MobiFlight Community Support

Hi Guys,

I'm just starting to put together my 737DIYSIM Throttle and Controls. I've already bought Arduino Megas to work with MF but they mention I should use LeoBodnar card for joystick inputs. Now with the new feature of Joystick inputs for MF/Aruino, do I actually need the Bodnar cards anymore? I'm using a range of 10k Pots, Rotary Hall Angle Sensors and RV24YN Rotary Taper Potentiometers. Any help would be appreciated!

Regards,
Brad Heller

Hi
Its a question what you like to do.

Basically.... Mobiflight meanwhile can handle Potis. So YES you can in theory also build Poti Axis inputs with MF.

Mobiflight basicly include this to handle at first the Poti based Inputs like Volume Controll , Range Selectors and so on.
We support a internal resolution of 1024 . So way enough for those selectors !

Another point are Custom Area Inputs. E.g. a Flaps handle that not work linear... A Handle that must execute e.g. 8 different Input actions like "At Position xx Send command "Flaps 10" to the Sim. Here MF is not so comfortable as for example FSUIPC or LINDA. Cause they fully based on Joysticks. So they unclude a way better UI to handle this.
BUT
Its also Possible with MF.... But need some work and knowledge to define the areas ( by try and error test numbers) and also the Inputs neeed to be done with multiple Input Configs and Preconditions or complex formulas.

At last... the Controll Axis.
Also this is in theory possible with MF now. But again. In a way that is ( in my eyes) not comfortable.
Important on that point is the resolution.... We have 1024.... A Real Joystick have 32000 or 64000
E.g. Calibrating. A Real HID Joystick can be callibrated within Windows. So Deadzones at the ends are no longer a factor.
With Mobiflight you need to recalc the Deadzones by mathematical Formulas or Interpolation.

Also the settings itself.... A HID Controller can be configured within the Sim. E.g. FS2020 detect a joystick and use a logical setup by default ( e.g. X axis for Aileron and so on)
With MF you must build everything yourself and send the Data via our interface.

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Overall.... Its a philosophic question.
Some users here will say YES 100% Working.
I say Yes it would be possible.... And it is usefull for all Volume, Brightness Selectors and so on.
But i think Controlls and also complex Axis like Flaps are way more easy and comfortable by a HID Device and the Sim internal Settings.

Thank you for your reply. I think I'll go with Leo Bodnar for the time being. I'm just starting out on this sim, so I want to make things a simple as possible. Hopefully MF will improve on these things in the future and I can switch back later.

Cheers,
Brad.

No Prob.

Maybe in the future some more easy GUI Elements come wwith our planed rework of the Grafic Interface in the mid or far future.

Whatever this is still not our priority.

MF is build to allow things, that are not possible in a easy and cheap way for the users.

In case it is possible today to use a HID Controller its still easy .... And if you use a Arduino Nano with a free github code to convert it into a joystick controller then its also cheap . Then you not need to buy a Bodnar for 40$ ..... 5$ for the Nano give same result.

At the end its again a philosophic question.....
There is no benefit or need to handle the Cockpit just via 1 typ of controller. If its more comfortable to build, why not use a HID for some Parts, Mobiflight for some others, and e.g. SIOC for a 3rd group of Parts.

Lets say you like to ride your bike in your freetime.
You plan for Speedracing, Offroadtrips and Touring. And lets expext you not need to pay for the bikes cause your uncle own the bike store.
Do you choose for a all in One bike, or do you choose for 3 bikes....E ach perfect for the special usecase ?

Simply ask yourself what is more important.... To have "all in one" by using MF Only, or to spent a little more money and have a more easy setup procedure.

I like pizman bikes analogy . For me , I choose one bike solution . It not just cheap and affordable . But also fun to learn and exchange ideas with others , and also very flexible . For one function , you can come up with multiple solutions .

Nice you like my analogy.....

I also get another one!

I remember to the time when i get my driving licence. In that periode the sound systems currently swap from MC (Compact Cassette) to CD!
So lots of people (including myself) now like to use both.... We still own a lot of MC but already buy the new CD´s!
BUT most of the cars ( i was be able to buy in case i just earn 300$ that time per month) only have a MC Radio!

Target: I like to play BOTH.... MC and CD.

Way1 Buy a new Radio that support CD and MC same time. (Pay lots of Money for a perfect handling)
Way2 Set a additional CD Radio next to my already included MC Radio. (Pay less money wíth a less perfect handling)
Way3 Solder the Headphone Cable of my "DiscMan" into the AUX In Connector of my existing MC Radio as a improvisional Solution. (for free but lots of time was needed)

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You see.... there is no right or wrong way. There are just 2 Factors.... Do i reach the target, and what is ( in my opinion) the most profitable way ?
And here its a personal choice if i like to have a perfect optic/usage OR if i like to save Money as best i can, or if i like to save worktime as best i can !

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At the end.... If i recommend a solution.... It not must be the best for you. Its just the best for me !
I try to show you the benefits and disadvantage. But at the end you must choose always yourself WHAT you like to do and HOW you prefer to do it.