With an Arduino, accelerometer and some python code running on the host PC you can create a controller which can emulate the plane's pitch and roll when being used with Google Earth flight simulator. The process is quite simple - the Arduino takes readings from the accelerometer, and converts them into text data which is sent out the serial port back to the PC. The python code accepts the data and by using pywin can emulate keyboard and mouse movements - and thus the flight controls, for example:
For all the code and notes, check out the description page. And we're on twitter, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
For those looking to recreate such a project, a good start would be our Eleven board along with the AM3X accelerometer module:
This tiny 3-axis accelerometer module can operate in either +/-1.5 g or +/-6 g ranges, giving your project the ability to tell which way is up. Ideal for robotics projects, tilt sensors, vehicle data loggers, and whatever else you can dream up. For more information and to order, click here.
