Working with rotary switches

[matta757]

Matt

"Is that the amount of degrees for each turn" - Yes

"how does one set the amount of steps?" - there is a detachable metal ring around the shaft which has a "tang" which locates in whatever hole suits the number of switch positions you require. It is easier to implement than explain

David

David,

I understand what you are saying now. So can the switches from FDS be used with the tutorial on Ian's website?

Regards,

Matt

[fordgt40]

Matt

No! - you must use a two pole 6 way rotary switch as described in Ian`s tutorial. Suggest you check Mouser.com or other large supplier. Alternatively, as Ian will get a notification of this post, he may be able to give you a product reference

David

[matta757]

Alright guys, I have another question now that I am starting to wire.

The engine start switches in a 757 turn left to GND to start but once the engine starts, they snap back one click to the right to AUTO. I don't want to attempt to make the switch automatically "snap" back to AUTO, but I was wondering if there is a way to wire the rotary switch so that I can switch the knob back to AUTO (once the engine starts) but WITHOUT the switch respond in flightsim. This is because once the switch snaps back to AUTO in FS but my actual switch is still on GND and if I turn it to put it on AUTO, the game will read that as me moving it from AUTO to FLT. Does that make sense? Is there a way to wire a 2-pole rotary switch to make this work?

Regards,

Matt

[deering]

Hello Matt.

.... moving it from AUTO to FLT.

Can you clarify how many switch positions you are mapping? Does the switch not go from AUTO to OFF in the conditions you described?

Jim.

[matta757]

Hi Jim,

The switch positions are as follows from left-right: GND-AUTO-OFF-CONT-FLT

So I meant to say that when the engine has started IN FLIGHT SIM and the switch snaps back to AUTO in the game, on my physical panel the switch will still be on GND. If/when I turn the switch from GND to AUTO (which is where it would move to on the real airplane) the game will recognize that as moving the switch from AUTO to OFF because in the game the switch is already on AUTO and not GND.

Does that make more sense?

My thought process is would it be possible then to wire the switch so that the AUTO position does not have a response in the game?

Regards,

Matt

[ian@737ng.co.uk]

hi matt.........
if this is for the starter switch and you dont want the starter switch to be seen turning back, then why use an encoder? just simply wire the rotary switch to see the GND (and FLT if you want) position.
i cheat (I learned very early on that compromise is one of the best words i know), i have wired the starter switches so they contact at the GND position and then i've 'tee'd' a connection to the FLT position. so in essence, i have a connection at GND and FLT (the same one). then i send the signal thru a BU0836X card and use an engine starter command in FSUIPC. sorry i'm not near the cockpit at the moment so i can't tell you which command and it's such a long time since i did it that i can't remember. but i know it's not autostart because i have to make sure my fuel levers are in idle or the engine does not start. you can even record a mouse macro to do the job for you if your panel supports them.
sorry i didn't realise what you wanted to do when you contacted me, i assumed you wanted an encoder for a 'special switch' like the wipers or autobrake.
BTW, any cheap rotary switch will do as long a it has the correct indexing for your panel (30 or 45 degrees).
good luck and regards ... ian

[matta757]

Hey Ian,

Actually this question came up AFTER you had sent me the other info. Your answer to my other question was a big help too.

Following your idea about just wiring the individual switches, what wires touch which contacts and so forth? I am using a 2-pole, 30 degree index. Do I wire one contact with one position and the other contact with a different position and then attach them to the board?

Matt

[deering]

Matt, that's how I thought it must be. Follow Ian, he's leading you in the direction I was about to send you. Jim.

[ian@737ng.co.uk]

hi matt.......
leave it with me, i'll mail you an explaination in the morning (dinner time in the UK and the bride is telling me if i dont go now, my dinner will be in the dog
rgds ... ian