Opencockpit PCB's

[Marsh]

Considering the number of cards I need for my sim, I'm thinking about ordering a mess of just the PCB's, buy the components from Mouser, and get out the solder iron. Considering international shipping and the exchange rate, this would save me roughly $400. Has anyone done this before? OC doesn't give very detailed component BOM's...mfg part # would be ideal. Also I've never programmed IC's before, so don't know if I'd be getting in over my head. Many of the programs are available to download from their website, but I don't know if these are simple self installing or require some tweaking.
Just wondering if anyone's done this and if the extra complexity would be worth the cost savings.

[crashdog]

I would rather go for the complete sets. Soldering it together your self will be painfull enough. If you don't have a pic burner and no experiance with it, it will take quite some time to learn and you will surely make mistakes. That costs usually more money then buying the complete cards.

But if you intend to learn how to do that anyway then why not try it out. There is a really good (sorry german only) site about PIC programming here : http://www.sprut.de

Gery

[mefiu]

Marsh, have no fear soldering Opencockpit's kits, I've done it sucessfully by myself, but mind proper PIC programming settings.
Here:
http://opencockpits.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forums&file=viewtopic&topic=3500&forum=1
you can find my way of doing it.
I did not programmed it by myself (a mate of mine did), but the settings are crucial.

[Marsh]

So far my inability to find a detailed (mfg part #) bill of material for these IO cards is making the PCB/do it myself route a less favorable option. So far my inquiries to the guys at OC have gone unanswered. I'm sure this isn't the first time they had this question considering they do sell just the raw PCB's. The prices on the kits don't seen to offer much savings over the fully assembled/tested cards. I think I'll keep digging for another week before I pony up the fully assembled cards.

[mefiu]

The prices on the kits don't seen to offer much savings over the fully assembled/tested cards.
Speaking of cards like 'USB Axes card' - you're right.
You save only 4 euros.
But soldering yourself a Master card can save you a bunch of 30 euros.
For one pre-assembled Master you get TWO Master kits.

My advice are:
1. Buy fully assembled small cards (Displays, USBKeys), because trading 4 euros for time needed to solder them is not a good idea.
2. Buy KITS of large cards (Master, USB Expansion) where the savings are huge (if you're not afraid of soldering).
I did that. I'm happy :)

[Marsh]

mefiu - Considering you said you had a mate of yours program the PIC for you, I guess the PIC's that come in the kits aren't pre-programmed. I pulled a mfg part number off the PIC on my servo card (PIC16C745-I/SP). Looks like that chip is a one-time-programmable. Considering it's a $3.70USD chip and you only get one shot at programming it, it's probably best I just go with the completed cards, except for the maybe the Master. Unless I'm just not seeing the documentation correctly the master doesn't seem to have a programmable chip. Which may be why I can't find a HEX file for it.

[RadarBob]

Hi Marsh,

I agree with mefiu - It is a worthwhile saving to go the kit route if your soldering is ok and you have a decent iron.

In my view the prices for their kits are reasonable - The main problem I have with them is the shipping cost, which I think is too high - So you want to make sure you buy all you need in one hit.

I think that the input/output connection boards are perhaps also a little on the pricey side - But they do save a lot of messing about.

I've built a couple of USBExpansion/Masters/USBKeys with no problem.

The kit comes with a pre-programmed PIC so you don't need to worry about that.

You can buy some of the pre-programmed PICs from OC as separate items - So there is another option.

As far as I remember, the materials list for the boards can also be found from the website.

I did just buy the PCB and program the PIC for the USBKeys though.

I messed up a couple of PICS until I got the method right - basically, you just load the .hex and write it straight to the chip - Don't mess about with it or try to verify.

You are correct, there is no programmable device on the master - It is just multiplexing/de-multiplexing

Cheers,

Rob

[Marsh]

Just an update on this. Because it might be a while before I finish my sim, I decided to go the more independent route. I’m using the OC cards as a template and making all the cards from scratch. This actually then allows me to customize the boards to fit my needs. I just completed 4 servo cards. I laid out the traces manually on AutoCAD using the schematic. OC supplies Gerber files, but I made it a standard size, single-sided board. I eliminated some connections I don’t need and reconfigured the servo connections to work directly with my Hitec brand servos. I used the toner transfer method to make the PCB’s. I scored a free bottle of etchant, but had to spend $18 for photo paper. I got an Olimex PIC programmer for $23. The settings are in the supplied HEX code, so all you have to do is make sure everything is connected, select the PIC from a drop-down menu, open the HEX program and hit ‘write’. I also had to invest $8.99 on a set of tiny PCB drill bits. I have about $50 in tools/equipment/supplies and each servo card has $10 worth of components. I’m already money ahead consider one servo card shipped to the US with the exchange rate runs $50. Kind of time consuming laying out the pads and traces, but the DIY satisfaction is worth it. My next task is laying out a combination master/usb expansion card. 5387

[Perik]

Great job, Robert!!!

Nice to see another one scratch building OC cards...

It's not that difficult and I fully agree with your statement
about satisfaction added to all the other benefits like:

Build what you need at the right time and $ ;-)

[seanatp]

Hi There

I am the same building my own boards. I need help with the Gerber files for the opencockpit USB Axes IO Card. Could you maybe send me the files and the HEX file if you have it please I need this urgently.

my email is: seanatp1@gmail.com

thx
Sean

[hyamesto]

Sean:
This old thread is from 2011.....
I like the one side version of USBServo Card.
Marsh make this, and the USB Stepper too.
Too bad not having the original drawing of Marsh to produce them by the method of transfer of toner. (The original gerber pcb are for double-sided board with metallized holes, some difficult to make at home)
The gerber and HEX files are missing from Opencockpits web.
I have it in some hidden place of some of my 20 hard disks....
When I find it, it would send gladly, but be patient.
Regards.
Horacio.

[seanatp]

Sean:
This old thread is from 2011.....
I like the one side version of USBServo Card.
Marsh make this, and the USB Stepper too.
Too bad not having the original drawing of Marsh to produce them by the method of transfer of toner. (The original gerber pcb are for double-sided board with metallized holes, some difficult to make at home)
The gerber and HEX files are missing from Opencockpits web.
I have it in some hidden place of some of my 20 hard disks....
When I find it, it would send gladly, but be patient.
Regards.
Horacio.

Thx Horacio

I do really appreciate your help. I have a total work station where I'm building my sim. I have laser engraving machine CNC machine and I screen print the pcb's and then do copper through hole plating. I have the servo motor gerber file and hex file just the Axces card Gerber and Hex. Please I would really appreciate the help.

Kind Regards
Sean

Ps: You don't maybe have the Opencockpits output board files on one of those drives of yours? I only see they have on the website the test program but that is it no manuals or gerber or hex files.

thx for the willingness to help.

[hyamesto]

Sean:
Sorry if my english is not good. (Excuse me for some Google Translation!!!)

At last i find the files (yes, as always happend in the last of 17 disks checked).
You have Laser engraving, CNC, you can do copper through hole.......really i envy you!!!!!!!!! :D.

Ok. Let me packing all the files. (gerber, squematics, hex files, manuals) .
Maybe i post them in the download section, or by a Mega or other storage service. (Large 17 Mb file)

The Opencockpits Output Board, Axes Plus and the USB DCMotors Plus plans, gerber or .hex files, was never made public by Manolo Velez. (He got tired of giving free and now wants to do business......)

Only i have the following:

All with manuals, hex, gerber files and squematics (some of them in old spanish manual versions)

IOCARD Master
USB Expansion
USB Servos
USB Steppers
USB Axes (first version with 8 bits resolution)
USB Keys
USB DCMotors
USB Display II
USB LCD
USB Relays

Any doubt, or damaged file or forgotten, let me know...

And maybe i make a post for all the group, if anybody knows the way to make a single side PCB of the gerber like Marsh make with the servo board, for simple mortals like me, without special equipment to do this things.
Regards.
Horacio.

P.S. Here is the link if you can´t wait......

https://mega.nz/#!2sQXWZwT!D1tq4SRtO0lETWtUUrBXBxCwbquvJwD3d9bJGqHkNqo

[iwik]

Horacio,
You may want to replace USB expansion board with latest firmware. There was a bug in earlier version.
By the way thanks for the files. I was wanting the USBlcd firmware. Asked OC and they said it was proprietry and could not give it to me. So i sucked it out of a good board.
Les

[seanatp]

Sean:
Sorry if my english is not good. (Excuse me for some Google Translation!!!)

At last i find the files (yes, as always happend in the last of 17 disks checked).
You have Laser engraving, CNC, you can do copper through hole.......really i envy you!!!!!!!!! :D.

Ok. Let me packing all the files. (gerber, squematics, hex files, manuals) .
Maybe i post them in the download section, or by a Mega or other storage service. (Large 17 Mb file)

The Opencockpits Output Board, Axes Plus and the USB DCMotors Plus plans, gerber or .hex files, was never made public by Manolo Velez. (He got tired of giving free and now wants to do business......)

Only i have the following:

All with manuals, hex, gerber files and squematics (some of them in old spanish manual versions)

IOCARD Master
USB Expansion
USB Servos
USB Steppers
USB Axes (first version with 8 bits resolution)
USB Keys
USB DCMotors
USB Display II
USB LCD
USB Relays

Any doubt, or damaged file or forgotten, let me know...

And maybe i make a post for all the group, if anybody knows the way to make a single side PCB of the gerber like Marsh make with the servo board, for simple mortals like me, without special equipment to do this things.
Regards.
Horacio.

P.S. Here is the link if you can´t wait......

https://mega.nz/#!2sQXWZwT!D1tq4SRtO0lETWtUUrBXBxCwbquvJwD3d9bJGqHkNqo


Man an you are a star!! Thanks a million man if only there where more Guy's like you around that is willing to help someone like me only starting of now! If there is at anytime anything I can do for you please don't ever hesitate to ask me!!

You don't maybe know of any other good output board that would be compatible with the open cockpits software?

Once again I can not say thank you enough for taking the time and effort to help me!! Thank you so much!!!!

Kind Regards
Sean

[seanatp]

Hi iwik

Thanks for the tip so the current Hex file on the web will be the best one to use then? Thanks for the tip!

kind Regards
Sean

[hyamesto]

Les and Sean:


Long... long... long post again! but with good information....


For the USBExpansion, the version of firmware included in the zip file is the last available.
iocard_usb41.hex also known as version 2 ...


As Manolo Velez says in an forum:


"The only firmware update that's needed is the
USB expansion to make it compatible with operating systems and W98SE
W2000 and troubleshoot a problem of incompatibility with some
joysticks.
This occurs in less than 4.1 versions, to see the version
you can use the program USBCheck.exe"




The first was deleted for obvious reasons.
If you want the first version, also I have it.
here is the link to the program to check version:


http://www.opencockpits.com/uploads/USBCheck.zip


For some reason, when Opencockpits change the web site, all the hex, gerber, and squematics files where lost (on purpose of making business ?....who knows!).




About your question of any other good output board that would be compatible with the open cockpits software (SIOC)......


What do you think about a USB Processor card with a PIC18F4450 to replace at least USB expansion, Master and display cards all together?
This Pic has USB, is reprogrammable, with only few components (not like PIC16C745 now obsolete)


This card, is able of manage 6 servos, 6 analog inputs, 4 relays, and a 1024 individual leds outputs, or 128 digits, and 256 inputs to connect push buttons, toggle switch or encoders.
Using a bridge program, and with some new commands, the board can communicate with SIOC.


You can use up to 8 cards in one PC, an add another network PC with 8 more a so on.... (lots of inputs and outputs)
With the same card, you can make a Key Card to send a keycode to SIOC


Go to:

https://phpjj.wordpress.com/


Read carefully, understand the concept, and make contact with Peter: he will send you by request all the files (include source code!!!!) to build this new category of cards.
I have the files, but i prefer you contact Peter (a really very good guy).


And if somebody knows about programming, why not use Arduino with SIOC? (forget Link2FS...)


Look this solution with arduino, but for use with X-PLANE.

(http://svglobe.com/arduino/)
http://svglobe.com/arduino/


It´s is a live project, with new features every short time.


For Flight simulator, just is needed a bridge program between SIOC (IOCP protocol) and the arduino.
If anybody shows me how to separate a variable lenght string, and assign values to internal variables, we have 70% resolved the problem using IOCP protocol (and using ethernet in place of USB).


Read all carefully, understand that, and any doubt, let me know.
Regards.
Horacio.

[iwik]

Hi Horacio and Sean,
Re the USBexpansion card firmware, should have known that Horacio would have the latest. I just saw the date on the
folder, sorry about that. Further to what Horacio said, the updated firmware corrects a bug that existed causing inputs
not to be read correctly when multiple Master cards were used.
Horacio:
That new I/F hardware looks interesting, have been looking out for something more compact than O/C hardware and
with it using SIOC is just the icing on the cake, thanks for directing us to it.
Rehgards
Les

[hyamesto]

Hi again:
Just find a new .hex file for the Displays II Card, and all files to build the encoders to mastercard board.
And update some squematics.

The new full version is:
https://mega.nz/#!PsBynSIK!XgZXDnD-lVQz_pAGUPcY3B138MpEaH1EgSn0lwlVDFU


For update only:
https://mega.nz/#!vhJHUAbZ!fn_BMNUQseub4bLpgcahH3Q-OszXg2XdrPBQFOlVmYo

Regards.
Horacio.

[hyamesto]

Me again:

Just remember about the Encoders to Mastercard board.

The original Mastercard only accepts 1/4 cycle per detent type encoders.
The Encoders to Mastercard accepts 1 cycle per detent type encoders.
And a new firmware to Encoders to Mastercad, accepts 1/2 cycle per detent type encoder.
Here is the 1/2 cycle per detent type encoder hex file for Encoders to Mastercard Board, with some manuals....


https://mega.nz/#!2pISiaTK!blplucGIdZKiyvz6819Z4QgYtCsV6ziNtNeaeXcCMdA


I hope this is all... but who know?
Regards.
Horacio.

[seanatp]

Me again:

Just remember about the Encoders to Mastercard board.

The original Mastercard only accepts 1/4 cycle per detent type encoders.
The Encoders to Mastercard accepts 1 cycle per detent type encoders.
And a new firmware to Encoders to Mastercad, accepts 1/2 cycle per detent type encoder.
Here is the 1/2 cycle per detent type encoder hex file for Encoders to Mastercard Board, with some manuals....


https://mega.nz/#!2pISiaTK!blplucGIdZKiyvz6819Z4QgYtCsV6ziNtNeaeXcCMdA


I hope this is all... but who know?
Regards.
Horacio.

Wow thanks to all this is a lot to take in at this time I don't know how to make sense of it all but I will get there. I really do appreciate all the help and info from all. For now I just want to get started and have a switch work and a LED light up. Wanted to start with the master card and start from there to learn step by step the Opencockpits boards and software but now it looks like there is two different MasterCard? And Horacio just introduced the idea of the other board of Peter to me now I can't decide? Help what will the best option be for a beginner. I don't want to do it all over again. I started building the FSBus boards and struggled for a year to try and program them but soon realized that there is no support system for them and programming is not my forte! With Opencockpits boards they are well documented and you have gr8t Guy's like u that is willing to help somebody like me.

I have all all the gear to build a Gr8t sim but can't get even one switch or light to work. So I decided to go with Opencockpits boards because there is a lot of YouTube videos and documents to explain to be how to do things. But I like the whole concept of Peter's board and just want to know is there enough documents and support for me to take the leap from the Opencockpits boards to his?

I just don't want to invest in another set of electronic parts and time just to start over again. Please what will u Guy's suggest to be where should and with what should I start.

thx for taking the time to help me.

Sean

[hyamesto]

Sean:
Take it easy....

There is only one Mastercard from Opencockpits. You need too the USB Expansion card from Opencockpits.
The Mastercard is the way to connect push buttons, switches, and encoders (72 inputs)
Every switch or push button need 1 input. Encoders need 2 consecutive inputs.
For outputs, the Mastercard can manage 64 outputs (individual leds, relays), and by adding another card (Iocard DisplayII Multiplexed) you can manage 16 7-segment display led for every Iocard DisplayII card. (The max number of Iocard DisplayII per Mastercard is 4).
The USB Expansion can manage 4 mastercards and has 4 axis inputs.
A single system. 1 USB Expansion+Mastercard+DisplayII and you can manage 4 axis, 72 inputs, 64 outputs and 16 7-segment displays.
If you need 16 more 7-segment displays, add another DisplayII card to the Master, an so on until max 4 cards per one Mastercard. (64 7-segment led display max per Mastercard).
If you need more inputs, outputs or displays, add another Mastercard, and so on...
As you see, with a full system, you have:
1 USB Expansion+ 4 mastercard + 16 Iocard DisplayII. (that´s 4 axis, 288 inputs, 256 outputs, and 256 7-segment led displays).

A problem or limit exist with the encoders. The Mastercard only recognized encoders of gray-type code with 1/4 cycle per detent type.
This is why the Encoders to Mastercard Board exist.
This board can be used to connect gray type encoders but with 1 cycle or 1/2 cycle per detent type (1 or 1/2 depends of firmware burned on this card).
Every Encoders Card can manage 4 encoders and need 8 inputs of the Mastercard.

So, that's what I need?? Well.. hard question. It´s depends of the cockpit you want to build.....
You need know how many encoders (and what type you get), switches, 7-segment displays, relays and individual leds.
When you know this, you can begin to build the cards according to your need.......

But, what is FSIO Processor Card from Peter??????

It´s and alternative to the whole system of Opencockpits described above plus other improvements.
Using one single board, you can manage 256 inputs, a combination of 128 7-segment displays or 1024 leds (1 display=8 leds), 6 servos, 4 relays and 6 analog inputs for every card. (max number of cards per PC is 8)(Warning: the leds and 7-segment displays are exclusive, every 7 segment led display take 8 outputs)
By a IOControl program (some type of driver-resident software), this board can connect with FSIO Processor card with SIOC, and add new features, like manage the diferent gray-code encoders (1 cycle, 1/2 cycle or 1/4 cycle per detent) without need of any external hardware.
I don´t extend more here, read all the data in Peter´s web to understand how to connect the displays, inputs, etc.
You need one single chip for every 8 7-segment displays, one chip for every 8 groups of inputs.... all by SPI interface.

Do some research, cost estimations, and make a choice....

Disclaimer: i have not tried or built the FSIO Card. Just found it in internet and at least is a good choice to try.

About the other Opencokpits cards, (servos, steppers, LCD, Dcmotors, relays, axes and keys), i think they are the best for home- cockpits. (maybe the Keys and Axes can be replaced for others, like Peter´s FSIO Keyboard for the first, and a Megajoystick with Arduino for the second).

In summary: every system has pros and cons.
If you want, I can make an in deep analysis for every card.
Just needed to know what type of plane want to do.
Just let me know how i can help you.
Regards.
Horacio.

[hyamesto]

Just and update:

While I was writing this response, I received an email from Peter to access your newly created forum.
According to his mail:


"Recently I made some software programs access to Arduino Allowing PMDG data and Events and even connect Arduino to SIOC" ..


Arduino connection with SIOC opens a new world for cockpit-builders as the Arduino hardware is achieved anywhere in the world and at affordable prices.

And by the way, the newly created forum indicates that Peter´s project continues, and is improving by having a forum to discuss any doubt.

Regards.
Horacio

[seanatp]

Thx Horacio

I do appreciate all your help and I just spend the whole night reading and looking into Peters website what a great website and I would love to use his system. I emailed him for all the info and just awaiting his response. I want to start now as I have being waiting for a long time to start doing something. I have 5 weeks starting from now to work on my sim every day, for 5 weeks starting from today. I am an commercial pilot flying for Shell in West Africa and have every 5 weeks for myself to work constantly on my sim.

I want to buil an ATR 42-500 and because it is a product of Airbus it is closely related to all the Airbus types. Most of the systems work like the Airbus.

Thanks for your help man I will talk to you a lot in the future.

cheers
Sean

[hyamesto]

Sean:
Sorry for delay in answer.
If you wanna build all the instruments, the USBservo and USBsteppers are the best choice.
Of course, you can replace with monitors and save time and money
For the amount of switches of the ATR 42-500, i suggest Peter´s FSIO or Arduino with Peter´s Arduino2SIOC.
Keep in touch.
Regards.
Horacio.