MobiFlight Community Support

Hi guys.
Today i remeber for a old Idea !

Situation:
Dual Encoders can be orderd in webshops ! Much more expensive like normal Encoders but availible. We can simply build them DIY, too, if we want.
BUT a Dual Switch/Encoder Combo like we need in the B737 EFIS Panel is not in the Shops !
I Try 4 Times to build this myself now. All 4 Prototyps workes, but not as i like. They scratching and wiggle while moving. The feeling is not like a normal switch after cuting the springs and hacking the mechanics.
So i decide to use maby a another Encoder instead of the RotarySwitch-Part !
With Mobiflight we can config this Encoder perfect like it workes as a switch ( EventID or IF Function maby)

Problem:
A Switch get a detent and so a optical Position. We see ( maby with a printed arrow on top) in what position the switch is at the moment.
A Encoder is not fixed.... So this Optical Information is missing !

On Some Functions we got a compromise....
For exmaple the" B737 EFIS Minimum selector" Here the orignal switch chage between "Radio" and "Baro" . With a Encoder we not see the selected Switch Position.... BUT In The Primary Flight Display the Minimum Altitude is shown and theres written BARO or RADIO too. So we can find out what Position is active.
Same workes with the IN HPA Switch from QNH Selector..... The PFD gives us the Info.

Problem is for example the Bank Angle Selector in the MCP of B737 . Here i think we got no other optical Information .... Only the Switch shows the Information.

My Idea :
We can Use LED´s to show the Position !
The Offset of the Switch/Function always show the current status. We can Readout now this offset and light a LED for this.
For Example the B737 EFIS Minimum Switch Again.....
If we set 2 LED near the Switch... One on the Radio Position and One on the Baro Position we can show the current status.
2 Simply Conifgs will controll this.

If somebody use a Backlighting and so engraved Panels its much easyser... We can youse the engraved Label "Radio" for exmaple and set a additional Bright Green LED behind the Panel. If Radio is not active the Print is light by the Backlighting White LEDs. If its active the Green LED is additional active and show us this function is ON at the moment.

Summary:
This should work !
In Mobiflight we got 1 Additional Config for each Switch we use this technic.... And We need 2 Pins on Arduino more for each switch as we would use the normal technic.
BUT... I Think 1 Config and 2 Pins is not a Problem at all. in B737 for example there are only 3 Switches (7 with Efis) we need this technic !

What do you think about ??

Very interesting, but I still working with my MCP. Btw, do you have any email address?

Thank you and best regards,
Herly

I use the decimal point to indicate which function is active.

Example: COM1 Standby Frequency. Decimal Point is set on the left (1digit) encoder will increment MHz. DP active on the last digit, encoder will increment the KHz.

Yes.... Nice Idea...

Ok. this is only useable for the COM Panel
I think you mean you only use 1 Encoder ( Not a Dual ) And use the Push Button to switch between Mhz and Khz. Here the Decimal Point is a good indicator.

My basic intention was the Rotary Switch/ Rotary Encoder combo already....

But now i good another Idea with youre "Decimal Point Hint"
For the BankAngle Selector

Why not use a simple 2 Diggit Display that showes the Values 10,15,20,25 and 30 .... With a simple compare/interpolation this should work.

Again this are only some Switches in the hole cockpit.... But i´m on a point that it sucks absolute to build this stuff. I search for a alternate ( or a prebuild switch even it cost 50$)