737 DIY MCP - SWITCHES & LEDS WITH MOBIFLIGHT/PROSIM 

Thank you so much 😀, I am now trying to create another version to make it even simpler with a 3d printer! Kind regards Karl

Thank you for the kind words. My son Josh is really up for it at times and then can go weeks with no interest. But it's great when he does get involved.

Hi Frank, i hope this finds you well and thank you for taking the time to comment. Its much appreciated.

Hi Naif, It sounds like you have a great base knowledge to get you started. Start small with a single Ardunio and go from there. I just watched a video using X-plane and sim vim. That looks even easier to program. What ever you decide or when you decide, please do send me a picture or video of your creation on my website or facebook/instagram etc. Its always great to see other peoples projects. Thank you for the kind words. Karl

@@helimech8152 I'm fairly comfortable with connecting a bunch of buttons, leds and displays using a single arduino. I've already fully created my owm version of the G1000 using the arduino Mega. Also, I'd love to follow you on instagram. What's your @ ?

Hi Naif, I believe its: 737DIYSIM

Start by building modules like meters and sell them, that gets you income to get started.

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

Thank you for sharing you knowledge, much appreciated

Thank you for saying hello!

Wow, thank you for the kind words. Humbled.

Thank you for the kind words! Kind Regards Karl

Hello and thank you, there is no higher compliment than that! That was the whole purpose. Kind regards karl

Hello Bart, In short its the numerical value you can achieve with a bit size. for 8 bits a value from 0 to 255 can be used. If the value is 256 or higher, then 16 bits would be used. This is also the case for negative numbers and numbers containing decimal points. A more in-depth understanding can be found under the getting started menu of the website under offsets. Kind Regards Karl

Hello, ill try to answer and keep it short: 1) 24 AWG 2)Yes 3)PMDG should be released in Jan 22 or early feb 22. Mobiflight will have event codes shortly after making this a n awesome combo!

Haha, I dont really have 3 MCP's of sort. I need the parts from the DIY MCP to make the HISPA Panels MCP. The open cockpit one that I made, Is awesome but it has no back lighting and I have come to the conclusion it would be easier to make a new one then take that one apart and rebuild it. This time im not destroying my old MCP until my new one is ready.

@@helimech8152 If you don't know where to leave the not needed parts just send them to me. 🤣

I too have done both ways now. For the DIY MCP, this was the easiest way i could come up with and still make it look similar to the real thing.

Hi Karl, no my MCP currently does not have a solenoid switch, but I have a whole bunch of them ready for the next build. They're the real ones used in the actual mcp. These were removed scrap from aircraft. Merry Christmas Karl

Thank you!

Hi Alan, I use Prosim because it allows full and easy integration of the aircraft. Mobiflight is used as a hardware to software interface. Other users use PMDG or XPLANE/Simvim instead of Prosim. As for the A321! Not yet, I think it will be a heli 139 next!

Hello, I'll try to dig a link out for you. But I'm sure there in the parts section of www.737diysim.com.

Thank you for the kind words. Here is the link rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F303096673689

Thank You

Awesome & thank you! Kind Regards Karl

Hello, check out the getting started menu on the website, that will explain. If you are using KY-040 encoders then yes. If you are using standard 3 pin encoders then no. Kind regards Karl

@@helimech8152 thanks for the reply Sir, wish you a good day!

Hi Nick, since making these videos. This has become one of my most asked questions. Since these mobiflight videos I have now added as much info as I could on to my website: www.737diysim.com under the heading getting started. Hope that helps.

Hello Lucas, I hope this finds you well. Please call me Karl or Clarkey. The buttons come pre made and can be found on eBay or Aliexpress. They are called KD2-22 they come in different colours and make sure you search around for the cheapest ones. You also need the momentary buttons and NOT The latching!

@@helimech8152 great Karl. Thanks a lot for the tip. Is really hard to find these things in Brazil.

Karl, another question. Today I was trying to make a simple test with PMDG 737, like turn on a led light if the autothrottle is on (or speed rake is armed). But I'm not successful on config it. The led blink when I push the test button, but not working with the AT engaged

tutto a posto

Thank you

The buttons are momentary KD-22 buttons available from eBay or Alibaba. I think there are many links on the website www.737diysim.com.

Hi Orlando, There is PMDG737. The other route is to use Xplane and Sim Vim. I think there is also aerosoft version too. I have only ever used PMDG or Prosim though. Kind Regards Karl

Drop me a line on watsapp and i ll see if i can help

Hi Nick, I never thought of that, and will do it right now. Ill add it to the members section of the downloads. LOL -FAIL! I can only upload documents not files to my website. You will have to email me at Karl.Clarke@Hotmail.com Sorry, I did try! Karl

Heli Mech oh thanks a lot;) I think many are interested, maybe you just upload it at Dropbox and then share the link at your website

Like this: www.dropbox.com/s/vvh4w8fce1qzehx/DIY%20MCP.mcc?dl=0

@@helimech8152 Thank you for keeping these files online, I'm very late to this party.

Thank you!

Thank You

Thank You

Hi Declan, I designed that unit to take the full 8 digit displays. It just hids the other displays behind the fceplate.

It really depends on how serious you want to be. A lot of people on the website use PMDG or X plane. I was lucky to buy PROSIM when it was a quarter of the price it is now. But i have to admit its an awesome bit of kit, but not essential. Kind Regards Karl

Hi glen, I get all my stuff from Ebay. I try to look for the Chinese sellers that have free postage. The only downside for me, is that it takes 4-6weeks to get here.

@@helimech8152 Thanks for the help. I'm getting all my ducks in a row to start building.

Thank You for taking the time to drop by and comment!

Hello, which solder connectors do you mean?

They called KD2 switches. Lots of links on the website. Becareful as you want non latching/momentary switches.

@@helimech8152 thank you!

Hi Aron, There's a saying 'Keep It Simple Stupid" (KISS). i have learnt over time that to get maximum reliability stick with no more than 2 or 3 daisy chained displays. 4 and 5 are possible but errors creep in after a while. 6-8 units daisy chained with mobi, us just asking for headaches even with an external power supply.

@@helimech8152 Hi. Just to comment this from Mobiflight Point of View..... The Problem with Chains is (as i know) not our software..... its hardware side. From Mobiflight System there should be no disadvantege when you build chains 4-8. As we recommmend in our Webside users MUST get sure every MaxChip is powerd with 5v ! If you use a chain with standard Tubes then this is problematic cause every tube include a diode that reduce power level by 0,7 V. A Max need a minimum of 3,5V .... So a 4 Chip Chain result in a power of 2,9V on Tube 4.... And that occure in errors. Solution: Chain only the 3 Data Lines and GRD .... But wire 5v directly from Arduino to each Display ( or simply build a bypass from Tube to tube so the power NOT comes from Output side of last tube in the row.... it should be bypassed to the input side where REAL 5V are supported.) Alternate: Resolder the Diode on backside of your MaxTubes..... Then Power on Output Side is also 5v.

@@pizman82 hiya, sorry and badly worded on my behalf. Totally agree not a mobiflight issue, but hardware issue. It's actually down to the max7219 boards/connections. With an oscilloscope you can see the data lines become more and more degraded as you increase the daisy chain amount. So the data signal becomes gibberish by the time I test at board 7 or 8. This is where I gave up. I personally will stick to 3 or 4 boards daisy chained in one go. That provides a decent reliable signal.

@@helimech8152 Your right. Whatever i think the Datalines also should work fine if the power support is over 3,5v on Board 4 or behind . If you like you can test it. BUT ... I agree and i also use your logic finaly. For my opinion the most easy way (for the software) is the best way. Why a information should be transfered over 7 boards..... Why generate a massive long datastring in the MEGA Chips ? I personaly use also chains as short as possible. If my building got free pins i will split chains, too. One Last question please.... Your are maby one of the most professional builders , who use Mobiflight. So you see problems much early as myself in testing systems. Can you confirm Patch 7.5.3 fix the "Missing Input" Bug finaly and do you spot other issues we should observe/fix next time ? Suggestions are welcome. Your experience would be verry helpfull. If you like, Join us in the official Support Board.... www.mobiflight.com/forum.html

I'm sorry I have no idea, but I reckon a quick google search will find it. He knows everything!

Treat them like a rotary switch. Each position is given a bit number. Off does not usually need an offset as prosim has the ability to recongise a no signal as off.

Hi, please find diagrams for the wiring of buttons and switches on the website, www.737DIYSIM.com. But if you mean specific wiring diagram for the KD2 switches i will have to dog it out.

@@helimech8152 your a savior sir, I have been looking for their data sheets but couldn't find them.

Sorry, without seeing your setup and config, its virtually impossible for me to help. Drop me a watsapp message and lets see if we can work this out.

Yes, my first fmc was self made with mobiflight. Finding the right size screen was the hardest part

@@helimech8152 thank you for your response, did you use mega 2560 board or a raspberry Pi i think that it is interesting to show the making and the programmation of the FMC, because there is not any tutorial about that

Hi, will eventually get around to doing that, but as I have already made them, I want to concentrate on finishing the sim. Next up is the aft cockpit.

I also like to know where to by these buttons.

Hi, you must have missed my previous post, All information on the MCP is available on my website www.737diysim.com. The switches are called KD2 and you need momentary ones. They are actually available in black, making them look much better. For ease, heres the link for the original ones: www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-KD2-Push-Button-DPDT-OFF-ON-Momentary-SWITCH-GREEN-3V-Led-125V-6A-250V-3A/163508901136?hash=item2611e3d510:g:nEEAAOSwTxJcTSI8:rk:20:pf:0 Kind Regards Karl

@@helimech8152 thank you so much I have been all over your channel, and couldn't keep track of my comments. Absolutely enjoying your work and engineering Cheers sir

@@helimech8152 i m still confused though, why do I need ProSim again?

Hi, Im not sure what you mean? Probably a translation error.

Hmm, that's a hard one right now. I think you might be able to get a fair bit interfaced using mobiflight and the standard included settings. Kind regards Karl

Hi, you have found my weak point! I dont use simvim and I know that is completely different to mobiflight wiring. I really cant offer any help with this one.

Heli Mech dang it! Alrighty, thanks for the reply!

hello and good morning from Brunei. Honestly, when we had a postal service, i used to scan eBay and look for deals. i would just search the cheapest i could find in a multi-buy pack. i know that i will need lots of these, so just used to buy them when I got to my last 10. However, as we no longer can receive post, this is becoming a bit of an issue.

Heli Mech wait, what....you don’t have mail service? How do you get your bills?🤣on a serious note, I can’t imagine not having mail service. Is Brunei experiencing the Covid-19 mess?

Heli Mech I ordered a couple of EFIS panels from .cockpitsimparts.co.uk. I ordered the complete kit of parts. They should be here in a few days. I hope they turn out ok. Unfortunately they don’t offer the MCP panel yet. I think Covid-19 has the company operating at a reduced staffing level. They told me that new products are currently on hold. My plan was to build the MCP next. Maybe I will use either a Hispapanel or one from Opencockpits. I know you favor the Opencockpits panel. There is certainly a lot going on on that panel. I have been studying the MAX7219 chip. I am going to build display modules with the correct number of digits per application. Should be easy peasy to do. White displays units are scarce as hens teeth.my Son is a Heli mechanic. He is currently working as a contractor in Kuwait. He is doing QA on Kuwaiti Air Force F-16 aircraft. When he was in the Navy he worked on the CH-53 Sea Stallion and Ch-60 Seahawks.

Sure, here it is: www.aliexpress.com/item/32795957738.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.26fd4c4dwJK78F

Die Buttons mit den integrierten LED sind KD2-22. Habe ich recht güsntig über AliExpress bezogen. Gibt es sogar mit schwarzem Gehäuse und grüner LED.

Hi Phillipp, As Danno states they are the KD2-22 buttons. Awesome and cheap from ali express.

Hi Jay, the wiring for sim vim different, but the basic build would be the same. Kind Regards Karl

Hello I tend to stay away from the A320 to let others get their stuff out there. I have many friends who have created parts for the A320.

Originally it was around 500 pounds on sim 1, then sim 2 and sim 3 together are currently around 2000 pounds. Theres a breakdown and total cost list on the website. As everything is self built, it keeps the price down but has taken a couple of years to build

@@helimech8152 I love it man. Thanks for answering!

Hi Bisaya, SimVim is the go to for xplane.

Hello, when I started I used the cheap ardunio Ky-040 encoders. About a year ago, I stopped using them and switch to direct cheap encoders without the pcb from Ebay. Just recently, I'm have been trailing more expensive encoders for the radios, that are much smoother in operation and have a bit of feel and friction. I will add links to the website soon when I reach I conclusion. Kind regards karl

This MCP actually doesn't exist anymore. It was solely created for this demo video and then taken apart for parts. However, a fully 3d printed version is coming soon.

@@helimech8152 I look forward to this. Actually this project has inspired me so much that I have ordered my first 3D printer and Mini CNC machine, I am now working through your video's and documentation, while searching aliexpress trying to find the parts that you used. The parts will not arrive until the end of April-ish though. This will make a great first attempt MCP project until your 3D printed MCP tutorial is ready to be published. Thank you for making this mini series.

Hi, I currently do not have the time, or postal service right now. Let me get back to you in the future. Kind Regards Karl

@@helimech8152 Let me know when you are ready: I'm from Croatia. There should not be a problem for shipping.

Hello and wow!, Thats the first time i have seen that panel. Doesnt it already come completed? But i reckon you would only need two arduinos. Kind regards Karl

Hi Lucas, there is a wiring diagram on the website, under getting started and the MCP build. I hope this helps, if you need more help, just message on the website chat window. Kind Regards Karl

@@helimech8152 H Karl, I did that but the light is on all the time, all message on site, thanks a lot