Autopilot hardware for flight simulator.
The hardware consist of:
- one PCB to hold the switches and encoders
- one PCB to interface between the "Switch PCB" and communications with the PC, using ATMEGA32U4 with USB integration. This pcb purpose is to avoid a spagetthi mess and make the integration tidy.
- Enclosure that can be 3D printed. Enclosure footprint fits into a RealSimGear cutout for a similar autopilot unit. Some parts look better when printed with an SLA process, such as raised fonts, knobs, and the tiny shaft.
- Integrates with Mobiflight, or one can write their own firmware with Arduino IDE or PlatformIO to have the unit recognized as a joystick.
Overall the autopilot unit ressemble the Garmin GFC500 and has these buttons:
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HDG, to activate the Heading mode
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APR, to activate the Approach mode
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NAV, to activate the NAV mode (typically VOR or GPS)
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TRK, to activate the Track intercept mode
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AP, to activate the Autopilot mode
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FD, to activate the Flight Director mode
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LVL, to activate the Level mode
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YD, to activate the Yaw Damper mode
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IAS, to activate the "Indicated Airspeed" mode (typically used in climb)
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VNAV, to activate the vertical navigation mode (the vertical guidance on a LNAV approach)
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VS, to activate the Vertical Speed mode (typically used in descent)
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ALT, to activate the Altitude mode
Encoders typically performs these actions:
- HDG/TRK: adjust change the heading bug. Pressing the knob synchronize the bug to the current heading
- ALT SEL: adjust the altitude bug. Pressing the knob synchronize the bug to the current altitude
- Wheel: adjust the vertical speed when in VS mode, or the indicated airspeed when in IAS mode
3D files can be found at https://www.printables.com/model/1080306-autopilot-simulator
