Hello,I built a desktop radio/autopilot stack a few years ago using a keyboard encoder and FSUIPC to map the buttons as well as an LCD display with FSLCD controlling it. I would like to convert it to a USB button setup and use LED displays for the displays (radio freqs/auto pilot hdg/speed/altitude etc.) I need to control about 40 momentary push buttons and 15 single and 4 dual rotories.What would be a good solution for this and where can I find dual rotories and led displays.I have scanned the forum and it seems like there are many options, I just don't know which route to go. Thank you for your help.David

IOcards ?

I am about to build a very similar unit you describe, and have today ordered the IO Warrior chip used by www.codemercs.comWhile this is definitely not a plug and play method, more of a 'design/build/program' it method, I hope to get a lot of enjoyment from doing so. I should be able to control up to 32 7 segment displays.

That would be the Gammatron or Gammaray from Betainnovations at http://www.betainnovations.com.Check the 129 Canadian $ (@US$99) Gammatron first:64 digital inputs expandable to 128, supporting several modes: master, toggle, rotaryup to 32 rotary encoders supported (3 types)Push-Pull rotary switch supportShort circuit protectionSerial ID. Connect multiple modules without conflict.Software configurableSoftware keyboard emulationFirmware updates via USBUSB bus poweredFull-Speed USB HID compliant deviceWindows default driversGammaRay is more expensive but has more space for expansion:256 digital inputs supporting several modes: master, toggle, rotaryup to 16 rotary encoders supported (3 types)Short circuit protectionSerial ID. Connect multiple modules without conflict.Software configurableSoftware keyboard emulationFirmware updates via USBUSB bus poweredFull-Speed USB HID compliant deviceWindows default drivers

For IOcards you can have an USB-key card. I think there is an USB-display card as well. If you wait a little longer there will be an USB-lcd card just in case you like the LCD better than the segmented digits ...

Thanks everyone for the replies.Can the Gammatron control 7 segment LED's as well? Also, what does the breakout board do?Thanks again.

For output you need the ElectronFlux which can control A LOT of LEDS and 7segs. Both Gammatron and ElectronFlux are controlled through the FSIM unifying setup software which allows for assigning functions etc. to each input or output port/line without programming knowledge.The breakout boards are optional. They allow you to connect wires /switches/ rotaries, etc. to the Gammatron/EectronFlux without soldering directly to the boards' pins or directly to the other end of a flat cable. They allow you to easily use a simple screwdriver to connect/disconnect the wires. They make life easy for maintenance/prototyping and for building a 'solderless' setup.Basically, a Gammatron and an ElectronFlux will cover most of the standard cockpit I/O needs with ease and at a very low cost per port, taking up only two USB connections, and offering plenty of expansion options as you grow.

Al,Will the Gammatron support 64 digital inputs as well as 32 rotaries, or do they subtract from the 64? For example, could I have 64 push buttons plus 32 rotaries??? Thanks,