DIY Knobster Build Notes - Using Propwash Dual Encoder

[ericrolfe]

Hi Simmers,

Building a DIY Knobster using a Propwash dual encoder.pdf

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I recently built a DIY Knobster using the Propwash Dual Encoder.
I didn't find instructions on how to build a DIY Knobster anywhere (there was a link somewhere, but it was dead).
Here are some notes I made in case they are useful to anyone.
I'm far from expert in DIY electronics, comments/updates welcome.

Cheers,
Eric

[Ralph]

You did see this page?
http://siminnovations.com/wiki/index.ph ... obster_DIY

[ericrolfe]

Hi Ralph,

That link covers how to connect the Nano to the encoder - logically.
It's very helpful - and the link is included in the build notes.

The build notes also cover a few other items:

- a list of parts with links to where they can be obtained
- soldering the headers onto the Propwash Dual Encoder PCB
- flashing the Nano (covered in Corjan's link, but also includes the "old bootloader" hint)
- making a ground splitting connector
- connections to the propwash PCB from the Nano - specific to that PCB
- making a cheap enclosure for the DIY knobster using an electrical junction box and installing the encoder and Nano into it.
- suggesting that DIY knobster builders donate 10 Euros to Sim Innovations for their great support of the DIY Knobster.

[Sling]

Hi,

In my experiences the prop wash encoders don’t make for the best knobster experience. I did a short video quite a while back showing an issue when you spin the knob fast. Not all encoders have the same characteristics and the knobster operation is not configurable like it is for a normal hardware dial. I suspect the prop wash encoder needs a different debounce interval.

This was only on a sample of 2 I had here so it may vary and is just what I experienced. If you are only operating slowly they seem to work fine.

Tony

[ericrolfe]

I do have experience with real avionics, and haven't noticed that the propwash behaves differently from the actual knobs, for example, on the GNS 430. I guess in practice it just hasn't come up. I just don't end up turning the knob super fast.

Based on Tony's video, I did try the experiment of turning the knob very quickly and can confirm that it does seem to miss some clicks.

Cheers,
Eric

[Krekel357]

I have found some dual rotary encoders with pushbutton but not mounted on a soldering board. Can someone help me with the connections?

So 3 long pins (outer rotary), 3 short pins (inner rotary) and 2 pins (push button) I think.. So which pins are the A/B pins?

[Ralph]

Outer are A and B, inner is ground, and the two pins are the button.

[Krekel357]

Thanks Ralph!