Re: 737NGX Desktop Cockpit
Got the frame for the overhead completed. Yesterday I gave it a coat of gray primer (and will probably leave it like that) so I'm just giving it 24 hours to cure before attaching panels.
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0203.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0200.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0201.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0202.jpg
Works on the FMC continues as well. I have the switches all assembled and soldered to the PCB board. Also installed a 40-pin header for connecting the USBKeys card. Next step is to the glue the buttons to the switches. I also ordered a 5.6" LCD Panel which should be here in about 2-3 weeks probably. so hopefully that works well.
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0197.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0204.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0205.jpg
The opencockpits kit doesn't have an EXEC key that can light up, so I'm removing the button for the brightness dial just above the EXEC button and replacing it with the top portion of a gutted green LED indicator from radio shack I already had on hand. It fits the hole perfectly and will light up for the EXEC button.
Re: 737NGX Desktop Cockpit
Overhead panel is just about completed. Found a I few (minor) pieces missing from the kit that ProSimParts will be be sending out. But it's pretty much pretty much ready to have the switches wired up once my controller cards arrive. ProSimParts is hoping to have the annuniciators completed by the end of the month.
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0210.jpg
And here's a look at the overhead on a stand I built for my desk to make it, well... an overhead :)
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0211.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0212.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0214.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0215.jpg
I made it so it's removable from the stand using 2 of these flush mount hangers on each side of the frame along with 2 bolts on each side that screw into T-Nuts embed on the inside of the frame for extra bracing. I surprised myself when it actually worked! It's pretty sturdy doesn't move around when flipping switches and stuff.
With the overhead panel ready for wiring, I ordered my joystick controllers for it. I originally planned on using Bodnar BU0836X cards but got hit in the face with sticker shock when I went to purchase them. I need at least 3 cards for the overheard and the Bodnar cards are £49.99 (British Pounds) each. After conversion to US Dollars, it was $242 before shipping for 3 cards. Yikes!!
So I began searching around for an alternative and came across the GP-Wiz40 board. It's basically the same thing as the Bodnar board but cheaper and ships from the US. They have 1 version with the push-in terminals and 1 version without.
http://www.flightsim.nolatron.net/wp...P40ECO_MED.jpg
I opted for the one without the terminals as it saved me about $36 on my order for 3 boards. I don't mind a little soldering if saves money. Total cost for the 3 boards with 3 day shipping was $85.
I'll post how they are once they arrive and I can play with them
Re: 737NGX Desktop Cockpit
To make wiring a little easier on some components I built some custom PCB boards.
First one I did I was a simple LED board that I'll use with my HISPA Panel Sixpacks.
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0649.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0650.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0648.jpg
Then I got a little fancy and made a PCB board for my new Opencockpits USB LCD Card. The wiring for this card can be a rat's nest. Here's a look at the wiring diagram.
http://www.flightsim.nolatron.net/wp...re-150x150.jpg
So I built a small board that plugs into the back of the LCD. The two pots are directly on the board along with a display # jumper (The USB LCD Card can control up to 4 LCD screens.) It connects to the the USB LCD Card by a single 40-pin connector. Way easier than dealing with all the wiring.
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0645.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0647.jpg
And here's with the components installed:
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0652.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0653.jpg
And here it is in action:
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0656.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0657.jpg
To build these boards, I used the free version of Diptrace to design the boards and OSH Park to fabricate them.
Now I'm trying to figure out if I can make some boards to make the wiring of the Radio 7-segment displays a little easier.
Re: 737NGX Desktop Cockpit
Looks great. Great changes to the first version. Thumbs up!
Re: 737NGX Desktop Cockpit
A few weeks ago I did a little update on my throttle quadrant. I sold off the ThrottleTek TQ and picked up a JetMax one. I'm pretty sure over time my ‘budget desktop’ cockpit will morph into a fullsize single or dual seat trainer so I figured I’d better upgrade the most expensive part now.
After about a 6 week wait, I came home to this yesterday. Eek!
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0691.jpg
Didn’t take long for me to crack it open
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0693.jpg
I’m pretty sure at this moment I said to myself “Holy !@# that looks awesome!”
Ok, enough typing. Photos!
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0694.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0695.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0696.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0697.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0698.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0699.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0700.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0702.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0701.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0703.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...2/IMG_0704.jpg
So far the TQ feels fantastic. Everything is nice and operates smooth. I need cut a little base to mount the TQ and the CDU bay on to secure them down and then it’ll be ready for a maiden flight.
Also, my new MIP panels will be arriving tonight so that'll be coming together soon too.
Re: 737NGX Desktop Cockpit
Heh, I got my jetmax throttle a few weeks ago too. I had to wait a few months though so lucky you. Nice piece of hardware though I wish it was completely made in metal.
Next up will be the cpflight MCP. Still trying to decide between 2/3 MIP or full. Will probably go 2/3 so I can fit it into my cinema room.
The hardware cdu can wait for now -- there is one releasing for ios coming within the next few weeks.
Re: 737NGX Desktop Cockpit
Hi Sean
Progress on this looks great, you'll almost be ready to make that leap from a desktop setup to cockpit setup!
Always downhill from that day on! :)
All the best
Re: 737NGX Desktop Cockpit
Today all of the PCB's I made for my 7-segment displays arrived. I was eager to see how they worked so off to work I went.
Here's the PC Boards. 1 card to attach to the Opencockpits DisplayCard, 1 for the Nav panel, 1 for the Comm panel, and 1 little jumper for the ATC panel.
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0719.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0720.jpg
Interface board attached to the DisplayCard.
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0711.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0712.jpg
Interface board attached to the back of the NAV radio panel. The displays are soldered to the board and then a 40-pin IDC ribbon cable connects the displays to the DisplayCard.
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0713.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0714.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0715.jpg
And when I fired up all the digits....
http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0718.jpg http://flightsim.nolatron.net/galler...1/IMG_0716.jpg
Success!
This will make wiring up the displays soooo much easier.
Re: 737NGX Desktop Cockpit
Great Job!! I really need to get hotter working on mine. Been thinking how I'm going to work the 7-segment displays.