CRJ progress

[AviatorPRO]

My captains side CRJ update:
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/4EC0294B-orig.jpg
I really recommend polymorph for cockpit builders. it softens in warm water but takes on the properties of nylon when dipped in cool water to harden. I can think of a multitude of uses for it.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/A15CDC37.jpg
Polymorph panel ready for filling, flatting and spraying.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/833383D8.jpg
Cockpit Voice Recorder stripped and ready for rebuild as a Vatsim mic/ phones interface.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/d6b9ed8a.jpg
Remote CDU requiring trim to cover ipad
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/8f0c5a48.jpg
Messing with Airtrack Apps
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/943DEF3C.jpg
Assorted panel labels. Still need to make trim for upper pedestal panels.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/74CDDF71.jpg
Glareshield curves shape from foam and ready for black vinyl application.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/165B1735.jpg
Need to tidy up

Hispapanels should arrive this week, then i can continue work on the autopilot section.

Andy
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/2d2816b0.jpg

[AVIATor-Olav]

Great work! Looks great! Where can one find polymorph? I have a few ideas as to where I could put it use.

[AviatorPRO]

Cheers. I got mine from ebay. It comes as a bag of small white spheres which fuse together when put in 60 degree water. Then you work it between you hands, or roll it out. Then dip in cool water and it turns opaque and solid. I also realise than it can be reheated and changed. Once I got my panel in position on the mdf I used a hot ait gun to soften the plastic to the exact contours I needed. This also bonded the plastic to the mdf.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/7a7d9ad9.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/5d40f6aa.jpg


http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/581F3C00.jpg
Captains breaker panel ready for cleaning and lighting before fitting.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/2B1CC5A6.jpg
Beautiful wiring on this.

Andy

[gokhotit]

Just to let you know, I am a mechanic on CRJ 900s (few cockpit differences). If you need any info, references, etc..please let me know. Keep up the good work.

[AviatorPRO]

Just to let you know, I am a mechanic on CRJ 900s (few cockpit differences). If you need any info, references, etc..please let me know. Keep up the good work.

Thanks I appreciate it. What I do lack are photos which detail sidewall, steering tiller and footwell at captains side.

Thanks so much again,

Andy

[gokhotit]

The captains footwell is different in a 200 as the CBP-3 Circuit breaker panel is down there..I can get you the tiller pictures, and which side wall do you want?

I have the AMM section dealing with that panel, if you want it.

[AviatorPRO]

Hi,

Thanks for that, it would be detail of the side by the captains left side. Above and around the tiller. Very much appreciated.

Andy

[RojanTrojan]

This is a superb looking project Andy. I recently bought the CRJ200 for XP and I'm having a blast with it. Javier and Philipp have done a superb job on it. I assume you are using the list of custom datarefs that Philipp posted to control your switches and rotaries etc. Is this sort of thing easy to learn? I'm guessing I should be starting with the DataRef editor (DRE), I find it a little confusing as I'm so used to just using the stock datarefs within X-plane to control my generic simulator. Keep up the great work.

Regards

Rhydian

P.S That Polymorph stuff looks very useful thanks for the heads up.

[AviatorPRO]

This is a superb looking project Andy. I recently bought the CRJ200 for XP and I'm having a blast with it. Javier and Philipp have done a superb job on it. I assume you are using the list of custom datarefs that Philipp posted to control your switches and rotaries etc. Is this sort of thing easy to learn? I'm guessing I should be starting with the DataRef editor (DRE), I find it a little confusing as I'm so used to just using the stock datarefs within X-plane to control my generic simulator. Keep up the great work.

Regards

Rhydian

P.S That Polymorph stuff looks very useful thanks for the heads up.

Wow thats very kind of you. Its funny what inspires you. I saw a voice recorder on ebay for $28 and bought it along with a breaker panel. (duplicates of which are being readvertised at the same price as of now for any crj fans interested) That and Javier/ Philipps work was the catalyst.

These datarefs... I have not got my head around them yet. I know that all flying surfaces including gear and flaps on the crj use default datarefs according to Javier, but I don't know how to get the others to communicate with X-Plane. I'm starting with the things I can easily simulate by modifying off the shelf stuff...gear, flaps....maybe throttle...I don't know yet, then with all of the panels I have from Hispapanels, I intend on makng them functional one by one as I am learning. I've not got much experience with X Plane and cockpits, unlike my 20 year fling with msfs. I do see massive potential with XPX though and really think the CRJ is very special. If you know of anyone who has successfully interfaced hardware in xpx I would be really interested to know. I am fine with construction and hardware, less fine with programming.

My knowledge is poor compared to you guys. BTW I love your powder coated white panel. Awesome.

regards

Andy

[AviatorPRO]

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/5EAF3ACB.jpg
Polymorph Thermoplastic trim panel fitted, sanded and undercoated. Still not completely happy with it, but its getting there.

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/680A7850.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/1770266F.jpg
App musings.

Next steps on main panel:
Glareshield lighting recesses to route.
Panel lines to recreate and 'replica screw heads' to fix in place.
Then pfd, efis, ipad etc trim panels to cut and fit.
Final spraying/ Airbrushing.

[CadetPreston]

Wow that's starting to look really good, am I right in believing you are using iPad's for the instrument screens? etc?

[gokhotit]

Ask and thou shalt receive..please excuse the grainy images, my camera doesn't do well at night.


65956596659765986599

[AviatorPRO]

Wow that's starting to look really good, am I right in believing you are using iPad's for the instrument screens? etc?

Thank you. Yes, iPads. A little unorthodox, but fun all the same. Air track and air nav pro, remote cdu. Hopefully this technology will progress very soon. I anticipate air track making a range of software configurable to different aircraft.

[AviatorPRO]

Ask and thou shalt receive..please excuse the grainy images, my camera doesn't do well at night.


65956596659765986599

Oh you superstar. Thanks so much. That's really helpful. What a great bunch of guys here. How to replicate it I don't know. Would they miss a sidewall on your crj? Would anyone notice? ;) thanks again

Regards

Andy

[AviatorPRO]

And now the panels arrive.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/9BFAE210.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/A2B30556.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/9CB65ADD.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/5181C3C7.jpg
If anyone has any experience of how these go together I would appreciate it. With regards to the glareshield, I will need to make some modifications to the real dimensions, to accommodate the ipads beneath, which results in a slightly stretched glareshield. Not by much, but a little artistic licence needed. Needs some thought.

I am considering several options for controlling the panels, but need to sort out mounting first, which will require some careful routing. Also need to consider backlighting at this stage.

Back to the wood shed. Grateful of any hints, like "give up now!" Always learning.

BTW... great paint on ebay. iron grey and traffic grey in a can.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/1CFBEE58.jpg
Cheers

Andy

[AviatorPRO]

Oh dear. Warts and all. More filling needed here and some sanding to get the curves. I'm making so many mistakes.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/EE49AB2D.jpg

And this is the new cut line. Sanding pad time. Its way too bulky to match the curve of the glareshield side panel. :(
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/65C0859C.jpg

[AviatorPRO]

Vinyl will cover fine though.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/B2ABB75B.jpg

[AviatorPRO]

Anyone want to buy a 'sort of crj?' :)

Thats better. Need to stop this ocd. Still a bit more filling and sanding to get this so that i can live with it but...it's getting there. Car body filler is so easy to sand and dries really quickly. It's my best friend today. I realised today that I cast this polymorph incorrectly, but I'll take the cheese with the bread here. It'll be close enough.

Javier said to me he made all the panels from the crj sim by eye and photographs. No blueprints. Unbelievable work of genius. It made me feel a bit humble about my amateurish handywork. It's finding the balance between realism and satisfaction. When I look at some of the cockpits on this forum, it makes me to want to aspire.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/0C43354C.jpg

Looking at these I prefer the Hispanels one over the real one. Still, at least the knob will be of use. :roll:
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/BDF8991C.jpg

[gokhotit]

Na..they wouldn't miss it;). I would try contacting some of the scrapping companies (Desert Air Spares, Boneyard2U, etc) on getting those pieces. If you need, I can get a Part number.

[AviatorPRO]

Once again above and beyond the call of duty. But I would appreciate it, and any other references on this aircraft. I've learned so much so far, but the stuff you have offered helps take it to the next level.

Thankyou.

Warm regards

Andy

[Geremy Britton]

Really good progress thread, keep up the good work
:)

[AviatorPRO]

Thankyou.

warm regards

Andy

[gokhotit]

I can give you anything you want...I have access to the IPC and The AMM. If you are gonna do it, might as well be as accurate as possible, right?

[AviatorPRO]

Yeah. You're right. Those documents are superb. They will help no end. I will contact those companies you stated, and I should be able to get the part numbers from the documents.

Thanks for your generosity.

Andy

[AviatorPRO]

Decided tonight that I am going to build the screen pillars and maybe...some overhead. I must resist this temptation, since I always said I would only do the Captain's section. I blame gokhotit and his exploded diagrams...My wife may just go mad with this development. It is strangely addictive building a 'sort of' cockpit. Easy to spend lots and get carried away. Now I get it. I understand the obsessive nature of all your works of art.

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/8C56F88E.jpg
Wemac vent becoming traffic grey, rather than beige.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/1881506C.jpg
Looking closely, more filling needed. When it catches the light, minor flaws appear. After all, this is the bit i look at.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/793e22f1.jpg
A month ago feels like an eternity in this case. Reminiscent moment.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/DAE5CCEE-orig.jpg
Checking out the remote EFIS software last month.

This weekend:
sand curved glare shield panel
fit remaining glare shield
spray and cosmetic surgery. (crj not me. I am beyond help!;))

[AviatorPRO]

I can give you anything you want...I have access to the IPC and The AMM. If you are gonna do it, might as well be as accurate as possible, right?

Fatal. :lol:

If you wouldn't mind e-mailing my wife and being that convincing, her e-mail is...
dontflamingencouragehim@virgin.com ;-) She doesn't tell her friends on the school run what her husband does in the garage when he is home.

Actually, your post sounds a bit like my marriage proposal.

That looks better:
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/1A398AEC.jpg

[gokhotit]

I blame gokhotit and his exploded diagrams.


Your welcome :D The market is exploding with CRJ200 parts as they are being taken out of service. Should not be to difficult to find the parts.

[AviatorPRO]

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/ADAE42CC.jpg
Messy at this stage. But, autopilot panel is roughly cut. Now for some effort priming. Ignore the white dust specks. Routing is so dusty, and I want this build diary to show all the flaws for anyone like me who wants to see problems encountered and resolutions presented. I am trying to build my skills as I go. Looked much better after a wipe with white spirit.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/8CC44685.jpg
Routed recesses for flood lights. Using 48 led 12v panels on dimmer for this purpose.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/3CEA7724-orig.jpg
Not good enough. More priming and sanding. Could have done better with eyes shut, a wallpaper brush and can of Dulux!!
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/82953C87.jpg
Glare shield curve lowered and perfect.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/08E3F75D.jpg
Knee bar vinyl covered. Seems ok.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/E5C66315-orig.jpg
The beer is obligatory.Sorry non-drinkers :)
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/B407D278.jpg
Vinyl check on glare shield curve; covers very minor imperfections in foam profile.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/4403930F-orig.jpg
Knee bar needs minor work at edges, but is coming along nicely. Debating whether to recover this is 1mm rubber rather than vinyl. What should it be on the actual aircraft? Painted, rubber, vinyl or plastic? Gokhotit, I would appreciate your advice here mate...You're the chap you knows!
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/25C095E3.jpg
48 led 12v floodlights prior to mounting. They seem great.
That's it for now. BTW decided today that overhead and window pillars are too optimistic. It seemed like a good idea last night after a chat with Stella Artois, but this morning I awoke realistic. Unfortunately I'm stretching my skills just doing this. How some of you create your masterpieces is beyond me. Lots of respect.

Andy

[vidarf]

Dude, give your self some credit!!!!!! Check out my website. I didn't know SQUAT about wood working, except for the basic skills I obtained in arts & crafts in school. I now own a LOT of cool tools, and I can build almost anything. I draw my projects in Google Scetchup, then go to town in the "shop". :) I have most tools needed for wood working, and am expanding into metal working too. Got my MIG-welder last year, and thanks to Google and Youtube I learned to weld aluminum. Which is one of the hardest metals to weld.

If you want the whole shebang, go for it! But I would recommend that you finish your MIP first. Get it flying before you start the next part. And now I am telling you the "do as I say, not as I do" story. I haven't finished anything in my cockpit yet. But the overhead panels is close to completion, and I started on the side walls today (which actually is an integrated part in the "finish the MIP" project).

And if the wife complains, explain to her that this is a HOBBY. You could've just as easily have started with model trains, car restoring... Cockpit building isn't any more moronic than any of the other hobbies out there.
The most important aspect of any hobby, is the relaxation, satisfaction and the creative outlet one gets.

And let me tell you another thing: By building my own digital pipe organ, I learned a LOT of skills. Which I can use on my cockpit project - and more important: in my house! The stair to the first floor needs replacement within a few years. E-X-P-E-N-S-I-V-E to get a custom built stair that fits the old house I live in. But a pile of wood and my tools - that equals fun and a cheap, custom stair!

Or you could quit the sim building arena and start collecting shoes you do not need. Or clothes you'll only wear once in a blue moon.
Or to be even more "to the point": Go get yourself a big boat, 25' at least, a place in the marina. Then use it twice a year. Cockpit building does not seem that stupid to me anymore... :)

Great work on your MIP!

[AviatorPRO]

Words well spoken. I agree completely. Blimey, you should be a motivational speaker!!! It is a very rewarding hobby. Thanks for the kind words. Your site is amazing, and your work phenominal. I have picked up a multitude of tips from it.

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/ADC5D0F8.jpg
Cracked autopilot panel demanded respray. Paint didn't agree and cracked. Sand back to acrylic and total respray took place. Now seems to be ok. Couldn't have forseen that. Extra hours onto project. I don't understand why this happened. I thought most modern paints would sit on top of each other fine but...

[Anderson/SBSP]

Very well!!! Congrats.

[gokhotit]

I have access to a 200 tonight. If you get this within the next hours, I should be able to get pictures of anything you might want. I have some already of the stuff you asked for.

[vidarf]

Cracking paint: If you apply 2-component paint on top of regular spray can paint, they do not agree. At least for some kinds of paints.
I experienced that myself once. I only use 2-component paint now - it cures WAY faster and is tougher.

If the paint dissolves styrofoam, it cannot be used on top of 1-comp. paint. At least that's my experience. I'm sure there's specific types of paint that does not agree, and other that does - but I don't know which.

[AviatorPRO]

I have access to a 200 tonight. If you get this within the next hours, I should be able to get pictures of anything you might want. I have some already of the stuff you asked for.

Thats brilliant. I would appreciate a couple of details of the floodlights under the glareshield and that knee bar. Also to help work out the angles, a picture of where the auto pilot side plates (caution light panel) narrows to its thin point on captains side would be great. I.e. looking from the first officers side towards the captains side along the front edge of the autopilot panel.

Wonderful

Thanks
Andy

[gokhotit]

Have your pix. Will ipload when i get the chance. And i got you a little surprise >)

[AviatorPRO]

Have your pix. Will ipload when i get the chance. And i got you a little surprise >)

Intriguing :)

[gokhotit]

here are your pix..and I made this for ya http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VrDXvzpcUk

66166617661866196620

[AviatorPRO]

here are your pix..and I made this for ya http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VrDXvzpcUk

66166617661866196620

I really don't know what to say. You have reaffirmed my faith in human nature. Cheers mate. That means more than I can say...and I feel a bit choked up that someone would take the time to do that. Thank you so much. That knee board bar; is it rubber or just painted wood? It looks worn. Maybe I should distress mine. :)

A happy chap.

Thank you again.

Andy

[AviatorPRO]

Cracking paint: If you apply 2-component paint on top of regular spray can paint, they do not agree. At least for some kinds of paints.
I experienced that myself once. I only use 2-component paint now - it cures WAY faster and is tougher.

If the paint dissolves styrofoam, it cannot be used on top of 1-comp. paint. At least that's my experience. I'm sure there's specific types of paint that does not agree, and other that does - but I don't know which.

When you say two componant paint, is that the type I would buy from an automotive store? (forgive my naivety) That is what I used, but I guess different to what the Hispapanels' were originally painted with.I use an automotive filler primer and top coat.

[gokhotit]

The kneeboard bar is worn because pilots put there feet on it. It is solid rubber with a pleather type covering

[AviatorPRO]

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/AE3D1FAA.jpg
A few placards temp. mounted.for effect and inspiration.http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/5E6E6410.jpghttp://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/837CFFE8.jpg
Nothing lines up yet, but it will.http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/7A347380.jpghttp://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/0426B4AD.jpg
Paint went on well this time. Ignore the mdf dust. All the placards need trimming to size.

[AviatorPRO]

The kneeboard bar is worn because pilots put there feet on it. It is solid rubber with a pleather type covering

Do the floodlights have trims around them?

[gokhotit]

check your mail..

[AviatorPRO]

check your mail..

Can this thread get any better? Amazing

thank you.

[AviatorPRO]

Back to it.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/A264F045.jpg

Setting the autopilot frame with square.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/74D0DA9E.jpg

Filling. Hate this bit. And it's seems to take me about 3 coats of high build primer, sanding with 400 and 2500 grit between coats. Feels like treading water!
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/CC303C1C.jpg

Made a pigs ear of this. Cut the glareshield edge too low and side of cockpit needs some tlc. Ah well. Sorted that tonight.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/86D56D13.jpg


Primed and sanded
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/3E9679FA.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/EBABBBAB.jpg

These need to be removed to allow for the depth of the panels. Should be a laugh.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/53375AB9.jpg

Close up of the 48 led 12v warm yellow floodlights:
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/410F1D1F.jpg

Replica screws for mounting to wood.http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/16E1B2AC.jpg

I am getting to the point where I am thinking about how to control all this lot. I have broken this in to parts.

Lighting:
12v variable lighting for backlit panels. Crazed pilot led strips with potentiometer.
12v variable floodlights. 48 led panels on potentiometer.
Lighting other.

PFD/ efis etc. - iPad driven

Autopilot panel: This is my focus for now. Teensy board controlled. I need to start looking at how to code this for any custom data refs in the CRJ. Hence I need to order the components to construct this panel from hispapanels. It consists mainly of push buttons and encoders and LEDs. Now I need to study. I have little idea about this but hey, how hard can it be...some interesting threads on xplane.org seem to be a great starting point. It is certainly looking like choosing X plane 10, whilst slightly controversial, could be the bet choice I made. It looks very straightforward to add custom hardware to the simulation.

Also starting to make enquiries as to custom throttle, flaps and spoilers quadrants. Can't face building this at the moment. I'm more interested in the mip, pedestal and overhead. If I can learn the teensy, I have a chance of making this lot very simply and with value for money.

Anyone who has experience of coding teensy boards would be useful in the near future.

On the subject of study, I got some great CRJ manuals and cockpit materials from eBay, which are helping me to learn the procedures. Can't beat the real deal in this instance.

Whilst custom throttles can be made, I am more concerned about the yoke. I know I want a column Yoke, but the only one I know of, without building one, is the pfc Saab column yoke. Does anyone know of any CRJ specific models?

[AviatorPRO]

check your mail..

Do you have any info about the throttle quadrant... Photos, accurate dimensions etc. if you ever have time i would appreciate anything on this.

Thankyou in anticipation of any help.

Andy

[AviatorPRO]

Progress has been slower this week as work got in the way. Still has given me chance to suss out some wiring and compatibility issues software wise.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/A545030D.jpg
Cut out half of the pedestal top panels to make way for wiring and mounting brackets.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/8A5C78CE.jpg
More to take out here, and sanding and spraying to do. This week i'm trying to make good the work so far, so physical work is less. Have designed the metal support which will form the centre of the windscreen and ultimately support the overhead panel. Need to fabricate and weld this at the weekend, to be be glad in mdf. This will then be bolted to the back of the main panel and protrude above the glareshield. Also researching the hispapanels and looking at how to wire these. The lighting panels are simple, others less so.

[gokhotit]

check your mail

[AviatorPRO]

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/CA34A239.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/15FF62AC.jpg
Cutting out panels and filing
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/AF111AF8.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/5B0FA342.jpg
Work on the undercarriage lever has started. Initial cutting and trial fitting.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/B2F7252B.jpg
Cockpit voice recorder is now wired and powered. VU meter goes to green band when test button is pressed. Just need to add a resistor to ensure exact deflection of the needle.

[AviatorPRO]

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/CFEA7EA0.jpg

initial assembly before loctite and cutting of threads and 10mm stainless steel lever. glb knob ready to be fit.

[AviatorPRO]

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/844543F6.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/80640D71.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/2385E017.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/D2C10CC0.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/B74DCA28.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/59509CF8.jpg
Lots of trimming of bolts. Switches to fit. Nylon washers in a few places and nylocs. This is a dry assembly.

[AviatorPRO]

Traffic Grey
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/D6769D31.jpg

[AviatorPRO]

Traffic Grey coats using ral paint. Polymorph panel looks better than I had hoped.

[AviatorPRO]

Fixing the undercarriage knob to the 10mm stainless steel extrusion

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/0C3FA866.jpg

Step by step:

1. File down the four faces of a 3/4" length at the end of an 1/4" square mild steel bar, to approx 8mm square so that it is a snug fit to the inside profile of the 10mm square tube.

2. Cut off the 3/4" length piece. Mark the diagonals at one end to obtain the centre, and centre punch.

3. Hold the bar vertically in a drill vice and progressively drill a hole through the centre up to 3.3mm. (The tapping size for M4 x 0.7 thread.)

4. The cap screw used was part straight shank and part threaded, therefore it was necessary to drill a 4mm clearance hole for the portion of straight shank and the remainder threaded with M4 tap.

5. A shakeproof washer was placed on the bolt and the bolt pushed through the clearance hole; pushed/ screwed in to the full extent so that approx 10mm of thread protruded and the bolt was now locked in the square section.

6. The end of the cast resin knob was squared up and chamfered and the centre determined and punched. The knob was protected with card and held in the drill vice facing upwards. A 3.3mm hole was drilled to a depth of 20mm

7. The hole was tapped out to M4.

8. Small fibre washer was placed over the thread and the knob tightened up until it was inline with the sides of the square.

The whole assembly can be now epoxied into the operating tube, and for future dismantling, the knob can be first unscrewed. The knob as supplied from GLB is in clear finish and can now be removed and sprayed before fixing finally in position. This is just one of several possible ways of fixing the knob, however it was chosen to extremely robust and easy to remove the knob and replace should respraying, or maintainance be needed.

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/4E329E0C.jpg

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[vidarf]

NICE! Are that design stable enough? Do you get any "play" in the panel when you're pulling the lever?
I have that problem on my MIP, but mainly because the gear lever isn't secured to the vertical supports at the back (on the to-do-soon -list though).

[AviatorPRO]

NICE! Are that design stable enough? Do you get any "play" in the panel when you're pulling the lever?
I have that problem on my MIP, but mainly because the gear lever isn't secured to the vertical supports at the back (on the to-do-soon -list though).

Hi.

No play at all. The whole thing is rock solid. The gear panel fixes to a very rigid mdf angular structure. There is no flex whatsoever; all supports are reinforced, and it is as solid as can be. The gear lever uses springs which allow a smooth but firm pull, but without excessive force. I think the system is efficient and fit for purpose, as much as I can make it. Of course I have no idea what force is required to actuate the lever in the real CRJ though I would love to know so I can recreate it by adjusting spring tension. Thanks for the positive comment. I really appreciate it. Good luck with yours. It looks magnificent. :) I am but a humble student. I've learned a lot during this recent phase.

Regards Andy

[xplanematt]

Andy, your CRJ is looking great. What are you using to make your brackets, panels, and other flat pieces? Or are you designing/ordering all of them with that FrontPanel app you linked a while back?

I wouldn't bother much with any sort of "dataref editor" or other user-written tools intended to "supplement" the SDK. It stands quite well on its own, and is not difficult to learn, just a little different from more conventional coding projects. The Python interface to the SDK is even simpler (and more fun to program, IMO): http://www.xpluginsdk.org/python_interface.htm

Edit: I should clarify that the Python interface is nearly an identical "copy" of the SDK in Python, with functions and data types represented in the closest Python equivalents, to the point that you can almost exclusively use the original SDK docs once you get the hang of the Python SDK's idiosyncrasies. The relative ease and simplicity of Python is what makes it simpler and so much fun. And the fact that Sandy did such an amazing job with it. :)

Matt

[vidarf]

Dude, PLEASE do not "find out" what the exact pull force needs to be by visiting a CRJ cockpit and then flip the lever!

"Hi'ya guys, I'll just check how hard this is to use! -WHAT THE... *click*-*THUMMMMPPPPFFFF*" :o

[AviatorPRO]

Dude, PLEASE do not "find out" what the exact pull force needs to be by visiting a CRJ cockpit and then flip the lever!

"Hi'ya guys, I'll just check how hard this is to use! -WHAT THE... *click*-*THUMMMMPPPPFFFF*" :o

Ha ha. Nice one. :)

[gokhotit]

All you will do is make a lot of noise (both screaming crew and alarms), but the gear SHOULDN'T raise.

[AviatorPRO]

Andy, your CRJ is looking great. What are you using to make your brackets, panels, and other flat pieces? Or are you designing/ordering all of them with that FrontPanel app you linked a while back?

I wouldn't bother much with any sort of "dataref editor" or other user-written tools intended to "supplement" the SDK. It stands quite well on its own, and is not difficult to learn, just a little different from more conventional coding projects. The Python interface to the SDK is even simpler (and more fun to program, IMO): http://www.xpluginsdk.org/python_interface.htm

Edit: I should clarify that the Python interface is nearly an identical "copy" of the SDK in Python, with functions and data types represented in the closest Python equivalents, to the point that you can almost exclusively use the original SDK docs once you get the hang of the Python SDK's idiosyncrasies. The relative ease and simplicity of Python is what makes it simpler and so much fun. And the fact that Sandy did such an amazing job with it. :)

Matt

Hi matt

All of the panels are from Hispapanels in Spain. They come as only panels. No instructions etc. You design the mechanics/ electronics as you see fit. Each panel consists of 3 x 3mm plates which are held together by M2 bolts therefore are extremely rigid when affixed to the 6mm and 12mm mdf supports of the mip. All other flat panels are mdf. The curved glareshield was built using mdf and filled with expanding foam, trimmed to profile. I use p38 car filler for minor imperfections because it is epoxy based, dries within minutes and can be sanded perfectly with little effort. Hispapanels are held by GLB screws or equivalent bolts. The front bottom right of the mip which supports the gear panel and cdu is 5mm acrylic, though invisible in any photos so far.

The CRJ using standard data refs for the main flying surfaces, but custom data refs are provided for home cockpit builders to enable full functionality. I've never heard of the python stuff. Im intriqued and I'll check it out. But I will use teensy boards for interface purposes.

The iPads all run Airtrack app. this is perfect because although not 100% realistic, it gives an excellent simulation of a glass cockpit. It only cost £17.00.


The AirTrack features include:

A Primary Flight Display (PFD) with:
Speed
Altitude
Vertical Speed
Barometric pressure
Outside Temperature
Compass
Attitude Indicator with roll and pitch
Auto-Pilot status and settings
Instant GS, IAS, MACH, and VS when available
Flaps deployment and landing gear state
Movement sensing remote control of the aircraft
Support for iphone/ipod 4 built-in gyros to control the rudder / yaw
A Multi Function Navigation Display (MFD/ND) with:
APP, VOR, MAP and PLN modes
Centered and expanded views
Display of APT, WPT, VOR, NDB, CWP and LOC
Wind speed and direction indicators
True Air Speed and Ground Speed
Next waypoint reporting
Flight plan display
Course control from NAV1, NAV2 or FMC
ILS / VOR approach course helpers
Runway and localizer orientation drawing
VOR/ADF selector
VOR/NDB guidance bugs according to NAV/ADF
Next waypoint mode selector (NAV1/2, FMC)
Tracking in MAP mode
Display of the world border and coast lines as a background map
Rate of Turn display with the snake and 30, 60 and 90 secs predictions
A Mode Control Panel (MCP) that interacts with the simulator's auto-pilot with :
HDG, IAS/MACH, OBS1, OBS2, ALT, VS and BARO dialers
AT/ARM, SPD HOLD, HDG HOLD, N/1, C/O, LNAV, LOC, APP, LCH, ALT, VS, VNAV and AP CMD hold switches
A Flight Management Computer (FMC) with:
Multi-Mode, Multi-Leg flight planner
Reported distances per waypoint
Time remaining / elapsed per leg
Position Reports for Oceanic
Flight Statistics with progress and ETA
Runways and localizers
Basic SID and STAR decoding for airports
Enroute airways decoding
Cloud based syncing of flight plans across devices
Plus:
Full radio stack with NAV1/2, COM1/2, ADF1/2
Transponder dial and auto-transponder mode
Customizable waypoints
My waypoints and Nearby waypoints
Real-Time weather information for airports
Detailed airport information including runways
VOR ad NDB class, range, frequencies
A database of over 100,000 localities worlwide
Built-in database of FIX, VORs and NDBs
Cloud based syncing of waypoints across devices
Support for NAVIGRAPH FMS AIRAC cycles
Tracking of VATSIM/IVAO surrounding traffic
Display of online VATSIM/IVAO controllers
Electronic Flight Bag style interface for iPad
Enhanced graphics with high-res Retina Display
Approach charts viewer (*** EXPERIMENTAL ***)
Support for the external AHRS from Levil Aviation
And much more ...
These are just a few of the things that you can do with AirTrack; and if they aren't enough, be assured that this is just the beginning. We have a lot more in stock to introduce in future versions.

This can be displayed over several iPads, and allows me to concentrate on building the comms and nav panels without interfering with my flying. This was a major concern to me. I love to fly and then build. Also with the remote cdu, I have an instant cockpit, ready to expand as I see fit but perfectly functional in the short term.

For fun, I can display air nav pro map data, and x plane efis app.

Cheers

Andy

Check it out:
http://www.ipobjects.com/products/airtrack

http://hispapanels.com/tienda22/

http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/8415EE03.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/18D6C85C.jpg
Not happy with finish. Here we go again...

[AviatorPRO]

I don't want to annoy anyone with my posts, so unless anyone is too bothered I will update at

xplanecrj.wordpress.com

I will still provide updates here if there is interest.

Andy

[vidarf]

If somebody are bothered, it's just because they're jealous! :D


Keep'em coming! I read all your updates, but I don't reply with just ooh's and aah's. I could, but I find those posts a bit annoying. :)

Great work! And it is good to see that I'm not the only one obsessing over minute details...

[vidarf]

BTW: I see we're going with the Caterpillar look here... :D

[AviatorPRO]

BTW: I see we're going with the Caterpillar look here... :D

Yes. I always liked it. Black CAT vinyls await. Never mind Traffic Grey. I finally settled on a finish I am happy with; it is called road works yellow. Looks like a target tug from the 50's RAF.

Well its grey again now. And what a difference a flat lacquer makes. I was ordering my paints from Germany, when I discovered a paint mixing company 1/2 mile from my house who did everything I wanted at a much cheaper cost. And the aerosols have better nozzles with a more even flow. Anyway, progress has been slow but I'm finally happy with the finish. Quality aerosols are great. Happiness is an aerosol from Yorkshire.

Anyway. Switches and buttons and knobs and teensy boards this month. Lots of finding stuff. Been busy on the blog for a few days. Had 1340 hits the other day and the guys at XP10blog have been kind enough to put my link on their site. (They are good) Amazing really.

So here are a few images of whats been going on...
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/83658721.jpghttp://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/924A4B70.jpg
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http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/302E117D.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/B1012ACE.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/infinity1976/Snapbucket/22CF1888.jpg
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Thats it. Not too much really. Slow steps.

[vidarf]

How's the build doing? Or has the summer / honey do list taken their toll? :D

[lipq2009]

very very good project.
CRJ is one of my preferred aircrafts.
Somebody know where to find out a good flight tutorial for it?
I'm currently flying the wilco crj 900.
tnks a lot
ciao
Andrew

[gokhotit]

I have found that the WILCO CRJ is not even close to accurate. But to each there own.

[lipq2009]

Thanks for the reply. So I will keep flying with the Wilco FS9 versione or default crj900.
Regasrds

[Razorback]

I don't want to annoy anyone with my posts, so unless anyone is too bothered I will update at

xplanecrj.wordpress.com

I will still provide updates here if there is interest.

Andy

Razorback
I have viewed you posts several times and am very impressed with your progress on the CRJ. I am most interested in building a CRJ-700 simulator. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, would you be willing to sale a copy of the plans for the cockpit (interior/exterior)?

[Fenix]

Fantastic job, my warmest congratulations, I personally love the CRJ, I'm summoning material and documentation, I have almost completed all the overhead panels.

[Fenix]

I can give you anything you want...I have access to the IPC and The AMM. If you are gonna do it, might as well be as accurate as possible, right?

Hi, aircraft mechanic and avionics, but B737, in the my documentation of the CRJ200 - "smart cockpits", it is not clear the mechanism of the throttle levers, you could get me the information needed to build a replica of the them as close as possible to reality.

Thanks for your help

[gokhotit]

The throttles are all electrical, no mechanical connections to the engines. I can get you info for the aircraft side, but not the CMM for the throttles themselves.

[Fenix]

The throttles are all electrical, no mechanical connections to the engines. I can get you info for the aircraft side, but not the CMM for the throttles themselves.


Thanks for your offer, I just need, know visually as levers inside, - (as possible) - in order to make a replica as close to the real one, I have the information airbus levers, which are similar running to the CRJ, the B737 are bulkier and there is a large mechanical drive system, before converting it into an electrical signal. I've seen some pictures of the levers on the Internet, but not sufficiently explanatory.

[AviatorPRO]

7037Been some time since I posted, so will update my CRJ project on here this weekend. Hope everyone is well.

[RojanTrojan]

Fantastic work Andy. Well done.

Rhydian

[AviatorPRO]

Thanks mate. I had a while off for summer, but now things are moving quickly. Welding up a subframe at the moment to support overhead and form window pillars. iPads are functioning great and allow me to fly even in an unfinished state. The first projector is active on an 80" screen. MIP lighting is working and Teensyboards are waiting for fitting. Still trying to locate a CRJ throttle quadrant. Anyone have one let me know. X Plane 10 is proving to be a great sim to interface and work with.

Andy