MobiFlight Community Support

Hi all -- well I couldn't find a hardware solution for my problem so I decided to create a plug-in board or Shield instead --

For those that run original cockpit panels understand incandescent bulbs are most frequently used for the panels. This creates an issue because there is usually insufficient current to drive the bulbs with existing I/O solutions, or even an Arduino board.

An Airbus korry for example, usually has an upper and lower quadrant with 4 bulbs. Each bulb runs at 0.115 amps. To light up the top indicator korry you will require at least 0.23 amps.

I would like to continue to use the Arduino boards because of MobiFlight and the simplicity of the software. We've developed a shield which can plug into a Mega 2560 board -- provide a supply and you can 'amplify' the current.

The PCB boards are currently being manufactured; spring connectors are being used for easy plug in and out. All 54 outputs are available with the available current to drive the bulbs. We are using DMOS transistors for the current amplification because of its thermal properties.

The best part is it is plug and play on top of your existing arduino setup.

More information soon...

Hi all, boards are now here - waiting for more of the parts and then testing can be be performed.

The shield has been tested and is working well -- we can now use an Arduino to control original aircraft panels without using a messy relay.

The board is plug and play - attach it to the Arduino Mega, provide an external 5V supply, and connect your panel pins to the spring connectors. No more messy wiring required, or any script writing.

The video below shows the Airbus ADIRS panels with the outputs and the Output Amplifier Shield + Arduino being controlled by MobiFlight.

https://youtu.be/HduNnQolu2k

The board with all components attached --