Starting over... Vidar's 737

[vidarf]

Hi folks! I've been off the simbuilder arena for some years now, but I'm back! And here (http://www.fagerjord.org/index.php/737-cockpit-project/34-cockpit-related/55-interfacing?start=1) are some images. More to come, especially on the wiring part.

Here's a sneak preview:

http://www.fagerjord.org/images/cockpit/thumbs/fwd_ovhead/nav_detail_ann_feb_12.jpg

Now, THAT'S eye candy for ya! :cool:

[Matt Olieman]

Welcome back Vidar and best of luck with your continued sim building :)

Matt Olieman

[vybhav]

Welcome Vidar

[vidarf]

A new update! (http://fagerjord.org/index.php/737-cockpit-project/34-cockpit-related/55-interfacing?start=1#250212)

I finally got my christmas tree!

http://fagerjord.org/images/cockpit/img/fwd_ovhead/christmas_tree.jpg

Check out the nifty little board I made for dual brightness annunciators!

[vidarf]

WIRED UP! The overhead is now wired up. I do not want to see another zip-tie for a LONG time!

http://fagerjord.org/images/cockpit/thumbs/fwd_ovhead/wiring_sys2_detail.jpg (http://fagerjord.org/index.php/737-cockpit-project/34-cockpit-related/55-interfacing?start=1#280212)

(click on the image to read more at my website)

The combo FDS SYS cards and InterfaceIT proves yet again to be a breeze to use! I tried to wire the annunciators in order (neighboring annunciators to neighboring outputs), but for the switches I zip-tied the wires, fed them to the correct place and wired them up at random. The "identify input" function proved to be invaluable here; no need for writing down which input goes to what switch - just flick the switch with InterfaceIT set to "identify input", and then import the correct XML (BTW: quite a few switches are missing in the XML files. I'll send them to FDS when they have been confirmed working).

[vidarf]

I've mounted the displays for the ELEC and FLT/LAND ALT (pressurization) panels:
http://fagerjord.org/images/cockpit/thumbs/fwd_ovhead/elec_mounted.jpg (http://fagerjord.org/index.php/737-cockpit-project/34-cockpit-related/75-overhead-gauges-and-displays)

Click on the image for the full story. The overhead is nearly completed now, and is operational for the most part. The gauges aren't mounted yet, but that's the next task. It will take some time, but should be a fairly easy job. Stay tuned! :)

[Norwegian737project]

I really am putzzled of why nobody bothers to leave any comments to any updates anymore.. It's like everybody has seen everything already, so unless we bring anything new that nobody has seen before, they won't offer any comments on it.. If that's the way everybody want's it, we might as well just stop posting anything at all...

I love your overhead. I think you have done a super job with it. Those OpenCockpit gauges looks better than expected. I can't wait to get my overhead up to par. I think I will do the same thing as you have done when it comes to the ELEC panel. It looks really good. Can't really tell the difference between this, and an original panel.

[vidarf]

I take people are so awe inspired by my unbelievable craftsmanship that they are too ashamed to comment. :P

Seriously, it seems that simbuilding is not what it was. Then again, that sentence has been uttered every year for as long as I have been in "the trade". Ah well, I still love to do it and post images for others enjoyment. Heck, if I can make another poor chap spend his money on this, I'm good. :D

Thanks for your kind comments. If you have a choice, go for the FDS ELEC unit in stead. I only chose OC because I had some master/usb/displays cards lying around. SIOC might be very powerful, and the OC cards are very good too. But they are NOT as user-friendly as the FDS stuff. Plug and pray, baby!

My overhead. Yeah. I have done a LOT of work on it. All the DZUS replicas for instance - they all have the screwdriver slot oriented correctly, just like real DZUS. I plan to build a small vaccuu-form thingy to make the glass bezels for the gauges, just to make them look as real as possible. But I love to do stuff like that, so it's OK. :)

BTW: I have a complete set of roof liners and trims from the aft overhead to the centre window frame, all from real aircraft. As real as it gets! :D

PS: I have promised measurements of those parts. I _will_ do that, but I am building and that's more important. Sorry for the wait!

[JWS]

A fine piece of art. How's that for a comment?;)

JWS

[Efe Cem Elci]

Beautiful! The grace and elegance of someone who has done it once before and want it to look more organized and easier to troubleshoot the next time around. Great work Vidar, looking forward to more developments.

I think that as the hobby develops into an industry (as it has in the past 5 years) we have more people buying parts that are pretty much plug and play. And I'm not criticizing these people, all the power to them. But as this happens, the cockpit building of our days where you were lucky to get panels from a company much less the interfacing and coding starts to fade away. To many new builders in my opinion this becomes old school and much less appreciated.

[vidarf]

JWS: exactly what I deserve....... 8) Thanks, buddy!

PNP stuff is awesome. Expensive, but you don't have to spend hundreds of hours building the tiniest thingamabobs. Although it is fun to do so, I would rather spend my time "flying". Oh well - it is a hobby after all.

Efe, you touch on a very important point. I _have_ to be organized, because I have to consider the backlighting on the overhead. My MIP, from FDS and with IBL panels, was _far_ easier to wire up. And I will go for the Plug and Pray products for the pedestal, that's for sure!

Anyway, it is fun to have started building again! :)
I'll update this thread as building progresses, but do not expect frequent updates. It takes tiiiiiiiiiime! :D

[notgotaclue]

I think that as the hobby develops into an industry (as it has in the past 5 years) we have more people buying parts that are pretty much plug and play. And I'm not criticizing these people, all the power to them. But as this happens, the cockpit building of our days where you were lucky to get panels from a company much less the interfacing and coding starts to fade away. To many new builders in my opinion this becomes old school and much less appreciated.

I am afraid that is the society we live in, eveyone wants things NOW and are not prepared to put in the hard work - I include myself in this.
I could learn how to interface a to b and programme c to work with d, but I prefer to pay an extra few pounds and know that I will receive a working PNP module, rather than spend weeks trying to get something to work.
All respect to the people who build their own MCP or EFIS, This does not interest me and I prefer to buy them ready made and spend my time and efforts on things that I get enjoyment from.
Allan.

[Efe Cem Elci]

I am afraid that is the society we live in, eveyone wants things NOW and are not prepared to put in the hard work - I include myself in this.
I could learn how to interface a to b and programme c to work with d, but I prefer to pay an extra few pounds and know that I will receive a working PNP module, rather than spend weeks trying to get something to work.
All respect to the people who build their own MCP or EFIS, This does not interest me and I prefer to buy them ready made and spend my time and efforts on things that I get enjoyment from.
Allan.

As I said Allan, my aim was not to criticize anyone for how they take part in this hobby but rather to hypothesize as to why there is not much interest generated in the forum for these "old school" building threads.

[notgotaclue]

As I said Allan, my aim was not to criticize anyone for how they take part in this hobby but rather to hypothesize as to why there is not much interest generated in the forum for these "old school" building threads.

Hi,
I didnt take it in any way as a critisism (i probably spelt that wrong), I was just putting across a reasoning behind why PNP is so popular on a personal level. I find the threads where people describe how they put together overheads, tq etc very interesting. Some of the home made TQ are spectacular and the time and effort put into them must be immense. I wish I had the necessary skills to do the same, but I dont.
The guy who made a car into a simulator was brilliant and so unique and just shows how mental we all are.
As I said, I enjoy reading the "how to" threads, I dont really comment because apart from the usual "that is great" reply, I would have nothing else to add or contribute.
Allan.

[vidarf]

Some of the big holes in my overhead are now occupied by gauges!

http://fagerjord.org/images/cockpit/img/fwd_ovhead/press_panel_backlight.jpg (http://fagerjord.org/index.php/737-cockpit-project/34-cockpit-related/75-overhead-gauges-and-displays?start=1#020412)

Click on the image for more info.

The overhead is REALLY starting to look good. But - does anybody have any ideas on how to make the glass inserts for the gauges? I could cut them from plexi glass, but that's no small undertaking! Vaccuuforming has also been considered, but that's a whole new ballgame.

[vidarf]

All the gauges are mounted! :)
I managed to make the lenses too. Not too hard, but a messy an tedious job! But it's done now.

http://fagerjord.org/images/cockpit/thumbs/fwd_ovhead/egt_gauge_mounted.jpg (http://fagerjord.org/index.php/737-cockpit-project/34-cockpit-related/75-overhead-gauges-and-displays?start=2)

(click on the image for the whole shebang)

Some minor detail work on two of the lenses, and it's done! The aft overhead and the backlighting is next after that. And that's all there is for the overhead panels! YAYY! :)

[vidarf]

Finally, all the gauges are mounted and ready for use:
http://fagerjord.org/images/cockpit/img/fwd_ovhead/gauges_aircond.jpg (http://fagerjord.org/index.php/737-cockpit-project/34-cockpit-related/75-overhead-gauges-and-displays?start=2#080412)
(click on the image for the details).

A little detail work, and it's all completed - for the gauge part that is. On to the AFT overhead and then the backlighting. Oh, and the start switches. Does it never end??? :)

[vidarf]

I feel like a woman! Detailing!
Or - how to create a realistic look by attention to small things:

http://fagerjord.org/images/cockpit/thumbs/detailing/lock_button_mounted_3.jpg (http://fagerjord.org/index.php/737-cockpit-project/34-cockpit-related/76-detailing)

Click on the image for further details and more on the topic.

What do you think? Madness or a good idea? :)

[vidarf]

Two different updates this time. Click on the images for the full madness.

I started building the cockpit sidewalls:

http://fagerjord.org/images/cockpit/thumbs/sidewalls/sidewall_first_test_assy.jpg (http://fagerjord.org/index.php/737-cockpit-project/34-cockpit-related/78-cockpit-interior)

And here's a few words on the backlighting and pedestal flood light I'm working on:

http://fagerjord.org/images/cockpit/thumbs/lights/pedestal_light_demo2.jpg (http://fagerjord.org/index.php/737-cockpit-project/34-cockpit-related/77-overhead-lighting)

More will follow!

[fsaviator]

Very nice, Vidar. Looks great!

[Matt Olieman]

Fantastic Vidar, definitely a PRO at work... :)

Matt Olieman

[vidarf]

Professional, anal, nutbag, lunatic, or just plain stubborn. Call it what you want. :) But thanks for the positive feedback! :)

[Efe Cem Elci]

Be careful about "anal"... Very American I guess, I made the mistake of using it casually among Swiss and European classmates in Switzerland once and it became a very big deal. Very common in the US, apparently not at all in Switzerland and other parts of Europe.

I prefer perfectionist :)

[CadetPreston]

Wow that looks really nice! I really like the overhead panel and the detail and realism of it :)

[vidarf]

EFE: I know that word could be misunderstood, but I blame all the US TV series I'm watching all the time. :)

Thanks for the feedback, folks! :) I try to make the best looking setup within SOME reason. And being a detail-minded dude, I try to replicate as much as possible. I only draw the line where the effort just ain't worth it. For example, all the screws found on different panels in the overhead. I could drill holes in the backing plate, glue a screw in place... But it is too much work for very little effect.

The locking stub, however - THAT one is important! :)

[AviatorPRO]

WOW! Thats all I have to say about this work of art!

Amazing. Speechless.

[vidarf]

First epoxy applied on the sidewall parts tonight. More to follow soon. Looks promising!

Edit: link to thread:
http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/showthread.php/24551-Building-the-737-sidewalls

[fsaviator]

Looking very good. I've been toying with the idea also but I was thinking a different route:

cutting the pieces out of sheet insulation, gluing them together, shaping with a hot knife, then covering with fiberglass.

Do you think that would work, Vidar?

With that said, does insulation foam come in sheets on that side of the pond? I ask as I am getting ready to move and if it doesn't I need to buy it now and make the cuts, then pack it and ship it.

[Neil Hewitt]

Great build. I never cease to be amazed by the skills of some of the people here. Puts my efforts to shame.

I must say, just looking at the pic you posted of your sidewalls in progress - I consider myself fairly amateur when it comes to woodworking, despite it being in the family (my dad was a carpenter by trade) - but I'm always impressed by the tremendous results I see on this forum. I can't seem to make a straight cut without a fence and all my work is full of shims and rough edges :(

On the subject of the A-word... we also say 'anal', meaning perfectionist, in the UK (and I believe Oz, NZ and SA too); not sure if we picked it up from the US or developed it along the same lines. Quite common to hear the full term 'anal retentive' too. Of course, the UK being the land of 'oo-er missus' humour, we'll usually twist it into a dirty joke whenever it's said.

I suspect that those for whom English is not a first language may not have heard the term used that way, so I can see how it might cause offence, and AFAIK it doesn't carry over into other languages. Certainly if you called someone 'anal' in French or German it would probably be interpreted as an insult.

[vidarf]

Neilh, I am NO carpenter! But never the less I managed to build a digital pipe organ (check my website). Follow Nike: Just do it! :)

Warren: LOADS of foam types over here. Plain underground insulation foam sheets, the dense type, will do fine. Just remember: You CANNOT use polyester resin! It will dissolve the foam. Use epoxy ONLY! And woven glass fiber cloth of course. :)

I actually plan to go the foam route for the diagonal structure beneath the side windows. Easy and cheap.

[fsaviator]

Warren: LOADS of foam types over here. Plain underground insulation foam sheets, the dense type, will do fine. Just remember: You CANNOT use polyester resin! It will dissolve the foam. Use epoxy ONLY! And woven glass fiber cloth of course. :)

I actually plan to go the foam route for the diagonal structure beneath the side windows. Easy and cheap.

Excellent, Vidar! Thanks for the tip. I've been pondering that route for a while, just out of time. It looks like I'll be learning how to create fiberglass in a few months.

[vidarf]

Moving to Germany? If you ever take a detour to the northern part of Norway, be sure to contact me!

And you will certainly get to a great place sim-wise. You have Simparts in the same country, and in the Netherlands you have FlyEngravity. And various other companies.

The only thing I would suggest you do, is to buy real parts when you are in the US. HARD and EXPENSIVE to get stuff shipped here (as you probably already know).

Welcome to Europa, dude! :)

[fsaviator]

Moving to Germany? If you ever take a detour to the northern part of Norway, be sure to contact me!



Is this north enough? :D

6629

It's been a while but it wouldn't surprise me if I found myself back in Norway at some point in the future.

I'm actually moving to Stuttgart, so Simparts is right there (as well as this: http://www.siminn.de/ and maybe I can actually make FS Weekend this year.

[vidarf]

Dude, I actually LIVE here (close to where you was back then - visit ENNK in FS; GA only). I don't need a friggin' certificate for that. Wuss! :D

Good luck with the move!

You're always welcome! HOT coffee for wussies guaranteed (but NOT airline coffee. Yuck!). :cool:

[fsaviator]

Some of us need a certificate to remind us that at one point we lost our mind and actually willingly went to where only polar bears and walrus' should live. Seriously though, I had a great time and the people were great.