Configuring the output
Stepper motors are typically mapped to simulator variables that output numerical values. The following steps demonstrate how to use a 28BYJ-48 stepper motor with a ULN2003 driver to show the compass heading in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Tip
The steps for using a stepper motor in an X-Plane project are similar. Use the X-Plane DataRef type when configuring the Sim Variable tab.
Add a new output config
Click the Add Output Config button in the main MobiFlight window to open the output configuration dialog.
Filter the output presets
On the Sim Variable tab, use the Filter Preset List dropdowns to filter by Microsoft, Generic, and Miscellaneous.
Select the magnetic compass preset
Use the Select Preset dropdown to select the MAGNETIC COMPASS preset.
Select the board and device type for the output
On the Display tab, use the Module and Use type of dropdowns to select your connected board and the Display Module device type.
Select the stepper motor to use for display
Use the Stepper dropdown to select the stepper motor that should display the output value.
Specify the display scale
Since compass values are from 0–360, set the Display scale to 360 steps per revolution.
Tip
For smoother stepper motor movement, set the Display scale to 3600 and use a transform modifier to multiply the simulator value by 10 using the $*10 transform.
Set the stepper zero position
The zero position is the position MobiFlight will reset the stepper motor to when the connection to the simulator is lost.
To set the zero position, use the Move steps slider and Move button to rotate the stepper motor to the appropriate zero position, then click the Set Zero button to save the location.
Close the dialog and name the config
Click the OK button to close the dialog, then double-click on the New Output Config name in the main window.
Type in a meaningful name for the new config, for example Compass, and press enter to apply the change.
Try out the event
Spawn an airplane in Microsoft Flight Simulator. Make sure the MobiFlight Run button is clicked in the toolbar. The stepper motor should move to match the compass heading in the simulator.