GoFlight GF-DIO User manual
GF-DIO MANUAL
2012
1
GF-DIO
Digital Input/Output Board
Custom Cockpit System
Congratulations on the purchase of a GF-
DIO Digital Input/Output Board, a custom
cockpit build essential. This unit is part of
the extensive family of GoFlight Custom
Cockpit System modules. The GF-DIO
board is designed to maximize
customization of any home built cockpit
system by allowing unique placement of
each and every knob, switch and rotary
component.
The steps below will assist in the installation, configuration and operation of the GF-DIO Board.
Following these instructions will help any vpilot get up in the “virtual skies” as quickly as
possible.
Installing the latest GoFlight Technologies software
Note –If you own other GoFlight hardware and have already installed the latest version of
GoFlight software, you do not need to install the software again. Simply skip Step 1 in the
instruction manual below.
STEP 1:
1. Get online and go to www.goflightinc.com
2. On the GoFlight home page click “Support”
3. Click the link “GF Config Setup #.##” (# - reflects latest release)
4. Click “Run” or “Save” and follow the instructions to install the software
If the software installer detects that GoFlight software is already installed on the system, it will
prompt it to be overwritten. Click the Yes button to overwrite the existing version of GoFlight
software. This is useful if it is desired to keep the configuration settings for other GoFlight
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2012
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modules installed on the system, however, make sure that the software being overwriting is an
older version and not a newer one.
STEP 2:
Mounting the GF-DIO Board
Mounting Options:
Option 1 –Screw Mounted (not pictured)
The DIO board comes with standoff screws giving you
the option to screw mount your DIO board where you
place within your home built cockpit.
Option 2 –Double Sided Tape (pictured)
Another simple option is to use a few strips of double
mounted sticky tape. As see here in the picture, you can
run three long strips between the electronic placements
on the board and place any where you please.
STEP 3:
Plugging in the hardware
Example:
To connect the individual hardware components to
the DIO Board, use the cable assemblies that come
with your DIO purchase. On both the components
and the board itself, there are 3-pin connectors
which simply plug into the connectors on the ends of
the cable assemblies.
Each component takes a different amount of cables
depending on the functions available. The small
LED’s plug directly into the wire assembly, and don’t
come with a small mounting board. The larger
components such as the rotary selectors have
multiple pin connectors to accommodate the many
options for programming the different positions of the
selectors.
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2012
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STEP 4:
Connecting the hardware to the DIO
Board
The GF-DIO Board comes with 88
positions for components to be added.
Each position is a made up of a 3-pin
connection. Once the hardware
components are plugged into the wire
assembly, plug the other end of the
wire assembly into one of the positions
on the DIO board, taking note of the
number position for later configuration.
Take note the 3-pin connectors have
two positions each and a ground wire in
the middle. The order works like this,
first pin is the first position, second pin
is the ground wire and the third pin is
the second position. Then on the next
wire, the first pin repeats the second
position, the second pin remains as the
ground and the third pin is the third position. The pattern repeats throughout the DIO board.
STEP 5:
Connecting the GF-DIO Board
Now the GF-DIO Board must be connected to the
computer. With the provided USB cable, simply plug
the appropriately matching ends into both the GF-DIO
Board’s USB slot and any non USB 3 port on the
computer tower.
Once the GF-DIO board is completely connected to
the computer, it is ready to be configured for use with
your flight simulation software.
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STEP 6:
Configuring the GF-DIO Board
Now that the GF-DIO Board is connected to the computer it is ready for configuration. Turn on
the computer and start the GF-Config program. GF-Config starts up with a picture of all the
connected GoFlight modules available for configuration. Select the image of the GF-DIO Board
in the left window of the program. On the right side is the Input area, here are options to select
each of the positions on the GF-DIO. Flip each of the switches that are connected to the board.
Once the switch is flipped, a box will appear in use on the right side corresponding to each
numbered position on the board. Click on the Cockpit Functions and use the pull down menu to
select the unique function for that switch. You can see a screen shot of GF-Config below and
what it will look like with the GF-DIO Board connected ready for configuration.
Below the Input section on the right side of the program is the Output section. This is where
selections such as the LED functions are assigned. Start by connecting the LED to the GF-DIO
Board on the LED side of the board. Now set the output function to the same function as above
and when the switch is flipped, the LED light will activate.
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STEP 7:
Configure the DIO with Keystrokes
If configuring the GF-DIO Board through key strokes is preferred, this too can be done through
GF-Config. Start by flipping the desired switch to be programmed. Then select Key Sequence
in the Input Function 1 Box in the GF-Config program. Now use the keyboard to set the
keystrokes for the switch. The screenshot below shows an example of what this process looks
like.
Congratulations! The steps to configure the GF-DIO Board have been completed. Once every
switch has been configured, the unit is ready to fly!
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Thank you, for purchasing the GF-DIO Digital (Input/Output) Board! if you have any
question or problems setting up you board you can contact our Tech Support at
Be sure to check out the Accessories page on our website where additional cables and
switches can be purchased in bundled packages.
Current and Future supported software:
iFly 737NG (in progress)
PMDG 737NGX (in progress)
Prosim737 (complete)
GF-DIO Board Virtual Pilot Operating Handbook
GF-DIO Warranty
This product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period
of one (1) year from the date of purchase. During this warranty period, GoFlight Technologies, Inc. ® (“GoFlight”) will,
at its option, repair or replace, at no charge, any component determined to be defective. The liability under this
warranty is limited to the repair and/or replacement of the defect or defective part, and does not include shipping
expenses. This warranty does not apply if, in the determination of GoFlight, this product has been damaged by
accident, abuse, improper usage, or as a result of service or modification by anyone other than GoFlight.
NO OTHER WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF SALABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. GOFLIGHT TECHNOLOGIES,
INC. IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW EXCLUSION
OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR
EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
GoFlight Technologies, Inc. 163 SW Freeman Ave. Suite D, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA 97123
Phone: 1-503-895-0242
www.goflightinc.com
P/N GF-DIO Board Revision 1.0 16Aug2012
Copyright © 2010 GoFlight Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
