 Objective
The objective of this task is to create a Com2 and Nav2 standby radio. It should interface with a PC via USB. In turn the USB data should be interfaced with Flight Simulator using SimConnect. A PIC18F4550 microcontroller will be used for the task.
Prototype
Below is a photo of the PIC USB Radio on the EasyPIC5 development board.
The simulated frequency shows as 24.70 which represents the COM2 frequency of 124.70 MHz (Windhoek Area / Information Center). On the real radio there will be 5 x seven segment LEDs. A "1" will be put in front. On the left of the board, the 40-pin PIC18F4550 can be seen.
Construction
The construction are done in several parts:
- Radio USB Controller Board;
- 7 Segment LED Board;
- Rotary Encoder Filter Board.
Radio USB Controller Board
[Added soon]
7 Segment LED Board
A Maxim MAX7219 IC is used to receive serial (SPI) data from the PIC microcontroller. The 8 x 7 segment LEDs is then lit up displaying the Active- and Standby frequencies. The 2 x 7 segment LEDs containing the "1" part of the frequencies cannot be handled by the MAX7219, so they are connected directly to the power via resistors to limit the current.
Rotary Encoder Filter Board
[Added soon]
Parts Lists
[Added soon] | 
