PSUdp Software V.1.0.3u4 Update for Falcon BMS 4.37U3 and DCS 2.9.1 with CPD

 

PS UDP extracts the flight data from Falcon BMS and DCS simulators acting like a server and send the data to an android mobile device running the client application PSGaugesV5 trough the TCP/UDP net protocol.

It can be used as standalone application to render the CPD in one of your PC monitor.

CPD features:
- HSI
- ADI
- Fuel data
- Checklists
- Terrain Maps
- Airport charts
- Miscellaneous documents (kneeboard)
- Maps, airport charts and miscellaneous documents can be added and customize by adding files to the respective directories.

PS UDP supports 10 clients connected at the same time so you can use ten different android devices. Five of them are used for flight data. The other five are used to export views: one for the left MFD, one for the right MFD, one for the HUD, one for RWR and one for HMS.

PSGaugesV5 client application can be used from Android 4.0 to Android 14.

PSGaugesV5 can render on your Android device the following instruments of the F16: RPM, RWR, HSI, DED, PFL, ADI, VVI, AOA, ASI, ALT, COMPASS, CP, FFI, Fuel Indicator, ICP, LMFD, HUD, RMFD, CLOCK, HMS, EHSI and CPD.

Change log:
PSUdp V.1.0.3 u4 -- PSGauges V5u4
============================

- Fixed error on DCS data

- Fixed error on map reading on CPD

- Fixed error on TGP readings (LMFD, RMFD, HUD, DED)

- Added DED texture reading in UDP SM Read

- Added Main Screen Export coordinates form

- Fixed error "Window not active" when sending commands

- Fixed error in DCS F-16 clock time

- PSGaugesV5u4: fixed error in Clock 

Change log:
PSUdp V.1.0.3 u3 -- PSGauges V5
============================
- PSUdp: PSCockpit Shared Memory reader added
- PSUdp: Data extraction from DCS via UDP port
- CPD: Added nightvision ADI and MAP
- CPD: Added MAP background on HSI
- CPD: Added altitud map

Change log:
PSUdp V.1.0.3 u1 -- PSGauges V5
============================
- PSUdp: Joystick corrected
- PSUdp: CPD render improved
- PSUdp: Upgraded DCS Export for DCS 2.9.1
- PSUdp: Added EHSI values
- PSUdp: Added CPD values
- PSUdp: BMS .key file reader and drag&drop function to assign keys
- PSUdp: Added PSCockpit Share Memory Area (PSCockpitSharedMemoryArea)

- PSGauges: Corrected ADI
- PSGauges: Added RWR export Client from the shared memory
- PSGauges: Added EHSI instrument
- PSGauges: Added CPD panel

You can download the installation file here: Download

Do not forget to install and run this version with admin rights!

Installation notes:
- Unrar the file
- Install PS UDP in your computer with PSUdpV103u4SetUp.exe
- Install PSGaugesV5u4.apk in all your favorite android devices
- Read HelpV103.txt!!
- Enjoy

Note on DCS: CPD, HSI and EHSI do not extract bearing to beacon and desired heading values.

Regards,
Shep

PSCockpit V1.0.6u1 Software Update with Smart Lights Controller

The new version V.1.0.6U1 auto installable version of the PS Cockpit Software is available for download!!Do not forget to install and run this version with admin rights!

New version of PSCockpit software V1.0.6U1 with Smart Lights controller: Download

CHANGELOG V 1.0.6 U1
- Engine OIL, RPM, FTIT and NOZZLE values added to stepper motors (Airplane model).
- New stepper page to include scales for non uniform gauges (Steppers).
- Added CMDS option to LCD diplays (LCD)
- Fixed a bug in DCS clock time
- Added Smart Lights controller (Smart Lights)



The above page of PSCockpit software allows you to control your home Smart Lights for several uses with BMS and DCS (Ambient Light, Position Lights, Flares and Cannon) causing the effect of seeing lights reflections on your cockpit when using the VR Mixed Reality Cockpit Cover passthrough.

Be aware that the controller can be used only with smart lights using Magic Home set of commands. Smart lights using Tuya, Fitop or similar applications are not valid. For your information, the smart light I have used for testing is the following: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0CGWJ83WQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

AMBIENT LIGHT

The Ambient Light purpose is to emulate the sun light during your flight and can be configured to be used with fixed times of sunrise, sun noon and sunset and the ratio of cool white and warm light at any time to create the sunrise/sunset effects and golden hours.

For these effects to happen you will need to read the local times of your mission and setup these times in the configuration. Also, the Sim Time Zone to translate the shared memory current time of BMS which is given in Zulu time.

Alternatively, the Ambien Light can be configured to calculate the sunrise, sunset and sun noon knowing the date of the flight and the Time Zone. This option will read the longitude, latitude and current time from the BMS shared memory to calculate sunrise, sunset and sun noon.

The Visibility slider decrease the brightness of the ambient smart light by a factor to emulate adverse weather conditions as clouds, fog, smoke, …

You can also setup a default light configuration used when you are not in a flight.

Hopefully sunrise, sunset, sun noon times and visibility can be read from the BMS shared memory in the future to emulate this function accurately during flight.

Position lights, flares and cannon configuration is self-explanatory.

Regards,
Shep

PSCockpit Displays&Gauges Software V.1.0.2 Update

 The new version V.1.0.2 auto installable version of the PSCockpit  Displays&Gauges Software is available for download!!

Do not forget to install and run this version with admin rights!

You can download it at: Download

No firmware update is needed.

PSCockpit Displays&Gauges Software V.1.0.2 Changelog:

- Revised Shared Memory Area for BMS 4.37u4

- DED and PFL displays rotation option

- Data extraction from DCS via UDP port

- PSCockpit Shared Memory reader added

Regards,
Shep

PS Cockpit Firmware Update V.1.6.6

 The new firmware V 1.6.6 for the PS Cockpit Main Boards is available for download!!

PS Cockpit System Firmware V.1.6.6 Changelog:
- Main Board reset from PSCockpit Software v1.0.6

You can download the firmware at: Download

Tools for upgrading the firmware:

- Windows 64 bits operating system with PSFirmUpdtV2-4thRunMainBoards

Regards,
Shep

PSCockpit Software V.1.0.6 Update

 The new version V.1.0.6 auto installable version of the PS Cockpit Software is available for download!!

Do not forget to install and run this version with admin rights!

You can download it at: Download

No need to update the firmware of the Main Board. Last firmware version is 1.6.6, visit: PS Cockpit Firmware Update v 1.6.6

PS Cockpit Software V.1.0.6 Changelog:

- Revised PSCockpit Quick Guide to version V7 (Help/QuickGuide)

- Added DED and PFL displays rotation option (LCD)

- Added PSCockpit Shared Memory writer

- Revised Shared Memory Area for BMS 4.37u4

- Changed Export .lua files for DCS DCS 2.9.1 

- Changed data extraction from DCS. Now via UDP port

- New boards EHSI and CPD cofiguration (PCB Layout)

- Added alternative pushbuttons from pcbs for alternative commands Joystick buttons (Joystick)

- Added Thrusmaster MFDs to control brighness and leds (MFDs)

- Added direct connection for sending data to PSGaugesV5 android app (TCP/IP)

- Added commands configuration received from PSGauges (Commands)

- Added BMS keyfile viewer and configuration (BMS Key File)

- Added BMS DXs joysticks and devices viwer and configuration (BMS DXs)

- Added CPD key layout (CPD)

- Added drag&drop capability to set pcbs IDs in to other forms fields

- Added vibration control for AIRIS joystick (Vibrators)

- Added PSCockpit Main Board reset button. Firmware needs v1.6.6 version (PCB Layout)

- Added ECM configuration (PCB Layout)

- Added DCS lua files installation (Settings)

- Added pcbs poll mode test (USB Timers)

Regards,
Shep

PSUdp Software V.1.0.3u3 Update for Falcon BMS 4.37U3 and DCS 2.9.1 with CPD

 

PS UDP extracts the flight data from Falcon BMS and DCS simulators acting like a server and send the data to an android mobile device running the client application PSGaugesV5 trough the TCP/UDP net protocol.

It can be used as standalone application to render the CPD in one of your PC monitor.

CPD features:
- HSI
- ADI
- Fuel data
- Checklists
- Terrain Maps
- Airport charts
- Miscellaneous documents (kneeboard)
- Maps, airport charts and miscellaneous documents can be added and customize by adding files to the respective directories.

PS UDP supports 10 clients connected at the same time so you can use ten different android devices. Five of them are used for flight data. The other five are used to export views: one for the left MFD, one for the right MFD, one for the HUD, one for RWR and one for HMS.

PSGaugesV5 client application can be used from Android 4.0 to Android 14.

PSGaugesV5 can render on your Android device the following instruments of the F16: RPM, RWR, HSI, DED, PFL, ADI, VVI, AOA, ASI, ALT, COMPASS, CP, FFI, Fuel Indicator, ICP, LMFD, HUD, RMFD, CLOCK, HMS, EHSI and CPD.

Change log:
PSUdp V.1.0.3 u3 -- PSGauges V5
============================
- PSUdp: PSCockpit Shared Memory reader added
- PSUdp: Data extraction from DCS via UDP port
- CPD: Added nightvision ADI and MAP
- CPD: Added MAP background on HSI
- CPD: Added altitud map

Change log:
PSUdp V.1.0.3 u1 -- PSGauges V5
============================
- PSUdp: Joystick corrected
- PSUdp: CPD render improved
- PSUdp: Upgraded DCS Export for DCS 2.9.1
- PSUdp: Added EHSI values
- PSUdp: Added CPD values
- PSUdp: BMS .key file reader and drag&drop function to assign keys
- PSUdp: Added PSCockpit Share Memory Area (PSCockpitSharedMemoryArea)

- PSGauges: Corrected ADI
- PSGauges: Added RWR export Client from the shared memory
- PSGauges: Added EHSI instrument
- PSGauges: Added CPD panel

You can download the installation file here: Download

Do not forget to install and run this version with admin rights!

Installation notes:
- Unrar the file
- Install PS UDP in your computer with PSUdpV103SetUp.exe
- Install PSGaugesV5.apk in all your favorite android devices
- Read HelpV103.txt!!
- Enjoy

Note on DCS: CPD, HSI and EHSI do not extract bearing to beacon and desired heading values.

Regards,
Shep

PSUdp Software V.1.0.3 Update for Falcon BMS 4.37U3 and DCS 2.9.1 with CPD

PS UDP extracts the flight data from Falcon BMS and DCS simulators acting like a server and send the data to an android mobile device running the client application PSGaugesV5 trough the TCP/UDP net protocol.

It can be used as standalone application to render the CPD in one of your PC monitor.

CPD features:
- HSI
- ADI
- Fuel data
- Checklists
- Terrain Maps
- Airport charts
- Miscellaneous documents (kneeboard)
- Maps, airport charts and miscellaneous documents can be added and customize by adding files to the respective directories.

PS UDP supports 10 clients connected at the same time so you can use ten different android devices. Five of them are used for flight data. The other five are used to export views: one for the left MFD, one for the right MFD, one for the HUD, one for RWR and one for HMS.

PSGaugesV5 client application can be used from Android 4.0 to Android 14.

PSGaugesV5 can render on your Android device the following instruments of the F16: RPM, RWR, HSI, DED, PFL, ADI, VVI, AOA, ASI, ALT, COMPASS, CP, FFI, Fuel Indicator, ICP, LMFD, HUD, RMFD, CLOCK, HMS, EHSI and CPD.

Change log:
PSUdp V.1.0.3 u1 -- PSGauges V5
============================
- PSUdp: Joystick corrected
- PSUdp: CPD render improved
- PSUdp: Upgraded DCS Export for DCS 2.9.1
- PSUdp: Added EHSI values
- PSUdp: Added CPD values
- PSUdp: BMS .key file reader and drag&drop function to assign keys
- PSUdp: Added PSCockpit Share Memory Area (PSCockpitSharedMemoryArea)

- PSGauges: Corrected ADI
- PSGauges: Added RWR export Client from the shared memory
- PSGauges: Added EHSI instrument
- PSGauges: Added CPD panel

You can download the installation file here: Download

Do not forget to install and run this version with admin rights!

Installation notes:
- Unrar the file
- Install PS UDP in your computer with PSUdpV103SetUp.exe
- Install PSGaugesV5.apk in all your favorite android devices
- Read HelpV103.txt!!
- Enjoy

Note on DCS: CPD, HSI and EHSI do not extract bearing to beacon and desired heading values.

Regards,
Shep

PSCockpit 13th Run. Time to upgrade to CPD or EHSI?

Time to launch a new run of the PSCockpit System!!
Those of you who don’t know yet how this system, please read the following links:

PS Cockpit System F16 distribution file for Main and Displays&Gauges boards: https://psfalcon.blogspot.com/2022/08/ps-cockpit-system-f16-distribution-file_17.html

PSCockpit System: PS Tools: https://psfalcon.blogspot.com/2020/01/pscockpit-9th-run.html

PSCockpit Displays and Gauges: PS Tools: https://psfalcon.blogspot.com/search/label/Displays%20%26%20Gauges

More information, downloads and guides at:https://psfalcon.blogspot.com/2015/05/pscockpit-system-up-to-date-software.html


This run features these new boards:
• CPD pcbs



For easy shipment, these boards come in 4 units:



Currently working on the CPD software with charts, checklists, map, fuel system:



• EHSI pcb




• PSCockpit Main Board V2:




PSCockpit System Prices:
The prices of the PCB’s already mounted and tested are the following:
NEW BOARDS:
- CPD pcbs for one CPD: 90€
- EHSI pcb: 20 €
- New Main V2 PCB: 80 €
Other boards:
- Digital expander for 40 inputs/outputs: 33 €
- Digital expander 16 inputs/outputs: 10 €
- Steppers/Other voltage outputs pcb: 28 €
- 7 segment displays pcb for 6 displays: 18 €
- Analogue pcb for 4 inputs/ 1 output: 20 €
- Yellow OLED display (85mm x 40mm), 256x64 for DED or PFL: 65 €
- I2CtoSPI pcb: 25€
- Aircore Controller pcb: 24€
- Aircore pcb: 15€
- Vibration motors pcb: 38€
- I/O Enhancement pcb: 6,5€
- Caution Panel board: 40€
- UHF board: 90€
- ICP pcb Rev 1: 90€
- CMDS board (with 2 rotary switches 30º & 45º, no toggles, no displays): 80€
- CMDS options:
- Miniature toggles 6 mm diam. (1 with locking lever): 50€
- SGL2016 displays Not available
- HDLG-1414 displays: 35€ (each)
- 7 segment displays pcb with 8 displays: 35€
- TWP board: 40€
- TWA board: 20€
- X40 stepper board: 20€
- PWM board: 20€
- ELEC board: 50€
- AUDIO1 & AUDIO2 board: 100€
- TRIM board: 80€
- TRIM INDICATOR board: 15€
- ECM pcb: 100 €

PSCockpit Displays&Gauges System Prices:
The prices of the PCB’s already mounted and tested are the following:
- Displays & Gauges pcb: 55€
- X27 stepper pcb: 15€
- Eyebrow lights pcb: 15€
- Indexer pcb: 15€
- Engine Gauges for Aircores with electronics for PSCockpit System pcb: 90€
- Engine Gauges for X27 or Aircores without electronics: 65€
- Hyd pcb: 15€

Other components by demand:
- Engine Gauges, Eyebrow and Indexer panels
- Gauge panels
- Stepper motors X27
- Aircore Motors

- Shipments: 10€/ 18€ / 28€ depending on the total weight order and country

Timeline:
- Orders and payments will be accepted until Feb. 18th. 2024
- Only direct bank transfers. Sorry for the inconvenience.
- Delivery: April 2024

Thanks everybody for your support.
Shep

HOW TO Configure the ECM Panel

For ECM pcb description, options and how to configure the expander address, see PSCockpit Quick Guide V.7 – ECM PCB. You can access the Quick Guide from Help/Quick Guide menu in the PSCockpit software.

The ECM pcb must be configured both digital expanders.

ECM-LIGHTS DIGITAL EXPANDER

To configure the PSCockpit ECM-LIGHTS panel select the correct option from the Expander pull down list in the IOLayout page of the PS Cockpit Software at the correct I2C channel:

In case of there is some data already in the selected expander, the software will prompt you for continue:

The software will prompt you to setup the ECM panel in our Airplane model:

If you accept, the Airplane page will show up and the lights of the ECM indicator will be configured. 

The software will also prompt you to add the standard BMS commands for the ECM Lights pushbuttons:

If you accept, the software will prompt you to search for your BMS .key file, typically in ..\Falcon BMS vX.X\User\Config folder, and will automatically search for the keystrokes you have set in your .key file for the ECM Lights pushbuttons:

If any of the commands hasn't been set, you will see a warning indicating how many commands haven't been set and the Commands page of the PSCockpit software will appear:

Once the ECM panel is already configured you can modify the list of inputs/outputs as desire as well as the free I/O of the expander:

ECM-PUSHBUTTONS DIGITAL EXPANDER

In the same way the expander ECM-Pushbuttons can be configured in PSCockpit IOLayout:

This expander has only pusbuttons to configure. Just follow the procedure as above.

Once the ECM Pushbutton expander is already configured you can modify the list of inputs/outputs as desire as well as the free I/O of the expander:

Regards,

Shep

Main Board V2 and ECM panel

New PSCockpit Main Board V2 features:


You will find the following features in the new Main Board V2.
- Reverse power protection.
- Overvoltage protection.
- Power tracks augmented to avoid voltage drops.
- New power terminal block suitable for wire size ranging from 22AWG to 12AWG.
- SMD resistors and capacitors.
- New 18F4550 TQFP.
- Interrupt inputs moved to I2C channel connectors.
- Added power led.

Dimensions of the board and position of the connectors have been left in the same position for compatibility with the old version pcb.

ECM board



The ECM board has been designed to drive all leds and switches of the F-16 ECM panel.

The dimmer knob of the ECM is implemented in this pcb so you will be able to dim all the ECM lights.

The ECM board comes with the following elements:
- ( 1 ) 16 I/O chip to be connected to the digital I/O I2C channel of the PSCockpit system and its elements (resistors, connectors, …) to work with 5V to drive the switches of the left side of the ECM panel
- ( 1 ) 40 I/O chip to be connected to the digital I/O I2C channel of the PSCockpit system and its elements (resistors, connectors, …) to work with 5V to drive the switches and lights of the right side of the ECM panel
- ( 1 ) Dimmer pot and all the elements to control the dim action of the ECM lights
- ( 2 ) Toggle switches ON-OFF-ON with locking lever for XMIT and ECM power.
- ( 2 ) Pushbuttons for Reset and Bit
- ( 8 ) Pushbuttons for ECM lights
- ( 8 ) SMD yellow leds for ECM lights
- ( 8 ) SMD green leds for ECM lights
- ( 8 ) SMD red leds for ECM lights
- ( 8 ) SMD blue leds for ECM lights
- ( 9 ) SMD leds for lettering backlight.
- ( 10 ) Free digital I/Os

You will find the following elements in the backside:
- ( 1 ) Connector for backlight illumination.
- ( 2 ) Connectors for digital I/O I2C channel.
- ( 2 ) Mini-switch to select 16I/O and 40I/O chips I2C channel addresses.
- ( 1 ) Connector for free digital I/Os.

To complete the ECM panel, you will need to add the following elements:
- ECM front panel
- ECM Intermediate plate
- ECM pushbutton covers

Please check the dimensions of the ECM panel, intermediate plate and pusbutton covers here: https://www.mediafire.com/file/haikn6su1xrb20a/ECM_Panel-A3.pdf/file

Regards,
Shep

PSCockpit and Displays&Gauges Systems 12th Run!!!

Time to launch a new run of the PSCockpit System!!
Those of you who don’t know yet how this system, please read the following links:

PS Cockpit System F16 distribution file for Main and Displays&Gauges boards: https://psfalcon.blogspot.com/2022/08/ps-cockpit-system-f16-distribution-file_17.html

PSCockpit System: PS Tools: https://psfalcon.blogspot.com/2020/01/pscockpit-9th-run.html

PSCockpit Displays and Gauges: PS Tools: https://psfalcon.blogspot.com/search/label/Displays%20%26%20Gauges

More information, downloads and guides at:https://psfalcon.blogspot.com/2015/05/pscockpit-system-up-to-date-software.html

This run features the new PSCockpit Main Board V2 and the ECM pcb:





More info about these boards to follow.

PSCockpit System Prices:
The prices of the PCB’s already mounted and tested are the following:
- New Main V2 PCB: 80 €
- ECM pcb: 100 €
- Digital expander for 40 inputs/outputs: 33 €
- Digital expander 16 inputs/outputs: 10 €
- Steppers/Other voltage outputs pcb: 28 €
- 7 segment displays pcb for 6 displays: 18 €
- Analogue pcb for 4 inputs/ 1 output: 20 €
- Yellow OLED display (85mm x 40mm), 256x64 for DED or PFL: 65 €
- I2CtoSPI pcb: 25€
- Aircore Controller pcb: 24€
- Aircore pcb: 15€
- Vibration motors pcb: 38€
- I/O Enhancement pcb: 6,5€
- Caution Panel board: 40€
- UHF board: 90€
- ICP pcb Rev 1: 90€
- CMDS board (with 2 rotary switches 30º & 45º, no toggles, no displays): 80€
- CMDS options:
- Miniature toggles 6 mm diam. (1 with locking lever): 50€
- SGL2016 displays Not available
- HDLG-1414 displays: 35€ (each)
- 7 segment displays pcb with 8 displays: 35€
- TWP board: 40€
- TWA board: 20€
- X40 stepper board: 20€
- PWM board: 20€
- ELEC board: 50€
- AUDIO1 & AUDIO2 board: 100€
- TRIM board: 80€
- TRIM INDICATOR board: 15€

PSCockpit Displays&Gauges System Prices:
The prices of the PCB’s already mounted and tested are the following:
- Displays & Gauges pcb: 55€
- X27 stepper pcb: 15€
- Eyebrow lights pcb: 15€
- Indexer pcb: 15€
- Engine Gauges for Aircores with electronics for PSCockpit System pcb: 90€
- Engine Gauges for X27 or Aircores without electronics: 65€
- Hyd pcb: 15€

Other components by demand:
- Engine Gauges, Eyebrow and Indexer panels
- Gauge panels
- Stepper motors X27
- Aircore Motors

- Shipments: 10€/ 18€ / 28€ depending on the total weight order and country


Time Line:
- Orders and payments will be accepted until May. 31st. 2023
- Only direct bank transfers. Sorry for the inconvenience.
- Delivery: Starting July 2023

Thanks everybody for your support.
Shep

PSCockpit Displays&Gauges Software V.1.0.1 Update

The new version V.1.0.1 auto installable version of the PSCockpit  Displays&Gauges Software is available for download!!

Do not forget to install and run this version with admin rights!

You can download it at: Download

Firmware update is needed to use DED and PFL brightness and "Show PFL on DED" new functionalities. You can update firmware from the Help/Software Update option.

PSCockpit Displays&Gauges Software V.1.0.1 Changelog:

- Revised Shared Memory Area for BMS 4.37

- Added Firmware update procedure (Help/Firmware Update)

- Revised PSDisplyas&Gauges Quick Guide to version V2 (Help/QuickGuide)

- Updated help links (How To's Online)

- Changed Export .lua files for DCS 2.7.18

- Changed Clock routine to use winding features in DCS F-16

- Added keystroke timer (Options)

- Added DED and PFL brightness control encoder in Caution Panel pcb (Quick Guide)

- Added pcb's DIP pictures to show on forms. 

- Added DCS G-force reading to F-16 airplane.

- Added advise on the right bottom corner when PSCockpit is not used with Administrator rights

- Added auto installation of the DCS export files for PSCockpit (Options)

- Corrected COMPASS and Oxygen Pressure gauges that were swaped. For existing installations. please change this lines in your .ini file

as follows:

STPR06=12,Oxygen Pressure,......

STPR12=6,Compass,......

- Revised the "Show PFL on DED" funtionality to meet the new operation of the PFL of BMS 4.36 (Airplane Model /Special I/Os): As the PFL doesn't show "All systems OK" in BMS 4.36, the first push of F-ACK pushbutton, the PFL will show up in the PFL display and no command will be sent to BMS. The DED display will show up again the fitfh F-ACK pulsation.

Regards,
Shep

PSCockpit Software V.1.0.5 Update

 The new version V.1.0.5 auto installable version of the PS Cockpit Software is available for download!!

Do not forget to install and run this version with admin rights!

You can download it at: Download

No need to update the firmware of the Main Board. Last firmware version is 1.6.4, visit: PS Cockpit Firmware Update v 1.6.4

PS Cockpit Software V.1.0.5 Changelog:

- Revised Shared Memory Area for BMS 4.37

- Added Firmware update procedure (Help/Firmware Update)

- Revised PSCockpit Quick Guide to version V6 (Help/QuickGuide)

- Updated help links (How To's Online)

- Added keystroke timer (USB Timers)

- Added log file for error tracking (Settings)

- Added configuration for the new Trim pcb (PCB Layout) 

- Revised Main Board connection sequence for better indication (PCB Layout)

- Added pcb`s auto detect option (PCB Layout)

- Added 2.1.9 vJoy version (vJoy)

- Added DCS G-force reading to F-16 airplane.

- Changed Export .lua files for DCS 2.7.18

- Changed speed brakes function from proportional to full value when value is higher than 2%.

- Changed Clock routine to use winding features in DCS F-16

- Added Help tips all alone the program to view related information from the QuickGuide and/or the Online Help

- Added advise on the right bottom corner when PSCockpit is not used with Administrator rights

- Added auto installation of the DCS export files for PSCockpit (Settings)

- Added new form to see pcb's configuration settings (IO Layout)

- Revised SGL2016 and HDGL displays to delete all chars when existing the program

- Revised the "Show PFL on DED" funtionality to meet the new operation of the PFL of BMS 4.36 (Airplane Model /Special I/Os):

As the PFL doesn't show "All systems OK" in BMS 4.36, the first push of F-ACK pushbutton, the PFL will show up in the PFL display and no command will be sent to BMS. The DED display will show up again the fitfh F-ACK pulsation.

Regards,
Shep

PSCockpit Runtime and Timers

To improve the runability of PSCockpit with your favorite simulator you will need at sometime to deal with PSCockpit timers. The functionality of the timers is described below.

You can access the Runtime and Timers by clicking on “USB Timers”:

Sim Data Timer

The first timer is the Sim Data Timer and controls the Sim Data, I/O Data and LCDs routines where the following operations are made:

• Sim data: the data is read from the simulator.
• I/O Data: if the expanders aren’t polled in “Exp. Interrupt” mode, the inputs from the pcb’s are read and the commands are sent to the simulator. Then, the outputs of the pcb’s are set. if the expanders are polled in “Exp. Interrupt” mode, the commands are sent as soon as they are received from the Main Board.
• LCD`s: the data of the LCD’s is sent to the Main Board.

With the checkboxes under the column “Enbl” you can tell the program to skip one of the above subroutines. The checkboxes values are not saved in the configuration file, and they will show up as checked as soon as you run PSCockpit again. They are only valid for troubleshooting purposed as described below.

The third column shows the time in milliseconds that the program takes to complete each subroutine and the led indication shows in which subroutine the program is.

The elapsed time showed beside Sim Data is the total time to complete a cycle and includes the subroutine times and the delay between cycles.

In case you are suffering any delay retrieving data from the simulator or from your pcb’s, you can check what routine is taken the most time to complete and deactivate it to review the behavior of all the other subroutines.

Free Track Timer

This timer controls the time the subroutine is ran to get the data from the Free Track. Free Track in PSCockpit is used to control the projector movement and/or the side views of your simulator. In this way, you can configure when to change to a certain view in your simulator depending on the Free Track data. Unchecking this checkbox avoid the program to enter the subroutine but does not deactivate the use of Free Track. If you want to deactivate Free Track, enter Free Track page and uncheck “Use Free Track Data” checkbox in that page.

The third column shows the time in milliseconds that the program takes to complete this subroutine.

Servos Data

This timer controls the refreshing time of the gauges driven by servos, aircores and/or steppers. Be aware that, even if you set this timer to 0, the gauges won’t move until the data of the sim is read, which is controlled by the Sim Data timer. Thus, this timer shouldn’t be lower than the Sim Data Timer.

For troubleshooting purposes, you can tell the program to skip this subroutine by unchecking the “Enbl” checkbox. The checkbox value is not saved in the configuration file, and it will show up as checked as soon as you run PSCockpit again.

The third column shows the time in milliseconds that the program takes to complete this subroutine and the led indication shows when the program is running it.

Delay Between Cycles

This timer controls the time to run another cycle. This time is needed to setup some configurations internals as the 8x4 matrix cycle.

Flash Lights Timer

This timer controls the time of flashing for the outputs configured as “Flash Leds” in the IO Layout.

Keystrokes Timer

PSCockpit sends the commands to your simulator by means of virtual keystrokes. This timer controls the time that the virtual keystrokes are held as pushed. Some of the tested sims doesn’t react when sending a simple tick of a key combination. If this is the case, increase this timer until the sim react to your commands.

BCD Timer

When using BCD combinations, the diodes and electronics need some setup time. This timer controls the time from the physical action of pushing a pushbutton of a BCD matrix and the reading time of PSCockpit. Thus, this timer avoids phantom inputs as well as wrong commands sent to the simulator. Be aware that you will need to hold down the pushbutton all the amount of time set in this timer for PSCockpit to react.

Pushbuttons Timer

As well as the BCD timer, this timer controls the time from the physical action of pushing a single pushbutton and the reading time of PSCockpit. Thus, this timer avoids phantom inputs as well as wrong commands sent to the simulator. Be aware that you will need to hold down the pushbutton all the amount of time set in this timer for PSCockpit to react.

Reset Timers to Default

Self-explanatory.

High Elapsed Time symptom’s

If any of the elapsed times are much higher than expected, it can be a symptom of a bad configuration of PSCockpit system. Some of them are as follows:

• High Sim Data elapsed time: Check the I/O Data elapsed time and the LCD’s elapsed time. If any of these show high values, disable the affected subroutine by unchecking the corresponding check box and watch the effect on this elapsed time. High elapsed times of this timer alone reflects a communication problem with the sim. It may be caused of wrong versions of PSCockpit and/or the sim. Low PC specs can cause this symptom also.
• High I/O Data elapsed time: This is normally caused by a wrong configuration of a pcb, a faulty pcb, or a misconfiguration of one pcb. Review your I/O Layout and test your pcb’s one by one to detect any faulty one.
• High LCD’s elapsed time: This is normally caused of a wrong configuration of a faulty LCD or Adafruit OLED. Review your LCD`s configuration and Adafruit OLED configurations and test one by one by disabling all the others displays. This operation can be accomplished by unchecking the “Enable” checkbox for each display in the “LCD” and “Adafruit OLED” pages.
• High I/O Data and LCD’s elapsed times: This is a symptom of problems in the USB connector/cable or USB drivers. Check the troubleshooting guide here: link
• High Servos Data elapsed time: This is normally caused of a wrong configuration of a faulty servo, Aircore or stepper motor. Review your gauges configuration on “Gauges” and “Stepper Motors” pages and test one by one by disabling all the other gauges by unchecking the “Enable” checkbox for each gauge.

Regards,

Shep

PSCockpit Main Board Troubleshooting Guide

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

To properly run the Main Board, take in account these general considerations:

• Run PSCockpit software with Admin rights.
• Close PSCockpit software, disconnect the USB cable from the PC and turn off the Main Board and wait a few seconds in every test. If there is a leakage in any board, the Main Board chip can go to sleep mode in case of not enough voltage.
• Follow this startup sequence: Power on Main Board, connect USB cable to your PC and enter PSCockpit software.
• Select one USB port (2.0 preferred) for PSCockpit Main Board and try not to connect any other device on that USB port.
• Displays&Gauges and PSCockpit Main Board should have their own USB port and never interchange them.
• Power Analogue and Aircore Controller expanders at the same time that the Main Board.

MAIN BOARD DETECTION

If PSCockpit Main Board is not detected in PSCockpit software, check for driver issues. The USB port where PSCockpit Main Board is connected should have only its own driver. You can follow this procedure:

• Close PSCockpit Software
• Download and install USBDeview USBDeview: Link 
• Disconnect all USB devices from your computer, including PSCockpit Main board.
• Open USBDeview with Administrator rights
• Uninstall all the drivers. No worries, as soon as you reconnect your devices the controllers will be loaded again automatically.
• Reset PSCockpit Main Board by powering OFF and ON
• Connect PSCocktpit Main board to your computer to an USB 2.0 port
• Look in to USBDeview for PSCockpit controller
• Open PSCockpit Software and check the bottom left LED is green (Main Board Status)
• Goto IOLayout and click Detect. All detected expanders must be orange.

EXPANDERS DETECTION

If some expanders are not detected in PSCockpit software, follow this procedure:

• Disconnect all the expanders from the Main Board
• Check all the expanders one at a time to see if any of them is causing the problem
• Double check the hardware addresses of your boards. You can set the expander type you want to test in all the addresses of the I/O Layout page at a given I2C channel, connect the expander at that I2C channel then, and click on “Detect”. The real address of the expander will be painted in orange. Check that the one in orange has the components configured as the expander you have connected. If you test one output where you have connected physically an input, it may damage the board.
• If all the expanders are working as expected one by one but when you connect all at a time the system doesn’t work, you may have either a lack of power supply (you will need to add another power supply or change it with a more powerful one) or the wires are excessively long. In this last case you can apply power directly from the power supply to any of your farthest boards.

SWITCHES ACTIVATING THEMSELVES

This issue is related with a loss of power in some point of the system.

Check any of these three possible situations:

Faulty device:
If the loss of power is related with a faulty device means that is draining current to ground.

You can troubleshoot this issue by connecting the I2C channels one by one and test all the devices connected to the boards. If one of them is faulty, either the I2C channel or one of the pcbs will stop working.

Once you have isolated the expander, check the connections and welds of all the devices connected to that expander. Check also that the expander and the screws supporting the expander do not touch any welded part of the board.

Current requirement exceeds the maximum allowed current in one of the I2C channels:
The I2C channels powered from the Main Board with the pcbs connected in daisy chain have some current constrains depending on the wire (length and thickness) or it might happen that, in a given moment, one or several devices connected to an I2C channel are requiring more power at once, exceeding the maximum current: i.e. the seven segment displays require more power when they show the "8" digit than when they show the "1" digit.

To solve this issue, you can always power any of the pcbs in the daisy chain directly from the power supply using the existing +5V and GND pins. Look for the pcbs with higher power requirement and/or further position in the daisy chain.

Lack of power of your power supply:

If any of the above solutions didn't work, you might think that your power supply is not powerful enough. You can either change the power supply with a powerful one or add another one in parallel. In this case, don't forget to connect both commons with a thick wire.

PSCOCKPIT and DCS

If you are having any issue with DCS, see this post: PSCOCKPIT/DCS TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Regards,

Shep

HOW TO Configure the TRIM Panel

 For TRIM and TRIM INDICATOR pcb description, options and how to configure the expander address, see PSCockpit Quick Guide V.6 – TRIM PCB and TRIM INDICATOR PCB. You can access the Quick Guide from Help/Quick Guide menu in the PSCockpit software.

The TRIM pcb must be configured either the digital expander and the analogue expander. 

TRIM Digital Expander

To configure the PSCockpit TRIM panel select the correct option from the Expander pull down list in the IOLayout page of the PS Cockpit Software at the correct I2C channel:

In case of there is some data already in the selected expander, the software will prompt you for continue:

 

The software will prompt you to setup the TRIM panel in our Airplane model:

If you accept, the Airplane page will show up and the steppers of the TRIM indicator will be configured. You will be reminder to set to zero your steppers. This action has to be done once the process of configuring the TRIM panel is finished.

The software will also prompt you to add the standard BMS commands for the TRIM:

If you accept, the software will prompt you to search for your BMS .key file, typically in ..\Falcon BMS vX.X\User\Config folder, and will automatically search for the keystrokes you have set in your .key file for the TRIM:

If any of the commands hasn't been set, you will see a warning indicating how many commands haven't been set and the Commands page of the PSCockpit software will appear:

Once the TRIM panel is already configured you can modify the list of inputs/outputs as desire as well as the free I/O of the expander:

Be aware that once the configuration is saved, whenever you enter the IOLayout Page you won’t see “TRIM” label on the expander anymore but the “16 I/O” label.

TRIM Analogue Expander

In the same way as the digital expander, to configure the PSCockpit TRIM panel for analogue inputs, select the correct option from the Expander pull down list in the IOLayout page of the PS Cockpit Software at the correct I2C channel in the Main Channel:

In case of there is some data already in the selected expander, the software will prompt you for continue:

The software will prompt you to assign the analogue inputs to VJoy:

If you accept, the software will prompt you to select one of the free available vJoy devices:

The VJoy page will appear. You can select the devices you have previously selected to see the configuration:

Once the analogue inputs of the TRIM panel is already configured you can modify the list of analogue inputs as desire:

For more information about configuring vJoy devices, see: Configuring vJoy

Be aware that once the configuration is saved, whenever you enter the IOLayout Page you won’t see “TRIM Analogue” label on the expander anymore but the “Analogue” label.

You can now set to zero your steppers of the TRIM panel. See X27 Steppers

Your steppers will be shown at 21 and 22 positions:

HOW TO Connect and Configure your OLED V2 256x64 display

Since PSCockpit 11th Run, a new OLED 256x24 display is supplied.

This new display does not need the driver board as it is 5V tolerant.

For connecting the display directly to the Main Board follow this wiring schematic:

Check that the display is configured for 6800 Parallel 8 bit interface. See note 1 in above picture.

You can power the board directly from the power supply separately from the signals cable: pins 1 and 2 of the display.

Before connecting the OLED display turn off the power supply of the Main Pcb and detach the USB cable from the computer.

Be sure you have firmware version 1.5.0 or higher (1.5.1 recommended) in the Main PCB. You can see your firmware version by clicking on Help/About in the PSCockpit Software)

Turn on power and connect the USB cable to your computer.

Run PSCockpit software and go to the LCD page and select the OLED display on the drop down list in the corresponding LCD tab. LCD 1 is used for the LCD connected to the most external connector of the Main Pcb and LCD 2 for the inner connector:





Don’t forget to check “Enable” and the “DED” or “PFL” to use with our sim and the desire brightness of the display with the slider bar.

In “Test” area you have some usual commands for you to try. They are self explanatory.

This display accepts 3 bytes commands. Select the corresponding option button above the commands text box to send one, two or three bytes.

You can also send monochrome bitmaps to the OLED but the horizontal length of the bitmap has to be multiple of 4.

NOTES:
* The OLED display is activated only when you enter PSCockpit software and is deactivated when you exit the program. This is to avoid image persistence on the OLED.

* The OLED display may be light sensitive. Caution should be taken to avoid exposure of this device to any light source during normal operation.

* The OLED display is not radiation protected.

PS Cockpit System F16 distribution file for Main and Displays&Gauges boards

  This is the distribution file for the F16 when using the Main and Displays&Gauges boards.

You can download the F16 Cockpit for Main and Displays&Gauges distribution file in pdf format at:

F16 Distribution File for Main and Displays&Gauges boards 

Regards,
Shep

PS Cockpit System F16 distribution file (Revision 3)

 The distribution file for the F16 has been changed to reflect the new board or the 11th Run.

You can download the F16 Cockpit Rev.3 distribution file in pdf format at:

F16 Distribution File Rev3

Regards,
Shep

TRIM and TRIM Indicator pcbs

Hi all,

Last boards have arrived last week.

I have mounted and tested the new TRIM pcb with the two TRIM Indicator pcb and this is how it looks:



An update of the components:

PCA9505: Complete sourced.

MCP23017: Is already available but not yet received.

PIC18F4550: Supplier has delay the estimated date to July, 18th.

Display OLED 256x64: Working with another display with no luck yet.

Thanks for your patient and support.
Shep