A few cool updates...

[Michael Carter]

After getting the backlighting up and running for the control surface position indicator, I removed the instrument and took it back to the bench for a little extra realism.

The two flags for the yaw damper operation are controlled by two tiny electromagnets. They operate on as little as 1.5VDC as proven using a 'C' size dry cell. I didn't have a separate power supply this low, so I used a 3VDC I had laying in the cabinet with all of the other power supplies. I'm not sure what they are rated for, but there is a BIG resistor on the '+' side of each electromagnet. They seem to do OK on 3VDC.

I wired both in parallel and then on to the left yaw damper switch in the overhead. The right switch controls signal to the input card. Gives just a bit more to do and to look at while flying the 727.

Those arrows also respond to both positive and negative voltage, but I don't know how I would incorporate that into the sim. They don't move much even when used, so it's not of major importance for the sim. The yoke movement would have to provide the positive and negative movement, maybe from a center-loaded pot hooked up in parallel with the existing pots. Sort of like a dual-concentric encoder, except center-loaded.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h146/boeing722/727-230005.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h146/boeing722/727-230006.jpg

The two knobs ahead of the radar controller are the new HSI controls for course and heading.

The Grimes map light in the eyebrow window is supposed to run on 28VDC but I had it running on 12VDC as the 12VDC buss was more accessable at the time. The light was dim however even with a 12V bulb installed and ended up using a flashlight or the overhead dome light half the time anyway. While I had the engine panel out fuddling with the control surface position indicator, I rewired the map light to the 24VDC buss.

I kept the 12VDC bulb installed. I ran it at full voltage for 30 minutes without it blowing out, so I think the rheostat in the lamp has enough resistance to keep the voltage hovering at around 15-20VDC. The bulb seems to handle it well even though I know it won't last as long as the correct bulb would.

At least I can see the charts now. Though I don't need glasses yet, my eyes aren't as young as they used to be and some charts are more difficult to see and read than others are.

And the red lighting is pretty cool too. :-D

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h146/boeing722/727-230003.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h146/boeing722/727-230008.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h146/boeing722/727-230002.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h146/boeing722/727-230007.jpg

[Per Alm]

Really Nice pics!!
It is good to see some 727 projects out there. That's is one beautiful big bird!

Regards

Per Alm

[Michael Carter]

Thanks!

There's a few of us out here building them. I have never seen a more beautiful airliner, but that's just my opinion. It's systems and capabilities were way ahead of it's time.

I love it!

[Per Alm]

I agree..It's a beauty!!


/ Per

[Geremy Britton]

Looking brill Mike!

When you get the rest of the engine gauges in the MIP middle section i doubt you'll be able to tell the difference from the real thing. I think on this one slow and steady wins the race here, as opposed to someone who builds a sim in a day type approach and places a palet order with the major flight sim retail providers.

I also love the way you have interfaced so many real gauges and panels from the real thing.

The only thing you are missing is that lovelly plane itself. However you generally can't make a basement into an aircraft hangar for a Boeing 727 ;) (As devestating as that reality sounds)


Good stuff, keep up the work - and as usual, keep up posted. :)

[ivar hestnes]

Always great work to see from you Michael. Slow and steady pushing forward. And get the stuff working. Very nice:)

I really like to see this kind of projects. Projects where it really show that lots of working hours is spent. Michaels attention to detail is very important to get the "feeling" of beeing there when you actually fly the sim.

:)

[Michael Carter]

I've really enjoyed building it even with all of the headaches. They seem minor after they're fixed and I'm in the air on my way to somewhere. I wouldn't have chosen any other aircraft though even with all of the obsticals to overcome.

It's a good thing there is so many surplus 727 parts on the open market or it wouldn't look nearly as nice. My scratchbuilt panels don't measure up to the sub-contractors.

[LH784]

Hi Michael,
great work. I wish I was as far as you are - and as real-looking :-) A beautiful plane like the 727 deserves being treated like that :D
Congratulations, Florian

[project 727]

Michael,

Beautiful WORK... Absolutelyyyyyyyyy Beautiful!!!
No other words to describe your results!!!

Take Care

Joe Maldonado
PROJECT 727
www.xsn.net/project727 (http://www.xsn.net/project727)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEyOP_pb3gQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEyOP_pb3gQ)