What we are working on now:

MUX-free multi-board version of SimVimCockpit Interface

We are aware that not all of you want to (or can) deal with complex wiring and lots of electronics, that's why some of you asked about the possibility of using several boards, as it was in previous ArdSimX.

But, we have intentionally got rid of the ArdSimX connection method when several boards are used separately and each one is connected to USB serial port. This method in ArdSimX became too unstable to control sevaral boards without problems, with system and driver-specific issues beyond our control.

In fact, SimVimCockpit was developed with this idea in mind - to use less electronics but have a large number of inputs / outputs, and use minimum soldering.

The cheap multiplexers linked with one single master board, plus a few other chips (like registers) and ready-to-use modules made this project closer to this goal.

But I understand, that even if this architecture is simple logically, it can be quite complex in terms of wiring for many of users...

Accordingly, we are developing a version of SimVimCockpit with architecture that consists only of Arduino boards, of different types, connected in a chain with a two-wire connection to the main board (which, probably, can also be an Uno board).

Custom planes data conversion files.

Making new online instrument ( conversion tool), to ease custom planes data mapping for registered users and gather collection of any custom plane conversion files on our website, that will be available for download on the SimVim site to be placed directly to the plane folder.

SimVimPanel rework

We are currently working on rewriting SimVimPanel, which was previously programmed in Python/Kivy, to C++. The program is being optimized along the way, and some parts of it remade from scratch.

Also, all instruments will be reworked for high resolution to be used on any monitors.

This will allow for better performance, better compatibility with different hardware, while making further development of the program easier for us.

New XP-11 parameters.

Many additional parameters are currently being added (those are appeared in XPlane 11.30+

SimVim firmware for more additional, "slave" boards

Separate, "slave" Uno/Nano board with "SimVimLCD" firmware for connecting up to 12 different LCDs. Connected with master board with 2-wire Serial or I2C interface (still in doubt what to use better... ) .

Will allow to free the master board bus for multiplexers addressing only, get more stable data flow for LCD, more control and configuration.

The same slave Uno/Nano board with"SimVimLED" firmware for connecting up to 15 different 7-segment displays (maybe LED drivers too). Connected with master board with 2-wire Serial or I2C interface.

So, we intend to make SimVim more "modular" separating it to several boards with firmwares designed to specific set of output devices. All these board will be connected to 2-wire interface, that can be laid across all your cockpit

Image-map for the configurator

More image-maps are going to be added, planned: A320, B757/767 panels, more for Cessna, C90, etc.

Conversion and image-maps for custom planes.

Please send us custom commands tables for any popular planes if you have them.

Parameter database

- Make "brightness channels" correlated with the BRT_... names existing for input controls.
- Add output parameters for instrument with different units (kgs, pounds, gals, etc).
- Configurator: Add "7-segment Test" button
- Add parameters for "Reality XP"
- ...

SimVim ESP32

- Porting the SimVimCockpit on the ESP32 (Espressif), high performance, but very cheap platform
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