Article
FMS Flight Simulator Encoder
Practice without crashing your models
We all know that even the best pilots spend many hours practising on flight simulators before taking to the real thing, so why should it be any different for radio control planes? With the FMS R/C Flight Encoder described here you can polish your flying skills and gain the valuable experience you need without having to invest in a radio control or even to build a model airplane. In fact the FMS encoder will even allow you to use your own radio control to further enhance your flying ability. Last year the author purchased a JR 4-channel radio control (R/C) and built his first electric powered plane. Unfortunately the maiden flight was a disaster so a more serious look at flight simulators was in order. Unfortunately, the cost of the so called professional simulators was too much to justify. Searching the Internet, a website called FMS was found.
Materials
Gerber file
CAM/CAD data for the PCB referred to in this article is available as a Gerber file. Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can exclusively download these files for free as part of their membership. Gerber files allow a PCB to be produced on an appropriate device available locally, or through an online PCB manufacturing service.
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PCB
Extra info / Update
In the parts list, the CTS model number for mini joysticks P1 and P2 belongs to the 100-kOhm version. The circuit diagram however shows 10-kOhm joysticks (model no. CTS 25A103A60TB). The 10-kOhm and 100-kOhm versions function equally well in the circuit.
Component list
Resistors:
R1,R2 = 470Ohm
R3,R5 = 1kOhm
R4 = 100kOhm
R6,R8 = 10kOhm
R7 = 4kOhm7
P1,P2 = mini joystick, CTS model 25A104A60TB (order code CTS25A from www.dil.nl)*
P3-P6 = 5kOhm preset
Capacitors:
C1,C2 = 27pF
C3 = 22µF 16V axial
C4,C5 = 100nF
C6 = 10µF 16V axial
Semiconductors:
D1 = LED, green, 3mm
D2 = LED, red, 3mm
IC1 = 87LPC767BN, programmed, order code 030066-41
IC2 = 7805CP
T1 = BC547B
T2 = BC557B
Miscellaneous:
K1 = 9-V battery with clip-on leads
K2 = 9-way sub-D socket (female), PCB mount
K3 = 3.5mm mono jack socket, chassis mount
S1 = on/off switch
S2 = pushbutton, 1 make contact
X1 = 11.0952MHz quartz crystal
PCB, order code 030066-1
3 wire links
RS-232 cable (non-crossed)
Case, e.g., Pactec WM-46 (Conrad Electronics # 54 13 03 )
* Worldwide distributor information from www.ctscorp.com
R1,R2 = 470Ohm
R3,R5 = 1kOhm
R4 = 100kOhm
R6,R8 = 10kOhm
R7 = 4kOhm7
P1,P2 = mini joystick, CTS model 25A104A60TB (order code CTS25A from www.dil.nl)*
P3-P6 = 5kOhm preset
Capacitors:
C1,C2 = 27pF
C3 = 22µF 16V axial
C4,C5 = 100nF
C6 = 10µF 16V axial
Semiconductors:
D1 = LED, green, 3mm
D2 = LED, red, 3mm
IC1 = 87LPC767BN, programmed, order code 030066-41
IC2 = 7805CP
T1 = BC547B
T2 = BC557B
Miscellaneous:
K1 = 9-V battery with clip-on leads
K2 = 9-way sub-D socket (female), PCB mount
K3 = 3.5mm mono jack socket, chassis mount
S1 = on/off switch
S2 = pushbutton, 1 make contact
X1 = 11.0952MHz quartz crystal
PCB, order code 030066-1
3 wire links
RS-232 cable (non-crossed)
Case, e.g., Pactec WM-46 (Conrad Electronics # 54 13 03 )
* Worldwide distributor information from www.ctscorp.com
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