F L A P S! - Does anyone know how to build a device for operating the flaps? I can click keys on the keyboard of course - but this is not very realistic! I could also push buttons on a joystick, but a proper flap lever would (by it's position) show degrees of flap in use. I am at a loss here and dont know what a lever would normally connect with and how whatever it is, interfaces with the PC? Your help would be much appreciated.From a very keen new member.TONY.

The flap switch is simply a key emulator within MSFS. More specifically, the F6 & F7 keys. As to designs, there are several designs on the web. A search of this site will probably come up with some designs. Many of the Sim builders on this and other sites have built cockpit specific flap controls.I personally use a DPDT momentary paddle switch (much like the old Cessna flap switch) connected to MSFS through a USB keyboard emulator circuit board. I push it down for flaps down and up for raising the flaps. If the airplane is configured to have multiple flaps settings, one push down gives me the first setting. Two down gives me two settings, etc.John

One method you could try is buy a cheap and nasty(!) USb joystick, strip it down and use one of the pots for the flaps. You should be able to set the device for use with the flaps control in MSFS, and once you have a rudimentary device built for it, I'd suggest calibrating it for the range of movement offered by the setup. Not tried it myself, so dunno if it works or not, but worth a try

>The flap switch is simply a key emulator within MSFS. More>specifically, the F6 & F7 keys. As to designs, there are>several designs on the web. A search of this site will>probably come up with some designs. Many of the Sim builders>on this and other sites have built cockpit specific flap>controls.>>I personally use a DPDT momentary paddle switch (much like the>old Cessna flap switch) connected to MSFS through a USB>keyboard emulator circuit board. I push it down for flaps>down and up for raising the flaps. If the airplane is>configured to have multiple flaps settings, one push down>gives me the first setting. Two down gives me two settings,>etc.>>John>

Hi John.Thanks for your comments on flap operation.The DPDT switch is the most sensible, and least complicated yet!I am using the Lear Jet PFD for Captain and 2nd Officer positions, and twin turbo prop gauges in a bunch on a centre monitor. This lot is flying a Twin Otter! Currently, because of my "pick n mix" approach to instrument provision, I have no means of knowing what flaps I have applied!!! Have you any idea how I might show flap positions - but still using your switch idea? Some sort of stepper light switch illuminating seperate flap indicator panels? Ganged rotary switches? A lever system?I think that I might have dug myself a hole that I cant get out of?Any ideas very gratefully received.Regards and thanks,TONY GERARD. U.K.

I used a linear pot in a throttle quadrant (B777 style). But you could use this setup for any othet type ofcourse.http://home.wanadoo.nl/norbert.bosch

Hi grumpy Tony! smileFLAPS! I am trying many things too as a new builder, but FLAPS, peice of cake I have managed this without problem.Using a pot is (I think) the best way to goWhat I use is a USB Saitek to control rudder elevator and ailerons, also I have built a custom 4 axis 4 button game port controler which I use VIA my sound card, (this is easy to find a wiring diagram for)out of the 4 axis I use one for the speed brake two axis's for two throttles, with my two throtles I use 4 POTS two for power and two for reverse thrust and the last axis I use for flap control, okay now is the bit that takes a bit of thinking of, I use FSUIPC for both FS2002 and 2004, in FS2004 they have support for flaps, assiagn your axis to flaps and FSUICP to calibrate this, but in FS2002 they make no provision for flaps control, so you have to assign your flaps to another axis, I use "trim axis" then tell FSUICP to make this your flap control.By this I mean look in your FSUIPC ini file, I think this is correct and you will see FlapsSetControl=0 change the 0 to 65766 (this is setting for axis elevator trim, remember to assign this in FS)and all works great.Okay, now you are totaly confused in what I have just wrote, but read the read me in FSUICP, then read it again and again all will become obvious.Like I write at the start of my project, I am a learner with all, but read and practise and it works, 9 segments with the 737 works great for me.Regards happy Steve

Hi Tony,See my Email for further comment (especially on calibration).The attached picture uses a 4-position rotary switch for a 4-postion flaps setting (up, down, and 2 positions in between).The obvious advantage of a rotary switch is that it gives you fixed positionsR2= appr. 50 KohmR3= appr. 200 KohmR4= 100 KohmCheers,.Rob

Actually, a simple electrical multi-position switch is a lot easier than using a pot. FSUIPC allows you to assign a different keystroke to Flaps 0, Flaps 10, Flaps 20, etc. My flap switch is currently in bits due to a panel front rebuild, or I'd UL a pic, but it's basically just a four position rotary switch, with an arm attached to the shaft and sticking out the front of the panel. Richard

I think I may have all you beat for simplicity. My FLAPS require no electronics and have a positive indication of what setting they're on. See my homecockpit setup at www.pookiedom.com/homecockpit I've since added buttons for lights, radios, etc using keyboard emulation. I am quite pleased and have spent very little money. Some day, I'll get an LCD monitor and split the outside view and the gauges into two displays ... but that all costs money.

Pookie, Very engenious. You would make a good mechanical engineer. Where did you get the fresnel lens?John

I guess it depends on just how realistic you want to be? I would just add a flap position indicator to the monitor showing the engine gauges. That is what I do. I have a dual monitor setup. I just have two different specialty panels that I will use. Both are generic in nature and fill the entire second monitor. I just add a flap position indicator somewhere near the bottom.John

Rob, I like the idea but, I have a question. What about raising the flaps? You need two separate keys to raise and lower. Do you reassign special key strokes for each position up and down?John

I got the lens at a Medical store in a strip mall in Austin, TX. They specialize is items for people with eyesight difficulties. They had things like telephone with REALLY big buttons, tons of magnifying glasses, special white lights, etc. I think I started my search on the internet and found this store close to my house. I can't recall how much it was, but I think it was something around $50-$75. It works great!!!

John,Are you referring to my picture with the rotary switch ???If so, I don't understand your question....What you create with this, is a flap axis (in FS2004 directly, in FS2002 via FSUIPC). Which you connect to the gameport or, via a USB convertor, to a USB port.The position of the flaps just follows the position of the switch, either raising or lowering; no need to have other buttons or keys to set the flap position.Rob