Yesterday night, Glenn had written up a small LUA script just to test out its ability to send out one FSX toggle button command through FSUIPC and LUA script to a 'com port'.
He pointed me to a You Tube video tutorial on how to write a Arduino Sketch to read "serial data" through serial (com) port.
Didn't realize that code writing could be so sensitive to correct syntax. There were compile errors in almost every line of code I wrote.
Finished code is as follows:-
27 December 2012
Arudino Outputs
Work has been hectic, past few weeks.
It's likely to stay so, for the coming couple of months.
Was compiling a list of all items that have already arrived, and items that I still need to order. Also made a list of 'back end' work I can do, before I commit myself to fabricating the cockpit 'tub' and panels.
Realized that my 24" monitor may not have enough real estate to position all four display panels (L/R DDIs, UFCP and MPCD). So, have ordered myself another 8" touch screen monitor for UFCP (that was the original idea to begin with). The monitor will be VGA driven, while touch controls will work off USB.
While all (well, most) of the pit switches will be driven off the Leo's boards, but my Arduino Leonardo is planned to drive all my cockpit annunciators.
There's only one small problem.
I don't know how to program micro-controller boards. Yet!
Also, as of this time, there is only guy on 'my cockpit.org' who has ever written a code to interface an Arduino board with FSUIPC.
Glen Tripod (VRS Forums) from down under has written a beautiful compilation of LUA scripts (both input and output scripts). These scripts are a dream for any pit builder. But, these scripts are useless on my Arduino board, due to lack of an interface between sketch and FSUIPC.
Been talking to Tri about this for last two days, and he has agree to help me through this.
Wrote my first Arduino Sketch today (light up Pin 13 with pre set delay). It worked.
Tri has sent me a 'test LUA script' to experiment with the serial interface. Learning the ropes with working with LUA and FSUIPC and Sketch at the same time.
For a person who has NEVER written a single line of code in his life, this is nerve wrecking, frustrating, but fun and exhilarating at the same time.
Loving my new hobby, more and more everyday.
It's likely to stay so, for the coming couple of months.
Was compiling a list of all items that have already arrived, and items that I still need to order. Also made a list of 'back end' work I can do, before I commit myself to fabricating the cockpit 'tub' and panels.
Realized that my 24" monitor may not have enough real estate to position all four display panels (L/R DDIs, UFCP and MPCD). So, have ordered myself another 8" touch screen monitor for UFCP (that was the original idea to begin with). The monitor will be VGA driven, while touch controls will work off USB.
While all (well, most) of the pit switches will be driven off the Leo's boards, but my Arduino Leonardo is planned to drive all my cockpit annunciators.
There's only one small problem.
I don't know how to program micro-controller boards. Yet!
Also, as of this time, there is only guy on 'my cockpit.org' who has ever written a code to interface an Arduino board with FSUIPC.
Glen Tripod (VRS Forums) from down under has written a beautiful compilation of LUA scripts (both input and output scripts). These scripts are a dream for any pit builder. But, these scripts are useless on my Arduino board, due to lack of an interface between sketch and FSUIPC.
Been talking to Tri about this for last two days, and he has agree to help me through this.
Wrote my first Arduino Sketch today (light up Pin 13 with pre set delay). It worked.
Tri has sent me a 'test LUA script' to experiment with the serial interface. Learning the ropes with working with LUA and FSUIPC and Sketch at the same time.
For a person who has NEVER written a single line of code in his life, this is nerve wrecking, frustrating, but fun and exhilarating at the same time.
Loving my new hobby, more and more everyday.
21 December 2012
Pit Layout
My sincere thanks to Mark 'Wood' Killen, for providing the source files for Google sketch layout of the pit.
This has saved me loads of work. I would have had to make the layout myself, otherwise.
This has saved me loads of work. I would have had to make the layout myself, otherwise.
I plan to build my pit quite similar to what Mark has rigged up for himself. However, since, 'portability' of the pit is one of the key criteria for me, I will have to use thinner wood panels to keep the overall weight down.
I also plan to break the pit down into four "pieces" for ease of transportation (ejection seat, left console, right console and front instrument panel).
13 December 2012
Unpacking the Warthog
The Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog arrived today.
The package as received
Outer wrapping paper removed.
The 'core' is packed very nicely in 'big bubble' bubble packing paper
Bubble wrapping paper removed.
Outer box of the Warthog.
The box is labeled for delivery in India, of a product manufactured in China, sold to me by a US company.
The 'Inner Box'
I'm already excited.
Two inner boxes containing the throttle and stick
Inner cartons unpacked
Unpacking the 'Stick' carton
Opening the 'Throttle Carton'
Oouch!
The throttle thermocole-foam packing is damaged
(I repaired the damage with transparent scotch tape before repacking the throttle)
Throttle unpacked and unwrapped.
The build quality is stupendous. Feel of buttons is just 'awesome'.
Driving the Hornet on boat is going to be fun. I know that already.
Hotas Warthog
The 'Stick' unpacked but not unwrapped.
I am going to leave unwrapping to when I install the stick in my pit.
For the time being, my Saitek X-52 Pro will stay on duty.
More images, just so that I remember to repack the stick when I will have to move house, which I inevitably will have to. Soon.
Measuring dimensions for cutouts in the pit panels.
03 December 2012
02 December 2012
New Stick
This was something, that had been in my "thoughts" for a long long time.
I have had a 'Saitek X-52 Pro' flight control system with Saitek Pro Rudder Pedals. Been using the X-52 for more than four years now and the rudder pedals for a little over an year.
Though, I'm more than happy with the existing stick, but it is beginning to show age. I have to be careful with the connectors (the weakest link of X52). The stick has two 'detents' (idle and afterburner). Due to prolonged use and fair wear and tear, the afterburner detent has now withered away.
I had been considering a new stick for my pit for quite some time. Most pit builders have used Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog for their builds.
The stick was released commercially sometime in 2010 and had been a 'must have' item on my list since then. I didn't consider this earlier, since it wasn't readily available in India.
Found an Indian website today, that had this stick in stock. It was almost an 'impulse' decision, and I decided to buy it.
"Warthog" is the best commercially available flight control system as on date. It's officially licensed by USAF. The immersion this stick provides can't get any better.
I have had a 'Saitek X-52 Pro' flight control system with Saitek Pro Rudder Pedals. Been using the X-52 for more than four years now and the rudder pedals for a little over an year.
Though, I'm more than happy with the existing stick, but it is beginning to show age. I have to be careful with the connectors (the weakest link of X52). The stick has two 'detents' (idle and afterburner). Due to prolonged use and fair wear and tear, the afterburner detent has now withered away.
I had been considering a new stick for my pit for quite some time. Most pit builders have used Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog for their builds.
The stick was released commercially sometime in 2010 and had been a 'must have' item on my list since then. I didn't consider this earlier, since it wasn't readily available in India.
Found an Indian website today, that had this stick in stock. It was almost an 'impulse' decision, and I decided to buy it.
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