It’s taken a while, but the mini stepper module is almost here.  It’s in beta test now so it won’t be too much longer before it shows up on the EMFS site for sale.  The mini stepper module is a big step forward in making home built instrument panels affordable.  This module drives small inexpensive stepper motors and it drives 12 of them.  Now you can use a single module to drive the majority of a simulated warbird instrument panel!

These mini stepper motors are most commonly used in automotive gauge panels and have internal stops.  (The module will drive either the version with internal stops or the full rotation version without stops.)  These motors cost a few dollars each and are readily available from multiple sources.  It’s relatively easy to put one behind a gauge face, attach a pointer and connect it to the Mini Stepper Module.  Together with the Cockpit Software Suite, it makes it easy to connect a simulated gauge to your flight sim without knowing any programming or electronics.

Each of the ACES modules is designed to be part of a complete system.  This means you can mix and match the modules in a system and the Cockpit Software Suite will handle them all.  You may want a Mini Stepper Module to drive most of your instruments and a Stepper Module to drive a couple of instruments that have a need for more torque.  (For example, rotating the mechanism inside an artificial horizon is most likely beyond the capability of one of these mini stepper motors.)  You can even connect a Pololu Mini Maestro controller into the system if you have some servo driven instruments.

Don’t forget to check out the Products page to see what else is in the works.