Configuring the output
LEDs are typically mapped to simulator variables that output either 0
(for off) or 1
(for on). The following steps demonstrate how to use an LED to show the current state of the parking brake in a Cessna 172 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Tip
The steps for using an LED with X-Plane are similar. Use the X-Plane DataRef type when configuring the Sim Variable tab.
Create a new row in the outputs tab of the main window
Double-click on the bottom row where the description says Double-click row to add new config… and enter a description for the output. For example, enter Parking brake for an LED that will show the state of the parking brake.
![Screenshot of the output tab in the main window with the bottom row highlighted in red.](/devices/led/configuring-output/screenshots/output-config-highlight-new.png)
Open the output configuration dialog
Click the button with three dots in the Edit column for the row created in the previous step.
![Screenshot of the output tab in the main window with the edit button highlighted in red.](/devices/led/configuring-output/screenshots/output-config-highlight-edit.png)
Filter the output presets
On the Sim Variable tab, use the Filter Preset List dropdowns to filter by Microsoft, Generic, and Controls.
![Screenshot of the sim variable tab in the output dialog filtered by Microsoft / Generic / Controls.](/devices/led/configuring-output/screenshots/sim-variable-filtered-list.png)
Select the parking indicator preset
Use the Select Preset dropdown to select the PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR preset.
![Screenshot of the sim variable tab in the output dialog with the PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR preset selected.](/devices/led/configuring-output/screenshots/sim-variable-brake-parking-indicator.png)
Select the board and device type for the output
On the Display tab, use the Module and Use type of dropdowns to select your connected board and the LED / Output device type.
![Screenshot of the display tab in the output dialog with a board and LED / Output type selected.](/devices/led/configuring-output/screenshots/display-tab-output-selected.png)
Select the LED to use for display
Use the Select Pins dropdown to select the LED device that should display the output value.
![Screenshot of the display tab in the output dialog with an LED output selected in the select pins dropdown.](/devices/led/configuring-output/screenshots/display-tab-select-pins.png)
Close the dialog and try it out
Click the OK button to close the dialog, then spawn an airplane in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Make sure the MobiFlight Run button is clicked in the toolbar, then try toggling the parking brake in the simulator. The attached LED should light up when the parking brake is applied.
Tip
Even though these steps are for a Cessna 172, the same parking brake indicator preset should work for most planes in Microsoft Flight Simulator.