movement and one is to detect roll position. As the
cabin moves, the chains raise and lower the
potentiometer arms and the values are captured by
the computer. These days, many modules exist that
are capable of performing both functions and
connecting via USB or other simple means to your
computer.
In addition, many terrific microcontrollers could
probably do the whole job without burdening the
computer at all. So, you are not necessarily tied to
the Weeder control boards I used (though the
software I wrote would have to be modified for your
board of choice). This is a key place where you may
enjoy modernizing the design.
For the original Flyer, I used Weeder Tech’s
Digital I/O Module (WTDIO-M) to operate the
solenoid valves, and Weeder Tech’s analog input
module to read the values from the two
potentiometers.
Figure 8 shows the entire circuit board
connected. As you can see, electronic control for
the simulator is simply two Weeder boards and a
set of IFR 540 MOSFETS which handle the load
when opening and closing the four air valves.
Figure 9 shows how the IFR 540s and
potentiometers are connected between the Weeder
board and the air valves. (Each of the pitch and roll
connections are connected to the same IFR 540
circuit shown for pitch 1.) Software
Three pieces of software are needed for your
simulator to fly: ; FIGURE 8.
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44 April 2014
