MobiFlight Community Support

Hi guys.

I want to build my automated brakes next. So I have to do a automatic switch, that jumps back from RTO to OFF after takeoff (or maybe at V1?). I want to build a spring loaded rotary switch. The spring pushes the rotary back to OFF, but it is hold by a magnetic switch (12V electronic door opener) in RTO position. When a special variable is true, the magnetic switch should open for a short while (via Relais). Is there already a feature in MF to do a short action? Maybe it's a good idea for the future!?

Greetz, Stephan

Hi
We have no "timer" function at the moment.... And as i know it is also not planed.
Only verry rare situations need a timer i think.

What you request is done not with a timer.... Its done by "preconditions" and/or placeholders. (Simmular to the Engine Start switch B737 System we talk in the past)

Without know the complete mechanic and used hardware i can not give you a direct solution..... But after our conversation last week i think you already understand the placeholder and Precondition logic and how powerfull they can be.

*******
So lets basicly talk about your logic.....
You got 2 Hardware Devices....
1. The Switch ( Pretty sure multi Position Rotary and a Springloaded RTO Positon)
2. The "mover" Maby a Solenoid with holding technic .... Or maby a Push/Pull Solenoid that simply move a "stopper" that blocks the Springloaded Switch.

You got 2 Indicators.
1. The Offset of the VIRTUAL Switch.... We can read this value to know in what position the virtual PMDG switch is at the moment.

2. The Position of the Real switch.... This value can not be read out directly ( Mobiflight not be able to read Positions of Inputs) BUT we can use some tricky soluitions.
For example we can write with the switch additional to the PMDG Variable also a CUSTOM OFFSET .... So if we readout that offset then it got value of the position the real switch was moved at last usage.... For example we say RTO is Value "1" .... So This custom Offset is always "1" if we move the real switch to RTO.... And we can say "IF This Offset is "1" then the Real switch is in RTO Position garanteed".

2.a. In some Cases its also usefull to work "electrical" instad of Software..... For example if we want that your Relais/Solenoid etc should only be active if your Real switch is in RTO Position.....
Then you can for example use for AutoBrake Switch a 2 Pole Switch..... the first pole controll PMDG Input via a Pin on Mega.... The Second Pole Open/close the Main Power line for your Releais/Solenoid that come from a Mega Pin and go to the "mover"
With this easy electircal logic we use the Switch Position as Indicator without read it or handle it in the software..... We simply define that the "mover" have only power aslong the switch is in Position X ( Cause the switch cut power line in other positions) .

*****
When you finaly know your Hardware and mechanical System we can build the Configs.....

For example If you work with a PUSh Solenoid that Move a Mecahnic to release the Spring ( swap switch back to OFF) ..... Lets say this Switch must be powered for the release but should be unpowered after that so the switch can be "armed" again. ..... You work with a 12V System..... So you need finaly a Releais that is in Mobiflight like a LED.

So..... This "LED" Relais shold be "1" if REAL Switch is in RTO Position but same time Virtual Switch is in OFF Position.
So We read 2 Configs ( Offset of Virtual Switch, and Custom Offset thet tell us Real Position ) Use Both as Placeholder (a,b,)
Now Relais Config got Transform " IF Real Switch is in RTO ( for exampl if a=1) AND Virtual switch is in OFF Position ( b=1) THEN Releais should be ON ( 1)
Syntax if(a=1&b=1,1,0)
In the moment the real switch is moved back to GRD the Custom Offset Change back from "1" to "0" .... Means our condition NOW is false and the Relais is unpowerd again.

*****

As i said.... Just a Example 100 of possible ways.... If you need help talk to us. We can guide you !



************