Touch Sensors for Flight Simulator, prepar3d and X-Plane

30.January.23 joshuamarius Aviation,Flight Simulation 0 Comments

This video demonstrates how Touch Sensors can also be used to create a fun and different way to perform actions in the simulator just as you would by using a Push Button or Toggle Switch. The TTP223 Touch Sensor Module offers several configurations and the option to add LEDs, which can be used as status or indicator lights. These modules can be wired to any type of Interface card you use with your simulator, such as the Arduino Mega 2560, Leo Bodnar BBI-32 or any generic USB HID or Encoder Card. The Module provides several things that we can use in flight simulation:

Ability to add LEDs: This is very useful if you would like to know when the switch is enabled or disabled and helps you quickly identify actions in the simulator. The TTP223 module conveniently uses 5 Vdc and can be powered through your Interface card which usually uses USB power, or it can also be powered through an external power supply. The VCC pin provides 5 Vdc out which can be used to send a digital signal and also power up a 5V LED.
Ability to be used as a Momentary Switch: Momentary switches on Aircraft include push buttons and similar electronics which you can find all around the cockpit. An example would be the Direct-To button on the Avionics, the Autopilot Master on a flight panel, or the TOGA button on a throttle quadrant. They are used to quickly engage/disengage or send an action to the plane or simulator.
Ability to be used as a Toggle Switch / Latching: These include functions such as turning the pitot heat on or the landing lights. When we turn these on, we want them to remain on until we turn them off.
Can be used with other Electronic devices: We can connect these modules to other electronics such as LEDS, relays and transistors to create more complex circuits and projects.

Useful Links and Information

Touch Sensor Modules: https://amzn.to/3XOOMA3
5V Pre-wired LEDs with resistor: https://amzn.to/3XOM1i8
Arduino Mega 2560: https://amzn.to/3Y37m7X
Elegoo Mega 2560 (Black): https://amzn.to/409U2Qq
Elegoo Mega 2560 (Blue): https://amzn.to/40bT2LC
KEYESTUDIO Mega 2560 (Yellow): https://amzn.to/3RgqX1G
Leo Bodnar BBI-32: http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=205
⚠️ For USB HID Cards; make sure to connect ground pins to the GND pin on the TTP223 Module
USB Encoder Card: https://amzn.to/3jcD6Z1 or https://amzn.to/3Y9mYGk

Screw Terminal for Mega 2560: https://amzn.to/3RipbwR
Rail Terminal Block for Mega 2560: https://amzn.to/3RdSiBD
Male Pin Headers: https://amzn.to/3YpmWun
90 Degree Male pin headers: https://amzn.to/3JpQH9P
1) 5V Power Supply with Terminal Block: https://amzn.to/3wErqRL
2) 5V Power Supply with Terminal Block: https://amzn.to/3HFJPnH
⚠️ When using an external power supply with a USB HID or Encoder card, make sure to connect the GND pins on the card to the GND on the TTP223 Module.
Wire Strippers: https://amzn.to/3HmtP8A
Hookup Wire: https://amzn.to/3jeUHiO

Useful Videos

USB Interface, Encoder and HID Cards: https://youtu.be/M7Fx54e_NtM
Basic Components of Cockpit Building: https://youtu.be/XN2k5JmXOak
Adding Tablets and Touchscreens: https://youtu.be/jCjdREoLiC8
Adding Dual Rotary Encoders: https://youtu.be/cCl7dwXBSBI
Useful Tips for a Better Flight Sim Experience: https://youtu.be/JE5rn9WkXe8
TTP223 Usage and Setup: https://youtu.be/XBHgJi6smls – This video has a lot of information including how to reduce the sensitivity of the touch switch
Touch Switch Board Example: https://youtu.be/3g_OKtOJiyU
En Español: https://youtu.be/9dxp33ESX8M