Pokeys: Interface Prosim737 and "PoExtBus"

It is easy to extend number of outputs on a single Pokeys USB card by 80 using PoExtBus interface. All what you need to do is to chain up to 10 8-bit shift registers as per below diagram.

 

Note that I recommend to use TPIC6B595 chip instead of standard 74HC595 as it allows to drive high-current (brightness) LEDs.

As Prosim737 doesn't support PoExtBus yet a simple interface is required. So, I have made very simple application called HPoExtBus which uses FSUIPC offset to exchange the data.

Download: http://chomikuj.pl/Elymaniac/sim737.pl (password: pokeys)

How to:

1. Open HPoExtBus.exe.config for editing and update the file as per below:

• your Pokeys card serial number e.g. 25123
  <setting name="cardID" serializeAs="String">
  <value>xxxxx</value>
  </setting>
•  which PoExtBus connection is used: 0=dedicated socket, 1 = pins 35,36,37
  <setting name="cardConnection" serializeAs="String">
   <value>0</value>
   </setting>
• select up to 10 FSUIPC offsets you will be using to communicate with Prosim
  <setting name="offset1" serializeAs="String">
  <value>6740</>
  </setting>

2. Go to Prosim and configure outputs
    example: 0x6740.0 (bit 0) activates port no 7 in HPoExtBus - it is reversed

Remarks:

• HPoExtBus connects to FSUIPC and Pokeys card automatically, it also re-connects in case the card is unplugged or connectivity to FSUIPC is lost;
• it is not required to make any change to Pokeys configuration, this app will activate the PoExtBus;
• click on device\output number to activate it for a while e.g. when testing;
• if connection to FSUIPC is lost all outputs\leds starts blinking;
• FSUIPC offset refresh rate is 200ms, data to Pokeys is sent only when offset value changes.
  

FYI: It's still beta version and I don't expect further development as I wait for Prosim team adding native support for PoExtBus. However, if you have any questions use comments below this post.

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MIP: Part list for EFIS

There is a simple way of making fully functional EFIS panel without using sophisticated encoder embedded into rotary switch and push button. I will be using only standard encoder with button and will have to do some extra programming. As far as I understood Opencockpit's manual for EFIS they use the same architecture. Part list:

• EFIS panel + 9 push buttons
• 9 * tact switche (12x12)
• 2 * two-position ON-OFF-ON switche 
• 4 * encoder with built-in push button
• 10 * bright white led (panel backlit)

EFIS will be connected to FSBUS DIO card, the same running MIP switches. I will also publish the software and configuration in Prosim737 suite.

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FMC: FSBUS for FMC (second card in the cockpit)

Soldering was the first step to assembly FMC panel. There are a few real photos below. Unexpectedly, it started without any issues; great success :-).

If you need more details on architecture, connections and programming select the GENERAL\Electronics section from the menu.

    

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