ARINC 429 to FSX/XPLANE Interface

[farrokh747]

Hi


Came across this project on kickstarter:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1753938984/flight-simulator-interface-to-real-avionics-instru

looks very interesting -

cheers

FC

[Edoradar]

Hello guys!! I have been asked by Curd to spread the knowledge about a new outstanding device that will be reality very soon.

(Thanks Farrokh for introduction!! )

What is purposed here is a device which will be capable of comunicate with ANY ARINC 429 (as well as older ARINC 575) based gauge (RMI, altimeter etc.) or module (COMM, XPDR, etc.) and any simulation software which provides an SDK to retrieve and send data. The project is already at a great stage, but the founders are looking to raise necessary funds to start the production of this amazing unit.

If you are interested in this project any donation will be really appreciated!

To give you an example of what this unit can do you can watch the following videos:

VOR Rotation and Heading Test

RMI self test

Radio Head Integration with XPLANE

Dual HSI Flight

For any information feel free to ask!

[jskibo]

Love the concept. Wish the kick starter had some better options available.

[fsaviator]

Great product.  I like it but would also like a little more info, one being what the projected cost per item would be.

Maybe that's the point of kickstart, but I'd like some idea what 75% of what is before I plop down $250.  I'd also like to know if I need one of these for EACH potential instrument, or if one will drive multiple instruments.

Thanks

[Edoradar]

Each device will be able to support up to 19 data channels. a data channel can be shared between different gauges (like if you have the VOR1 course data, you can share it between captain and first officer RMI using same channel of the Device).
The number of gauges that you can connect to a single device obviously depends on how many data channels the gauge has. In the case of my RMI, it uses 8 different data channels for example, but the same data can be shared between both RMIs in the MIP.
The final price is yet TBD but should be in 150-200 bucks range.

[Nat Crea]

Looks great...but too late for me!!!
Except...one RMI and two clocks I haven't dared touch since I had a peak inside.

No mention of analogue gauges like APU, Flaps, Fuel, YD etc etc?

Nat

[Edoradar]

This device is compatible with arinc 429 based gauges. Other gauges like Flap are driven by syncros. The guys are gonna develop a device for it too but will come after this

[fsaviator]

Each device will be able to support up to 19 data channels. a data channel can be shared between different gauges (like if you have the VOR1 course data, you can share it between captain and first officer RMI using same channel of the Device).
The number of gauges that you can connect to a single device obviously depends on how many data channels the gauge has. In the case of my RMI, it uses 8 different data channels for example, but the same data can be shared between both RMIs in the MIP.
The final price is yet TBD but should be in 150-200 bucks range.

Prima!  That is good info.  This may be the perfect ticket for guys building steam gauge pits.  I'm interested as it seems to the perfect solution for backup instruments down the road.

[Nat Crea]

Thanks Edoardo

Nat

[ivar hestnes]

This looks like an good investment. I am going to support this. 

[Nat Crea]

Perfect timing Ivar!
I think you will be very busy with all your real parts

Nat

[farrokh747]

Iv'e pledged my support.....

One thing about surplus parts/ebay items from salvagers, iv'e always wondered why they dont just cut the connecting plug/jack with 12" of wire and include it with the unit..... it would make things so much easier....

maybe we can collectively encourage the main vendors (aircraftstock, etc) to try and salvage this as well....

Anyway, look forward to the arinc box.... and the synchro option is very interesting...

fc

[Maurice]

Ahhhh! the madness of cockpit builders will never end. Let's face it folks, most of you are not interested in flying a simulator (simulating being the key part of a simulator). What you really, really want but will not admit to yourself is a real airliner at your disposal (like John Travolta) . This is the only thing that can explain this obsession with acquiring real parts.

Yes I know, you all say it will enhance the realism when in fact, it really has a minute effect on the realism aspect compared to having full motion for instance or even a collimated display. No matter how many real instruments I would have in my sim, I would always know this is a simulator especially when my wife shows up outside the window when I am at FL300 and scares the shit out of me 

Maurice

[ivar hestnes]

Yeah, the timing is pretty good Nat. This should be helpful for second project. Not been too busy yet, as new job has taken all my time so far. But good times are coming. Think I will get christmas done before pledging. Probably a good idea to finish all bills for this year before investing in other stuff, hehehe

[jskibo]

They added a new backer level, $150.  Gets you same as others but 50% off.  I'm in!

[Maurice]

If you are planning to use real instruments in your cockpit, you had better buy them now because as soon as the recyclers find out there is an easy way to interface these to a flight simulator, the prices of these instruments will undoubtedly skyrocket.

So better act soon if real stuff is your bag  .

Maurice

[jackpilot]

Good point Mau
I'll start collecting mini gauges!
(inside joke)

[jackpilot]

Besides..without H-jacking this post here is a good one (Lear) collecting dust on my shelves.
Wiring is included.
PM if interest

[ivar hestnes]

Now pledged 250. And I think this is one of the more useful spendings I have done. Hope they will reach their goal 

[Edoradar]

Here you can see a video of what the unit that will come after the ARINC 429 interface will be capable to do. The unit will be to drive a syncro based gauge. It will be out between spring and summer 2013 so no more advices on it till there will be real news. Here is a stab trim indicator for the 767 which is syncro driven. I hope it will give you further reason to pledge on the project! Enjoy!

Stab trim test

[AnneCourtois]

I have started to study the ARINC429 to build something exactly like that. But that has been postponed by life. How many Remote Terminal your device could access?

[rhysb]

If you are planning to use real instruments in your cockpit, you had better buy them now because as soon as the recyclers find out there is an easy way to interface these to a flight simulator, the prices of these instruments will undoubtedly skyrocket.

So better act soon if real stuff is your bag  .

Maurice

Totally agree Maurice!! Look at cockpit seats etc!!!

[Edoradar]

I have started to study the ARINC429 to build something exactly like that. But that has been postponed by life. How many Remote Terminal your device could access?

Sorry for delay I didn't notice the reply.

You can attach up to 12 devices to a single channel, the launch unit channels will be 1 RX and one TX. Each channel can operate only in one speed selectable between  Fast 100Kb/s and slow 12Kb/s (depending on function needed)

On each channel you can typically send up to 32 labels and there can only be one transmitter per channel and 12 devices listening.

The labels are typically sent as a broadcast and the device that listens to the bus decides if the label is for it or not

[Edoradar]

Here you can see a test of a vertical speed connected via V1 device and interfaced to Xplane.

VSI test with V1 hardware

[fsaviator]

...aaaaaaaannndd....  I'm happy to say.....

We are at $5510

I can't wait to see how this goes