Interfacing — Articles / Posts — Flaps 2 Approach

My friend and I have not been sitting idle. Part of the upgrade to the simulator has been additional interface modules.

In early 2014, an Interface Master Module (IMM) was constructed to trial the modular concept. This module housed most of the interface cards and relays that, at the time, were used in the simulator. This trail was successful. The single trial IMM has now been discarded and has been replaced with the:

Throttle Interface Module (TIM);
Throttle Communication Module (TCM);
System Interface Module (SIM SMART); and,
A more advanced Interface Alert System (IAS) that connects to the TIM and a lesser degree the TCM.

Information concerning each of these modules, including an introduction to the modular concept, can be found in a new section named Interface Modules. Interface Modules can be assessed from the main menu tabs located at the top of each website page (the brown banner).

It has taken considerable time to design and construct, and then interface these modules to the simulator. To some, the process may appear complex and convoluted. However, in the long term the idea is sound and a centralized area offers considerable advantages.

I hope you enjoy reading about the new modular systems.

There’s nothing like using a genuine aviation part in Flight Simulator. Real parts are made to last, cannot be upgraded, and offer a level of immersion rarely attributable to a reproduction part. There is also the historical perspective knowing what airframe the part was removed from. This said, although OEM parts are not difficult to find, a solid level of ability is needed to successfully convert many parts to use in Flight simulator.

Conversion of an OEM part can involve re-wiring, determining the pin-outs for each function of the part, interfacing with an appropriate card such as a PoKeys or Phidget card and connecting to a suitable power supply. OEM parts that are more complicated in nature may involve further work to determine functionality and necessitate several interface cards and relays for correct operation.

ARINC 429 Protocol & SIM429-11 Interface

Put very simply, ARINC 429 is a data communication protocol used on most higher-end commercial, military and transport aircraft. The protocol defines the physical and electrical interfaces to support an aircraft’s avionics instruments.

With knowledge of the protocol, many instruments can be converted for flight simulator use if an appropriate avionics interface is used between the simulator and the OEM part.

V1 Avionics has developed a low-cost interface called the SIM429-11 Interface. This interface will allow easy connection of OEM instruments avoiding the necessity of rewiring and conversion.

Whilst the Protocol is used by many OEM parts, it is not used by all; therefore, if the Protocol is not supported, conversion of that part to Flight Simulator will still be the traditional way using an interface card.

V1-Avionics

V1-Avionics is the company behind the development of the SIM429-11. The project team comes from a background in telecommunications, engineering and aerospace applications and is ideally positioned to unravel the intricacies of the ARINC 429 Protocol, to develop, and eventually release the SIM429-11 interface for public use.

LEFT: SIM 429 enclosure by V1-Avionics - compact and easy to install (image copyright V1 Avionics).

Once the interface is released, conversion of OEM avionics instruments will become easier, more streamline, and within the reach of all flight simulator enthusiasts.

I'll post additional information as this technology unfolds.

Acronyms

OEM - Original Equipment Manufacture (real aviation parts)