LINK2FS_Multi_FSX.
For the ARDUINO Cards.
For FSX ONLY … See
another page for the FS2004 one.
See bottom of page for current version.
Overview
Link2fs_Multi
is a multi purpose add-on for FSX and interfaces with M$ FSX. It is basically designed to add
functionality to a generic home cockpit with the minimum of expenditure ,,
hence the use of the Arduino Mega cards and my home grown software.
This
package is destined to replace 5 of my older home grown applications that I use
on my own setup which were a pain to open and close every time I went flying.
It’s concept started months ago (spare time) with James (Meller) and myself
comparing idea’s and methods. (Thanks James)
What
it does ,,,,
It
lets you input switch’s , rotary encoders, etc and outputs the selected
simconnect extractions which you can use for LED’s, LCD’s, meters, servos, and
even motion platforms. Also there are
other things, GPWS, settable annunciator outputs, etc that will liven up the
cockpits while you fly and “test” your flying skills.
FSUIPC
is not required.
You
don’t need an Arduino card if all you want is the GPWS and / or Chatter option.
Some
picture’s will give the general idea. ,,,
Requirements,,,,
This
file is basically all self contained.
It is NOT an install program and the exe file can be run from anywhere (it’s
portable) how-ever FSX must be
on
the machine for it to load. I done all my testing using it on a pendrive.
It
runs on XP 32bit, Win7 64bit Win 8 64bit. (Not tested yet in Windows 8.1)
If
it doesn’t run for some reason ?? then
you may have to install the “Net Framework 2” from M$ ,, or,, FSX isn’t on that
computer.
On
Win7 (64) I have a “bare” load of win7 and FSX with only a few scenery
add-on’s ,, my program runs fine with
it from a pendrive.
Installation
etc.,,,
Make
a folder and unzip the zipped files
into it.
What
you will end up with should look something like this which includes the “Demo”
sound files ,,,,
There
may also be folders with sample INO’s in them. (If supplied with what ever
download you’ve got)
Most
of the “numbered” folders are empty and they are just there to make it easy for
you to start with.
When
you first save a profile ,, it makes and saves 4 more files ,,, your “card”
files and a “Startcard1.ini”. (if you have made your profile the start one.)
The
“card” files are there to save your settings for the 3 cards. The “startcard1”
tells my program which set of “card”
files to start automatically with.
Simconnect Direct Inputs ,,,,
With
this version 5 release there is a new addition ,, simconnect inputs.
How
it works is you send a code from the Arduino to the Multi and then the Multi
sends the required simconnect command to FSX.
WAV
files ,,,,
The
chatter wav files are stored in a folder that is indication the last 3 digits of
a com radio. (I know ,, on some radios you only see 2 digits
but
the third one is still there ,, so 123.12 really is 123.125)
With
my download there are a few wav files in “100” so tune your Com2s/b radio to
“xxx.100” to hear them.
You
can add chatter files into any of the empty folder and even add more folders.
Chatter
files are all over the net (try flightsim.com and avsim.com ,, etc) They need
to be in the “wav” format. They can be
from any version of flightsim.
HELP
FILES ,,,
There
are heaps of help information included in the download along with quite a few
“demo” INO’s for the Arduino
But
it is assumed you have played with my other programs and understand the
concepts of what happens.
If
you have used them, then diving into this will be a piece of cake. ,,, if not
,, then download my earlier stuff and read the info with them and experiment.
There
is no reason you cant use the “older” style of
INO’s with this program but remember all the identifiers are different
and all now have 2 identifiers.
Also
the way the data is sent from the Arduino to my program has changed. (Not
dramatically though.)
There
is no “help” with you doing your own INO file (for the Arduino) but I would
like to hear of anything wrong with my program ,,, thanks.
You
can download it here ,,,,,, (about 4.2
Mb ,, mostly sound files)
http://www.jimspage.co.nz/link2fs_multi_fsx_v5h.zip
ISSUES,,,
Nothing
I’m aware of at release date although I haven’t done extensive testing of
everything.
HISTORY
Renamed
it “Link2fs_Multi_FSX” so there is difference from the FS9 version just
released.
Added
… Annunciator alarms for Alt/Gen 1 and 2
Changed
… Throttle positions (<V and <W ) now have ‘+’ in front of non-negative
numbers.
Your
present (Mutli beta5d) Arduino INO
files wont need to be modified if they don’t use the above change.
Your
present (Mutli beta5d) “Card” files wont need to be modified.
Added
... A heap more simconnect inputs. (Over 100 extra one’s)
Added
... A TEST provision so you can test the simconnect input codes with your
plane.
Added
... The ability to control individual light switchs.
Added
... The ability to control individual fuel tank selection.
Added
... The FSX default overspeed alarm to the annunciator page.
Added
... A demo INO on how to incorporate acceleration into a sketch for rotary
encoders.
Added
... A demo INO on how to use the new (individual) light status extractions.
Changed
... Lights "<f" is now no longer a hash code ,, all individual
indications
Changed
... Annunciator "/S" to indicate the default Stall alarm from FSX.
Changed
... Extraction "?J" Battery Amps is now 4 characters. (Used to be 3)
Fixed ....
False save's with the "Keys" save button.
Your
present (Mutli beta5c) Arduino INO
files wont need to be modified if they don’t use the above changes.
Your
present (Mutli beta5c) “Card” files wont need to be modified.
Fixed
,,, The occasional error message while loading in Windows 7.
Fixed
,,, Card 2 and 3 ,, item /T1 now is the same as card 1.
Fixed
,,, The “cueing” of wav files in the GPWS.
Fixed
,,, Now there are indications if you don’t send linefeeds with the data from
the Arduino.(It wont lockup on disconnect)
Fixed
,,, Where the Arduino never got the first burst of data from “Multi” after
connecting.
Fixed
,,, Now the “refresh”, when set to ‘0’, will actually turn it off. (As it was
meant to)
Added
,,, Now FSX can be started before or after starting my “Mutli”.
Added
,,, Added some “Other stuff” for sending processed values to suit PWM stuff.
(For me really)
Your
present Arduino INO files wont need to be modified if they run on “Multi
Beta5b”
You’re
present (Mutli beta5b) “Card” files wont need to be modified.
Fixed
,, “Keys” section reworked and dramatically improved. Now it’s very quick if FSX is in focus but (naturally) slower if
it is not in focus.
Fixed
,, There are now no “lost” commands
going to simconnect. (It’s now multi-threaded)
Fixed
,,,GPWS totally reworked and appears to be bug free now, lots of things changed
and fixed.
Fixed
,,, Where the radio was on a trigger frequency at start-up ,, the audio didn’t
work unless retuned.
Added
,,, GPWS and Chatter now have separate volume controls.
Added
,, “Gear-simple” “?Y”
extraction. (It will simplify the code in the Arduino for the gear position
indication) ,, (Demo supplied)
Changed
,, A “+ “ now in front of non negative
battery amps.(“?J”)
Changed
,, Chat and GPWS now needs avionics voltage to work.
Check
the above if your Arduino INO files need to be modified.
You’re
present (Multi beta5a) “Card” files wont need to be modified.
Put
in about 160 simconnect commands for direct control from the Arduino card.
First
“general public” release of the “Multi”
“Pause”
extraction added. (“?f”)
You’re
present ini “Card” files do not need modified.
You’re
present INO files need a small change, see help file on this.