New project - MSFS C++ USB interface

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Originally Posted by amgen

not sure if I am understanding what you need, but if you need an indicator that the mechanism is in one position or another then a hall effect switch is just a simple 'proximity sensor'...

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I need to override the switch position in software. MSFS will disable one of those leftmost yellow switches under a certain circumstance.

My first idea was to use momentary switches, and have an LED indicate ON or OFF. But I'd really like to override the switches physically from software.

And that's why I'm looking at that solenoid design; I can operate the button manually without disruption from the solenoid, and activating the solenoid for a short burst can turn ON or OFF the switch.

One of my main goals with this product is to simulate as much as possible the visual switches in MSFS - within budgetary reason.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ioannis

Maybe you can use a small stepper motor with linear motion like the ones on the CD head mechanism? ...

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That's always an option, but it's a slower mechanism.

And I still have the issue of having sufficient torque to activate the switch. The motor has a stroke length, but no mention of force.

The manufacturer of the pushbutton switch with the red shaft has come back with a price of $0.044 USD for a 100gf model; that is very affordable and essentially the same price I paid for the 330gf model.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Demon

My first idea was to use momentary switches, and have an LED indicate ON or OFF. But I'd really like to override the switches physically from software.

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This is great but why cannot you do it? I think it is cheaper, no mechanics (that can fail), easier to build and only you have to disable it by software. Even if user pushes the button, nothing will happen.

Ioannis

One thing that stopped me from having a metal enclosure was making clean cuts.

But now, we have affordable plasma cutting machines.

https://a.co/d/61WYUUd


I'd still need a 3-axis CNC base to get repeatable cuts.

I could get all the faceplate holes, as well as all the cuts to fold a sheet of metal.

I'd also need a folding tool, but that would be nothing at that point.

The ArcCaptain plasma cutter above requires contact between the tip and the metal, this is not convenient. That unit also has 11% unfavorable reviews.

There are alternatives that are rated as non-contact for similar price. This would be much better for a DIY cutting machine.

https://www.vevor.ca/plasma-cutter-c...p_010296608286

The Vevor unit only has 4 and 5 star reviews.


EDIT: Sometimes it's not worth going on AliExpress. The Vevor Cut50 is $80 more:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007124762190.html

Well, in theory you can built a CNC machine to use the plasma cutter. But the thick cable and the heavy head, I bet are difficult to manage. You need very strong steppers and a solid frame to minimize any glitches.

Ioannis

Moved voltage regulator posts to a separate thread.

https://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/sho...5V-in-5A-range

One of the challenges I had given myself was to simulate an electric breaker in MSFS, just like the ones in a Cessna 152.

Attachment 9983


So far, the least expensive and "good enough" technique was using a tiny solenoid and limit switch.

I use an IRF730A TO220 mosfet for testing, but will switch to an AO3400A SMD mosfet later. Also, a 1N4001 as flyback diode. The 1000uF capacitor is not final, I still have to calculate that properly.

https://youtu.be/nXRJIwv6CGs?si=k7E_8-QjBgtKgmUV

I have a slight drop in voltage; don't know yet if I can do anything about that.


Added benefit, "some" communication buttons can move to OFF under special circumstances. These electric switches can also be used for that purpose. They won't have the same feel and force as the other comm buttons, but at least i can print my own yellow caps and they'll behave exactly like in the game.

Attachment 9984

Sometimes it is cheaper in small quantities to have someone make your parts vs building your machines to do the job. Plasma cutters do not make clean enough cuts as needed for control panels. Anyway you might consider using a proto service. This is an example, but I am sure there are others. They work like JLPCB

https://www.frontpanelexpress.com/pr...Lw_wcB#product

That's a cool service. 😎

Gonna save that one.