Software to link Phidgets to FS2004

[falcon]

Without having any Phidgets hardware available, I downloaded the Phidgets software and ran a dummy tab, connected to Flight
Simulator successfully and then allocated two references to flight
simulator variables e.g. APU master switch and APU start switch. I also
enabled these so that they turned from red to green.

The problem arises when trying to test an input, the user manual suggests pushing a "Test" key however this is "greyed out" and as I have no phidgets hardware I am not able to test the software. Any ideas what could be causing this or how to go about testing Phidgets software with FS2004?

[alandyer]

The Test button is for testing Phidget hardware (LEDs and LCDs).

You have, no doubt, already discovered that you can examine output values
Unfortunately, I don't emulate any input hardware :(

I could put radio buttons or checkboxes on dummy tab inputs.
How would one emulate analog input ? Sliders, perhaps ?

Would that work for you ?

Down the road, I would recommend getting hold of an 8/8/8 Interfacekit, an LED, a momentary switch, a toggle switch and a potentiometer.
Worked for me when I first evaluated Phidget solution for my sim.
(I know this doesn't help evaluate software, but thought I would mention)

Send an email to falcon@coconutair
Folks will put you on the test pilot roster and work with you on making updates to software. Henceforth, to be known as the Falcon Edition.
Input from all builders will obviously be taken into consideration.

Regards,
Alan.

[falcon]

Alan,

Thanks for the reply -

-still haven't found out how to check output values (is it straightforward?).
-re the dummy inputs with radio/check buttons could you explain a little more

Next step would be to buy the interface kit - wanted to evaluate input/output responses however before making the purchase (and at the moment can't do either, can only enable parameters)

Will send a mail to the address you suggest. Just starting out so the experience and info sharing with the guys will help a lot.

For example, what I would like to do just to test :
Start up default Boeing 737 and be able to adjust the aircraft heading via Phidgets software or vice versa i.e. make a change in the FS2004 software to heading and notice the impact on the Phidgets software. Heading is just an example, but it can be anything just to check the bidirectional impact/functionality without having any Phidgets interface kit available,

Best regards,
Richard

[falcon]

Alan,

One more thing : falcon@coconutair - is this complete as my mail program has a problem - it's missing a ".com" or ".uk" or something

Regards,
Richard

[alandyer]

falcon@coconutair.com

[alandyer]

The output values for APU master switch and APU start switch are in the "FS Value" column.