Traffic on a MGL iEFS

[crodri]

Have anybody tried to use PAW to show traffic on a MGL iEFIS? The linux-based MGL  system is highly configurable, has a very accurate GPS, interacts nicely with many Mode S transponders, but at present time has no wifi connectivity. Can you get NMEA traffic sentences to a RS232 interface (that can be fed to the iBOX) from the Raspberry unit? I guess there are other tinkerers out there trying to do something similar with Dynon and Garmin screens. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Carlos

[Ian Melville]

Sure, the traffic info can be fed to the iBox RS232 interface. Since FLARM is listed as a Traffic format for the iBox, I would suspect it will be good to go. However until someone tries it you can never be 100% sure.

You would just need to by a USB to RS232 adaptor lead.

[crodri]

Thanks Ian, I'll give it a go and report back  Data-driven!

[crodri]

Thanks to Ian, and to Rainier and Olivier from the Startomaster and MGL side, I now have PAW traffic on my MGL iEFIS. Here's one at FL140



Basically, the TX pin from a free USB port should be connected to a free serial port on a RS232 connector on either the iBOX or directly to the iEFIS light. I used a usb-RS232 serial adaptor from mouser, and set the USB port from the PAW configuration page to DYNON TRAFFIC and 19200 baud rate. In the MGL unit hen activate the Traffic option on the free serial port that you chose, and configure it as "Flarm". Pretty straightforward.

I hope this is useful for other MGL users.


Best regards, and CAVOK skies.

Carlos

[Admin]

Hi Carlos

Thanks for posting, great work!

Thx
Lee

[AllanBirt]

Hi Carlos,

I might try this on my setup as I have MGL iEFIS Explorer lite, out of interest do you get traffic notifications, like you would if you connected to PAW 3.5mm jack from the iEFIS, as I have already have this wired into my Trig Radio and getting the other warnings.

Regards
Allan

I forgot to ask what connection to the RS232 did you connect to, I assume it's the RX but just want to make sure this is correct. 

[crodri]

Hi Allan,

My understanding is that you still get audio alerts, since this is completely independent from the screen representation. I haven't been close to a bearingless target so that the TCAS warnings kick in.

You only connect to a RX pin in the RS232 from the Transmit Asynchronous Data output in the serial adapter. I used a USB-RS232-WE-1800-BT-0.0 where this was the orange lead.

Good luck and safe flying

Carlos

[AllanBirt]

Thanks Carlos,

This has been very helpful.

Regards
Allan

[AllanBirt]

Can anyone confirm that the following cable will be able to do the above, the only differences I can see it uses a different chipset and it also give 5v output. But I'll only be using one pin only that being RX.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-to-RS232-TTL-PL2303HX-Cable-Adapter-COM-Module-Converter-Adapter-BT-UK-Stock-/281910974270?hash=item41a334173e:g:6AUAAOSw-zxWmifq

Allan

[Admin]

Hi Allan

This cable will not work, there are two types

Serial rs232, and
Serial ttl

You need serial Rs232, which is +/-12v,
ttl is 0v/5v

Thx
Lee

[exfirepro]

Hi Allan,

Try one of these. http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/kvm-mixed-cable-assemblies/6877828/?sra=pmpn

Its the same lead Carlos has used. I have now used these for several FLARM to PAW and PAW to Transponder installations. A bit pricier, but definitely reliable. RS send them 'post free' which makes them cheaper than most other suppliers of this cable. Temp out of stock at present but reported for dispatch on 10/01.

Regards

Peter

[AllanBirt]

Cheers Peter

Are you able to use these http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/7300158/ if I understand correctly you are only using the TX which is orange in colour

Allan

[exfirepro]

Alan,

Can't say for sure. I decided it was better to stick with the version with no 'rogue' voltages, just to be on the safe side. As I say, I know the other ones definitely work. I would be surprised if they aren't available when RS say as FTDI are based in Glasgow.

Regards

Peter

[JCurtis]

Farrell have loads in stock, although if you're not a company you may need to order via CPC

http://uk.farnell.com/ftdi/usb-rs232-we-1800-bt-0-0/cable-usb-a-rs232-serial-convertor/dp/1686450?ost=USB-RS232-WE-1800-BT+0.0&searchView=table&iscrfnonsku=false

If you're in a rush buy the 5m version from RS and shorten the cable.
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/6877815/

Just be aware that FTDI chips are faked quite often which can cause issues, so avoid these type of things from eBay or very cheap ones claiming to be FTDI, they won't be.

[Paul_Sengupta]

The cheap e-bay ones still seem to work though. I have a cheap FTDI and a couple of cheap (£2!) PL2303 leads from e-bay which both work ok. I have another £2 chipset which I think works ok as well, but I can't remember what it is off the top of my head.