Quote from Hangar45 Admin on November 29, 2017, 2:30 pm

(Original thread started on 10-31-14 by Eric Tomlin)

I wanted to pass along a note that the FMS for JET45 has been catching lots of attention over the past couple of months. As I work with the pre-beta software and navigate through all the menus, I can say that this software will really bring a huge smile to the face of the user to really wants to dig in and play with all the different pages and data that is available from the unit. Development is to the point that I'm actually starting the creation of the User Guide and will be able to start showing a few teaser shots along the way.

 

The FMS will be controllable either via the software CDU as shown, or via any type of suitable CDU hardware controller as well. My personal recommendation is that you contact Shane Barnes to locate, refurbish, and interface a real Universal CDU for you as those units could hardly ever be topped by Ron or myself as a replica in their robustness, realism, and quality.

 

We cannot give a release date because as Jason says, "This is by far the most complicated and difficult software project I have ever worked on (and that includes implementing auto landing and takeoff for a multi-million dollar...program)!"  As such, there is a dedicated team working on the software with hardware in-place and I think everyone will be very pleased.

 

(Posted by Mark Speechley on 11-01-14)

A big 'Thank you' to you Eric, and Jason for this major advance in our software. Due to the sparse CDU supply, most of us are waiting. So in the meantime, once the FMS software program is released, I imagine we could get by with a 7 inch windows capable touch screen tablet to tide us over till we go hardware?

 

(Posted by Justin Fletcher on 11-13-14)

Eric, Will the NAV data be capable of updating? When MAG VAR (rwy headings) DP, STAR, and approach procedures are changed by FAA, will the NAV data be able to be updated similar to Navigraph?

 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 11-13-14)

Hi Justin, Yes. We're using Navigraph Data Sets.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 04-29-15)

I can give you a little report on the FMS software. Although the last update was almost six months ago, Jason is actively working on the FMS software. To date he has sent a few of us a pre-beta test version and just recently (a week ago) a more complete FMS software program. I still don't think he is calling it a beta version but I can say this, he is getting close.

 

I have done a little testing with it and I am very impressed with what I have seen so far. Seems to be stable, and is fairly easy to get set up on your computer. (For me anyway) The directions for the CDU/FMS are well written and straight forward. There are going to be many options available just like in the real FMS suite. Jason is doing an outstanding job on this software and when you guys finally get your hands on it you will not be disappointed. Eric may be able to give more information on a potential time line for release.

 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 07-29-15)

Hey guys, another small update to let you know that the FMS is alive and well and is certainly closer than it has ever been. I actually played with the next-to-the-latest version last night. It's very cool to put a flight plan in the CDU and have the aircraft FLY that route! That's all for now- just wanted to let you know it's getting closer.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 07-29-15)

I have been playing with the last FMS beta version and it is pretty darn cool. I have not gone deep into it yet but I can say this, I have not broke it or crashed it! Very stable as far as I can see so far. Just hang on guys!

 

One last thought, the installation and setup is one of the easiest I have seen!

 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 07-30-15)

Just to put some perspective here on the "lucky" beta testers. I will not lie; having new toys on-hand to play with can be fun, but usually is a course in disappointment management. Simply said, imagine getting the new toy (FMS, or other neat new software) and you go a few steps in only to discover that this or that function is either not implemented YET and trying to access it shuts the software down. Yep- those things happen often in beta testing. What Ron's alluding to is that he's yet to find a way (myself included) to "break" the FMS software just from general poking around. This is a good stage to be in. I will continue to poke and prod myself, but honestly all the work has been done by Jason and an outside tester. More on that later, but suffice it to say that this FMS has far more features in it that were ever intended, so it is pretty feature-rich.

 

More details will come on this as Jason gets it closer to release (which could still be a few months out) but I would encourage folks to consider that if they see an old UNS-1 manual or CD-ROM on eBay for a very reasonable price, you might consider getting it. We will release a General Use Guide, but to really get into the nitty gritty of the software, the real manual might be useful. Don't run out and buy one just yet though- but just keep your eyes on them if you run across one at eBay, etc.

 

(Posted by Jason Hite on 08-11-15)

Hey guys. With all of the talk lately about the FMS, I thought I'd take a little time to make a teaser video. Worth a thousand screenshots. Enjoy!

 

https://youtu.be/8qP_lVCGWkM

 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 08-21-15)

Jason has been putting in some very late nights this week with not only FMS work, but FMS-related updates for nearly every element involved. This means that soon you guys will be getting new PFDs, new MFDs, new EFIS Display Controllers, and then when it's time- the FMS software (FMS software sold separately). The updates for the PFD/MFD/EFIS are either maintenance updates or required due to the CDU implementation. This will change the way some things work now, with the most obvious example being that if you purchase an FMS license, then you will be required to use the new MFD version. The reason for this is because the new MFD has to be able to read route changes on the fly from the CDU in real-time. Therefore, you will not be able to load flight plans from the MFD any longer as you do now. Naturally, if you update to a CDU-equipped sim, then there is no need to load the plan from the MFD, but from the CDU itself, which is proper. [As a side note, if you do not purchase the FMS, then you do not need to update your MFD].

 

I want to encourage folks to connect with Shane for sourcing on CDUs. If you find a unit that you are interested in, you may want to contact him to get some insight on the unit because he is now refurbishing units and knows them inside and out regarding use with JET45 and our sims. Also, if you go on the hunt on the internet or even out at an aircraft storage and parting facility, PLEASE do not give the seller the story that you're only a simulator builder and give the impression that you're looking for a deal. You will find that they may raise the price of their products.

 

So, bottom line is that if you'd like a real CDU for your sim, I would like to encourage you to contact Shane Barnes because he's made good contacts with several suppliers of real parts.

 

NOTE: Several posts have had the term "CDU" updated with "FMS" to more correctly reflect that Jason is developing Flight Management System (FMS) for JET45. CDU (Control Display Unit) is actual hardware, and so I wanted to clarify for folks that may be new and not understand the difference between the two terms, which are both used interchangeably and can be confusing at times.

 

Simply put: Flight Management System, it is comprised of both software and hardware, but is the software system that Jason has developed. CDU is the hardware component that allows the crew to interact with the FMS in the simulator.

 

The JET45 FMS system will feature a graphical CDU to allow those without a hardware CDU to use the product (which incidentally, could also be used on a touch-screen monitor in the simulator too).

 

UPDATE:  I have spent the last two hours flying the brand-new FMS software for JET45. I can tell you guys that this is the sort of thing that makes me very excited, and looking forward to making another sim one day. I cannot stress how great it is to update flight plans on the fly and see them updated on the MFD and the aircraft's autopilot respond to the changes. Kudos to Jason for all the hard work that's gone into this. More info as we get closer!

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 08-22-15)

Outstanding news! Thanks again to Jason for pushing forward and making this happen for us. It has been a while since I have seen Eric this excited about sim stuff!

 

To answer Alan's question: Eric is testing the beta version on his desktop with mice clicks. So although Eric does not have the ability to test hardware inputs, he is able to test Jet45 AAS with the new FMS software and how they interact with one another in windows. From what I have heard there are no words to describe how brilliant this software is and how well it emulates the real thing. Jason is a grand master at what he does!

 

(Posted by Will Sasse on 08-23-15)

I too am looking forward to this. If it makes as much difference as in a real airplane between having an FMS or not - this will really improve operability.

 

One question: Will it run two CDU's should we ever be rich enough to install two of them on our sim?

 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 08-24-15)

Hi Will, yes, the FMS software will allow you to run up to two instances for dual FMS/CDU operation. You could always have the second unit on a touchscreen in the flight deck too. Also, both FMS's will be capable of running on the same computer as well.

 

Just another tick toward FMS development; the custom autopilot came one step closer to completion in the late hours of the night per Jason. It's getting nice. I spent more time flying the new PFD/MFD/CDU/FGC last night too and I cannot wait to see you folks get your hands on it.

 

UPDATE!

I'm happy to share with everyone the first video demonstrating the JET45 FMS/CDU that will be released in the near future.

 

In this first video, you get a brief introduction to what it's like flying Ron's sim from the perspective of a real-world pilot with thousands of hours in multiple aircraft, followed very quickly by one hardware-based flight plan building example, and then followed by a second software-based flight plan building example. Enjoy!

 

http://youtu.be/iyFGEfMgsrU

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 08-27-15)

Sometimes it is hard to believe that this sim in the video is in my house! Shane is right, more than half of the things that we have today or will have in the near future (FMS as an example) was just a dream in the not so distant past. Many thanks to Jason for taking this project on and pushing through with it!

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 08-27-15)

Six years ago this was just an idea, now we have simulators coming on line and soon will have the ability to use real CDU's with functioning software! Thanks for all the hard work on the CDU project Jason! Looks great!

 

(Posted by Jeff Peters on 08-27-15)

Looks incredible Eric. Great job and walk through. I have the CDU but no finished Sim yet DARNIT!  However, I think I will need some additional tanks for that 7000+ nautical mile leg!

 

(Posted by Randy Buchanan on 08-27-15)

It is a dream that is almost here. Thanks to you Jason. How fun for you Ron to be our test pilot. Not to worry Jeff, Ron tells me you are working very hard on your sim so you may need one of these bad boys faster than you think. What do they say time flies when you are having this much fun. I think we can all hardly wait until we will be able to add this feature to our sims. Great video Eric!

 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 08-28-15)

Thanks guys. It was fun putting it together. As mentioned in the video during the freeze-frame, always make sure you're putting the right way point in and as you could tell from my prolonged pause, I realized it was the wrong way point but for the sake of time had to push through. Jason and I laugh about it because we were having a text conversation that day back and forth during the flight that you see a portion of in the beginning.

 

Jeff- the nice thing is that you have a CDU, so you can certainly use it in your desktop flying even without a sim, and like Randy said, it works perfectly fine in the desktop environment too, and with any aircraft with an autopilot. This means you can have a C172 all the way to an old steam gauge 747-100 outfitted with a UNS style CDU. More to come as more features are added and more refinement is implemented.

 

(Posted by Charlie IFLYGVS on 10-03-15)

Good Work! Have you thought about an iPad Application? haversine.com has some iPad Apps for X-Plane 10 that work well.

 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 10-05-15)

We've talked about iPad application but the decision at this point is that we are not going to pursue that (yet) because it would be a complete re-write and there's just too much code to consider that right now. Also, this product is for FSX/FSSE/P3D, so not really usable for XPlane either. Of course time and a large demand might change this forecast.

 

(Posted by Rand Mathews on 10-07-15)

You can use an app called Air Display which will turn your iPad into a second monitor. I used it with AivlaSoft EFB and it worked great. The iPad touch screen worked with every button in the EFB. You run the host on a PC and the client on the iPad, then you can drag any window from the PC into the iPad.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 10-08-15)

Last weekend Greg Branch and I did some test flying with the FMS. As a reminder, Greg is a real world pilot and knows what to expect from the FMS. A lot more than I do anyway.

 

We did two solid flights using the FMS software and everything went as smooth as you could expect with the exception of a few data base issues and in one area we saw some text running over on top of some other text. For as in depth as the software is, is is absolutely amazing work! Keep up the great work Jason!!!

 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 10-14-15)

Just a little update- Jason has had great success with using the FMS software on iPad via Air Display. What this means is that for folks who do not have a hardware CDU but do have an iPad, you now have a fully wireless access point to the FMS software via your iPad in the cockpit.

 

Link for details:

https://avatron.com/applications/air-display/

 

NOTE:  I do not know which version of Air Display that Jason tested this on. Details forthcoming.

 

UPDATE:

Just another update to let everyone know that progress is definitely on going with the FMS software-

 

Over the past couple of weeks, an additional software engineer (actually an autopilot software engineer) has been brought on the team for development. This not only means faster work, but in many cases, (hopefully), even better work regarding FMS aircraft flight performance, etc.

 

Also, another reminder that your best "handbook" for the FMS/CDU software will be a Universal FMS/CDU training guide, whether it be from the CD ROM or hard copy.

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 01-08-16)

Great news. Looking forward to updates of the beta version of the FMS for more testing. I believe everyone will be very happy with the FMS software once released. Also watch the updates and take a moment to check out these sites that we have shared at the Hanger concerning the ForeFlight App for iPad, Navigraph, FsaeroData (scheduled for a release soon) and SimBrief.com (a free online flight planner). All of the aforementioned apps, programs and sites will enhance your flying experience especially when using the JET45 FMS software once it is released from beta. Thanks Jason for the continued development of JET45 and the FMS software!

 

(Posted by KYOULS on 04-12-16)

Hi Everybody, I was just skimming through this post of the FMS software and was curious if there will be an accompanying FGC software to go with it?

 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 04-12-16)

As of *right now* an FGC component is not required to fly the aircraft when in FMS mode. However, there has been some programming toward an FGC and naturally some modes will require an FGC component most likely (namely the SPD mode). At this point in time today I am not sure what the timeline is, or if one exists, for a dedicated FGC component because much of the flight path work is now being handled by FMS. Time will tell- I wish I had more info but I don't right now.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 06-14-16)

Hey guys, I wanted to let everyone know that Jason is working hard on the FMS and sorting out the final bugs. Shane and I have received no less than three beta versions in this past week. We are up to v19b if that says anything. I just wanted to give you guys something to look forward to here in the near future!

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 06-15-16)

Ron beat me to it! As Ron said we have been beta testing Jason's FMS software for the past week to the point I am dreaming at night about flight plans, waypoints, autopilot hold. I can only imagine what Jason goes thru sorting out the details. A big thanks to Jason for his expertise in the software programming department! The FMS software will be a great addition to the JET45 software, this is the stuff that makes the Lear come alive!

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 06-30-16)

Hey guys, I wanted to share a few snap shots of the FMS in action!

 

 

Among other random test flights, we have been doing a "measuring stick" test departure out of KSAN. This particular flight plan shows that I have the aircraft departing and then arriving back at KSAN runway 27:

 

These were just a few photos that I took to show that the FMS was flying right down the FP:

 

I wanted to post a few photos so that you guys know that there is A LOT of work happening behind the scene.

 

The other good news is that Shane and I have been tweaking, refining and fixing other little issues with our sims. We are also documenting all of our fixes so that in the future, if any of you have similar problems, we will be able to identify the issues faster and help you trouble shoot the problems in no time.  Thank you to Jason for working so hard on this for us all!

 

(Posted by Mark Speechley on 08-13-16)

With my latest version of Jet45 (version 5 I think) I have not been able to bring up a flight plan on the MFD from Australia. I can however display a FP from North America. This was a known bug and has not been fixed to date, at least for me.

 

Can you guys with the beta version of the FMS do a trial FP from the Southern Hemisphere and see if it works please? Or is this unique to me and works for everyone else? Eric had told me that it should be fixed with the new release, so just wanted to confirm it has been in the pipeline.

 

Will S. confirmed it was reversed for him as well. I am just wanting to see if you guys have southern hemisphere flight plans show up on the MFD and what is your RMU NAV page compass looking like. I have my suspicions but waiting for your response.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 08-23-16)

Hey Mark, I did a test flight in Australia and confirmed that the FMS flight paths are showing up in the MFD. I have the latest versions of Jet45 AAS and the Beta FMS software. We will figure out what is going on with yours and anyone else who is having this issue:

 

I also verified that the compass is reading backwards on the NAV page in the RMU down under. This should be an easy fix for Jason in the next Jet45 update:

 

(Posted by Mark Speechley on 08-24-16)

Thanks Ron, that alone has been a huge help. Can anyone confirm what is the latest Jet45 AAS version so that I can start with that.

 

UPDATE:

All sorted. Anyone with Jet45 issues just needs to make sure you have the latest versions installed as a starting point. Very nice to input your flight plan ( with many way points for fun) turn on the FMS and watch the Lear fly for you whilst you go back into the cabin and sip champagne with your Flight Attendant!

 

Long story short. Flight Plans working like a charm. RMU Back up NAV compass? I was experimenting with Hyperthread off and found that P3D was randomly restarting. Changed back to On and then tested different affinity masks. Still got a few random restarts until tried one that works like a charm. Threw everything at it like storms etc and no crashes. However, in my setup, crashes causes the PFD's, Eicas, MFD and RMU buttons and rotary encoders to not work.

 

I couldn't be bothered restarting computers to reset the Pokeys (I assume that'd be the fix) to have them functioning again. Peter Nicholas is coming around for a few games of pool and then a fly around North Carolina Wed night so will check the RMU back-up NAV page with the compass then. I have my doubt though as the only file I changed for the FP was the MFD file. By the way the GTX1070 turned up today so will report back hopefully by the weekend on it's performance.

 

(Posted by Mark Speechley on 11-24-16)

A little birdie whispered in my ear ( No, not Vince, for you old timers !) that Flight Line Simulations could be making an announcement regarding a release for xmas 2016, of the FMS software for our CDU. Maybe I was dreaming again?

 

So how about convincing Jason to release what you've got so far, you'll make some money for xmas and we'll all happily keep downloading further updates as they are formulated? I eat , breathe, sleep my Lear simulator. Some psychologists may say that I have obsessive disorder, but you know what, I don't care. This is my vice, hobby, love.

 

So without ado and further grovelling, please consider releasing soon.........please.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 11-28-16)

I sent Eric and Jason an email a few days ago to bring this post to their attention. Being that it was a US holiday weekend, (Thanks Giving) they more than likely were or are still away on vacation. I am sure that one of them will be able to give us an update on the FMS software here soon.

 

I will tell you what I know until one of them pipe up and are able to give us some more information:

Jason moved into a new home and was in the the process of taking care of all the projects that come with such a move. I know, I was there back in December 2009. He told Eric a few weeks ago that he is getting to a point that he can sit down and work on the FMS software.

 

Shane and I have our sims up and ready for the final bit of beta testing. Jason had a good push with his FMS software earlier this year but then I think his work and then preparing for the move came about. At this point, I would say that the FMS is 98% complete with really just a few bugs that need to be ironed out. It is a very complicated piece of software and for me, I will never understand how they (guys like Jason) do it.

 

This I know, Jason has to be very proud of his software and wants it in our hands to enjoy. But at the same time, he wants the software to be right and operating perfectly. It would be one thing to release the software not knowing of a bug, but to release it with the minor issues may be a different story. So with that said, Jason has put too much work into this software for it not to be released!

 

There is no doubt that as soon as Jason is made aware of this post he will respond and get us up to date with where it is at and a projected date of release. Standby........

 

(Posted by Jason Hite on 11-30-16)

I'm thankful that everyone is still interested in the software. Once I got the contract to produce the high-fidelity FMS for inMotion Simulation, things really slowed down for you guys and I apologize for that. Alas here we are, another 2 years down the road. While I could spend the next 2 years tweaking this and that, I hear you guys loud and clear. As such, I will be releasing the FMS/MFD next week for sale. There will be bugs, there will be glitches, there will be some features left to implement, but I believe you will be happy with the level of simulation that is available.

 

The FMS will come with a new and dedicated version of the MFD. This version of the MFD will only show flight plans generated and active on the FMS. You will no longer be able to "load" default FS flight plans onto the MFD. The upside to this is that whatever changes are made to the flightplan on the FMS, will immediately be shown on the MFD!

 

As Eric is aware, there will eventually be a full integration into a software FGC module. I'd expect that to not be too far behind, but Eric has seen the new speed hold function (speed control with pitch) in action which is quite cool and may even work better than the real aircraft does!

 

Pricing for the FMS will be at $249.00 and minor updates and bug fixes will be at no cost. I don't anticipate the need for any new features of the FMS that would warrant any additional cost.

 

I'll post back here when the software is available next week, then follow up with a blast email to the members of the hangar. I don't plan to use Flight1 for the license management for the FMS, so what I plan to do is just accept Paypal orders and customize the build for each order.

 

I'm really looking forward to finally getting this out to the masses.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 11-30-16)

Thanks Jason for moving forward with the release of the FMS software! The guys are going to love it. If you all have any questions on the FMS software, please post here.

 

To get things started, DonnyRay Jones had a few good questions:

Q: Does your FMS support two CDUs on a single license, or does each CDU require a separate license?

A: Just like the MFD/PFD, you can use 2 instances of the FMS.exe to run 2 FMSs. You will configure the FMS via the ini file to set FMS1 or FMS2.

 

Q: Does the FMS need to be resident on the same machine as FS/P3D, or can it run on any of the other two networked machines in the suite?

A: The FMS should be used on a separate PC from the FS/P3D machines, running WideFS with a connection to FSUIPC. The FMS doesn’t require a lot of horse power, but since it uses key presses it could conflict with operations of FS/P3D and therefore should not be used on the same PC as the simulator.

 

Q: What else do I need to know about FMS?

A: There will not be a user guide for the FMS but I encourage the use of a real UNS1 training guide since most of the functions from the real unit have been simulated. The will be a setup guide that will be updated prior to launch.

(Answers by Jason Hite)

 

(Posted by Chris Capkalu 12-01-16)

Hey guys, thanks a lot for the information Jason and off course especially for this great Christmas present.

 

I am looking forward to the FMS and the new MFD...just a question for clarifying, will the announced 10% promo take place at the release? Eric should have our mails. However, I am sure that this piece of software is worth every cent...I just ordered the UNS1 manual, eBay has some around.

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 12-01-16)

First I want to thank Jason for his continued work on the software. As often mentioned the avionics and FMS software is the heart of the sim! A very important component to our builds. Jason has spent countless hours bringing this software to life for our community and continued to release fixes as needed. So again many thanks Jason!

 

So guys, I am really excited to see the FMS software released to the builders. Ron and I have been using/testing the software for a while now and it really adds a lot to the sim. It does have some bugs as Jason mentioned but with the software implemented in more builds and more users we should be able to identify issues that need to be corrected. What I would suggest is Ron or I start a thread on the Hangar for FMS/CDU issues.

 

Then members can add any issues they see for all members to see and test. This way we can verify whether it is an isolated incident with your configuration or if all members are seeing the same issue. Then if it is verified as a software issue we can add it to a "need fixing" list we can forward to Jason. This way Jason can keep up with items that need attention and not overwhelm him. Ron if you can think of anything to add or edit to this post go ahead and take care of it.

 

(Posted by Mark Speechley on 12-01-16)

Thanks Jason and Eric! I am excited to get the next piece of the puzzle sorted out. As Shane said, between all of us, we will be the expanded beta testers, which will be in the interest of all of us. Thanks again for my early xmas present!

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 12-01-16)

Shane, I think you hit all points. Once the FMS is released and in the hands of some of the guys with functional flight decks, we will start a new thread called "FMS Trouble Shooting". If anyone has an issue they can post it there. Between Shane, Eric and I, we should be able to help with 90% of the issues and point folks in the right direction. A good example might be: "The delete button is not working for me." If you are not aware, the real FMS software requires a double click of the DELETE selection so you don't accidentally remove something that you want to keep. I did not know this until I started playing with the software myself.

 

So as Shane pointed out, we will help folks with questions and filter out the issues that need to be addressed by Jason. This way Jason gets one report of the items that are confirmed to be software issues. I am really excited about the FMS release! Thanks again Jason!

 

(Posted by Genoroof on 12-07-16)

I have a question. Is it possible to use a touch screen for the FMS software? The reasoning behind the question is that is a lot cheaper and easier to get a touch screen than an actual CDU.

 

(Posted by Jason Hite on 12-08-16)

Yes, it will definitely work. That's how I plan to use it since I won't have a hardware CDU. I have even used it on an iPad using AirDisplay. However, AirDisplay is a bit buggy and can be slow at times.

 

UPDATE: The FMS Software has been released!

 

(Posted by Jason Hite on 01-24-17)

I nearly have an update ready to be released. I have been working on the dual FMS key handling, but discovered a problem with using two Hagstrom encoders on the same PC. Turns out that due to the number of keys between 2 CDUs (a total of 123!), there are not enough unique single keys (not using Shift, Ctrl etc) to cover both. The issue I found was that the Hagstrom does not actually send a "!" character when you program it with a SHIFT+1. It actually sends 2 keys to the PC, a SHIFT and a 1. Since the FMS monitors ALL key presses on the PC, it sees a 1 before the SHIFT key and the wrong FMS will consume the key meant for FMS2.

 

The solution to this was a cheap (<$10) and robust one. Using the Arduino nano board which is about the size of pack of gum, I can use a raw button press on the CDU keypad and send it directly to the FMS software instead of using keyboard key presses. This works well because the new FMS software will open the USB Serial ports on the PC until it finds the Arduino board that is physically attached to the CDU keypad. This is only going to be an issue for those with 2 CDUs. A single CDU installation can still use the Hagstrom. There will be a configuration line in the FMS.ini file to select a Hagstrom or Arduino interface. I should note that you will have to rewire the CDU keypad to the Arduino board for this to work. The CDU units that I have been using for development are a different model than most of you have so the pinout may be different as well. Another benefit of using the Arduino boards is there is no user configuration required, it's really plug and play with no additional software to run (i.e. RMU PoKeys software).

 

I will be using this method for interfacing my RMUs and DUs in the near future. If anyone is interested in using the same hardware, let me know and I can provide you with links to buy the boards and the firmware to program onto it. I can do it for a fee as well.

 

Anyway, more to come on this. I wanted to let everyone know that the dual FMS keypads will not work with two Hagstrom encoders on the same PC. Any questions on this please ask.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 01-24-17)

Hey Jason, thanks for the information and continued development! One quick question that I think I know the answer to: Do we need to develop a new "middle man PCB" that goes between the CDU and the Arduino Card for the CDU kits that I offer if anyone wants to go the Arduino route?

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 01-26-17)

Jason, thanks for the updates much appreciated. I also like the Arduino update as this is a cheaper board than the Hagstrom. Can you use the Arduino if you are only using one CDU? If so I think Ron should update his mounting kit to accept the Arduino. Additionally if one Arduino can be used I will switch to this method when I refurbish CDU's. When you have a chance send me the information on the board and firmware.

 

(Posted by Jason Hite on 01-26-17)

Ron, the Arduino Nano has several options. It comes with .100 headers that can be installed either pointing up or down. I am using a breakout board that you simply plug the nano board into and there are screw terminals for the CDU wires.

 

Here is what I am using: https://store.arduino.cc/usa/arduino-nano

And the breakout board HERE

 

Ill leave it up to you to decide the best way to attach it to the CDU. I can provide the pins to key mapping that I have programmed and you can see if you can make an interface board directly to the Arduino nano instead of having to manually wire to it.

 

Shane, yes, the nano works for any number of CDUs! I much prefer it over the Hagstrom because there is no user programming necessary. It has a direct serial connection to the FMS software. I spoke with Eric about this the other day about the FMS software supporting both the nano or the Hagstrom. Personally, I'd lean towards the nano because of the ease of use once its programmed and connected. I'll send you the firmware and the mapping.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 01-26-17)

Thanks Jason, I will let Shane dive into this and play with it for a bit and then once I finish up on one of my current projects, I will develop a middle man PCB so that the CDU will simple plug into the PCB that the nano is plugged into. That's our hopes anyway right!

 

Hardware wise, it will be as neat and clean as the Hagstrom PCB method. This all sounds great!

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 01-29-17)

Hey guys, I've ordered the Nano and will start work on the pin out when the parts arrive . Once I have the pin out sorted I will send this off to Ron so he can develop the new PCB. Thanks Jason for the input on the interface. I think this will greatly simplify adding a CDU for builders.