NorthCarolina SimRoom

[PDT 200]

The latest progress for the SimRoom: Wall panels are going up. 4X8 Sheets of 5.2mm (1/4") plywood over the insulation. Half done as seen in picture. Rcvd the 15" touchscreen monitor for the FMC today. Yoke and Rudder pedals from PFC should be here next Weds. Need to pick up some 1X2's for stringers to help support the panels and a lot of molding to cover the joints. After the walls are finished then the floor space will be cleared to start on the shell.
Regards,
Brian

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP2.jpg

[PDT 200]

If you look to the left of center on the above PIC you will see my MIP monitor. A 26" LCD HDTV that I bought 2 years ago for $750.00. The below PIC is what happens when said monitor falls off the table in the above PIC. :(:(:(
Man am I bummed out. Knocked it off putting up a 4X4 ceiling panel. Now I needs to rethink my MIP display. Went out and bought a 22" widescreen monitor to replace it. But it's not the same, it's not got the HDTV tuner that was neat to use when not Simming.
Regards,
Brian (the bummed out)

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/Broke26Monitor.jpg

[AndyT]

Oh man. That hurts.
Don't toss it though....
Those controls are useful in other places.

[PDT 200]

Here are a couple of update pics. The main walls of the building are up. Covered up all that insulation and has made it easier to keep the temp more stable in here. Still a little bit in the back to cover. Will do that after I get the table moved out of the way.
The main frame of the shell is up and the rough MIP is up with the monitors in place. One thing about this sim, you WILL have room to get in and out of it without being a gymnest. Plenty of room, It is 87" wide. Had to go that wide to fit the monitors. The end ones are 19" widescreen and the center is 18". Begining to cannablize the GoFlight console to fit buttons into the panel and the MCP into the glareshield. Got the yoke and rudder pedals from PFC yesterday (4/2) WOW! what a difference between them and the CH stuff. I'm glad I got them instead of the FMC. Now I have to build a platform for the CH yoke that looks a little like the PFC ones. As budget allows I will get another set from PFC. As said before the FMC will be a touch screen mounted in the center console under the center monitor. I have another chair to match the one in the pic. I took them from the front of a Mercury Topaz before I sent it to the junk yard. Tomorrow I will connect the monitors to the computer and see just what they look like all lit up. Next is the center console build.
Regards,
Brian
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP5.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP4.jpg

[AndyT]

Looking good! I wish I had that much room!

[PDT 200]

If you have the room you will use it. The ERJ is only 5 1/2 to 6' wide so far mine comes in at 7'3" (87") . Much bigger than originally planned for however I at least fit in it.
Update pics: 1st is one showing a test flight from KINT to KCLT. Today I'm going to add the other 2 overhead projs along with the Matrox box. Next will be the build of the center console. The center monitor is seeing way too much duty. OH,FMC,TQ,ECAS...
Kind of bummed out, my brand new rudder pedals don't seem to work. FS9 sees them but they give no response when testing them. The same in game controllers. It sees them but gets no return from movement. Have to contact PFC on Monday and see what the fix might be.
2nd pic is a closeup of the PFD on MY side. How nice to have something that big to look at.
My MCPPRO can turn the course and heading and the displays shows that but it wont turn the AP on or any of the other commands. Might can map them through the yoke switches. I'll play with it some and see.
Regards,
Brian

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP6.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP7.jpg

[Matt Olieman]

Hey Brian, looks like you're moving right along. Good for you. Keep it up Brian :) :)

[PDT 200]

Couple more pics; 1st I got all 3 OH projs up and running with the 3hdtogo. Still have to figure out where to place the screens for the side views and get everything synced up but it still was very impressive to watch the side go by on takeoff. Made for much easier taxi as well. The 2nd is just a shot of the PFD and others all on one monitor. (copilots side no yoke in front). Today I picked up more angle iron for the support system for the projs and also ran more outlets to the front of the sim (12 outlets 3 boxes) I also picked up 4, 6 outlet power strips so that adds an additional 24 outlets. so I now have 32 available. I'm glad most of this stuff is low amp. Tommorow, (Monday) I will work on getting a floor in the sim and raise it off the current floor by a few inches. This way I can set the Yoke into the main floor and have it be a little shorter. This also gives me something to mount the main seats to. Can't keep using my office chair. I'll also (hopefully) get the PFC rudder pedals working with some help from PFC. I hope it is just a loose wire inside. Game controller sees the rudder pedals but I don't get any movement with them.
Have to take off for a couple of days on Tuesday hope to be back late Thursday night.
Regards,
Brian

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP8.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP9.jpg

[Joe Cygan]

Hey Brian, your an inspiration my friend!

[PDT 200]

Problem with the rudder pedals resolved thanks to the great support at PFC. Sent me the wiring diagram with a talk through on the phone to correct a set of wires that had come loose from the circuit board during shipping. Man are those Jet Bucket pedals cool! Now if I could just budget another set (yoke and rudder) for the copilot he wouldn't have to suffer with my old CH yoke and rudder pedals:mrgreen:. First I need to find a copilot though.:roll: All youse guys seem to be across the pond or world from me.
Regards,
Brian

[PDT 200]

Been busy since I got back from NY. Got the floor laid and built the center console for the touch screen and throttle quad. Got all the NAV/COM/XPNDR/ADF and MS ATC installed in it. Need to raise the seat a bit and then mount it and also the rudder pedals. Will have to finish the top and do the overhead panel monitor before I can install all three OH projectors. I also have to build the curved screens for the monitors. Progress pic for today.
Regards,
Brian
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP12.jpg

[Tomlin]

Brian, your project is a great example of 'build and fly with what you've got' mentality. It works great, and I bet you are loving flying with more 'hands on' than 'mouse on'. I cant wait till you get around to painting your pit parts, because it will make your experience all the better. Keep up the good work and say, do you have a particular aircraft you are trying to get the feel of? BTW, Im envious of those flight controls you have there...

[PDT 200]

Speaking of build and fly a couple of pics from last night. Chair mounted but needs to be higher (working on that right now) MCP sorta installed but works. Touch screen installed and set up and IT WORKS:-P great for the FMC. Have the hole cut out for the gear lever and indicator lights. Totally canabalized the GoFlight LGT module. Will be installing the pitch trim in the center console tomorrow (maybe tonight).
Flew from Winston-Salem NC KINT to Charlotte NC KCLT just to see how everything worked. Need to use KGSO instead RWY 33 at KINT is to short. Drove half way through town before I got off the ground. :roll:
Regards,
Brian

At Gate 33 KCLT

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP14.jpg


Touchscreen with FMC

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP17.jpg

GoFlight MCP with EFIS (not programed yet)

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP15.jpg

[PDT 200]

Finished tearing the GoFlight LGT module apart and got it installed in the sim, and it works. Couple of pics
Regards,
Brian

Pitch trim wheel installed
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP18.jpg

Gear lever installed
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIPGearLvrIND.jpg

Gear Lever and indicator lights from the backside The loose switch is for the flaps not used (yet)
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIPGearMt.jpg

Gear Indicator lights working
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP19.jpg

[PDT 200]

Added some window splitters to the panel so that it looks like 5 separate screens . Reworked the center console so I could have 6 modules instead of 4. Added some trim around the middle screen and at the bottom to merge into the center console a little better. I need to find some sheet acrylic for the plate around the gear lever. The trim just doesn't look right. Slowly working on mapping the panel controls to the various GoFlight modules. The newest version of FSUIPC(registered) has so many more assignments than the one I had installed. I might be able to get everything mapped. Even the overhead panel stuff.
Regards,
Brian

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP20.jpg

[PDT 200]

After implementing the newest version of FSUIPC from Pete Dawson, I have finally been able to map the mouse clicks on the overhead panel and the various controls on the MIP of the FeelThere PIC ERJ-145. I no longer have to use the mouse from startup to shutdown. Everything by switch or knob. Now just have to get more knobs and switches to finish it out. Next step finish the side windows and the overhead. Then comes the paint and enclose the beast so it really feels like your in something. Made a flight from GSO to ELM to test out everything. MAN WHAT FUN!! :p
Regards,
Brian

This is what it looks like now
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP22.jpg

[warvet]

Excellent work Brian its really looking good.Keep up the great results.

Tim
A340

[Michael Carter]

That is looking good. That wood look is growing on me. I might have to do something in walnut one of these days. ;)

A luxury Boeing cockpit. Just the ticket for the sim pilot. Add the leather glareshield covering, yoke, and seats and you have the Rolls Royce of simulators.

[PDT 200]

Finally been able to get a little work done on the sim this weekend. Built the overhead unit with the 22" monitor and mounted the 8 GoFlight modules. Because this is a GoFlight critter, I can't really make it into a replication of a particular aircraft. I have been loosely designing it around the ERJ-145 using the addon from FeelThere/Wilco which works very well. However I can also use it for other aircraft if I want to. All it takes is time to map the mouse clicks and assign the switches. So this is a generic cockpit that can handle most any aircraft I want to. I map all the switches to the same place on the sim so they are all named the same and are located at the same place. (It's 3am and I'm getting drifty) get my drift. Most aircraft have the same buttons and switches to do the same just located differently. Again generic for me. Certainly not useable for training in the real world.
This is the begining of the back wall behind the seats so I can tie in the roof structure to hang the overhead

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP23.jpg

This is the overhead. I have room to install the fans, lighting and sound.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP24.jpg

Regards,
Brian

[Tomlin]

Brian, this just goes to show that you can spend a very minimal amount of money and have a very fun, practical, and interesting simulator. It's flexible and that is a good thing too!


Keep it up! Im ready to see it painted.

[PDT 200]

I don't know about the "minimal" amount of money part. I've got about $20,000.00 tied up in this thing. The building itself was $10,00.00. But it beats the heck out of buying a real one and trying to justify that expence. LSA's starting at $120,00.00 what a joke.
Regards,
Brian

[percy]

Wilcopub has the new screen shot of the new E-Jet 170/190, panel looks great.

[PDT 200]

Thanks for the heads up on the new release. Might have to splurge for me birthday;)
Regards,
Brian

[percy]

Your welcome Brian, Your sim also looks great.
percy.

[Sweetwater]

I agree, Nice work Brian... You have given me a new idea on the overhead as well.. Sure is coming along nicely!!

Jeff

[percy]

I also have worked to get rid of the mouse and now the new Honeywell primus epic panel, same or similar to the new wilco Embraer 170 panel uses a mouse to select some panel function, works something like a track ball.

[PDT 200]

I'd heard that some of the newer glass cockpits were starting to use a trackball so that crews didn't have to push buttons and possibly press the wrong one. I guess it makes it easier to incorporate software changes without having to add new switches. Well that will certainly make it less expensive for future simbuilders. We'll go back to using the mouse and keyboard because that's what the real ones use:shock:
Regards,
Brian

[Michael Carter]

Your sim is coming along nicely. A lot of work in a short time.

Funny you should mention trackballs. I have one on the way that I'm installing in the RT box ahead of the throttle assembly. I've been wanting to eliminate the mouse for some time. I've been using a small square of plexiglass tucked under the seatbelt for the mouse. Sometimes it rolls off when I'm reaching for a chart or reaching for something else.

It's mostly a PITA. The nice thing is I can remove it from the RT box and use it normally when using the computer.

[PDT 200]

I've got a wireless keyboard and mouse that I want to install somewhere on this thing if I can get it work right. The mouse doesn't "click om anything but the cursor moves. It might be a conflict with the touchscreen. Half to play with it and see what happens.
Well been busy today and got the overhead installed. Now just got to hook it up and map all the switches. I have 64 switches and 8 rotaries to map to. Next will be projector mounting and final screen placement. I hope I have enough room over the top of the sim for the projectors to project through.

Mounted overhead
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/WIP26.jpg

REgards,
Brian

[percy]

On my touch screen and others I have used there is no conflict with using a mouse or your finger.

[Michael Carter]

I tried a wireless mouse a couple of weeks ago. It didn't work at all, but my computer is in another room using a pass-through for cables.

In fact, even taking the mouse out to the computer and rolling it around on the top of the case didn't work. It never would connect.

I took it back.

[mlscotti]

I don't know about the "minimal" amount of money part. I've got about $20,000.00 tied up in this thing. The building itself was $10,00.00. But it beats the heck out of buying a real one and trying to justify that expence. LSA's starting at $120,00.00 what a joke.
Regards,
Brian

I agree about the expense part, try havina a wife that wants no part of it.... ugh... but looking awesome. I love the fact that it can be used for multiple aircraft. Kind of looking into the future. a common cockpit design would save the industry a boat load in training a cockpit familiarity...What programs other than the erj 145 feel there are u using? MIP and the awesome touchscreen computer?

[PDT 200]

To maximize the value of all the screens I try to use addons that have undockable displays like the ERJ from FeelThere. I have the CRJ from them or Wilco, depends on which site you read, both claim the other supports it but neither does and the support forum for Feelthere has the CRJ thread locked, but it does work just has a lot of windows for controls. I also have the PIC 737 but really haven't played with it yet to see just what is undockable. The NG 737's have the larger PFD and MFD's that can be moved and resized. Might have to break down and get the PMDG critter. I have a couple of 737 panels from other vendors that might be amendable now that I can map the mouse clicks for them through FSUIPC. I also use Flight1's C172 with the instrument panel on the 19" in front of me with other views relagated to other screens. The same with Dreamfleets Archer. I could do the same with the DC-9 I've got or the 727 both from Flight1. That's the beauty of this sim, I can fly just about anything and just put the views where I want them. A possibility would also be the 777 from Wilco or maybe (God forbid :twisted:) an Airbus of some description. They have the right kind of display but funny looking yokes. (deliberate baiting of Airbus folks:D)
Hooked up one of the projectors the other night and I'm going to have to experiment a bunch to get the view size right.
I'm still amazed that I can even climb in and out of the thing without banging my head on the overhead or ripping it down. IT'S A TIGHT FIT!:-?
More Pics when I get it lit up again.
Regards,
Brian

[PDT 200]

Been a while but I have started to work on the sim again. Been playing with the TH2GO unit and trying to place the projectors and screens. Here are a few pics of what it looks with all 3 projectors lit off. Using some white bed sheets for the side screens. A whole lot easier to hang and move than 4x8 sheets of white board. Flying over Seneca Lake in upstate NY near Watkins Glen about 20 miles north of KELM. (where I learned to fly back in the 70's)
Enjoy
Brian

Looking at it from the outside
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/cockpit1.jpg

From the inside looking straight out the front
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/cockpit2.jpg

Inside looking left
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/cockpit3.jpg

Inside looking right
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/cockpit4.jpg

[PDT 200]

With some readjustment of the screens and a much better view.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/FviewFSX.jpg

Some work done prior to going to upstate NY in late May was the application of some paint.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/DSC_2445Fltsimpaint1.jpg

Ovehead

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/Fltsimpaint2.jpg

Regards,
Brian

[brynjames]

It is really looking good Brian. I particularly like the way you can fly many types of aircraft from the same pit.

Are you using 3 separate 2D view screens from FS through the TH2GO (like Nick's 5 screen version) or is it one 3D view spread across the 3 screens which is how I use the TH2GO at present?

Have you done much more with the PIC737 yet? The big advantage for me is that it is one of only 2 aircraft that works with the GoFlight MCP Pro without expensive extra drivers :)

--
Bryn

[PDT 200]

Howdy, I just use the forward view stretched and with it pulled out to around .31. Gives me a very wide angle of view. I have the PIC737 but haven't used it much. I did map the ERJ-145 from FeelThere using the mouse mapper in FSUIPC for the overhead and other spots and all are set to the various GoFlight switches as needed including the MCPPro and EFIS. I need to attach a shelf on the forward end so I can get the computer off the floor and mount the other set of redder pedals and yoke on the co-pilots side. Then I can start to enclose the beast. I might fire it up today if it stays cool outside. Even with an ac it gets rather warm in the building. Gets toasty with all 3 projectors running. Haven't flown since late May.
Regards,
Brian

[N242AM]

Ever thought of venting the projector exhaust to the outside of your sim room? Might help with the heat issue.

Curious if you have any problems with FSUIPC Macro when using it with your add-on aircraft? I have nothing but problems trying to use Mouse Macro with the F1 Mustang.

[PDT 200]

Design of the room makes venting very difficult. Makes it nice during the winter though. In using the macro I make sure that I don't have anything assigned to the switch or rotary in the GoFlight config program. I have 7 or so different configs set up for the various aircraft. The one for the ERJ has none of the switches assigned only the throttles, trim, flaps, and radios. All the lights, overhead and MIP switches are mapped. My FMC is on a touchscreen.
Regards,
Brian

[PDT 200]

Changed the way I display the outside with the TH2Go and the 3 projectors. They were mounted over the top of the sim and projected onto from the front. In anticipation of finally enclosing this thing I placed the screen right in front of the front windows and now rear project the outside view.
Screen Mounted:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/Rearprojectionweb.jpg
Sim lit up. need to work on the screen distance from the center post. Can't see the runway or airport on approach.:shock::
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/Rearprojection2web.jpg

Regards,
Brian

[PDT 200]

Final update, It's finally mostly finished.
Have fully enclosed the sim but for the door, probably use a curtain
some pics,
Enjoy
Brian

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/DSC_3725web.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/DSC_3709web.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/DSC_3705web.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/DSC_3668web.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/DSC_3704web.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1159387/DSC_3709web.jp

[Joe Cygan]

Hey Brian,
Your project is looking great as always!

Joe