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  1. #1
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    Making my own instruments ...

    Hello Folks

    Maybe it is too crazy - but If you don't ask you don't know

    Looking at the prices of even small simple instruments make me grin. So as a general idea I would like to ask you guys - what would I need to do this.

    I know you got to have a servo or a stepper motor to drive the needle/s, a controller to control the servo/stepper, and somehow to interface it with FSUIPC/PMSYSTEMS etc.

    Is there any Phidget card that can do part of the task ?

    Can the FS2PHIDGETS SW be a part in the interfacing ?

    I guess I am not the first one thinking this way - Can you assist me finding someone or somewhere to start looking for info ?

    Cheers

    Isaac

  2. #2
    25+ Posting Member smendlik's Avatar
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    Re: Making my own instruments ...

    This is best resource I know of: http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/. He has a book dedicated to making gauges and provides a lot of help on this site as well.

  3. #3
    500+ This must be a daytime job



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    Re: Making my own instruments ...

    Isaac

    Try this link for a very simple gauge that uses an Opencockpits servo control card and the SIOC programming language

    http://www.737ng.co.uk/djb/brake_pressure_gauge.pdf

    More complex gauges such as the overhead Duct Pressure gauge with dual needles are also easily made using concentric shafts and two servos.

    David

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    150+ Forum Groupie twisted8's Avatar
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    Re: Making my own instruments ...

    I have made a few gauges using opencockpits cards. I used a stepper motor and a couple gears to make a wet compass. It's really not that hard and not very expensive. Give it a try!

  5. #5
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    Re: Making my own instruments ...

    Thanks People

    I guess the OpenCockpits solution is the way to go. However I have no clue how to do the programming - I guess I will have to lear this from scratch.

    Cheers

    Isaac

  6. #6
    500+ This must be a daytime job



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    Re: Making my own instruments ...

    Isaac

    SIOC can be daunting, but not so much if you take it step by step and not expect instant results or to be a tyro by reading the manual once (or even hardly at all). Before you make any commitments I suggest you read this link and others on this site to gain an appreciation of the task

    http://www.lekseecon.nl/howto.html

    Regards

    David

  7. #7
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    Re: Making my own instruments ...

    I built my own flap gauge and use phidget servo card and fs2phidget software to drive it.
    In choosing between Make-It or Buy-It, might be better to buy solution.
    Choosing interfacing software is a matter of how much you want to spend and your desire to learn the interface technology.
    Last edited by CocnutAir; 09-09-2010 at 01:29 AM.

  8. #8
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    Re: Making my own instruments ...

    Thanks for the info guys

    So is it possible then to use Phidgets I/O card and the ServoCard for the 737 OVHD instruments ?

    The mechanical part is not such a big issue for me - I am more concerned with the interfacing and controlling the gauges.

    If the Phidgets cards can do the trick - so I geuss my biggets problem is over - is it ?

    Cheers

    Isaac

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    500+ This must be a daytime job



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    Re: Making my own instruments ...

    Isaac

    Your big problem in making overhead instruments is not the hardware but getting the FS info to drive them. There are no FSUIPC offsets, that I am aware of. The Project Magenta suite may provide them (check their forum) Sim-Avionics definitely does, however, both packages are fiercely expensive. The best hope might be the FSX PMDG, if it ever comes out.

    I stand to be corrected if any has better info for the 737

    David

  10. #10
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    Re: Making my own instruments ...

    Hi David

    Prepare to be corrected

    http://www.prosim737.com/

    Isaac

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