GAT-1 for the Aviation Museum of Kentucky

[brenth]

Hi all. I'm a newbie here. I'm rehabbing a GAT-1 (aka big blue box) for the museum. Using a desktop running FSX, simconnect, link2fs. I used the guts of a joystick for the controls (with interface to the GAT controls). Now my challenge is to get FSX to run all the instruments. I'm using two Arduino boards and am trying to run the instruments (that are mostly analog voltmeters) using pulse width modulation. Any help from anyone that has been down this road before would be greatly (!!) appreciated as I am NOT a computer programmer...

Likewise, I have the schematics for the original GAT-1 if anyone needs them.

Brent in Kentucky...

[xplanematt]

If it's anything like the old ATC 410/510/610/810/et al, the gauges are REALLY primitive and just use a bunch of D'Arsonval movements, for the most part. PWM will work a treat. Sounds like you've already discovered this, soooo....I would start by learning FSUIPC and how to get data into/out of FSX, then learn your way around the Arduino. There are several software packages to make Arduino'ing easier with FSX (like Link2FS), but my recommendation is to use ethernet or serial communication and handle the I/O yourself...less dependence on third-party software.

I just did a whole suite of ATC instruments last year for a guy. If I were doing it again, I would use one of these, which I just recently found and will be using on my Sabreliner:

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10615

Here's the ATC project during testing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLWQhX0qP38

And finally, as a former MSFS'r and now die-hard X-Plane convert, I would be remiss in my duties if I did not pass you the following link. :) http://x-plane.com

Good luck and keep us posted. And post pics...we love pics!

Matt

[brenth]

Many thanks Matt! I am on the "learn Arduino" phase now. That Sparkfun board looks great. I think I will go that route. As for X-plane, I'd love to go that way but the rest of the Museum machines run FSX and that is what is available... You are right on the gauges but I would describe them as "classic" rather than "primitive" <grin>. I'll try to get some pictures next time I'm at the Museum.
Thanks again for your ideas.

Brent