Use FS2020 with an Arduino: MobiFlight Installation

Hello! Today we are going to use Flight Simulator 2020 with MobiFlight to an Arduino to configure switches, LEDs, and other electronic devices.
With the release of MF 8.0, You no longer have to download Arduino IDE! Ignore this part of the video :)
With 8.0 I had to move MF into my program files x86 folder I named "MobiFlight"
👉📌For using avionics: • MobiFlight Beta Releas...
📌MobiFlight: www.mobiflight.com/en/downloa...
📌Captain Bob Arduino Article: captainbobsim.com/2020/12/16/...
📌Captain Bob Analog Pins Article: captainbobsim.com/2020/12/17/...
📌FSUIPC: fsuipc.com/
📌LED to MobiFlight: • How to Wire an LED to ...
📌Switch to MobiFlight: • How to Wire an LED to ...
📌MobiFlight wiring videos: • How To Use A Toggle Sw...
📌MobiFlight video update: • MobiFlight Beta Releas...
📌Resistor Calculator: www.evilmadscientist.com/2012...
📌.mcc file: drive.google.com/file/d/1n2wc...
📦LEDs: ebay.us/S34jgs
📦Resistor (68 ohms): ebay.us/qRYniR
📦Arduino Mega: ebay.us/6OCrco
📦Jumper Wires: ebay.us/kH8k89 or ebay.us/xVu5KF
📦24 AWG Wire: ebay.us/XCbsal or ebay.us/R5Qyqg
📦Small On-On (Just use 2 out of the 3 pins on one side) Toggle Switch: ebay.us/NYWh4v
📦Awesome On-Off Toggle Switches: ebay.us/lm4m5M
This week I got 1% better at editing tutorials to make them flow.
👉Visit the Website: captainbobsim.com/
▶ Join our Discord! / discord
▶ Want to support my work? Become a Patreon! / captainbobsim
▶ Consider making a donation to improve video quality and fund my Flight Training: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
▶ Follow @CaptainBobSim on Instagram for a little bit of behind the scenes. / captainbobsim
▶ Show off your simulator! Use #cessna172sday in your Instagram photo or post it in the "Show Your Sim" Discord channel
▶ Email: [e-mail]
▶ If a part I design fails, Let me know! forms.gle/NXHzXRura1oR5Tkj9
* * * * *
Disclaimer: I'm a human that makes mistakes. Fortunately, we can learn from them! You are responsible for your safety. As an eBay Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases (Sale price is not affected). I use time lapses to shorten the video, to avoid injury or death do not try to match the speed shown.
👉Visit the Website: captainbobsim.com/
▶ Join our Discord! / discord
▶ Want to support my work? Become a Patreon! www.patreon.com/Captain_Bob?a...
▶ Consider making a donation to improve video quality and fund my Flight Training: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
▶ Follow @CaptainBobSim on Instagram for a little bit of behind the scenes. / captainbobsim
▶ Show off your simulator! Use #cessna172sday in your Instagram photo or post it in the "Show Your Sim" Discord channel
▶ Email: [e-mail]
▶ If a part I design fails, Let me know! forms.gle/NXHzXRura1oR5Tkj9
* * * * *
Disclaimer: I'm a human that makes mistakes. Fortunately, we can learn from them! You are responsible for your safety. As an eBay Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases (Sale price is not affected). I use time lapses to shorten the video, to avoid injury or death do not try to match the speed shown.

[@SimandDriver]

Straightforward and direct! And best of all, great visuals.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thanks Sim and Driver! Hope it helped!

[@calvinhall1405]

Gotta add big thank you for this mini tutorial , full of great info and well presented ,Mister ya got skills and also now added yet keen to learn subscriber , that was an excellent taster lesson in the use of Mobiflight just downloaded MF Ver 8 , bought a few bits and now play time begins :-) Glad i came across this so Cheers for posting this How to Video

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hello Calvin! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I hope you simulator goes well! Happy Tinkering, - Trevor "Captain Bob"

[@mortengabel9942]

I am new to this stuff and just bought a Arduino module. Your turorial is just what I needed. Simple and quick.

[@CaptainBobSim]

That's great to hear Morten Gabel!!! Welcome to the MobiFlight hobby!

[@pfsantos007]

Excellent video. Waiting for a couple components to come in. Planning on making a simple 4 encoder knobs panel (as a start) to control an autopilot partially. Got the idea from the Heli Tech KZbin channel - guy there did a full 737 FCP. Hate using the mouse for heading, course, altitude and vertical speed so I wanted to start with something simple. This video clarified the offsets and where to find them.

[@CaptainBobSim]

That is so good to hear!!

[@Nidsleyalbino]

O were looking for this for a while. Thank you!!

[@bobwright8789]

Hey thanks this was really helpful for setting up an mcp panel. More helpful then the tech support at the place I bought it from. Thank you for taking the time to make such a helpful video 👍

[@CaptainBobSim]

Great to hear (other than the terrible tech support) I'm glad it could help!

[@Daniel_Wolf]

Great tutorial Bob. I Suscribe for more arduino and FS2020, many thanks from Argentina!

[@CaptainBobSim]

Welcome aboard Daniel!

[@Daniel_Wolf]

@@CaptainBobSim it's possible made same functions i hace un xplane with SimVim and Arduino mega or ir more completo?. Sorry, i'm newbie with fsuipc and mobiflight

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@Daniel_Wolf You should be able to find the same functions in SimVim, though I haven't used it very much.

[@atoum6638]

Nice your video are preatty nice !

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thanks! Glad you like them!

[@CaptainBobSim]

With the release of MF 8.0, You no longer have to download Arduino IDE! Ignore this part of the video :) With 8.0 I had to move MF into my program files x86 folder I named "MobiFlight" Also, I completely forgot! For using avionics refer to a section of the MobiFlight release video over here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r52yeq2LoNmjes0

[@CaptainBobSim]

@Marlon Gregory You are definitely affiliated with Flixzone, and you are probably also Ezekiel Jose 🤔

[@Alex-Aviation]

Wow, one of the most professionally made videos so far, From TxPanda :)

[@CaptainBobSim]

Wow, thanks TxPanda! I think so too :)

[@yummy9731]

hey panda didnt know you had a KZbin channel subscribed lol

[@minipop1138]

Thanks for the video, getting my Mega tomorrow because of this and 3d printing a "practice box" with different diameter holes cut out

[@CaptainBobSim]

That is great to hear! I wish you the best of luck with your practice box, and keep me posted on how it goes!

[@minipop1138]

@@CaptainBobSim THANK YOU! downloaded mobiflight and following your instructions but i dont have an option to write the path to arduino, anythoughts?

[@CaptainBobSim]

You don't need to anymore - it does it automatically

[@MP-zk7mm]

Great video! Thank you so much :) I'm wondering how much a single Arduino mega would be able to handle. Like the entire low part of the analog instruments, where the switch panel, throttles, wheel, flaps, etc. are? Or is that too many components for what it can handle? When lacking space/cash, using as little as possible might be important

[@CaptainBobSim]

I usually try to max them out and don't notice any significant difference. It's just important to make sure your powering is sufficient for the components.

[@luxrius6425]

thank you so much u just made my life easier

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hooray!

[@emrekuyumcu108]

Great video mate!! Keep it up!

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thanks Emre!

[@kingboyh]

Top 👍 thanks

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@tmasimuladores]

hola. sabes tu si hay si algun offset disponible para fsuipc o mobiflight para master warning y caution en prepard v5. gracias

[@Theplayers_club]

awesome video

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thanks Mr Red!

[@Theplayers_club]

@@CaptainBobSim is there an example of a set of buttons and switches I can use or possible replace a switch for one another. I’m trying to get my sim cockpit done but I don’t have the time to do all them all, thank you for your time Capt!

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@Theplayers_club In the MF files (where your mobiflight installation files are) there should be some example .mcc files that will give you a loose outline if this is what you are looking for/

[@HammerGarrett]

Can you explain how to get the strobe light for a c172 working on a switch. I can get every other light but the strobe.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Try this: Action Type: MSFS2020 Events Group: STANDARD Event: STROBES_ON

[@ascalt7868]

Hell Captain Bob, Just a quick question. I have almost no experience in coding. Is it as simple as just plugging a dial or a button into the Arduino and following the steps in the video? Thanks

[@CaptainBobSim]

Yep! Just follow the video. I have loads of tutorials on the channel, so feel free to explore!

[@ascalt7868]

@@CaptainBobSim thanks! Earned a sub!

[@diegamerpower]

Hi I have a question I would like to make an A320 overhead panel. I would like that when you press the button for example the battery on that the lights then come on just like in the flight simulator (So the lights of the overhead panel) can you help me with this

[@CaptainBobSim]

Like control an LED strip to light your panel?

[@diegamerpower]

@@CaptainBobSim noch.... so when you press the Battery Button that the Light on the overhead tjrn on sync like the flight sim

[@CaptainBobSim]

You can either use a mobiflight output device for the LED, or have a mobiflight variable if it's a toggle.

[@jay-rus4437]

How do you go about finding the necessary info to program something like the fenix a320?

[@CaptainBobSim]

If you use MSFS instead of FSUIPC then I believe fenix has those presets!

[@lewymartain8267]

Hello captain. So much has changed in Mobiflight over the years and the website still has very old tutorials. So old that the Mobiflight 9.3 is completely different from the old 6.0/7.0. Please will you make a tutorial with the new Mobiflight 9.0 update with the completely changed config wizard and a lot of things to list. Newcomers dont have a clue???? Thank you.

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'm considering making a video comparing old vs new. If you look at some of my newer videos you can get a feel for how it works.

[@benrampling812]

Say for example we wanted to connect the 737 CDU which has about 71 inputs. Could we have the arduino work like a keypad? As every input from the CDU is momentary we could make a 8x9 keypad and have 72 available inputs. Leaving one input spare. Im new to arduino and have successfully made an LED blink so far 😂 any help greatly appreciated 🙏

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'm not entirely sure MobiFlight supports keyboards - I'd use a multiplexor/shift register to "add a few pins" (I haven't done this yet so I can't really talk too much about it). You could theoretically make a custom mobiflight device using a master and slave arduino but that defeats the purpose of ya know, not having two arduinos.

[@benrampling812]

@CaptainBobSim cheers for the reply mate and thank you for the videos. I'll have a look and figure it out. If needs be I might look at alternative methods to mobiflight. If worst comes to worst I can use 2 boards, take 71 of the GPIO pins out of the total 108 and have 37 left for perhaps the pedestal radio encoders as well as some analog inputs for the yoke, pedals and throttles.etc 👍

[@embrj1453]

How many switches or knobs can one arduino control?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Arduino MEGA has 68 usable pins (all of which can be used for switches if desired), This page shows the numbers: www.mobiflight.com/en/documentation/faq.html

[@technologystrong5190]

Is it possible to connect custom LVAR events to Mobiflight?

[@CaptainBobSim]

I believe so- use MSFS2020 Custom Input. You may also find this wiki helpful: github.com/MobiFlight/MobiFlight-Connector/wiki/MSFS2020-How-to-Create-and-Use-User-Defined-Lvars

[@Ricardo27300]

hi Captain;) How to retrieve the state of a Led on the pmdg, and turn it on on the arduino .. for example the "ValveOpen" or "Low Pressure" led I can't do it!

[@CaptainBobSim]

I believe PMDG has it's separate offset list you can find online, you will have to use the "PMDG offset" option instead of FSUIPC offset

[@Ricardo27300]

@@CaptainBobSim Thanks to you :) I found the mappings here: fsclub-friesland.nl/wp-download/FSUIPC4_OffsetMappingForPMDG737NGX.pdf I managed to configure all part of the fuelspumps .. led and switch :)

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@Ricardo27300 That is wonderful!!! I am so glad you got this working!!!!

[@Ricardo27300]

@@CaptainBobSim An absolutely brilliant program :)

[@chrismoffitt1741]

Have followed you video to the T, everything tests and all the hex values are the same but doesn't appear to connect to FS2020?

[@CaptainBobSim]

That's really strange! I'd love to help you with this (if I don't respond with in a few days, please bug me until we figure this out) If you have FSX or Prepar3d, you might consider testing MobiFlight with either of those simulators and their corresponding FSUIPC, to make sure it's not a FS2020 problem. Make sure FS2020 FSUIPC is installed correctly (maybe try uninstalling/deleting it and reinstalling it). Are both of the check marks on? The pinned comment has a task where you copy a folder over, this might help if you are doing avionics stuff (which I assume you aren't). A lot of times the wiring/configuration for the arduino is off, so make sure you flashed your arduino to the correct pin and wired the switch to the correct pin. It's possible you might want to also try another task from the drop down.

[@chrismoffitt1741]

@@CaptainBobSim Check marks are green, everything tests ok. I am running FS2020 in the developer mode with the SDK installed and the Led it comes on when flight sims boots up but doesn't go out when the parking brake releases. Cross checked all the HEX values and everything appears working. Been testing it on the C150 in training mode. Latest version of FSUIPC installed and seems to connect to the board correctly. Been into computers building my own since the 60's. This one has me stumped!

[@chrismoffitt1741]

Also the Mobiflight connect has been moved to the FS2020 Community folder.

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@chrismoffitt1741 Just saw this. Have you figured this out by chance? and, does this work with other offsets or is it specific to the parking brake?

[@jankristensen7884]

will it mobifligt work with a hall sensor?

[@CaptainBobSim]

It should - I believe it would be configured as an analog input.

[@gaborparoczay579]

Dear Captain! I always watch videos with interest. They are simply fantastic. But now I'm stuck with MobiFlight. Only the Arduino Mega 2560 is recognized. Even if you connect an Arduino Micro to it, you won't see it. And I would need that. Do you know a solution?

[@gaborparoczay579]

I will answer for myself. Once the Arduino has been programmed, it will no longer be visible to MobiFlight. Is there a solution for this?

[@gaborparoczay579]

I have the solution. The beta version had to be put up.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Excellent! I'm so glad you found a solution!

[@noneNone-mw1px]

Is there any interference card for carbheat?

[@CaptainBobSim]

You can configure this to any event - I'd use MSFS2020 events and search for "Carb Heat"

[@gaborparoczay579]

Dear Captain! For example, I would like to control the "NAV" button with a pushbutton, so that pressing it once turns it on, pressing it again turns it off. Could you help with this? Thanks in advance.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hello! This is an interesting question! I think this would be easiest done in hardware, using a locking push switch (one that locks in the pushed position until pressed again, then unlocked, and pushed in the off position). My initial thought would be to set the switch to $+1, and every time the switch gets clicked the value raises by one, but this would quickly exceed 1 or zero. I think what you would need is a config reference, so it references the switch's position and if the switch's state is at 0, it adds one, but if it is at 1 it subtracts one. I can't test this but I assume it is correct. Locking push switches would definitely be the easier solution, but perhaps the software solution would work too. If I have time I'll test this later today.

[@gaborparoczay579]

@@CaptainBobSim Hello! Turning on turns on, but unfortunately does not turn off. (The switch solution is not good for me because I used to make a dashboard and it has push buttons.) It would be nice to have a list of what can be given as a value.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Sorry, I kinda left you in the dark with this one. Which offset are you using? I'd love to test this out. I might be able to reply to you with a configuration file/screenshots if you email me at [e-mail].

[@Dont_Gnaw_on_the_Kitty_1]

Thats a 'toggle on, toggle off' control. It 'should' be able to be set up as it is an often used control.

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@Dont_Gnaw_on_the_Kitty_1 We solved this online (for a standard push button, not a toggle switch) using " if ($ = 0,1,0) " in the transformation field. Great job figuring it out Gabor!

[@116darkshooter]

Does it have keybinds for A320?

[@CaptainBobSim]

If you use MSFS2020 Events you can easily assign these for different aircraft

[@bycarsten]

Hi, what is the alternative for MacOS?

[@CaptainBobSim]

You could try Air Manager (I can't remember if it is compatible)

[@TheViperMan]

So Arduino IDE is used for the drivers and software to program the device. :)

[@CaptainBobSim]

I believe MobiFlight Development is mostly done in Visual Studio. It doesn't require Arduino IDE anymore, and I don't think it depends on it (but it likely uses their drivers?)

[@Jarbas15]

2:35 I dont have this option here "path to arduino IDE"

[@CaptainBobSim]

The MobiFlight update removes the need to set the path to Arduino IDE

[@shadowyogi]

hooked

[@CaptainBobSim]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKOsXoh4fqdrgM0

[@Jarbas15]

Can I use Arduino Leonardo?

[@CaptainBobSim]

No

[@briancrosby3767]

Followed your instructions but cant get the arduino ide into mobiflight. Any suggestions. I found the file but no luck. Thx

[@CaptainBobSim]

Can you open Arduino IDE (The app) to confirm it is installed properly?

[@EdQuigman]

Here's something to try. First make sure you can run a sketch on your Arduino from the Arduino IDE. In the examples folder the blink sketch is an easy one to test with. Once you have that working and you MUST have an Arduino connected to the computer - then you should see the Modules yellow caution sign turn into a green sign and whole bunch of other fireworks when you restart MobiFlight. It's not very clear to a first time user that that having an Arduino connected at this point is necessary. The word "module" is used which has several meanings in English computer speak and the translation might could use a different phrase, or maybe a tooltip to more in-depth say what it is. This tripped me up installing the Arduino IDE on a brand new system where I had not done any development.

[@briancrosby3767]

Thank you guys. Got it working. It ended up being easy once I figured out the process. Was trying to do to much. Just placed the msfs 2020 preset code and it worked like a charm. Next up, stepper motor. Ordering my unl2003 board today

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@briancrosby3767 That's so good to hear! I wish you the best of luck with your Stepper Motor and Simulator!

[@briancrosby3767]

I was just watching your video on 7 segment displays. I giving that a shot here in a few minutes. Do you think it will work the same in msfs 2020?

[@euphoriess]

does this work with DCS?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Unfortunatly as of wrighting MobiFlight isn't comaptible with DCS.

[@upjohn5548]

Hi bob, please need help, i have mobiflight connector 7.5.2 and arduino IDE 1.8.15 and plug arduino mega 2560 and go to Extras/Settings/Mobiflight modules/ path to Arduino IDE > C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino and click 'OK' and it does not work ,modules signal stays on yellow

[@CaptainBobSim]

Release 8.0 has built in support for arduino. I'd highly recommend upgrading to it- That would be the easiest way. I may have set my modules folder to a folder inside Arduino (perhaps drivers?) Again, not entirely sure because the Arduino firmware Avrdude is now "baked in"

[@upjohn5548]

@@CaptainBobSim Hi Bob, I tried again with the latest version (8.1.4) as you told me, so, do you mean that this version recognizes Arduino automatically? I have installed the latest versions of Mobiflight (8.1.4) and Arduino (1.8.15) My module status is still yellow. I have FSUIPC version 7 not installed, what should I do? Thank you so much

[@upjohn5548]

@@CaptainBobSim please bob you can make new video explaining how to connect with msfs2020 and lattest versions of Mobiflight and Arduino???

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@upjohn5548 Nah, there are too many MF releases to do one on every single release-- I could be using that time to make videos about other topics. The latest version of arduino should auto install- so there isn't anything to explain :)

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@upjohn5548 If the modules checkmark is green- you shouldn't have any issues with arduino. If FSUIPC 7 is yellow you might consider running it manually or reinstalling it.

[@user-ju7tx2zq9e]

Hello！Can I create a Toliss A320 MCDU using Mobiflight?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hi! Unfortunately right now I'm focusing on my Cessna 172

[@user-ju7tx2zq9e]

OK！Thinks for your reply. Think you so much.

[@reivsinim7031]

My FSUIPC7 is not connecting to MF what should i do

[@reivsinim7031]

I have the free version

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hmm. Have you tried running FSUIPC7 yet to see if it works? Additionally, the video in the description should detail this a little more if you need more help. The free version should not change the status.

[@alexcampelo9504]

only works in steam flight simulator?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Work with and without steam :)

[@alexcampelo9504]

@@CaptainBobSim does it work on The game pass flight simulator ?

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@alexcampelo9504 Yup! Should work.

[@karthikk6512]

Hey! What's next video

[@CaptainBobSim]

Probably another CAD video, that's a lot of what I've been working on lately.

[@karthikk6512]

@@CaptainBobSim what about hardware of cessna do you know time (jst to knw becoz to strt with u)

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'm not entirely sure. I don't have a rigid deadline structure for this.

[@GuyWithAPC]

My altimeter is accurate to 100k feet with this. Not too bad

[@CaptainBobSim]

As long as you know you are in the right atmosphere :)

[@Jewish-Bandera]

Hello Captain Bob, can you please explain when device is built Arduino programed what utilities have to be running with MSFS 2020 to fly and using device?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Just MobiFlight.

[@Jewish-Bandera]

@@CaptainBobSim Captain thank you very much but can I ask another question?

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@Jewish-Bandera Yes

[@Jewish-Bandera]

@@CaptainBobSim Thank you. I have problem and MS Team can not help. My MSFS 2020 loading about 6-8hrs. After I chose plane and press FLY it takes another 1-2 hrs. What should I do?

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@Jewish-Bandera I won't be able to help you with this - I'm not a MSFS2020 developer. My assumption is that your comupter isn't powerfull enough to run it?