Arduino Output Amplification Board!

Hi all -- well I couldn't find a hardware solution for my problem so I decided to create a plug-in board or Shield instead --

For those that run original cockpit panels understand incandescent bulbs are most frequently used for the panels. This creates an issue because there is usually insufficient current to drive the bulbs with existing I/O solutions, or even an Arduino board.

An Airbus korry for example, usually has an upper and lower quadrant with 4 bulbs. Each bulb runs at 0.115 amps. To light up the top indicator korry you will require at least 0.23 amps.

I would like to continue to use the Arduino boards because of MobiFlight and the simplicity of the software. We've developed a shield which can plug into a Mega 2560 board -- provide a supply and you can 'amplify' the current.

The PCB boards are currently being manufactured; spring connectors are being used for easy plug in and out. All 54 outputs are available with the available current to drive the bulbs. We are using DMOS transistors for the current amplification because of its thermal properties.

The best part is it is plug and play on top of your existing arduino setup.

More information soon...

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=12549&stc=1

Boards have now arrived - final components to come, and then testing to commence.

https://preview.ibb.co/mvnUrb/IMG_20171228_131530.jpg

The board has been tested and is functioning. We can now use an Arduino and MobiFlight to control all the outputs found on a genuine Airbus.

The board is plug and play - attach it to the Arduino Mega, provide an external 5V supply, and connect your panel pins to the spring connectors. No more messy wiring required, or any script writing.

http://youtu.be/HduNnQolu2k

Hi Ben,

This looks really nice, great. I guess the next step from ULNs are DMOS arrays. I am just a bit sceptical about "No more messy ... script writing." Hope I am wrong but I am not sure all panels will work that easy once interfaced (switch dependent outputs).

Can you try and interface one of the overhead Flight control panels with FMGS and switches in on and off position. It's true that I am not familiar with MobiFlight and its abilities, that is why I'm so interested.

Cheers

I can try and test it out this weekend - the FLT CTL overhead panel pinouts are all correct?

You can use smart logic with MobiFlight, AND/OR/!=

Cheers.

Hi,

As far as I know the FLT CTL panel pinout should work. Ok, if MobiFlight enables smart logic inputs like AND/OR then this should also work, that is good news.
I might start considering the possibility to switch from beloved SIOC :D. Will see... ?

Cheers