My FS9 Autopilot:

Using a few inexpensive items from Steve at Desktop Aviator, and a few items from the

garage, I built this rather spiffy autopilot for FS 2004, but, it should also work in FS 2002.

I ordered a 10 button to USB interface, a connecting cable, and a faceplate from Desktop Aviator

at <http://www.desktopaviator.com/index.htm> Steve there is a great guy and very helpful! 

This is the interface...................

This is the patch cable, and..............

This is the faceplate!

You can have 10 functions with this set up, so, I decided on momentary switches with "on" in the up and down position and "off"in the middle! This way, for instance, altitude on, push down--altitude off,

push down again! Same with the up position. This way I can get 4 functions in one switch!

I bought the switches at a local electric supply store for about $5.00 ea., but, I've seen them sold in lots on e-bay resonablely priced.

The interface comes with a wiring diagram which is real simple and I used crimp-on terminals on the wires so there was no soldering involved!

As you can see, the housing was made of scrap materials and the labels on the front were made in Microsoft Paint and applied with rubber cement so that they can be easily removed if I want to change the switches function.

Notice in the first picture the switch on the far right is sideways...it is "Heading Decrease" and "Heading Increase"

It seemed a lot more logical and natural to move that switch right and left for small heading changes.

Setup in MS2004 and 2002 is simple: When you plug the autopilot in, it is reconized as a USB device in the sim. Just go to the menu on top by pressing "alt" then go to options-and follow down to "assignments". On one dropdown box choose "Autopilot" and it will save you from searching the entire list .Start with autopilot on-off -double click it and a box appears. This is where you tell FS which button (or switch) you want to assign to this function.Push the button or switch and then hit OK. Follow through with the other buttons or switches until all of them are assigned an autopilot function.

After this is done you can "Kick the tires and light the fires!" it's time to fly! It's nice to have an "autopilot off" switch to hit on final - its way easier that trying to mouse click on the panel when you're trying to land!

Good luck and.......Keep the oily side down!

Don "dowop" Loy