It appears the problem is not gone.

It seems to be fluctuating between values again, sporadically.

Not sure where to go from here.

[deering]

Hmmm. What does the voltage supply look like across one of those Master Card ICs?

[fsaviator]

I appreciate your help here. OK. First, not sure how to check the voltage on an IC. Don't want to bridge the wrong thing. Checking from ground to each pin though, on the BOB, I'm getting .39.

Here's what I've done so far:

I went straight to the pins on the Master card and the fluctuation went away. I got good clear signals to the Contolador.

I put the BOB back into the mix and fluctuation was back. I pulled encoder off and got a clear signal.

In fact it looks great from here. Tried to load the SIOC file, and it doesn't work. Controlador shows all the hookups, but... when I run flightsim, everything hooks up, but no gear or lights. It's like taking the encoder part off the input card made it stop working.

[fsaviator]

:D

It works!!!! Finally. I have a functional gear lever! Once I started to get good readings on the inputs, it became apparent that I had compiled the wrong values. Went back in and changed them and I have working gears.

That does answer the issue of why it works without the encoder board, especially as I have ALPS encoders and will probably need it, but hey.

One panel down.... whew, are they all this hard?

Thanks for the patience, Jim, and everyone else.