Connect an On-Off or On-On Toggle Switch to a Flight Sim | MobiFlight Crash Course Episode 5

[@Bitsanddroids]

BENDING! Made some weird contraptions trying to connect dupont cables to those connectors. But the key is bending the tip... You've enlightened my day.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Not a great long term solution, loads worse than soldering, but I haven't had one break yet!

[@fntimeris]

I am interested in a switch for 3 outputs. Do i need a on-off-on switch or a on-on-on? The use will be for master arm-off-simulate and maybe one more for autopilot. Any recommendations or even better a video on the use of on-on-on switch would be great.

[@christophersoliz6013]

This is incredibly helpful. I JUST started learning how to use an arduino so I can build a 737 simulator. I do have a dumb question though: what coding do we have to do on the actual arduino, along with the steps from this video?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hello Christopher! With MobiFlight you shouldn't have to do any actual coding, just configuring buttons and switches and LEDs like I showed in the video. The arduino is just flashed with the config you make when you flash the arduino (as shown in the video)

[@JosZammit]

Wonderful Capt. Bob! I just solved an issue I was trouble shooting Well done. Just a quick question, in the INPUT tab where you insert the VALUE for the behavior of the switch, where can I get more information on all the conditions available exampl using the "if" and "$" command?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hello! It's called ncalc, there's a page on it here for all the crazy things you can do with it: docs.servicenow.com/bundle/tokyo-application-development/page/product/rpa-studio/reference/supported-expression-functions.html (Note, not the official documentation page for ncalc)

[@josefzammit3059]

Thanks! Is ncalc c#? Or this is something different?

[@CaptainBobSim]

I believe it's a library in C# as MobiFlight is written in C# @@josefzammit3059

[@pure4wood501]

You make great videos about MobiFlight! So may I ask you a difficult question? I am trying to match the starting procedure of a ZLin Savage Cub Carbon/Grravel (MSFS2020) with 2 separate switches and a separate key switch. This aircraft does not use a 5-position key switch but 2 separate on/off switches for the Magnetos. So I use 2 on/off switches (and a key switch with 3 positions - Off, Batt-On, Start) on my controller. However, I can't get it to work properly. Switch 1 (controller) on = Magneto left on (so that works well). Switch 2 (controller) on = Magneto Right on but .... Magneto left goes OUT again in the plane. So when Magneto Right is turned on, Magneto Left is turned OFF again! Also turn off the Magnetos left and right with the controller switches does not work properly. My input settings: MSFS2020 - Custom Input. My Select Preset: Magneto Switch Left (Right) Code: 2 (>K:MAGNETO1_SET) (A:GENERAL ENG STARTER:1, Bool) if{ 0 (>K:SET_STARTER1_HELD) } Do you have any idea what I'm doing wrong and how to fix it? Thank you very much. Fer

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hello! I can maybe point you in the right direction, but if you want me to sit down and help I offer MobiFlight consulting here: captainbobsim.com/services/ I recommend using preconditions (and perhaps even MobiFlight variables). You could set a precondition to the left and right row saying only run if the other one is false then set a precondition to the "both" row if both left and right are true (on). You might need two "both rows" one for each switch, with the precondition that the other one is also on. I'd recommend using the click and dropdown structure with default simconnect events instead of code to avoid potential RPN coding errors.

[@pure4wood501]

Hi Captain Bob, Thanks for your response. I managed to get it working properly today. I tried out different codes from Magnetos from the Hubhop site and in the end the settings of the XCub worked perfectly.

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@pure4wood501 Perfect!! Glad you could get it to work!

[@uprzejmypiesio6875]

Hi, im new to this and just asking: How many ON/OFF switches can i have on single arduino mega board? To which pins can i connect the switches? And can all of them go to single ground pin? I will be grateful for answer

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hi! The limitations are on the MobiFlight Website. To my knowledge for switches it's as many as the arduino can handle All electronics can go to a single ground pin, just make all the GND wires are touching.

[@santiagoluib3]

15:38 it's exactly what I needed to mimick the Airbus A320 overhead panel light switches ;) for example, the landing lights, the lower on is RETRACT, middle OFF is OFF, upper ON is ON :) and there's several others of similar type :)

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'm glad it ccould help!!

[@xthib1]

Hi, huge thanks for this course, hugely appreciated ! Something I don't get : in this video you advise about jumper wire and at 1':52" you go "I'd highly recommend getting some hook up wire"... So what would you use the jumper wire for ??

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hello! Jumper wire is great for prototyping, but after a while the connections become brittle and break off Soldering and crimping some hook up wire with dupont connectors is a better connection.

[@xthib1]

@@CaptainBobSim So if I get it right, you solder hook up wires to buttons, then you crimp a connector on it, and plug it to the board ?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Yep! Exactly

[@GianfrancoRingo]

Hi Cap. Can you explane ho to connect damn kd2-2 button switch with arduino and Mobiflight config? Thanks Mate!

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hello! You might find this helpful: i.ibb.co/qkxtTxy/KD2-22-Pinout.jpg

[@Jaen2942]

So you can’t use all of the slots that aurdiono mega provides you with?, for example, you said there are only 3 slots available for ground pins (output)

[@CaptainBobSim]

No, You can connect grounds together Look at the images at the bottom of this post: captainbobsim.com/2020/12/16/mobiflight-arduino-compatibility/

[@xthib1]

Hi Hi Captain ! :D Another question for you : Let's say I wanna make a parking brake with a rotary selector (like in the TBM 930). There are 2 events : Parking brake on / parking brake off. In that case, can I use a SPST (on - off) or do I necessarily need a SPDT (on - on) ? Now, about lights, if I wanna have a toggle switch to enable and disable landing litghts. Is a SPST enough or do I need again to go for a SPDT ?

[@CaptainBobSim]

You can use a SPST or a SPDT, with the SPST you'd assign an "on press" to one action and an "on release" to your other action. With a SPDT you'd assign two different rows in your configuration. Keep in mind the physical SPST switch is the same as an SPDT just "ignoring" a pin. I like to order SPDT whenever I can and use them as a SPST

[@xthib1]

@@CaptainBobSim Makes a lot of sens. Once again thank you so much for your help, very very appraciated !

[@marcomod6157]

Hi, just a quick question: wouldn't this method send (when the switch is on) a continuos battery on battery on battery on like you keep pressing a button on a joypad or keyboard? Cause that feels "wrong". Or does the mobiflight module handle this and just put the pin down after the "first input" ? Thanks

[@CaptainBobSim]

I think MobiFlight handles this - if you enable logging to a debug level it will say "PRESS" when it detects a press and "RELEASE" when it senses a release.

[@knowledgeknockoutquizzes]

What is the arduino called? So it is compatible? Im new to this

[@CaptainBobSim]

The one I use is usually the Arduino MEGA 2560 There's also the Arduino Mega Pro Mini, Arduino Pro Micro, Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano which are compatible (check the mobiflight website)

[@knowledgeknockoutquizzes]

@@CaptainBobSim Thanks

[@captsonko.9345]

hi capt thanks God bless u i finaly maneged to switch on my 737 land lights after along struggle.

[@SamuSpotterMilan]

Hi, sorry, I use fsx but I don have fsupc, is that a problem finding the crucial things like the lights? (Like u do for the battery on 6:45 ?)

[@CaptainBobSim]

You'll need an (at least unregistered) version of FSUIPC to work with FSX. I'd refer to my early videos on the channel.

[@SamuSpotterMilan]

@@CaptainBobSim thank you. anyway, can I refer to you if I have some issues?

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'll do my best, but realize I can't always fit it in

[@SamuSpotterMilan]

​@@CaptainBobSimdo you have instagram?

[@captsonko.9345]

thanks captain we appreciate ur effort GOD BLESS U.it was a tough lesson i managed to switch on ma land lights.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Woohoo!! That is so awesome!! It's so satisfying to see it work for the first time!

[@tiagovila2702]

Hello, can I solder the wires to the buttons?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Yep! Google a wire to terminal soldering tutorial

[@tiagovila2702]

@@CaptainBobSim ok thank you and great tutorial😁

[@papyxopathe]

Nice and fun y. Thx a lot. 😂

[@ceatolei12345]

thanks cap bob

[@CaptainBobSim]

You are very welcome!

[@NeidastheHero]

If i dont know how to soulder, can i just use jump cables like for 5 switches.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Yep! I recommend hot glue so it doesn't come undone

[@NeidastheHero]

@@CaptainBobSim Hot glue the end of the jumper cable to the switch?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Sometimes I'll bend the end of a male jumper into the toggle's connector hole. When hot gluing make sure the metal touches metal - hot glue is an insulator.

[@rpcraighead]

Great job man. Planning on a career in engineering? You should!

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thank you Ron! I am planning on a career in engineering - or at least until I can do this for a living 😜 Thanks for watching!

[@paulwright7239]

@@CaptainBobSim Hope you're looking at Purdue University, Captain Bob. World-class Engineering AND Aviation degrees!

[@GustavoRodriguez-br5jf]

Hi captain bob can you do the same for fly by wire mfs2020

[@CaptainBobSim]

Yes- but your events might be different. (I think the generic ones sometimes work however) Use only the Flybywire events in the dropdown.

[@gustaeeeapp4438]

🎉i don't speak inglish but i anderstend 😀 muchas thanks youuuu!!!

[@CaptainBobSim]

I am very glad they help!

[@Paradyski]

Connie in background ?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Absolutely!

[@TheFairbanksHouse]

No info about wiring a Korry switch ... Since these are so common in flight sim builds, it seems there would be more information on this type of switch. ..not

[@CaptainBobSim]

Real or homemade? For real you’d reference the maintenance manual for homemade it’s a push switch and an LED

[@yair1956]

Needles to say SimVim way more intuitive and superior to MobFlight

[@CaptainBobSim]

😂 I've used both, and there are pros and cons to both: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZS0pYifjqqhaLs SimVim is more intuitive :)

[@xthib1]

Is simvim usable with fs2020?

[@Greazer]

Input tag gone 9.2. Redo video.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Yes - a lot has changed since I filmed months ago, but the general flow is roughly the same. I may update it sometime in the future, but cannot update every video to the latest version of MobiFlight, because MobiFlight develops quicker than my videos do :) The latest toggle version has the updated interface: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXLZqKV7ms6EfcU

[@Greazer]

@@CaptainBobSim Haha I just found the Output/Input tabs

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@Greazer Oops!! Totally different issue I was thinking about 😂 Glad you found the tab!!