Repository for Hardware and Embedded Software for flight simulation cockpit and avionics panels that provide input/output for Flight Simulators (DCS).
The cockpit is modeled on a blend of F/A-18C, A-10C, F-15E, and F-16C cockpits.
The software directory contains embedded software that runs on Arduino and Raspberry Pi microcontrollers. These connect to a PC via USB and emulate USB HID joystick devices and also communicate with DCS-BIOS software.
To-do: Develop a Windows PC middleware to connect USB Serial -> Middleware -> DCS-BIOS and avoid flashing DCS module-specific code to the microcontrollers.
(Partially) assembled cockpit.
- Frame is built out of 2040 and 2020 aluminum extrusion according to the CAD model.
- Chair frame uses same extrusion and also 3D Printed TPU surrounding bearings for sliding in/out.
- For complex angles (such as left/right console outer rails and corners), extrusion connectors are 3D printed.
- The panels themselves are a mix of 3D prints or acrylic machined with a CNC router.
- Temporary labels are added with a Brother label maker and 6mm white on black tape.
- Permanent labels are made by painting white acrylic panels matte black and laser engraving the text and symbols.
- Glare shield is designed in multiple parts to enable printing on a 256x256 3D printer bed.
Current version of PCBs using:
- Arduino Micro Pro (Atmel ATmega32U4)
- Central processor for all I/O
- Emulates a USB HID Joystick device
- Communicates over Serial to PC middleware
- Likely will upgrade to RP2040 Pico boards in next revision
- PCF8575 I2C Expanders
- Provides 16 digital I/O pins per board
- Inputs used for Switches, Outputs used for indication LEDs
- CD74HC4067 Multiplexers
- Provides 16 to 1 analog input multiplexing
- Used for reading analog potentiometers
- RP2040 Raspberry Pi Pico (external of PCB)
- Used for reading rotary encoders
- Uses PIO to provide parallel handling of encoder interrupts
- Screw Terminal breakouts
The layout of avionics panels is a combination of functions from multiple aircraft, so some panels are replicas of specific aircraft, where others are a mix of multiple or have labels renamed to more generic functionality.
