Advanced workshop

The advanced workshop builds a panel that includes push buttons, an LCD, and a dual encoder, to scroll through COM1 and COM2 active and standby frequencies, and to change the MHz and KHz components of the standby frequencies.

Required components

The following components are required for the project:

Part	Quantity
Mega 2560 Pro Mini	1
MobiFlight prototyping board	1
Enclosure	1
LED push button	2
Dual encoder with breakout board	1
Micro-switch PCB	1
XH-JST 3-pin wire	1
XH-JST 4-pin wire	3
M3x5mm screw	12

3D-printed enclosure parts

The following parts make up the 3D-printed enclosure:

• Base
• Two-button lid
• Two-button insert
• LCD lid
• Dual encoder lid
• Honeycomb/Saitek adapter (optional)

Assembling the boards

To assemble the prototyping board and Mega 2560 Pro Mini, connect the Mega to the back of the prototyping board. Then, connect one end of the USB cable to the Mega and the other end of the cable to your computer.

Installing the firmware and board configuration

Assembling the micro-switches

Insert the micro-switches into the lid and attach the PCB from behind with M3 screws. Plug in the XH-JST 3-pin cable, and pass it through the back of the case.

The micro-switches are connected using XH-JST 3-pin cables. Connect the top switch to SWITCH 1 (ON-ON) on the breakout board.

Assembling and connecting the LCD

Assemble the LCD into the case lid with M3 screws. Connect the XH-JST 4-pin cable to the back of the LCD, making sure to connect the black wire to GND, then pass the wire through the back of the case.

The LCD is connected using a XH-JST 4-pin cable. Connect the display to LCD 1 on the breakout board.

Assembling and connecting the dual encoder

Assemble the encoder into the case using M3 screws to attach the PCB to the back of the lid. Pass the cable through the hole in the back of the case, then close the lid. Bending the cable 90 degrees, close to the PCB, helps make everything fit.

The encoder is connected using two XH-JST 4-pin cables. Connect the encoder PCB INNER SHAFT connector to ENCODER 1, and the OUTER SHAFT connector to ENCODER 2, on the breakout board.

Configuring MobiFlight

The inputs and outputs are configured in MobiFlight by following the guides for each device type:

Device description	Device name	Guide	Preset category	Preset name
Dual encoder - outer knob	ENCODER 1	Configuring encoders	Microsoft / Generic / Radio	COM_RADIO_WHOLE_DEC and COM_RADIO_WHOLE_INC
Dual encoder - inner knob	ENCODER 2	Configuring encoders	Microsoft / Generic / Radio	COM_RADIO_FRACT_DEC and COM_RADIO_FRACT_INC
Dual encoder - button	ENCODER 2 PUSH	Configuring buttons	Microsoft / Generic / Radio	COM_STBY_RADIO_SWAP
LCD	LCD 1	Showing multiple pages on an LCD	See guide	See guide
Micro-switch - up	Switch 1-1	Showing multiple pages on an LCD	See guide	See guide
Micro-switch - down	Switch 1-3	Showing multiple pages on an LCD	See guide	See guide

Next steps

With the project assembled, run Microsoft Flight Simulator, spawn in an aircraft like the Cessna 172, ensure the Run button is active in the MobiFlight toolbar, and try everything out.

Learn more about using MobiFlight in the getting started guide, discover additional supported devices, and join the MobiFlight Discord to share your project with other enthusiasts.