Simviation Forums

Hi, this is my first post on the HomeBuild Cockpits. I searched around a bit and there are really nice works going on.

I am planning to make a Autopilot Panel. It will only include adjusting knobs and buttons. No displays, because it would be hard for me to make.

I want to start with something easy. So, I'll try to add only one potentiometer* to control the heading display. Than if I can make it work, I'll continue to add the rest of Autopilot controls (and radios maybe).

I've searched a lot but I couldn't find what I need. I've looked at some web sites that were advised a few pages ago in this forum. These are usually huge projects aiming to build complete cocpits and do not explain how to interefere with the computer. They only mention wich programme they will use and thats all.

Now, could you plese explain me how to add a potentiometer to the computer and make it control the heading display? Any resources would be great as well. (I've heard of two ways to do this, one is to add this unit as a controller, other is to use FSUIPC. Which one should I use and how?)

*I don't know if I have to use a potentiımeter or an encoder. I guess this has to the with the way the real heading knob works in a plane (i.e. boeings). If the rotation is not limited it should be an encoder, if it is limited then it is an potentiometer, I think. Which is the case in a Boeing?

Thanks in advance.

edit: Not HomeMade, HomeBuild.

Although I have yet to build, the two most common and easy ways is to use either a gameport device and then use the adapter to convert it to USB. Or you can use the Hagstrom encoder. In either case you just connect the wires and use built in computer programs to connect. (GO TO FLIGHTSIM.COM FOR SOME GREAT TUTORIALS.)

Thanks for the reply.

I tought I would be able to do this without buying a new hardware (except some resistors, capasitors, potentiometers and such).

I've read most of the How To's on Flightsim. I'm downloading more now. I've seen in one that somebody made a throttle set and connected it via gameport. He connected this device as a new controller to windows. But as far as I see, I can select only one controller for FS2002 (from the controller options menu in FS). If I build such a thing will I be able to use it with my sidewinder at the same time?

There must be a way. Most of the rudder and throttle how tos at flightsim are for 2002. You add it in the control panel. Look around the help area of FS. It may have an answer.

HI
Sound like you want move A P bug in DG. If so you
Can hack an old key board an used A

Thanks for the replies.

I've looked at flightsim more, and someone expalins that it is possibble to add two controllers to FS2002 and assign different functions to each.

But still, I don't know if I have to use a potentiometer or an encoder. I guess I cannot use encoder with the gameport, it needs to be connected to a keyboard.

Anyway, I decided to start out with even a simpler one. Adding only one or two buttons via the gameport  :). Then I'll see if I'll be able to make it work.

P.S. Modular Desktop Flight tutorial looks great. I had been able to save the first page of it. I've been trying to access the other parts for 2 days, but, all nodes are busy, it says  :(. Anyway, keep trying...  :D

Rember one more  :)
http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/

Thanks for the help.