My friends at Simmeters just released a new controller card. This is the literature I received:

Description of the newSimmeters iBoard card.

This card allows up to 128 devices. I can be configured acording to the user needs customizing the number of switches and encoders until filling the available 128 slots.

- Software


The software has been designed to program the inboard memory in a Windows enviroment but once programed the card itself can be used in any other OS such as Linux, Mac, etc., to suit the needs of some X-Plane users.

The software has three diferenciated parts. One to program simple commands (Landing gear = G for instance) that could be loaded from a small description file.
Other part is dedicated to program inputs to the card (switch #108 UP for instance).
Finally, the last part is dedicated to program the inboard memory chip (download to device).

Here some pics of the software


Configuration of a device switch


Configuracion of a device encoder (radio/nav frecs, altimeter setting, HSI headings, etc)

- Hardware

The hardware is basically a compact 80mm x 50mm circuit board that includes an USB Full-Speed conection (other devices on the market doesn't use full speed)



I can also be used in tandem with other iBoard card in order to increase the number of devices conected, up to 1024 switches , buttons, encoders, etc... with the 2 iBoard card combo, but can be added as many iBoard cards as needed.



Price is not yed decided, but would be in the order of 40 € aprox. At the SimMetes site would be possible to order switches, encoders, buttons, etc. spacially suited for cockpit projects, from auto-industry to aircraft-industry qualities.

More info at SimMetes site: http://www.simmeters.com or by e-mail at sales@simmeters.com

I just got one, now I need a cockpit to match

Wow this sounds like a very cool product.

Now does the board accept 128 commands? As in keypresses, encoders and axis'? How does that number increase to 1024 inputs if you put two together? I think I'm a little confused!

How many inputs/encoders/pots can you get out of the board?

EDIT: Keep in mind when it comes to this stuff I have the mind of a two year old maybe three year old!

Unfortunately, I am unable to find any information regarding this product on the Simmeters website...


Maybe because it doubles the size of the matrix, which will more than just simply double the total number of inputs. I am not a math guru by any means, but I remember reading about that concept somewhere, something to do with exponentially increasing the size of the matrix...

Yeah same here I think its the usual "email us for more info" deal. In any case I'm always interested to hear about these new devices!

128 Devices? Not switches, hats, buttons? But actual devices? I wasn't aware Windows was able to see that many devices!

OK, so this product must be more along the lines for the average commercial simpit builder (727 etc...) and not someone like me just looking to add a hundred or so buttons, switches and hats?

where can i find this card?

Is it really good? Anyone tested ?

thanks in advance

stelios
From Greece

I think thats what were all waiting to find out.............

Its not that I'm lazy, I just like looking at something and reading about it on a website and not having to email for info. And I was hoping more info would be released to the public!

I've e-maild them asking for clarification. I'll post their reply.

thanks
looking forward

Me too.

in the meantime i just got the A-PAC

A-Pac Card.
It is good but the bad thing is that i payed 58euros -including shippings for Europe/GREECE-
for a 24 switch-slots.

anyway

I got a reply allready, here is what I found out so far

Questions:
Will it be compatible with FSUIPC as just another "joystick" card?
I want to have an as easy configuration as possible and prefer to use FSUIPC as the configurator.
Can it beused with any game? LockOn, il-2 etc
Can I connect rotary encoders (grey code) directly on the card without any further hardware in between?
Will the software support all kinds of "circuit breakers" as push-buttons and switches?
The 1024 diveces setup with a combo of only two card. Is that done with a matrix?
Are you planning on any "breakout boards" to make it easier to use the iBoard.


Answer:
Yes this is compatible with FSUIPC, but not like a joystick device, remember Windows only can map 32 buttons per device and 8 axis.
This card emulates USB Programmable Keyboard, you can program the commands to the iBoard and the system views this like a Keyboard.
Also you have conditionals for the inputs any input have two conditionals this increase the options of one single board to 128 Inputs * 3 Conditions * 2 positions = 768 commands pre-programmed can be executed.
The only middle interface you need to connect devices (switches, push buttons, encoders) to the board is a diode 1N4148 or similar, for safety array.
Ok, The board is designed for grey coded encoders.
The 1024 devices are with 8 iBoards on parallel, but normally with one or two iBoard’s any existing cockpit project is possible.
This device can be used with any simulator have input keys (all simulators normaly have this.)
We are developing some simulator scripts profiles including lock On, X-Plane and IL-2.
We are now finishing tests with the software and hope this month we can release firsts iBoards.

Thanks CoNa. I'm still awaiting my reply...

Probably this IOcard will be ready for sale this very same week.

Guys ,
I want to have almost 250 buttons on/off mostly....
Will be this card ok for me ???
Else what do i have to do so i will have these buttons working?

Thanks

stelios

Don't know, they still haven't replied to my e-mail.

Stelios, Two of these cards should do it for you as I understand it.
You can connect up to 8 in paralell giving over 1000 buttons/switches
Just checked their site, looks like they are updating it.