737 DIY MCP - SWITCHES & LEDS WITH MOBIFLIGHT/PROSIM
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2024
- In this mini series episode, we look at building a DIY MCP for under £38.00. This episode concentrates on wiring switches, buttons & LEDS and the programming of MobiFlight and Prosim. The MCP config file containing all the programming information can be found at :
WWW.737DIYSIM.COM
Facebook: Boeing738v2
Instagram: 737DIYSIM
Mobiflight config file: www.dropbox.co...
Great to see a tradesman passing down knowledge to his son. Bright looking lad!
Hi Karl, It’s really amazing. I don’t have enough words to appreciate on the efforts you put in for this wonderful piece of work. Truly amazed 😍😍😍
Thank you so much 😀, I am now trying to create another version to make it even simpler with a 3d printer! Kind regards Karl
Your Awesome!! Of all the videos Ive watched preparing to start my own sim, yours are stellar! THANK YOU!! I am a real world pilot, but I can say this embarking on a DIY project of this magnitude is no easy task.... Im hoping I can rally to the challenge... Thanks again... One more thing, bringing your son into this with you is fantastic! keep it up!!
Thank you for the kind words. My son Josh is really up for it at times and then can go weeks with no interest. But it's great when he does get involved.
Brilliant stuff, Karl. It's nice to see your boy getting involved. I had a little de javu when I saw that as my own boy used to help me build computers when he was 7 or 8 years old. He's an IT guy in a hospital now.
Hi Frank, i hope this finds you well and thank you for taking the time to comment. Its much appreciated.
Hi Heli Mech!!!
Finally i found a help on how to build the "MCP". Thank you very much for sharing your valuable knowledge. It helps us a lot !!
Congratulations on having a child to help you with what you like!
A LIKE and I subscribe!
Greetings from Argentina!
Thank you for saying hello!
Thanks for your dedication to share your journey with us!
I'm quite good in arduino, circuitry, and autocad. I have the knowlege to make a simulator like yours, I'm only missing a workshop and the money:)
Hopefully by the time I'm 30 or 40 and i don't end up being a pilot, I'll save up some cash and build my own one
Hi Naif, It sounds like you have a great base knowledge to get you started. Start small with a single Ardunio and go from there. I just watched a video using X-plane and sim vim. That looks even easier to program. What ever you decide or when you decide, please do send me a picture or video of your creation on my website or facebook/instagram etc. Its always great to see other peoples projects. Thank you for the kind words. Karl
@@helimech8152 I'm fairly comfortable with connecting a bunch of buttons, leds and displays using a single arduino. I've already fully created my owm version of the G1000 using the arduino Mega.
Also, I'd love to follow you on instagram. What's your @ ?
Hi Naif, I believe its: 737DIYSIM
Start by building modules like meters and sell them, that gets you income to get started.
For all of the grey and pink wires. To distinguish each wire, if you need to, you can get small rings with numbers to place over the wires.
Thanks for the video, wonderful to see you involve your son in the build! Keep up the fantastic work! :)
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
I wouldn’t know wat I was doing with this you did a great job. A little tip when you have a series of numbers. 100.1 100.2 100.3... you can put that into Excel and type in your first number then select how many boxes of numbers. The right click and it something for the life of me I can’t remember wat it’s called but it’s a simple command it will produce the series of numbers. Then you can 1 click select the box copy, delete it go to where you want to add it and paste. Buy deleting the current number you won’t lose your place.
Thank you for sharing you knowledge, much appreciated
Thank you once more Karl!!
BTW your son looks like you: face ... and skills!!
Congratulations!!
Thank you for the kind words! Kind Regards Karl
Heli! Thanks for this videos . You were my inspiration on building my home cockpit . Thanks !
Hello and thank you, there is no higher compliment than that! That was the whole purpose. Kind regards karl
Cool, you're a great guy! Thank you for popularizing this topic. Good luck in future developments.
Wow, thank you for the kind words. Humbled.
Great job Josh!
Thank you so much Karl. This is a great inspiration for me. I figured out my plan with this video and your config file (mcc) is a great source to learn the locig of mobiflight.
Great presentation ..tnx
Awesome & thank you! Kind Regards Karl
Another very informative vid thanks Karl
Thank You
You are awesome! But now you have 3 MCPs, if I counted right!?! Your Sim looks great. Would like to have enough space like you...
Haha, I dont really have 3 MCP's of sort. I need the parts from the DIY MCP to make the HISPA Panels MCP. The open cockpit one that I made, Is awesome but it has no back lighting and I have come to the conclusion it would be easier to make a new one then take that one apart and rebuild it. This time im not destroying my old MCP until my new one is ready.
@@helimech8152 If you don't know where to leave the not needed parts just send them to me. 🤣
Hello hello, i love your great work. Very inspiring.
Question, why the choice 8bits or 16 bits?
Gtrz Bart
Hello Bart, In short its the numerical value you can achieve with a bit size. for 8 bits a value from 0 to 255 can be used. If the value is 256 or higher, then 16 bits would be used. This is also the case for negative numbers and numbers containing decimal points. A more in-depth understanding can be found under the getting started menu of the website under offsets. Kind Regards Karl
Hi Karl.
I have a couple of questions if you can find the time to answer them please.
1) What wire gauge would you recommend for this project?
A) Never mind, I read from your website you recommend 22-24 AWG or the aircraft wire you got from your heli's.
2) I have used your files from thingiverse to 3d print this MCP in clear PLA, I then sprayed it in 7011 grey with the letters raised and scratched ready for a back light, would it be possible to wire a warm strip light with about 10 led's and a dimmer on/off dial to the boards, or would the strip light have to be powered by it's own plug to the wall?
3) MSFS 2020 compatable? as that is what I am building it for, just have to wait for PMDG to release there 737 though.
Thanks mate.
Hello, ill try to answer and keep it short:
1) 24 AWG
2)Yes
3)PMDG should be released in Jan 22 or early feb 22. Mobiflight will have event codes shortly after making this a n awesome combo!
Amazing job... İ m waiting for my parts.. And i hope i can promming mobiflight
Thank you!
Veri nice, i did some one like you, but solder a lot of wires is a nightmare....
I too have done both ways now. For the DIY MCP, this was the easiest way i could come up with and still make it look similar to the real thing.
Thank you sir
Thank You for taking the time to drop by and comment!
Excellent videos as usual. Question about pro sim. Are you using pro sim only because you’ve actually built the whole flight deck. And if you miss out the pro sim info and just go straight to the mobiflight input/output will it make a difference. And when are you going to start on your A321 flight deck 🤫👌
Hi Alan, I use Prosim because it allows full and easy integration of the aircraft. Mobiflight is used as a hardware to software interface. Other users use PMDG or XPLANE/Simvim instead of Prosim. As for the A321! Not yet, I think it will be a heli 139 next!
Hi, great video. I was hoping you can do a quick video on how to solder the led buttons. I see yours have 8 pins, I got a type that has 6 pins and I do not know how to wire it, like which goes to which pins on Arduino. thank you.
Hello sir can i ask for some hello please
I have made an fcu everything working fine only two button not working well the LOC and EXPED one
LOC one working but not thé led and EXPED not working but both in mobiflight working
Thanks for your amazing videos! Does your MCP have a solenoid switch for the AT?.
Hi Karl, no my MCP currently does not have a solenoid switch, but I have a whole bunch of them ready for the next build. They're the real ones used in the actual mcp. These were removed scrap from aircraft. Merry Christmas Karl
some mad skills!
Thank you
Hi Karl.... I have a problem with motorizing a TQ throttle 1 and 2 + spoiler. with an Arduino Mega and mobiflight... can you help me... do you have a guide for this?
Nice 👏👏👏 perfectly done
Thank you!
it would seem that the Arduino shield is the MEGA 2560 but no matter how hard I try I just cant seem to find one the same as the ones you are using ? HELP!!! please keep em coming you are inspirational
Hello, I'll try to dig a link out for you. But I'm sure there in the parts section of www.737diysim.com.
Thank you for the kind words. Here is the link rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F303096673689
Hello sir Karl, hope you are doing very good!
Thanks once again for the amazing channel you share here with all of us, you motivated and I have began the project and I got 2 questions : about the encoders do you connect them with the ground and +5 volts? , if i do not put resistors 220ohm will it work ?
best regards,
Konstantinos Ak
Hello, check out the getting started menu on the website, that will explain. If you are using KY-040 encoders then yes. If you are using standard 3 pin encoders then no. Kind regards Karl
@@helimech8152 thanks for the reply Sir, wish you a good day!
Nice work👍
Thank You
Amazing!
Thank You
Weil done ! I am a bit confused about the wiring. Could you please help me. How do I have to connect the switches? Where is ground and positive? Perhaps you can make a little sketch ? Would really appreciate it. Thanks a lot. All the best Nick
Hi Nick, since making these videos. This has become one of my most asked questions. Since these mobiflight videos I have now added as much info as I could on to my website:
www.737diysim.com under the heading getting started. Hope that helps.
Very nice vid, thanks! One question Karl, Is it not possible to send data directly from arduino to Prosim (using the COM port) without using any software like mobiflight?
Where did you get these switches ? For the heading etc…
Good morning, congratulations for the videos and for the construction of all this, I have a question; how do you make the button LEDs turn on? I pre-programmed 3 buttons with mobiflight for testing and they work. But how do you program the LED pin to make it turn on when the button is pressed?
tutto a posto
Nice videos you share, congratulations, I tried to find in some of them how did you get or build the square buttons, like VNAV LNAV V/S, I notice they have lights inside. Would you please direct me to the correct video?
The buttons are momentary KD-22 buttons available from eBay or Alibaba. I think there are many links on the website www.737diysim.com.
mister, could you explaind how you made the buttos like HDG, Speed, etc ? couldn't understand
thhanks and congratulations for the amazing job
Hello Lucas, I hope this finds you well. Please call me Karl or Clarkey. The buttons come pre made and can be found on eBay or Aliexpress. They are called KD2-22 they come in different colours and make sure you search around for the cheapest ones. You also need the momentary buttons and NOT The latching!
@@helimech8152 great Karl. Thanks a lot for the tip. Is really hard to find these things in Brazil.
Karl, another question. Today I was trying to make a simple test with PMDG 737, like turn on a led light if the autothrottle is on (or speed rake is armed). But I'm not successful on config it. The led blink when I push the test button, but not working with the AT engaged
hello you have inspired me to make my own panel, but I have a question, without buying the prosim software, can it work? With the tutorial and the diagrams you made, since prosim is quite expensive at the moment, thanks for your answer.
Hi Orlando, There is PMDG737. The other route is to use Xplane and Sim Vim. I think there is also aerosoft version too. I have only ever used PMDG or Prosim though. Kind Regards Karl
Is ProSim a necessity or a nice to have option? It is a rather pricey piece of software.
It really depends on how serious you want to be. A lot of people on the website use PMDG or X plane. I was lucky to buy PROSIM when it was a quarter of the price it is now. But i have to admit its an awesome bit of kit, but not essential. Kind Regards Karl
Your design really inspired me, but I still didn't understand the wirring diagram that I used so I could learn it. can you help me? Thank you in advance
Drop me a line on watsapp and i ll see if i can help
Hi. Im using led buttons not switches for mcp. I have problem with my VOR LOC i assigned event ID with AP Loc. But it doesnt work during flight. Only my approach button works.
Sorry, without seeing your setup and config, its virtually impossible for me to help. Drop me a watsapp message and lets see if we can work this out.
I love this project. I have 3D printed the MCP, albeit in black for now, sourced the buttons but cannot find the Max7219 7 segment 6 digit boards. They all seem to have 8 digits. Any ideas on the correct ones I should choose? Thanks in advance.
Hi Declan, I designed that unit to take the full 8 digit displays. It just hids the other displays behind the fceplate.
Your Awesome!!
Tell, please, where from did you get these green buttons with led light? Are they manufactured or handmaded? Part number?
They called KD2 switches. Lots of links on the website. Becareful as you want non latching/momentary switches.
@@helimech8152 thank you!
Wish I could buy this :(
Thanks a lot!!! Can you upload the mobi flight file please ? Tanks :)
Hi Nick, I never thought of that, and will do it right now. Ill add it to the members section of the downloads. LOL -FAIL!
I can only upload documents not files to my website. You will have to email me at Karl.Clarke@Hotmail.com
Sorry, I did try! Karl
Heli Mech oh thanks a lot;) I think many are interested, maybe you just upload it at Dropbox and then share the link at your website
Like this: www.dropbox.com/s/vvh4w8fce1qzehx/DIY%20MCP.mcc?dl=0
@@helimech8152 Thank you for keeping these files online, I'm very late to this party.
Where do you get your supplies for buildings? Switches, pushbuttons, rotary switches
Hi glen, I get all my stuff from Ebay. I try to look for the Chinese sellers that have free postage. The only downside for me, is that it takes 4-6weeks to get here.
@@helimech8152 Thanks for the help. I'm getting all my ducks in a row to start building.
how to make it work in the flinght simulator 2020? is there any software for it to work on fsx 2020…? thanks .
Hmm, that's a hard one right now. I think you might be able to get a fair bit interfaced using mobiflight and the standard included settings. Kind regards Karl
good day
how do you have the momentary pushbuttons wired, a simple diagram will be extremely helpful whenever you have the chance
thank you in advance
Hi, please find diagrams for the wiring of buttons and switches on the website, www.737DIYSIM.com. But if you mean specific wiring diagram for the KD2 switches i will have to dog it out.
@@helimech8152 your a savior sir, I have been looking for their data sheets but couldn't find them.
How are you doing your on off on switches with fsupic and prosim? Like the standby power and flight control a and b?
Treat them like a rotary switch. Each position is given a bit number. Off does not usually need an offset as prosim has the ability to recongise a no signal as off.
Hi, I have a dude, is It possible to make a FMC with mobiflight?
Yes, my first fmc was self made with mobiflight. Finding the right size screen was the hardest part
@@helimech8152 thank you for your response, did you use mega 2560 board or a raspberry Pi i think that it is interesting to show the making and the programmation of the FMC, because there is not any tutorial about that
Hi, will eventually get around to doing that, but as I have already made them, I want to concentrate on finishing the sim. Next up is the aft cockpit.
Hi, great Job and great informations from your site. Just a couple of question: I saw on your guide is better don't connect more then 2/3 Display in one Arduino Mega board but in the wiring diagram all five displays are connected to just one board, can it work?
The Arduino Mega 2560 R3 need firmare upgrade from Mobyflight?
Hi Aron, There's a saying 'Keep It Simple Stupid" (KISS). i have learnt over time that to get maximum reliability stick with no more than 2 or 3 daisy chained displays. 4 and 5 are possible but errors creep in after a while. 6-8 units daisy chained with mobi, us just asking for headaches even with an external power supply.
@@helimech8152
Hi. Just to comment this from Mobiflight Point of View.....
The Problem with Chains is (as i know) not our software..... its hardware side. From Mobiflight System there should be no disadvantege when you build chains 4-8.
As we recommmend in our Webside users MUST get sure every MaxChip is powerd with 5v ! If you use a chain with standard Tubes then this is problematic cause every tube include a diode that reduce power level by 0,7 V. A Max need a minimum of 3,5V .... So a 4 Chip Chain result in a power of 2,9V on Tube 4.... And that occure in errors.
Solution: Chain only the 3 Data Lines and GRD .... But wire 5v directly from Arduino to each Display ( or simply build a bypass from Tube to tube so the power NOT comes from Output side of last tube in the row.... it should be bypassed to the input side where REAL 5V are supported.)
Alternate: Resolder the Diode on backside of your MaxTubes..... Then Power on Output Side is also 5v.
@@pizman82 hiya, sorry and badly worded on my behalf. Totally agree not a mobiflight issue, but hardware issue. It's actually down to the max7219 boards/connections. With an oscilloscope you can see the data lines become more and more degraded as you increase the daisy chain amount. So the data signal becomes gibberish by the time I test at board 7 or 8. This is where I gave up. I personally will stick to 3 or 4 boards daisy chained in one go. That provides a decent reliable signal.
@@helimech8152
Your right. Whatever i think the Datalines also should work fine if the power support is over 3,5v on Board 4 or behind . If you like you can test it.
BUT ... I agree and i also use your logic finaly. For my opinion the most easy way (for the software) is the best way. Why a information should be transfered over 7 boards..... Why generate a massive long datastring in the MEGA Chips ? I personaly use also chains as short as possible. If my building got free pins i will split chains, too.
One Last question please....
Your are maby one of the most professional builders , who use Mobiflight. So you see problems much early as myself in testing systems.
Can you confirm Patch 7.5.3 fix the "Missing Input" Bug finaly and do you spot other issues we should observe/fix next time ?
Suggestions are welcome. Your experience would be verry helpfull.
If you like, Join us in the official Support Board.... www.mobiflight.com/forum.html
Hi, how do you do this with annunciators? Trying to make some with leds but I’ve got no clue how to wire it to an interfacing board, which board and how to interface it with xplane. Thanks
Hi, you have found my weak point! I dont use simvim and I know that is completely different to mobiflight wiring. I really cant offer any help with this one.
Heli Mech dang it! Alrighty, thanks for the reply!
Where can i buy these solder connectors
Hello, which solder connectors do you mean?
good day Karl, about those buttons that you have on the MCP, can you share a link or the model number ?
cheers
Hi, you must have missed my previous post, All information on the MCP is available on my website www.737diysim.com. The switches are called KD2 and you need momentary ones. They are actually available in black, making them look much better. For ease, heres the link for the original ones:
www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-KD2-Push-Button-DPDT-OFF-ON-Momentary-SWITCH-GREEN-3V-Led-125V-6A-250V-3A/163508901136?hash=item2611e3d510:g:nEEAAOSwTxJcTSI8:rk:20:pf:0
Kind Regards
Karl
@@helimech8152 thank you so much
I have been all over your channel, and couldn't keep track of my comments.
Absolutely enjoying your work and engineering
Cheers sir
@@helimech8152 i m still confused though, why do I need ProSim again?
is this cheaper then being it finished ?
Hi, Im not sure what you mean? Probably a translation error.
What brand of tactile switches and rotary encoders do you prefer?
hello and good morning from Brunei. Honestly, when we had a postal service, i used to scan eBay and look for deals. i would just search the cheapest i could find in a multi-buy pack. i know that i will need lots of these, so just used to buy them when I got to my last 10. However, as we no longer can receive post, this is becoming a bit of an issue.
Heli Mech wait, what....you don’t have mail service? How do you get your bills?🤣on a serious note, I can’t imagine not having mail service. Is Brunei experiencing the Covid-19 mess?
Heli Mech I ordered a couple of EFIS panels from .cockpitsimparts.co.uk. I ordered the complete kit of parts. They should be here in a few days. I hope they turn out ok. Unfortunately they don’t offer the MCP panel yet. I think Covid-19 has the company operating at a reduced staffing level. They told me that new products are currently on hold. My plan was to build the MCP next. Maybe I will use either a Hispapanel or one from Opencockpits. I know you favor the Opencockpits panel. There is certainly a lot going on on that panel. I have been studying the MAX7219 chip. I am going to build display modules with the correct number of digits per application. Should be easy peasy to do. White displays units are scarce as hens teeth.my Son is a Heli mechanic. He is currently working as a contractor in Kuwait. He is doing QA on Kuwaiti Air Force F-16 aircraft. When he was in the Navy he worked on the CH-53 Sea Stallion and Ch-60 Seahawks.
which push buttons do you use? Thanks!
Die Buttons mit den integrierten LED sind KD2-22. Habe ich recht güsntig über AliExpress bezogen. Gibt es sogar mit schwarzem Gehäuse und grüner LED.
Hi Phillipp, As Danno states they are the KD2-22 buttons. Awesome and cheap from ali express.
Hi karl. Where did you buy your square buttons?
I also like to know where to by these buttons.
Hey how much for pmdg 777 FSX?
I'm sorry I have no idea, but I reckon a quick google search will find it. He knows everything!
Can you share the store link for the push buttons.?
Sure, here it is: www.aliexpress.com/item/32795957738.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.26fd4c4dwJK78F
Will this panel work with X Plane 11?
Thanks
Hi Jay, the wiring for sim vim different, but the basic build would be the same. Kind Regards Karl
what is your budget for the full cockpit?
Originally it was around 500 pounds on sim 1, then sim 2 and sim 3 together are currently around 2000 pounds. Theres a breakdown and total cost list on the website. As everything is self built, it keeps the price down but has taken a couple of years to build
@@helimech8152 I love it man. Thanks for answering!
can we have 1 for A320?
Hello I tend to stay away from the A320 to let others get their stuff out there. I have many friends who have created parts for the A320.
is there anything like this for x-plane??
Hi Bisaya, SimVim is the go to for xplane.
can we be friends so i can come by and try this
This MCP actually doesn't exist anymore. It was solely created for this demo video and then taken apart for parts. However, a fully 3d printed version is coming soon.
@@helimech8152 I look forward to this. Actually this project has inspired me so much that I have ordered my first 3D printer and Mini CNC machine, I am now working through your video's and documentation, while searching aliexpress trying to find the parts that you used. The parts will not arrive until the end of April-ish though. This will make a great first attempt MCP project until your 3D printed MCP tutorial is ready to be published. Thank you for making this mini series.
Hi there,
I want to build at home the VRinsight's MCP II panel (www.vrinsightshop.com/shop/step1.php?number=3). Do you have any idea, what kind and how many Ardunio do I need and where can I find suggestions for the wiring?
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Peter
Hello and wow!, Thats the first time i have seen that panel. Doesnt it already come completed? But i reckon you would only need two arduinos. Kind regards
Karl
what encoder do you used
Hello, when I started I used the cheap ardunio Ky-040 encoders. About a year ago, I stopped using them and switch to direct cheap encoders without the pcb from Ebay. Just recently, I'm have been trailing more expensive encoders for the radios, that are much smoother in operation and have a bit of feel and friction. I will add links to the website soon when I reach I conclusion. Kind regards karl
Can you do one for me?
Hi, I currently do not have the time, or postal service right now. Let me get back to you in the future. Kind Regards Karl
@@helimech8152 Let me know when you are ready: I'm from Croatia. There should not be a problem for shipping.
Mine does X plane with encoder Panel. Peninsulasims.com.
Hi Karl, I just received the KD2-22 I bought, but, I don't know how to wire it to arduino, could you help me ?
thanks
Hi Lucas, there is a wiring diagram on the website, under getting started and the MCP build. I hope this helps, if you need more help, just message on the website chat window. Kind Regards Karl
@@helimech8152 H Karl, I did that but the light is on all the time, all message on site, thanks a lot