Hi,first of all I want underline that I'm a beginner so be patient please ehehLast night I donwloaded and installed FSBUS router (I didn't make FSBUS board yet) just to have a look...I opened first my FS2004 and then I launched FSBUS router, then I loaded a simulation and tried to "play" with light switches (CESSNA 172) to see if something happened in FSBUS router but...no one of the values reported from the program changed so now I wonder if I must have FSBUS board phisically connected the the pc to see something...where could I find a guide explaining how to use FSBUS router?And where could I find some example of how to wire switches with FSBUS board to make them control the ones on FS2004?Thank you, best regards.Bob

Hi BobYes you do need to have an FSBUS COMM board which connects to the serial port on your pc, and an FSKEY board (to operate switches) which attaches to the FSCOMM board. The FSCOMM board also serves to flash the PIC's on the other boards (FSKEY, FSDISPLAY, FSLED etc)You can go to http://mikkila.wabbits.org/fsbus/doc/index_e.phpto get further documentation and information.Personally if I were just starting out I would use Opencockpits IO cards...can be purchased built and tested at very reasonable prices and there is ample documentation.Have a look herehttp://www.opencockpits.com/index.php?newlang=englishYou can start with an IO Master Card which connects to the parallel port on your pc (or USB with an additional card)and has 72 inputs and 64 outputs (from memory).Hope this helps....and good luck

Hi Ian and thank you for your quick reply...and compliments for your sim (I went to have a look on your site).So...last night I've downloaded the latest version of FSBUS router (I had the previous one) and I could have "played" with it and FS2004...I created a "LIGHTS" group with which I have (finally) driven lights of the FS2004 even without having the FSBUS board connected...this gave me the chance to understand better how FSBUS router works.I think I'm going to use FSBUS system and on saturday I go to buy all the components to build FSBUS COM board and the FSKEY.Just for curiosity...how long did it take for you to make your sim?Greetings,Bob

Hi BobGlad you sorted things out. Regarding time to build my sim....I spent about 2 years thinking about it (researching) and started building about 20 months ago. I estimate it will take me about another 3 or 4 years to get it as far as I want to take it. My main aim was to get something I could fly along the way even if this meant some compromises here and there.I have the benefit of being retired so can obviously spend more time than if I were still working. I would recommend building up modules you can use so that you can enjoy flying along the way, rather than wait 5 or 10 years before you can use it.Good Luck....and let me know if I can help...you can send a private message through this forum if you wish.

Thanks for your help Ian...I think I'm going to spend the weekend with solder and cables (I hope my wife won't kick me out eheh) if I find all the needed components...in any case I will let you know how things are going...first I want to make a generic switch panel with lights, avionics, generators and engine starter for a twin propeller aircraft...when it will be working and completed I will go on with analog intrumentation which I think will be a tough step...I've read it's not easy to adapt real instruments to use with a sim unless I buy sim-ready instruments but it's not easy to find them here in italy and they are pretty expensive for my "pocket"...then I think I have to get experienced with servo and step motors...I think I'm going to re-open my old school book of electronics ehehWell...let's keep in touch, I could need some suggestion.Greetings,Bob