Newbie question

[David Lee]

OK, I just received my 0,8,8 Phidget board yesterday (as well as the USB rotary switch). My experience with such things is limited to keyboard emulators at this point so I have a few basic questions.
- The keyboard emulator seems to simply make a connection to ground and needs no obvious outside power source. If I understand the Phidget unit I really need a powersource with the switch between it and the board. Is that right?
- Can someone show how I would add a simple LED? For example, if I use a momentary switch to turn on the AP, I would love to have an LED indicate it is on. Then I would be well on the way to creating my own customized "Go-Flight-like" units (not sure what I will do with the old ones!)
Thanks
David

[David Lee]

Oops! That should read the 0/16/16 board

[phidgets]

Hi David :)


You are correct, you need to supply a power source between 4-30V to trigger the inputs on the 0/16/16. On the board the terminal blocks on the end with the USB input are for the inputs. The 2 blocks on either side closest to the edge with the USB are the ground blocks. You would wire your negative side of your circuit to these and choose an input for the other end of your circuit. On your circuit you would have your power source (5V for an LED), the LED, and your switch in series. That way, when you close your switch you are completing the circuit and the power turns on your light and also triggers the input.



These few link below show some samples on how to properly wire it up.

http://www.phidgetsusa.com/docu/documentation.asp?pt=quickstart&p=PhidgetInterfaceKit%200-16-16

These are wired on the outputs, but may help you out as well.

http://www.phidgetsusa.com/tutorials/connecting_phidgets_to_incandesc.asp

http://www.phidgetsusa.com/tutorials/using_dc_motors.asp

If you haven't yet, you can also check out the software we offer which does the programming for you. I don't know if you are doing your own programming or not.

http://www.phidgetsusa.com/fs/fs2phidgets/flight_simulator_FS2Phidget.asp

I hope this helps you out!

Matt

[David Lee]

Matt,
This helps a great deal! What was worrying me was the power source. I didn't want to get something too powerful and blow out the board and perhaps my PC. It is good to see I can at least get started with something as easy as a 9v battery. Thanks!

David