Flightsim A320 Radio panel (complete newb)

Hello all, I wanted to get my hands on a A320 Radio panel and decided on the route of 3d printing one from online which had a parts like and things. Only problem is Im a complete newb ordered all the parts and I have No idea how anything goes together. i do have experience soldering and actually doing it. But have no clue how to actually wire everything up correctly for the arduino and the switches etc... Here is the link for what i'm making: https://www.printables.com/model/1126963-airbus-a320-radio-panel-rmp#hardware All the parts are already printed. the Arduino ( Mega R3 2560) and the tactile switches are already here so I'm wanting to start wiring if possible.
29 Replies
MaderDash
MaderDash2d ago
@vLyrinx then start off with a beginner project and learn how to do the things you dont know.
AnonEngineering
You need to learn how to blink an LED, how to read switches & buttons, how to use a rotary encoder, how to drive 7 segment displays. Try to do each of these things independently from the others, each is a foundational skill. Once you've done those things the path forward to the end goal will be much clearer (and achievable).
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
ok, i dont have a breadboard, but from what i understand the software is all handled by Mobiflight, so i dont think i need to code anything (could be wrong) so my main thing is just knowing how to actually wire everything up
AnonEngineering
Mobiflight will "talk" back and forth with the Mega. you need code on the Mega to communicate with each hardware element. Once the Mega has gathered the data from buttons / encoders that is sent to Mobi and Mobi will send 7 segment data / button LEDs
MaderDash
MaderDash2d ago
@vLyrinx if that's what you think. Then you realy need to start off with blinking an led Like start today. Maybe in a month or two of dedicated study, you can start thinking about the project.
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
ah ok thanks, ill take alook is there any recommended tutorials i can check out?
AnonEngineering
folks seem to like a YT series by Paul McWhorter here is a VERY basic Mobiflight demo https://wokwi.com/projects/437240750123836417
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
thnaks ill have a look, ill probably buy a breadboard and a starter kit/ the bits i need to start learning that site is actually very useful
AnonEngineering
it certainly helps with buttons / switches for displays it's a bit trickier because the sim has unlimited power, which a real Mega does not
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
yeah
AnonEngineering
i was just watching a MF video, i didn't realize MF does load code on the Mega which seems to handle data back and forth you do need some experience to wire / power things correctly the (supported) TM1637 makes 7 segment wiring much easier
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
yeah im playing around with the parts it has, the 7 segment only does 4 digits where as ill be using 6 digit ones
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
i know ive got some ordered, but theyre not there in the parts list on Wokwi
AnonEngineering
as far as wiring it's the same they are "I2C" devices, 1 digit, 8 digits, same wiring (just more digits = more power needed)
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
ah ok np, so by looks of things i can use Wokwi to learn it without having to buy any extra bits, then when im ready use wokwi to develop this project then make it
AnonEngineering
well, it'll certainly give you a sanity check on wiring idk if you can load MF firmware in the sim, i kind of doubt it (I edited the link to include more "supported" devices, just for my reference.)
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
thanks, ill probably ask alot of questions in here
AnonEngineering
feel free to "wire smth up" and ask
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
will do, as said i dont have a breadboard, so ill use wokwi to do stuff for now
AnonEngineering
for the end product you'll probably want "perfboard"
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
yeah, ill see, looking at the images the guy who made it, he directly wired into arduino but looks very messy
AnonEngineering
even if you are a pro with years of experience, we don't call the wiring in the back a "rats nest" for nothing 😉
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
haha, last time i did something like wiring was over 12 years ago, for college
AnonEngineering
start slow, wire up one or two things to start, it'll help you compared to wiring 20 buttons and other stuff "starting from zero"
MaderDash
MaderDash2d ago
Idk y my phone is doing that today. 👆🏽 🤷🏽‍♂️
AnonEngineering
TIL Mobiflight loads up firmware on Arduino boards
vLyrinx
vLyrinxOP2d ago
yeah, ive ordered starterkit so i can actually do it whilst following tutorial @AnonEngineering quick question, ive plugged my 2560 into the PC and just doing a basic bit of code. to turn on the pin13 light. but my arduino has a solid orange light before ive even done anything its plugged into the PC not a USB hub or anything oh nevermind, it was me actually doing it right lol thought it was a error light

Did you find this page helpful?