a pulse in place of level hi or low...

[vinz_A320]

Hi.

I use FS2Phidget now for weeks. It works very well since I installed XP pro SP2. I have only some problems (Runtime errors) when my kit 8/8/8 is connected. but when my 0/16/16 and 0/0/4 are connected... it works very well.

my question is :

I control a lock allowing the gear retractation when a/C is airborn (offset 366).
this lock is actuated by a solenoid. but it needs only a pulse (0/12V) to toggle the position Lock/Unlock)

I use a 0/0/4 to control this solenoid (0/12V) trough 2 inputs : one for locking, one for unlocking when a pulse is sended.
If I maintain a constant level, because I don't know how generate a pulse with FS2Phidget, the solenoid becomes very hot..... too hot


any suggestions ???

thanks

Vincent (A320/A330 in Toulouse)

[alandyer]

Vincent,

What kind of run time error are you getting with 8/8/8 ?
I was using that card this weekend and today.
No probelms. Kein probleim.

I understand what you are attempting.
You wish to emulate a squat switch.
This is common on many aircraft to prevent inadvertant gear retraction while on the ground and landing with gear up.
Damages the aircraft and upsets the passengers.

That's the thing about digital input - its either ON or OFF.

You could experiment with the rate function.
However, I'm not optimistic that this will work.

Regards,
Alan.

[vinz_A320]

Hi Alan,

I found the problem with my 8/8/8. it was the card. I changed it and now all is OK.
FS2Phidget run since 2 days 24/24... it's great.


for my Pulse generator, the great thing will be a delay generator in FS2Phidget (for exemple, when a variable is toggled to ON, the Hi level is hold 1sec and is automaticaly toggled to OFF next.... an Idea ?

but I can installed a electronic Chip (NE555 for exemple generating a pulse...)

Thanks for your job

Regards

Vincent

[alandyer]

Vince,

Let me think about this.
I'm thinking of using Rate function as a start.

Instead of a fixed time period, how about "number of cycles"
Each cycle is the value you set in "Refresh box".

Here's how I see it possibly working:
Let's say the Refresh is set to 200.
Then offset is calibrated to both positive rate and negative rate
and delay is set for 5 Cycles.

Fs2Phidgets would then respond to any CHANGE in offset value for
5 X 200 (milliseconds) = 1000 milliseconds = 1 second.

What do you think?

Regards,
Alan.

[vinz_A320]

Alan,

your idea is interresting. generating a slope is, I think, the most efficient way. but, if I understood your post, we need a analog outpout? or the slope is internal to the FS2P software ?

Thanks for your work

vinz

[alandyer]

The rate function ( or slope ) has been in the software since version 2.1

I tried the rate function with offset 366 assigned to a 0/0/4.
A brief on state is generated when offset value changes from 0 to 1.

The duration of the on state can be adjusted with Refresh setting.
This is not a very practical solution.
Hence, my suggestion of a mechanism for "stretching" the duration.

[alandyer]

Vinz,

I have added a pulse function to software.
Are you interested in evaluating a preview version of software ?

Regards,
Alan.

[alandyer]

Vinz,

Latest version has Pulse function.

Alan.

[vinz_A320]

Hi Alan

First of all, thank you very much for your work, improving your software by
usingmost of forum comments.

I am presently on the french riviera (back to my roots !!!!) working in the garden and
finishing restoration of my lovely Land Rover !!! I am far from simulators !!!!

I will be back in my lab on september, 5th... then I wil try the last version on monday,
with - of course - the Pulse Function.....

I keep you in touch

Thank you very much

Vincent

[alandyer]

Vinz,

Thank you for your kind words.
Had a look at your web site - very nice project.
Superbe.

Most of the suggestions I get from builders like yourself I need to implement for my own sim.
Always welcome suggestions either to software or to manual.

The way I see things.
The more people we have building simulators the better for all of us.

Regards,
Alan.

[alandyer]

Vinz,

You're on the Riviera !
You fortunate fellow.

Regards,
Alan.

[vinz_A320]

Hi alan,

Thanks for your last implementation of pulses generator. it works fine for my
gear lever latch... V1... Rotate.... clack !!! gear up.... like the real one.

But..

My software is never running longer than 5- 15 minutes. I have to disconnect
the USB hub and to reconnect it... then start again for 5- 15 minutes !!!!
I have 2 phidgets 16/16/0 and 2 x 8/8/8.... I have Win XP SP2 and WideFS and I have installed the last phidget20.msi( Last Revision Date: October 3, 2005 Phidget.DLL version 2.0.8 & Phidget20.DLL version 1.0.5)
In the phidget folder I have Phidget.dll, phidget20.dll & PhidgetWebService.

The message is allways :
"Runtime Error '-2147418113 (8000ffff)';
Method '~' of object '~' failed
"

Do I need a specific .Net version ? I think I will format the disk and I will install WinXP again???

any suggestion ?

regards

Vincent

[alandyer]

Vincent,

Your setup was running OK.
What changed between August and now ?
New version of FS2Phidget ? :)

I don't use .NET (that may change in future) - real pain to upgrade code.
Your versions and set-up are almost the same as mine.

Regards,
Alan.

[vinz_A320]

Alan,

I have made a deep update of Win XP...... and re-installed phidgets drivers and
your FS2phidget 3.12.....

And it works since 2 days o..... An A340 is flying non-stop with unlimited fuel.... and
all features are working well.....

it will be a mystery...

thanks for all (especially for the pulse generator)

regards

Vincent

[alandyer]

Vincent,

Does this mean you're OK or do you still have a problem ?

Regards,
Alan.

[vinz_A320]

Alan,

IT WORKS !!!! But, The software do not support another software running on the
same PC (for instance PMSound)..... It causes the famous error "the other program
is busy..... retry.. etc...".

then ... FS2Phidget = 1 PC alone...

regards

Vinz

[alandyer]

Vinz,

Generally true of any program running with FSUIPC.
Same as PM software - better on its their own PC.

Regards,
Alan.