Forward Overhead Panel 737 Interfacing

[KLM077]

Dear all,

I’ve started the Overhead Panel Project recently by gathering all information needed to complete the panel.
The current status is that I’ve the frame almost completed to mount the panels, so far I see the simplest part of all.

Now I’m busy determining which I/O solution I will choose. Below I made a compact comparison between Phidgets and
OpenCockpits in terms of pricing.


Phidgets Solution:

6 x € 93,00 = € 558,00 (016/16 Phidgets I/O Cards) (6 x 16 = 96 inputs)
2 x € 93,00 = € 186,00 (LED64 Phidgets Cards) (2 x 64 = 128 led outputs)

Total = € 744,00

OpenCockpits Solution:

2 x € 62,95 = € 125,90 (Master Card)
2 x € 43,95 = € 43,95 (USB Expansion Board)
3 x € 21,95 = € 65,85 (Input Connection Board) (3 x 35 = 105 inputs)
3 x € 19,95 = € 59,85 (Output Connections Board) (3 x 38 = 114 outputs for the leds)

Total = € 295,55

I’m sure there are differences between the two solutions and I am not 100% sure the shopping list is complete.
If I only go for the nice price the way to go is easy but
I think there are big advantages like software support for the Phidgets.

Hopefully somebody can give me advise based on experience.

I’m looking forward to more information before I make the next step.

Thanks in advance,

Regards from Bas
KLM077

[Steve A]

I'll watch this thread with a lot of interest as im about atthe same stage with my overhead on order. Thanks for asking the question and lets hope for lots of info from members who have already passed this stage. Personally i think i'll be using open cockpits boards.

[mpl330]

I'll let you know in a few weeks - just starting to use the OC cards for my OH. Didnt get the Input connection boards (yet) but I may regret this ;-)
Will also be keen to hear anyone else's experiences.
Cheers
Mike

[twisted8]

I have never used Phidgets but I have been building my overhead with OpenCockpits parts and I think their stuff is amazing for the price. Works great and it's easy to use once you get a hang of if. Fast shipping too. I personally don't see any negatives about opencockpits, it does everything you can think of.

[fordgt40]

Bas

You are a little light on your assessment of OC cards for the led outputs. Each mastercard has 38 outputs available for leds etc, so you will need to factor in either another mastercard or 64 usb output card. Also your inputs appear to be on the low side. On my overhead with most switches hooked up I need all 144 available intputs. You will also need a servo card or two if you are going to have working gauges together with one/two display cards if you want to show the cruise/airport altitudes and power consumption digits.

I am using OC cards for my complete sim ie MIP,Pedestal Radios etc, FMC,MCP/EFIS, overheads and controls. The majority of units are built and work independently, running on the OC SIOC programme. SIOC takes a bit of getting used to but it is worth the effort. I fully endorse the use of OC cards, though would suggest that unless you are experienced in soldering small pc boards, that you initially buy the cards already completed.

Regards

David

[oal331]

Hi,

here is my setup :

For FWD Overhead, i have 2 Phidgets LED64 to control only the announciators. I choose them, because i need no extra software for them, as PM Systems recognize them and controls them direct.

For Overhead's switches i have Opencockpits. (2 Master Cards conneted to a USB).

For all my MIP, i have also a 3rd Master card for all the switches and announciators.

Sioc is a very good and powerful software to do whatever you want and control everything at your cockpit and the quality of Opencockpit's cards is super !!

regards

[mpl330]

Bas

You are a little light on your assessment of OC cards for the led outputs. Each mastercard has 38 outputs available for leds etc, so you will need to factor in either another mastercard or 64 usb output card.

Hi David,

You got me worried now as I too ordered 1 usb connector card and 2 master cards as on the OC site it states
"Master card.
It controls 72 digital inputs and 64 digital outputs"

The bit here I thought that 64 digital outputs was 64 leds???
Although I have then re-looked at the manual in one place it states 38 outputs then it states 45... :?:

Confused - I am now!!
Cheers
Mike

[mpl330]

Oh dear!!!
Just found this in the OC forums:

"You have in teory 64 outputs, but only can use directly for your leds 45 because the Master Card use 11 for Display Cards (expansion port has beed defined for others devices but only the display card has been developed), and 8 for multiplexed inputs. "

Wish they'd made it a bit clearer in the shop details that you havent got 64 :-x

Cheers
Mike

[blueskydriver]

Personally, I have OC Cards and I have FDS SYS 1-2 Cards for my FDS FWD Overhead. For my MIP its Sys 2-3. I prefer the FDS cards; they're simple to hook up and they have an easy "InterfaceIT" software solution already written for them. Once you connect the input/outputs, you use the software to easily select predefined XML's and that's it. It works! If an XML does not exist, you can use it too work with FSUIPC to design your own. The cool part is, if someone else as already invented something and are willing to share (most cases they are), the work is done. More or less, you're not reinventing the wheel over and over...

As for OC cards, I like them as well, but they do require a little more. If you're looking for quick and easy go FDS, for more details and a larger learning curve go OC.

[KLM077]

I desided to build the complete FW OVH panel from scratch. After reading all the feedback and conversations i have chosen for Phidgets. The reason it that the cards are easy to setup and manage. Complete wiring schema's are available. I've seen the 0/16/16 card shown with the ProSim737 software from Marty, great!!

I will keep you all posted during the building process.

Building in progress: sofar : base layer of plexi of 5mm, this is where the switches and annunciators will be mounted on.
On top of this a layer of 2,5mm plexi will be placed with the legends.

[KLM077]

I planned to walk the following path:
- Software : ProSim737 from Marty (full overhead logics and support for all major i/o cards).
- Building the rest from scratch such as the annunciators and panels.
- Keep the overhead as light possible for easy installation and maintenance (power supply
will be externally. Preliminary mounting contruction pic attached.

Here some annunciator building pictures.
The legends are printed on 3 layers of Calque paper. Behind a 2 layer color orange foil.
The LEDS are 10.000 mcd with cut off top for a wider bundle and equal light spead.

[KLM077]

Hereby the first impression of the first panel.

4026


Lot of thing to do & panels to go..............

[Nick1150]

Interesting thread !!!!

Keep up posting KLM :cool:

Thanks

Nick

[KLM077]

Small update:

The back light mounted in the ovh frame.
The back light is build out of 3 kits from Ikea ("Dioder")


4104

Regards,

Bas
KLM077

[oal331]

Hello Bas,

i also had install IKEA diodes as backlight at my pedestal, very easy and safe solution !!
Take a look here : http://www.737.gr/jl/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=39&Itemid=67

Good job, i admire your skills and your cockpit's constructions !!

Eddie

[KLM077]

Hi there,

I'm busy with prepare the panels in Illustrator for printing.
I figured out that the Arial Rounded font is almost simmilar
to the engraved fonts on the manufactured panels.

The only thing is that i can't get the exact font heigth of the headers
and the smaller ones.

Can somebody do me a favor and measure the several fonts for me?

Thanks in advance!

Regards from Bas
KLM077

[KLM077]

Hi Cockpit building colleagues,

After a week of designing in Illustrator all templates and panels are printed.
In the following step the top perspex layers will be made and then the printed
layers will be glued on.

Panel build up:
1. Base layer of 5mm clear perspex.
2. Second or top layer of 2,5mm clear perspex.
3. Paper layer 80gr with black print en white fonts, called "The mask"".
4. Top layer, the visible layer, paper 80gr.
5. Plastic non reflective foil to seal the panel and protect he panel against oil.

4127

[KLM077]

Welcome to the hel of panel production...


4163


I keep you posted during the process.


Cheers,

Bas
KLM077

[KLM077]

The DZus Fasteners in production:

4199

Lot of tiny details to do:

4200

We're on track, the overview:

4201

[jskibo]

Nice job!!!

[KLM077]

Dear Cockpit Builder Colleagues,

In the past months I generated lots of drawings for the panel production.

I planned to share these files for those who have the intentions to build the panels from scratch.

The files will be in high resolution scale 1:1 pdf format (vector) direct for print.

Included will be:
- Templates for panel cut outs
- Templates for the light masks
- Templates for top layer
- Templates for the gauge scales

Do you lke to have other usefull files included, let me know.

Best regards,

Bas
KLM077

[JWS]

Bas,

I admire your courage.

JWS

[KLM077]

The buttons..

4290


And the Overhead status:

http://www.webtimaal.demon.nl/mycockpit/IMG_2548.JPG

[KLM077]

http://www.webtimaal.demon.nl/mycockpit/DSC00226.JPG

http://www.webtimaal.demon.nl/mycockpit/DSC00227.JPG

http://www.webtimaal.demon.nl/mycockpit/DSC00228.JPG

[KLM077]

Website Photo Gallery updated:

http://www.webtimaal.demon.nl

[KLM077]

I made the landig light switches from some bolds and aliminium:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_karN2QzGy_c/TMG8jltJwVI/AAAAAAAAAjA/Lhem_L_BJOo/IMG_2554.JPG

Current status of the complete panel:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_karN2QzGy_c/TMG8lPr3N8I/AAAAAAAAAjE/WrPLjK4N4N4/IMG_2558.JPG

[Nick1150]

Hey KLM,

I have decided (till now of course :p ) not to go for an overhead....

You are almost near in changing my mind :evil:

Great job man,

Keep on posting !!!

[KLM077]

Thanks Nick,

Building the pannel will take at least one year the way i do it...building it from scratch..there are also other (less money saving) time saving methods...:cool:

Hereby my quality moment with the first test of the back light and the two fans on the back running on the external power supply:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_karN2QzGy_c/TMHqvqwCXJI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/zrubzmeiGZc/IMG_2562.JPG

Cheers

Bas
KLM077

[JWS]

Isn't she a beauty.

JWS

[Nick1150]

Ohhhhh yes she is :D

[super2277]

Hey what is your dimensjon of the overhead panel?

[KLM077]

Hey what is your dimensjon of the overhead panel?

Sofar I'm well informed my nickname is not "Hey" ;-), anyway the panel is in real size:

See the following drawing :

http://users.skynet.be/jcordon/cockpit/dimensions/images/737_overhd_B.jpg

Happy building!

Bas
KLM077

[super2277]

i used this but i have scala it and its not corectly

[KLM077]

i used this but i have scala it and its not corectly

You have to rescale the drawing in your drawing package using firm data from other sources, its not an exact 1:1 drawing.
You have to change some bit's and pieces but it's perfect for have a starting template for you drawings.

I've redrawn the complete panel and I used data from several sources for the check to have the 1:1 at the end.

One of the sources you can use:

http://www.markuspilot.com/BOEING%20737%20MEASUREMENTS.pdf

[super2277]

yea but i have the panel for the cut in screen
you can send E-post to younas_96 att hotmail.com en i wil send a picthures of what i mean

[KLM077]

Hi All,

Question for you :

How did you do the Electrical measurement panel end the Presurization panels ?

- Interfacing?
- Digits?
- OC or something else?

Looking forward to the suggestions,

Best regards,

Bas
KLM077

[KLM077]

See next message..

[KLM077]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_karN2QzGy_c/TM9AQzDIMeI/AAAAAAAAAjo/F81Qc0wPu_c/s640/DSC00233.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_karN2QzGy_c/TM9AR4zLQ4I/AAAAAAAAAjs/46f4TZjTuoY/s640/DSC00235.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_karN2QzGy_c/TM9AUfSG-jI/AAAAAAAAAj0/IfhjPbauKZM/s640/DSC00241.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_karN2QzGy_c/TM9ATODIHxI/AAAAAAAAAjw/qUYM447Gvt4/s640/DSC00239.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_karN2QzGy_c/TM9AWUAGKxI/AAAAAAAAAj8/i1RbqLObWyQ/s640/DSC00244.JPG

[KLM077]

Some precsion stuff:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_karN2QzGy_c/TNBov9xYvrI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/RIZSzdrrdmA/s640/DSC00245.JPG

The work bench:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_karN2QzGy_c/TNBow9h0HkI/AAAAAAAAAkU/Vyp0_9sn-lc/s640/DSC00247.JPG

[KLM077]

The home of the KLM077 is updated.

http://members.ziggo.nl/bcvanleeuwen/email-header.jpg

You're all welcome to visit the updated website.

The new KLM077 home (http://members.ziggo.nl/bcvanleeuwen)

If you have any questions, remarks or suggestions to improve the website, please let me know.

Best regards,


Bas
KLM077

[KLM077]

I put the redrawn gauges in pdf format on my website for download.

http://members.ziggo.nl/bcvanleeuwen/Gauges-PDF/downloads.png


Follow this link to the gauge downloads (http://members.ziggo.nl/bcvanleeuwen/downloads.htm)

If you have any questions, do not hessitate to contact me.

Have fun!!


Regards,

Bas
KLM077

[737dragon]

Thanks, is very good for my project ..

[KLM077]

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_karN2QzGy_c/TWYGK4LIpLI/AAAAAAAAAq0/wYg8a7TTans/s800/foto.JPG

[KLM077]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K8haeTFvrk

[Joe Cygan]

Spectacular project Bas!

[KLM077]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfGucRb7AfA?hd=1

[KLM077]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY8v9XKm6iM?hd=1

[KLM077]

Overheadpannel is ready!!

[KLM077]

The website is updated with new & fresh photo's.

http://members.ziggo.nl/bcvanleeuwen


Thanks for your visit, if you have any building questions or suggestions you're welcome


Cheers

KLM077

[JWS]

Hi Bas,

No suggestions or questions at the moment. Just want to say that it's a great website and a very nice project. Overhead is looking good.

JWS

[KLM077]

The Overhead Panel is now for sale.

[KLM077]

Everything is sold.

[herly]

Hi there,

I'm busy with prepare the panels in Illustrator for printing.
I figured out that the Arial Rounded font is almost simmilar
to the engraved fonts on the manufactured panels.

The only thing is that i can't get the exact font heigth of the headers
and the smaller ones.

Can somebody do me a favor and measure the several fonts for me?

Thanks in advance!

Regards from Bas
KLM077

Hi there,

Did you get the Font and size already? Please inform and thank you

[K. Sayre]

FDS SYS Cards!

[herly]

Sorry I just make a mistake by typing on wrong field