Mid – Semester Presentation Senior Design February 25, 2010

Rebecca Owens– Team Leader Computer Engineering Amol Patel Electrical Engineer Candace Allgood Computer Engineering Ebi Izonfuo Electrical Engineer Dr. JW Bruce Academic Advisor Sponsor

 Problem  Solution  Constraints  System Overview  Alternatives  Progress  Timeline

 John McGinley of CAVS requires the use of a flight simulator for research purposes.

 Use Microsoft Flight Simulator and the current hardware of the cockpit to create a functioning simulator

Gauges Switches Yoke Throttle Rudder Pedals

 Technical Constraints  Practical Constraints

 Budget: $1500  Needed Items: MFS / FSUIPC Yoke Servo / Stepping Motors PCB Manufacturing Assorted Electrical Components  Competitor’s Price: ~$37,000

 End Users: Researchers and Pilots  Knowledge of End Users  Reliable Hardware  Reliable Software and Data Communication [3]

Simulation PC Scenery DisplayGauge Display Microprocessor Yoke Throttle, Flaps Rudder Pedals Switches Gauges

 Data Transmission CAN, I2C, Serial, Ethernet  Gauges Physical ○ Servos, stepper motors Virtual ○ MSFS, FlightDeckSoft, LCD Module

CANSerialEthernetI2C Allows a relatively large amount of clients to be connected Does not require extra routing or arbitration hardware Robust in noisy environments Easily interfaced with PC

AdvantagesDisadvantages Cockpit’s Current Gauges Realism No construction required No cost No available data sheet No available replacement pieces Mechanical Gauges RealismMechanical development time Virtual Gauges No mechanical construction required Precise output Intensive programming Glass Cockpit Plug and playHigh cost

AdvantagesDisadvantages Servos Position is “known” Generally small in size easy to obtain Limited to 180° rotation Stepper Motors 360° rotationNeeds an external switch to find “home” position Must keep track of position in software complex more expensive

AdvantagesDisadvantages MFS Already implemented in software Cannot change which gauges are displayed, or the layout of the gauges. FlightDeckSoft No cost Implemented with FSUPIC (same as mechanical gauges) Development time LCD Module Individual gauges Slightly more realistic than LCD monitor Expensive Extensive programming

Scenery Gauges

 [1] A Brief History of Aircraft Flight Simulation, [Online] Available:  [2] Flight Simulator History, [Online] Available:  [3] Glossary, [Online] Available:  [4] TRC Simulators Professional Flight Simulators, [Online] Available:  [5] Flyit Simulators, [Online] Available: