Cessna 172 (ish) FSX Simulator

[CathayA340]

I have 3X22" monitors (gtx780) for outside views, 1X19" for panel and 10" tablet for GPS and GTN750

So looks like we have same screen size for the panel a 19" and it's fine for me I guess a 21" will be better, bigger won't really be useful if you use a touch screen monitor by its side or a tablet like I did.

I did not yet finished I must cutout holes on a aluminum sheet to cover my gauge monitor for more realistic cockpit.

See picture

Attachment 9488

This is my old setup with a 22" monitor for panel but without the tablet device and 2X22" monitors for outside views:

Attachment 9489

Wow! That looks very good, that gave me some good ideas

For the radio, Saitek is having a sale on the weekend of October 4 (according to froogle) so hopefully I'll be able to get some panels.

[CathayA340]

Currently my setup is based on the PMDG 737 NGX, but I don't know what to get first for the C172 - TPM, Radio, Autopilot, etc?

[steveteva]

Saitek autopilot and power switches, radios can be done on a gtn750.

[CathayA340]

Saitek autopilot and power switches, radios can be done on a gtn750.

Thanks for the info! The GTN 750 is by Flight1, I assume? Did you just use Air Display or something to drag it on to the tablet?
I'm not going to be getting the autopilot though. I would actually prefer to have the power switches and radio as actual panels, maybe Desktop Aviator and Saitek. And the TPM is extremely important is well...so probably I'd first get the TPM and Desktop Aviator Cessna panel.

[Xpendable]

I would definitely get the TPM. As a real-world 172 pilot, the TPM adds a lot to the realism. They made not be exactly like the ones in the plane, but they are good enough. I will eventually be replacing my TPM with real Cessna equipment.

[CathayA340]

I would definitely get the TPM. As a real-world 172 pilot, the TPM adds a lot to the realism. They made not be exactly like the ones in the plane, but they are good enough. I will eventually be replacing my TPM with real Cessna equipment.

Thanks for your advice! I agree, that seems to be something that is a must. Are the Saitek ones any good?

[Xpendable]

Are the Saitek ones any good?

That's what I use in mine and I think it's pretty good. Be aware that there is no friction lock on the throttle (you wouldn't neat it anyway assuming you aren't building a full-motion cockpit) and that the mixture setting can't be fine-tuned by rotating the mixture knob like you can on a real plane. But the controls are smooth and have the right amount of friction. They also seem to hold up well to the abuse of my 4, 2, and 1 year old daughters.

[CathayA340]

That's what I use in mine and I think it's pretty good. Be aware that there is no friction lock on the throttle (you wouldn't neat it anyway assuming you aren't building a full-motion cockpit) and that the mixture setting can't be fine-tuned by rotating the mixture knob like you can on a real plane. But the controls are smooth and have the right amount of friction. They also seem to hold up well to the abuse of my 4, 2, and 1 year old daughters.

Haha, ok! Thanks I guess I'll be purchasing the Saitek TPM in the next two weeks or so.
I haven't bought the A2A C172 yet but I will soon. I'm currently using a merge of the Real Air C172 air file merged with the default FSX C172 and TSS freeware 172 sounds.

[geneb]

I'd also recommend the trim wheel they sell. I purchased one a few weeks ago to use with the TPM & my Oculus Rift. It works great!

[CathayA340]

I'd also recommend the trim wheel they sell. I purchased one a few weeks ago to use with the TPM & my Oculus Rift. It works great!

Thank you for the suggestion! Currently I have the trim programmed into the yoke controls. Do you think it's worth it to purchase the wheel? So I guess for my birthday or something I'll get the TPM and *maybe* the avionics panel.

I just started taking flight lessons, and my plan is to take the youth aviation course program at my flying school on my way to the PPL, and take 2 lessons per year. At age 15/16 I will start taking a bunch of lessons and get my hours up