Just Starting

[Deafen]

I am just starting out, with the hopes of building my own Cessna 172 cockpit. I have used MS Flight Simulator for a very long time (MSFS5, MSFS2004 and MSFSX). I have only ran it with purchased joysticks. I would like to start out small and make one item like the lights go on and off with a microcontroller controlled switch, and eventually expand to making gauges, indicators, and possibly a radio stack. I have been using Arduino's and would like to use them in my future designs. But first things first I need to find out how to interface with the software on the gaming PC. I was hoping to do almost all of the work myself, the flying I enjoy but the building and creating is what I am most interested in. I have some limited experiance in programming, assembly, C++, Win API, and will not profess to be good at any just dabbled in them. If any one can help me start my path to this new hobby I would be very thankfull. I would rather cover the basics over than start way over my head and get discouraged.

[JMeller]

Hello. You have arrived at a site just up your alley. If you have visited the forum yet, JimNZ hosts an informative forum: Arduino Cards & Link2FS (http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/arduino-cards-link2fs/)

He also has his own website to get you going on the C# or VB.net software creation to interface w/ FSX and the like:
SIMCONNECT FSX output Link2fs VB6 Visual basic 6 source code fs9 fs2004 vb.net com port serial fsconnect simconnect (http://www.jimspage.co.nz/fsxfs9inouts.htm)

Hope this helps. It did for me.
James

[Deafen]

Thanks I just checked it out and it looks like it is in the right direction. I am ordering the LCD screen so I can do just as he did and go from there. Thanks

[Geremy Britton]

I think this is how everyone starts out, you will learn as you progress, please post pics of your progress :)

Best Regards

[Deafen]

I Have now gotten and wired up the LCD and took it for a test flight. This is the first forum/post I have ever done.
Floyd
75417540

[JMeller]

Same here, Floyd. Same here. I was trying to view the attachments, but the links appear to be broken.