B737 LE devices/Flaps indicator... where to start?

[peterkwu]

Hi all,

I acquired a real LE Devices/Flaps indicator for the aft overhead in my B737 sim. It is Gables model G-2086A and is stamped with a Jan 1968 date stamp and accompanied by a yellow tag from 1987.

I would like to interface this unit to work my sim, which runs FSX/PM/FSUIPC. I'm unsure where to start. It seems like an OpenCockpits USBOutputs card with an interface using SIOC would be the way to go. I'm ok with wiring and electronics, but this is my first attempt to interface a piece of 'real' avionics into my sim.

Any ideas what kind of connector this is and where I can find the female half? I already wrote to Gables and requested the wiring diagram.

Thanks to the MyCockpit community for all your great posts. I'm learning a lot but I clearly have a long way to go.

[Michael Carter]

That's a good start with Gables. I usually get a better responce from the original equipment manufacturers than I do from anyone else.

Gables is your best bet on a first place to start. You'll definately need logic for this to operate correctly unless the aircraft is outputing the indicator information. I can't help with programming anything unless it's FSUIPC and that isn't programming at all.

Good luck with it. There's a video floating around of someone getting one of these to work. Check here waaaay down at the bottom of the page. It might be this: http://www.angelfire.com/il2/aphs/

[peterkwu]

Attached is the wiring diagram for the Gables G2086A LE devices indicator. It looks pretty simple electrically, but I would like to leave it intact, which would necessitate finding the female version of the bayonet connector on the rear.

Anyone have any idea where I can find this 55-pin connector?

Thanks,

Peter

[Jackpilot]

One way to do it, if you can light up the rows of lights through the proper pins, is to link each row to a simple electrical circuit driven by microswitches placed appropriatly on the flap lever system.
Did it like that with LEDs on a repro panel, it works well for me.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c29/jackpilot/backlit.jpg

[Geremy Britton]

Hi Peter, is there an accessible database i can get these wiring diagrams from wouldn't mind one for a couple of real panels i have lying around. It's very difficult to find what pins on the back activate which.

I've got a 727/37 Transponder and a 737/47 DME

Your help would be appreciated.

[Jackpilot]

I've got a 727/37 Transponder and a 737/47 DME

.

Digital or drum counter?

[Geremy Britton]

The transponder is a 727 Drum counter.

The DME is a Digital display type. Not too sure which aircraft, i originally thought a boeing 747 but possibly not. I've included a picture below which is the closest i can find off the internet at this time giving the shape and layout.

Thanks for your help peter. I might now be able to wire these up so some parts are working light up etc. :)

[peterkwu]

Gables has an online database at:

http://www.gableseng.com/dds.asp

but you need a password to access it. When I wrote to them asking for access, I stated the need for just one wiring diagram, so they sent me that one document, and no password.

There is a link on that page to request access. If they are Gables products I think they will be happy to help.

Peter

[Michael Carter]

Attached is the wiring diagram for the Gables G2086A LE devices indicator. It looks pretty simple electrically, but I would like to leave it intact, which would necessitate finding the female version of the bayonet connector on the rear.

Anyone have any idea where I can find this 55-pin connector?

Thanks,

Peter

These folks might be able to help: http://www.alvatek.com/cms/mil-c-5015-crimp-cylindrical-connectors.php

If you have a part number on the jack they might be able to match the plug. If not, you might want to ask to send a photo or two and list the dimensions. Most of these are made by Amphenol.

I entered a few part numbers from a few jacks I have laying around, but nothing returned. I entered a 24 pin plug and it returned the correct part number. Ten in stock at $188 USD EACH!

These plugs are not cheap.

More info: Boeing seems to use this series of connector: http://www.alvatek.com/cms/mil-c-26482-series-i-cylindrical-connectors.php
The MS311 at the beginning of the part number is what I have on a few jacks.

[tomenglish2000]

Geremy,

Your DME appears to be from a 757/767 cockpit.
Grey ones can be found in 747-300 and older, pre NG 737s, 727s and others.
The 777 doesnt use them and the 747-400 doesnt.

Tom.

[Geremy Britton]

Peter, i have contacted them. Just waiting for a reply.

And thanks very much Tom. It is the Boeing Grey version so i would guess the B 747-300. Otherwise the older 27 and 37 's.

Thanks for your help!

[LH784]

Hi Geremy,
if you receive some Gables documents, could you please post them ?
I was thinking of getting a 727 transponder in I have got two Gables Nav/Com radios (drum type) which I will try to get to work in the long run...
Thanks,
Florian

[junglejet]

The connector is named in the drawing you posted:
Pyle ZZB AC 1722-55P(or equivalent)
Google shows a number of supplier for this type. Or contact Pyle-National.

[peterkwu]

Thanks. Yes, the number does come up on Google searches, but there appear to be only two vendors and getting them to reply to an email from me, and individual looking to buy one small part, seems to be somewhat challenging.

[Michael Carter]

The company I listed has no minimum. They will sell you one or a million.

Give them the part number of the jack and I'm sure they can match it to a plug.

[peterkwu]

Thanks, they were the only one who answered my request for quote. $153, almost as much as I paid for the indicator.

[Michael Carter]

Yep. I knew it would be costly. Aviation-grade electrical and electronic components are very expensive.

I have a lead on a 500' roll of the same 20 ga. wire with the white insulation that Boeing uses. Fire retardant and certified with tags, on the cheap. Really cheap.

I'd hate to think what some of the components in my sim would cost new or even refurbed.