Opencockpits IO cards

[kiek]

737NUT is right

to put it more precise:

The USB expansion card is not seen by Windows as a Joystick with axis, and hence not assignable via FSUIPC.

Nico

[Paul G]

Ok, I'm a bit confused. How can the cards be used to interface toggle switches, buttons and lights to Flight Simulator, if not through FSUIPC?

[kiek]

Hi Paul,

For clarification: we were talking about whether FSUIPC would 'see' the analogue axis at the USB expansion card directly without any intervenience from Opencockpits software.

The inputs and outputs at Opencockpits cards can ofcourse be connected to FSUIPC offsets either in SIOC (for experts) or in the IOcards basic software system (for beginners).

Nico

[Kennair]

Just wanted to add my thumbs UP for the Opencockpits cards. And as Nico will attest, SIOC will allow you to program your sim to do almost anything that PM can give you. It's only up to your imagination and intelligence.

Ken.

[kiek]

"Hear, hear!"

[Paul G]

Got it - thanks. So I could program the card to recognize different input values through an analogue input, and assimilate this to certain modes. Presumably I could stick 6 different resistances on a rotary switch with 6 inputs, and then configure the card to recognize which input is selected and carry out one of 6 functions, like Auto Brake for example.... very interesting

[kiek]

So I could program the card to recognize different input values through an analogue input, and assimilate this to certain modes. Presumably I could stick 6 different resistances on a rotary switch with 6 inputs, and then configure the card to recognize which input is selected and carry out one of 6 functions, like Auto Brake for example.... very interesting

Yes you can (nice idea).

However, should we make something with discrete values analoque first and then back to discrete values again? In my opion it is easier to connect each position of the rotary switch to an input at the Master Card (you do not need resistors then). The drawback is ofcourse that you need 6 inputs, but there are 72 inputs available at a MC, and you can connect as many MC's as you like.

Cheers,
Nico

[Paul G]

Why use analog input instead of digital? Well where the digital inputs are exclusive. EFIS range is a good example. You have a set of inputs, each pertaining to a range value, say 5 miles, 10 or 50. You want to be able to cycle between them, and will never have both 5 miles and 50 miles set. A rotary switch each of which having a digital output will do this. But the rotary switch can be used like a potentiometer. Just bridge a resistor between each of the inputs. Then use software to interpret what each of the settings on the rotary switch should mean.

Main reason for doing this is that many cockpits contain many of these kinds of switches. EFIS range and mode, starter mode, auto brake setting and so on. That can equate to quite a few digital inputs and so you'll probably save yourself an IO card or two doing it this way.

[kiek]

Main reason for doing this is that many cockpits contain many of these kinds of switches. EFIS range and mode, starter mode, auto brake setting and so on. That can equate to quite a few digital inputs and so you'll probably save yourself an IO card or two doing it this way.

Yes I know, I have a complete 767 cockpit. I'm using 289 inputs ...
I have 5 Master Cards, one more or less does not matter much, it is only about 55 EUR per card...

Nico

[xCav8r]

For clarification: we were talking about whether FSUIPC would 'see' the analogue axis at the USB expansion card directly without any intervenience from Opencockpits software.

The inputs and outputs at Opencockpits cards can ofcourse be connected to FSUIPC offsets either in SIOC (for experts) or in the IOcards basic software system (for beginners).

I'm brand new to cockpit building and trying to understand all of my options for I/O cards, so forgive me if I'm asking a stupid question. Can the inputs connected to an Open Cockpits card be used for something other than FS or FSUIPC? I might be wrong, but I get the impression that it doesn't appear to the computer like a standard game controller, but maybe you're just saying that it requires SIOC or IOcards basic software system to make that happen.