Hi
I just thought I'd say hello, I've been working on a Garmin530 hardware panel.
I am in the throws of completing the GarSim530 design and thought you may like to see my progress so far.
Basically I am making a glorified "joystick/input controller" which interfaces via FSUIPC to FSX or more specifcally to Reality XP's fantastic GNS530 software add-on
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8q107uANuIQ/Sv...Q/s800/iso.jpg
Here is the overall design using Solidworks 3D Cad.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8q107uANuIQ/Sv...0no%20face.jpg
and without the face plate
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8q107uANuIQ/Sv...rsim530Iso.jpg
This is the PCB Panel with the various encoders and push buttons laid out around the LCD screen
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8q107uANuIQ/Sv...I/s400/PBB.jpg
Here is my printed circuit board which is currently in manufacture by Tecbridge circuits (I designed this on freepcb - yes its free!)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8q107uANuIQ/Sv...c/s400/LCD.jpg
The LCD screen is a 5.7" VGA unit - I resized the Reality XP gauge to fit just the map to the screen
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8q107uANuIQ/Sv...ace%20card.jpg
The Interface card is from Leo Bodnar - its a BU0836X
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8q107uANuIQ/Sv...%20buttons.jpg
Various encoders and bushbuttons
As soon as I have more done and as the other parts arrive I will keep you updated.
All the best
Steve.