MobiFlight Community Support

I am building a radio stack and MCP with Arduino Mega 2560, encoders, switches and 8-digit LED module "tubes".

I'm reading that the LED's can be daisy chained.

I see where I would be limited in how many encoders I can use with one Mega. To get the most out of their use, is this scenario possible with MobiFlight:

Have ONE encoder used for COM1 (standby) *and* COM2 (standby) using a pushbutton or toggle switch to select which COM the encoder will set???
(If the toggle/pushbutton is in one position, it controls COM1 frequency and in the other position it controls COM2?)
Also, the built-in switch on the encoder would be used to control MHz and kHz frequencies as I have read the tutorial on here.

I am trying to maximize the use of one Mega card instead of using multiples.

If this *is* possible, to use a switch to control the function of the encoder, a rotary switch/multi-switch, could have many uses and save connections on the Arduino.

Thanks for any help, input, guidance!

Mike

Hi Mike

In short words... YES Both scenarios are posible.

This can be done more extreme too.... There is no Limit for the used Functions of 1 Encoder.... If you like you can set all Encoders in your Cockpit to only 1 Hardweare Encoder and switch through the functions via a Toggle Button for example. ( Note you need a little bit advanced skills to set this.... There is no direct Tool in Mobilfight... you have to work with Custom Offsets and Preconditions youreself)

BUT

Please let me ask WHY you want this ??? Is this only to reduce cost of youre project ??

I just want to say.... A Cockpit should be easy to handle.... For me it will be not aceptable to use a encoder for more then 1 function ( Radio is a exception and ok ) But MCP ?? Here every Encoder should be physical ! It´s no fun if you have to switch through the modes if you like to change Heading, altitude and Speed in a row.

I think saving monney is a good thing. But doing this to save 1 Arduino or 5-10 Encoders is not a good solutuiion i think.
Do this for Functions you only use 1 time in a flight like Landing Altitude .... But NOT use this for Main Inputs like MCP. ""Just my opinion"
A Additional Arduino and 10 encoders cost less then 20$ ( in germany)

Thank you for the quick response!

I have 4 Arduino Mega 2560's and ordered 10 rotary encoders and 6 LED modules. So that "cost" is already set.

My concern is the available pins on the Arduino and my limited number of USB ports - I have a homemade throttle setup (using a Leo Bodnar controller), pedals and flight yoke, each using a USB port. On the front side, I have one USB slot open unless I purchase a larger external (internal?) USB hub.

If possible, I would prefer to do this using one Arduino Mega. I would rather have separate encoders for COM1, COM2, NAV1, NAV2, transponder, etc., but after looking at the tutorial on setting an encoder up, plus the LED module and switches I want to use for lights...or other possibilities...I don't think it will all fit on one card.

My priority is to build a radio stack w/transponder and maybe add some other functional switches, then build MCP/autopilot controls.

Mike

Ok

If you need more help with configuration then still ask again.... ( Please in a new topic)

By the Way....

I still use USB Hubs even i got free ports already on the Computer..... For me it´s more tidy and logical if a Element ( Like Overhead) is combined to only 1 USB Cable ( even if 5 arduinos are installed there for example) . I Plan final with 1 USB Port for 1 Element....

USB Hubs solve a additional Problem..... For Outputs you need Power... and the 500ma from USB sometimes not enough or the full power of your Computer is not enoght for 10 or more Arduinos..... Then you can use USB Hub with external Power.... Then the Ardionos on this Port are powered exclusiv from the Computer.
A USB Hub for 4 Outputs ( or more if you need) is normaly cheap and cost only 5-15 $.

So.... Plan your Project as you like it... But, i recommend, not make compromise only in case of free USB Ports....
The Cockpit must have functionality as you want it.... You have no fun later if its not perfect.... only to save a USB Port.