MobiFlight Community Support

I'm new to panel building, arduino stuffs. And dont know programming.

1. Is it possible to identify each extended input connected via CD4021B in MF?

2. Is it possible to control each 7 segment bit connected via MAX7219 in MF? I want to build a MCP panel in which I want use 3 bits for LEFT CRS, 4bits for IAS, 3bits for HDG(here 2bits from another MAX7219); like this in other panels.

I dont have the components right now (they are on the way), but before hand I am searching internet for all the help I can get, and Mobiflight looks promising

Thanks

Hi imru,

welcome to MobiFlight!

Yes, you're right. MobiFlight is able to realize most of your wishes to build a DIY HC or parts of it.
But to help you finally, we need a bit more input:

#1: Can you please explain, what you want to do with a CD4021B? It's a 8 Bit Statc Shift register. What is the task of MobiFlight there?

#2: We should please use the same terms so that you are not misunderstood.
If you say 7 Segment bit, is it right that you mean 7 Segment digit? And with the term bit you always mean digit? Otherwise that make no sense.

OK, you can use every 7 segment digit, from 1 to 8 Digit(s) with common cathode. That is important!
Most users buy the MAX7219 with a PCB and 2 x 4 Digits on Sockets (Sockets are better to handle if you intend to use other digits. Cost less than $2.- complete.
If you want to use other coloured Digits this are additional costs.
If you want to use single digits you have to connect the appropriate Segments.
The way you want to string the digits together is not possible.
Due to the prices, it always makes sense to summarize 4 digits.
The aggregated digits are based on an offset that can not be split across multiple MAX7219s. This would only with some effort and very deep knowledge of Mobiflight.

Did you forget the Altitude Course (right) and V / S, or did you just list the components by way of example?
If you have already ordered your components, this can be a mistake. First, you should plan things before ordering. This saves time, money and nerves

Be so kind and give us the needed input, then I'm sure we can answer in a way that helps you to begin/continue your work

Stephan already say the important parts....

Just some words from myself....

I said it multiple times here.
Cockpitbuilding is normaly a verry expensive hobby.... A Premade Plug and Play Overhead costs thousends of Dollars....
But With Mobiflight and a little bit of own construction work we can build it for maby 200 $.

But finaly Mobiflight is not here to save you another 3 Dollar for a MaxModule. Or save you 10$ for a additional Arduino.

For example if you need 3 Displays with 5 Diggits ( 3*5=15) Then NOT try to split them on 2 Max7219 Moduels.
Basicly 2 Max got 2*8=16 Diggits..... You need only 15. BUT Thats Difficult !
Simply buy another Max7219 for less then 3 $ and set every Display to a Single Controller.
So you "lose" 9 possible Diggits..... But who cares if you only need to pay 3$ more.

Same with Inputs..... we not work with Shift registers at the moment.... Simply cause you can use lots of Arduinos .
If you need 200 Inputs then NOT think about Registers to set all in a Matrix on ONE Arduino.
Simply work with mobiflight Technic..... Buy 5 Arduinos and set 40 Inputs each .... Then all is fine !

Summary.....
We always try to implement new features to extend the deep of Mobiflight..... BUT We primary not think about stuff that only reduce costs if the Situation can be realise already with current system.

#1: Can you please explain, what you want to do with a CD4021B? It's a 8 Bit Statc Shift register. What is the task of MobiFlight there?

I apologies for unclear question.

I meant to ask can I use additional inputs in MF, connected through a shift register (e.g. like this https://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/ShiftIn ). Another popular is 74HS595.

The way you want to string the digits together is not possible.

I am sorry, yes by bit I meant one digit (i.e. 7 LEDs with a dp). Okay. I'll purchase bunch of those modules(tubes). Anyway but for fun only I wondered if each digits can be freeely used across all MAX7219 chips, then that would be interesting

Did you forget the Altitude Course (right) and V / S, or did you just list the components by way of example?
If you have already ordered your components, this can be a mistake. First, you should plan things before ordering. This saves time, money and nerves

Only examples . I ordered the components by counting the no of 7 segments displays, buttons, rotary encoders just by looking the actual panel only . I can buy rest of the required components from local shop, that's not a problem. I planning for radio panel in future too

I'm making hardwares just for hobby

Stephan already say the important parts....

Just some words from myself....

I said it multiple times here.
Cockpitbuilding is normaly a verry expensive hobby.... A Premade Plug and Play Overhead costs thousends of Dollars....
But With Mobiflight and a little bit of own construction work we can build it for maby 200 $.

But finaly Mobiflight is not here to save you another 3 Dollar for a MaxModule. Or save you 10$ for a additional Arduino.

For example if you need 3 Displays with 5 Diggits ( 3*5=15) Then NOT try to split them on 2 Max7219 Moduels.
Basicly 2 Max got 2*8=16 Diggits..... You need only 15. BUT Thats Difficult !
Simply buy another Max7219 for less then 3 $ and set every Display to a Single Controller.
So you "lose" 9 possible Diggits..... But who cares if you only need to pay 3$ more.

Same with Inputs..... we not work with Shift registers at the moment.... Simply cause you can use lots of Arduinos .
If you need 200 Inputs then NOT think about Registers to set all in a Matrix on ONE Arduino.
Simply work with mobiflight Technic..... Buy 5 Arduinos and set 40 Inputs each .... Then all is fine !

Summary.....
We always try to implement new features to extend the deep of Mobiflight..... BUT We primary not think about stuff that only reduce costs if the Situation can be realise already with current system.

Thanks for the clarification. I get it

One last thing.... Maby my last comment was a bit missunderstanding.

Your requested parts are NOT banned forever.... I Just want to say that Sebastians Time is verry limmited.
He try to give us the features we need to make cockpits possible. At the moment i think he work for new features in Preconditioning and LUA controls.

Finaly Mobiflight is OpenSource..... If YOU or another User that have programm skills like that you can write a code for the Shiftregisters....
If Possible Sebastian will implement those things, too.... But he got not time himself to do that at the moment.

Summary.... He invest his power basicly for the primary targets.... Those Things like shiftregisters are not High Priority ... But that means NOT that he dont like it... Only that a implement is not needed at the moment !