Beginner workshop

The beginner workshop builds a panel that includes toggle switches, illuminated push buttons, and an encoder to control a parking brake and autopilot heading, and to display the current state of the parking brake.

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
Encoder with breakout board	1
ON-ON switch	2
MobiFlight switch breakout board	1
XH-JST 2-pin wire	2
XH-JST 3-pin wire	3
XH-JST 4-pin wire	1
M3x5mm screw	12

3D-printed enclosure parts

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

• Base
• Dual push button lid
• Dual toggle switch lid
• 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 and connecting the LED buttons

Assemble the LED buttons into the case by removing the fastener from the back of the buttons, inserting the button into the lid with the two large holes, then re-attaching the fasteners. Pass the cable through the hole in the back of the case, then close the lid.

The buttons are connected using four XH-JST 2-pin cables. Connect the red button light to LED 1 PWM, the orange button light to LED 2 PWM, the red button to Button 1, and the orange button to Button 2 on the breakout board.

Assembling and connecting the toggle switches

Assemble the toggle switches into the case by screwing a nut halfway down the threads on each switch. Place both switches on the PCB, then use 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.

The switches are connected using two XH-JST 3-pin cables. Connect the first switch to SWITCH 1 ON-ON and the second switch to SWITCH 2 ON-ON on the breakout board.

Assembling and connecting the 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.

The encoder is connected using one XH-JST 4-pin cable. Connect the encoder PCB INNER SHAFT connector to Encoder 1 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
Red button LED	LED 1	Configuring LEDs
Red button	Button 3	Configuring buttons
Toggle switch	Button 3	Configuring two-position switches
Encoder	Encoder 1	Configuring encoders

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.