Switch Question

[Mobius]

I would like to use a simple toggle switch to have on-off functionality for something like lights or a master switch where you flip it to one position for a momentary button press and back to off for the same momentary button press, but I'm wondering what kind of switch to use.  I have an SPST switch wired up now, but when it switches on, it stays on, which is pretty much what I expected.  Is there a type of switch or a way to wire a switch that would do what I want?  I was thinking of using a DPST switch, but that would still make the switch stay on in each position so I'm at a bit of a loss.

[JSpahn]

Im guessing you are using the BU0836? There is no way, I know of that you would be able to use a latch on/off switch with that. A mom/off/mom could be used in this application. Up for on down for off,

here
http://www.wiringproducts.com/index1.html

My guess is the toggle is spring loaded and returns to the off position.

another one:

http://www.hosfelt.com/en-us/dept_157.html
item # 51-219

[beaky]

I do know that if you're using Hagstrom controllers (and possibly others), you can use a latching toggle switch for a momentary command... and of course you can program the controller to recognize both switch positions as the same command.
 In other words, "ON" creates a closure, which the sim will call "toggle lights", and OFF will open said closure, which will also be "toggle lights".
So when you flip the switch up (ON), the lights will go on, and vise-versa.

I was also going bonkers trying to figure out how to make a mechanically-latching switch read as a momentary closure until I found this out.  ;D

[SilverFox441]

Mobius, all the info you need to complete your task is in the link below. There are alternate methods as well, some using only solid state devices. The basic operating principles remain the same for all of them.

http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main ... toggle.htm

Some extra info can be found at: http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main ... itches.htm

This one describes one variety of solid state solution.

[npbosch]

Im guessing you are using the BU0836? There is no way, I know of that you would be able to use a latch on/off switch with that. A mom/off/mom could be used in this application. Up for on down for off,

It is possible. I use 2 BU0836 in my cockpit. (http://www.lbodnar.dsl.pipex.com/joystick/)
I have a normal toggle switches conected to them (not momentary). They work fine. You have to send them via FSUIPC for that. I can imagine that if you read them as a normal youstick controller you get problems. I have joystick disabled in fs and send all joystick input via FSUIPC, works great.

[JBaymore]

Norbert,

The problem with doing it that way is that the controller is then sending a continuous stream of pulses (keypresses) for each toggle that is latched on (which can be MANY of them for long periods).  All those pulses are getting sent and read on the buss continuously,.... slowing down your CPU processing and clogging up the USB buss.

best,

..................john

[beaky]

Norbert,

The problem with doing it that way is that the controller is then sending a continuous stream of pulses (keypresses) for each toggle that is latched on (which can be MANY of them for long periods).  All those pulses are getting sent and read on the buss continuously,.... slowing down your CPU processing and clogging up the USB buss.

But I thought that FSUIPC could offset to eliminate this "traffic"...?

My study of Dowson's own support forums confirms this, although I haven't tested it yet: with FS9 and FSUIPC, builders have successfully used latching switches to trigger momentary commands in the program without any noticeable lag.

I suppose every rig would have its limit for how many closures are being dealt with simultaneously, but apparently it's not a show-stopper if you want to use a few latching switches for realism without getting into relays, etc.

[JBaymore]

Rottydaddy,

Yes...FSUIPC will "ignore" the repetitive keypresses until they change state, but to my knowledge it cannot tell the hardware device to stop actually sending the keypresses.

So those keypress signals are repeating along.

I just can't see that such an approach makes sense.  it seems to beg developing some interference or processing problems.

When there are devices that DO send single keypresses...... this approach seems like a poor way to accomplish the task.  I'd use this particular interface for stuff where a momentary button is really desireable... and use something else (like a Hagstrom KE72) for the toggle type switches.

best,

.......................john

[beaky]

Rottydaddy,

Yes...FSUIPC will "ignore" the repetitive keypresses until they change state, but to my knowledge it cannot tell the hardware device to stop actually sending the keypresses.

So those keypress signals are repeating along.

I just can't see that such an approach makes sense.  it seems to beg developing some interference or processing problems.

When there are devices that DO send single keypresses...... this approach seems like a poor way to accomplish the task.  I'd use this particular interface for stuff where a momentary button is really desireable... and use something else (like a Hagstrom KE72) for the toggle type switches.

best,

.......................john

Yes, that's the problem... I'm thinking KE72, but the original question was about a different controller.

[JBaymore]

What I am tactfully trying to say is that for THAT particular controller...... use momentaries...and save the toggles and wafer switches for a different interface.  

best,

....................john

[JSpahn]

Well if anything it has been a good overview of how to use FSUIPC and the pros and cons of different controllers Lets not forget the added cost of the relays when you consider going this route. 5 bucks a relay with the possibility of 30 inputs

The haggy  makes sense if you absolutely want switches

[Mobius]

Thanks for the input guys.  I think I might stick with simple momentary switches and buttons for now.

[beaky]

Well if anything it has been a good overview of how to use FSUIPC and the pros and cons of different controllers Lets not forget the added cost of the relays when you consider going this route. 5 bucks a relay with the possibility of 30 inputs

The haggy  makes sense if you absolutely want switches

Uh, yeah... or the other possibility: fabbing switches that latch mechanically, but provide a momentary closure... I actually considered that (very briefly).

The Hagstrom products cost more on average than Bodnar's stuff, but you get a lot more channels and no need for relays or fancy mechs.

Personally, I've got to have proper latching toggles for some things...half the reason I'm building a pit in the first place!

[JBaymore]

Momentaries are great for some stuff......... like replys to the in sim ATC, switching views, and other "utility" type functions.

But for switching on landing lights, starting engines, and other stuff...... for realism....gotta' have toggles and wafer switches.  ;)

That little unit looks GREAT for some pots and momentaries though.

best,

...................john

[beaky]

Momentaries are great for some stuff......... like replys to the in sim ATC, switching views, and other "utility" type functions.

Yeah, man... "clicky-clicky". I'm also starting to think more about "blinky-blinky", but fancy indicator lights will be Day 2 stuff.

That is the ultimate... lots of clicky switches and blinky lights.