Starting engines

[RobertoR]

I am also using toggle switches. For Start command I use two digital inputs (engine 1 and 2).
Does anyone know how to control, or which the offsets are, for Generator 1 and 2?
Thank you.
Roberto

[gokhotit]

Is the engine starters an analog command?? Meaning that it is impossible to program them right onto a 0/16/16??

[RobertoR]

No, Geoff, as I said, it's a digital command, I used two of the digital inputs of the 8/8/8. It should be possible to do the same on the 0/16/16.
The only drawback I'm finding is that when I switch off the Start command, the generator is switched off also. If there isn't a better solution, I'll go back to my Goflight pushbutton module for this command.
Cheers
Roberto

[alandyer]

Roberto,

Could you let me have your setting in your FS2Phidget.ini file for [START_SWITCH_1] ?

When you refer to generator, I take it you are referring to "Avionics master" within MS-FS ?

I want to try and replicate your problem.

Thanks,
Alan.

[alandyer]

Toggle switch will work best.
With momentary switch you would have to hold down.

[gokhotit]

I have a theory. Hang with me on this. If the FS value for engine start switches can be manipulated to read a value of 4, I would be able to use the same switch to start both props and jets. The only problem with this is how to get the value to reach 4. How can the value reach 4 for this switch?

[alandyer]

You're referring to Gen setting on Start switch.

Here's how you can set the FStype, and you need to set it !
The FSUIPC offsets and settings are stored in your FS2PhUIPC.ini file.
This should be in directory where you loaded FS2Phidgets.
Most probably C:\Program Files\FS2Phidget\

First make a copy (back-up) of that file.
Open file with editor such as Notepad or Wordpad.

Scroll down to entry [START_SWITCH_1].
Should look something like this.
[START_SWITCH_1]
Offset=0892
Length=2
FSType=Digital
OffValue=0
OnValue=1

Don't change Offset or Length - those are for FSUIPC - you will most probably crash Windows if you do.
FStype=Digital tells FS2Phidgets this an On-Off function.
Offvalue is FSvalue that will be sent to FS when switch is set to Off.
OnValue is FSvalue that will be sent to FS when switch is set to On.

You can create your own entries, such as:
[MY_CUSTOM_START_SWITCH]
This is value that will appear in drop-down list
You may then assign that setting to switch.

Setting OnValue=3 will start both Props.

Full entry would therefore be:
[CUSTOM_PROP_START]
Offset=0892
Length=2
FSType=Digital
OffValue=0
OnValue=3

Here is FSUIPC documenation on subject of Engine 1 Start switch:
Engine 1 Starter switch position (Magnetos),
Jet/turbojet: 0=Off, 1=Start, 2=Gen
Prop: 0=Off, 1=right, 2=Left, 3=Both, 4=Start

Offset 0892 is engine 1 start.
092A engine 2.
09C2 engine 3.
0A5A engine 4.

Strongly recommend reading the FSUIPC Offset documentation!

[alandyer]

One small correction to my previous response.
The statement
"Setting OnValue=3 will start both Props".
is incorrect.

Should read:
Setting OnValue=3 will set Both (magnetoes) on Start switch is FS.

Luckily the Chief Pilot doesn't follow this forum

[gokhotit]

Good news!!!! IT WORKS!! I can use the same switch for both props and jets, like I had planned. Roberto If you wanna keep the generators on, input your OffValue=3. That keeps the generator running. thanks for all the support.

See you next question

[RobertoR]

Thank you, Alan and Geoff, I'll try this evening.
Until now I used the unmodified setting of the INI file.

Roberto