Nick1150 Home Cockpit 737NG project in Athens

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sean Nixon

Your sim's looking great Nick. You've done loads in such a quick time period. A question if I may...?

When two of you are wearing headsets, can you hear each other through them when speaking to one another, like an open intercom?

And when one speaks on squawkbox, can the other hear the conversation?

Sean

---

Hi Sean,

I really do not know the answer... In fact on Sunday we have a Barbeque meeting in my place (wives included this time) !!! so we will try and let you know ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by nax228

This thread has passed by me... sorry about that.
Nice work you have done in a very very short time. I want to ask if you can take some closeup pics of how the backlighting is done. I only just started to backlight my mip, but not sure how to do it best.
I won an auction on Ebay last friday for LED strips. The winning bid for 5meter LED strip (WarmWhite) was 99 cent :D :D The 1$ dimmers is already installed.
Would also like to see a closeup for the flood and autopilot lights. Is there a kind of shield in front of the autopilot lights?
As you maybe did see in my buildpost, I started to work to get a set of yokes into the sim, and is so glad I built the base in modules. That way I can now build a new module with yokes in it and just change it with the existing module. The measurements for the module I now change was not quite right anyway... We learn as we go.
Hope we can hook up and have a chat in Lelystad.

---

Nax,

I haven't forget you my friend. I took few pics yesterday with my iphone, but when uploaded in my PC, even me that I took the pictures could not understand what I was showing.... so I will have to take better ones. I didn't know that taking pictures, cables and led lights in close is so difficult !!! Will be back for this Nax, I promise ;)

Ηι GUYS
grat topic about the head sets ,Nick love the sim mate very good work i really love the platform too:)

i have 2 head sets usb and just whanted to ask can i connect both of them so they both work????

at the moment i have a set up with
1 headset usb(sq box atc only)
external speakers usb(for aircraft sounds)
this makes it easyer to hear ATC gives it a more real life
but i would like for the second head set to work like the first:roll:
i have not tryed to plug them in but could this work??????
regards

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spiro

Ηι GUYS
grat topic about the head sets ,Nick love the sim mate very good work i really love the platform too:)

i have 2 head sets usb and just whanted to ask can i connect both of them so they both work????

at the moment i have a set up with
1 headset usb(sq box atc only)
external speakers usb(for aircraft sounds)
this makes it easyer to hear ATC gives it a more real life
but i would like for the second head set to work like the first:roll:
i have not tryed to plug them in but could this work??????
regards

---

Σπυράκοοοοο

Take a look at this http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/show...t=dual+headset

:)

Just a video I recorded last night. Sorry for the low quality and lighting. I promise next time to improve lighting conditions.

Hope you like it,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds6IGqQkwGE

Revolution Sim Products Pro version motorised TQ was just ordered....

ETA around the end of January 2011... That is going to be a long time waiting.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nick1150

Revolution Sim Products Pro version motorised TQ was just ordered....

ETA around the end of January 2011... That is going to be a long time waiting.

---

Nick, it is worth the wait. Frustrating, yes... but the worth the wait. Trust me.

Should I purchase a SISMO - FWD OVERHEAD PLATINUM LINE (FULL WIRED) or COCKPITSONIC - B737 OVERHEAD PANEL?

If you dont know between those two vendors, you should do some more study... or check the prices.
Another thing is that your question has nothing to do in Nicks post... Start a new one.

Break Break

Sorry I didn't get to see you in Lelystad... Congrats with your purchase. Two months is NOT a long wait for this product.

Sorry Nick, I am new here.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by edseaver

Sorry Nick, I am new here.

---

Dear edseaver,

No problem... we are all new in here :)

Hope you have found answers to your questions in the meantime

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by nax228

If you dont know between those two vendors, you should do some more study... or check the prices.
Another thing is that your question has nothing to do in Nicks post... Start a new one.

Break Break

Sorry I didn't get to see you in Lelystad... Congrats with your purchase. Two months is NOT a long wait for this product.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fsaviator

Nick, it is worth the wait. Frustrating, yes... but the worth the wait. Trust me.

---

Thanks guys for your words,

Yes I beleive I made the right decision as far as the TQ is concerned. I have also something else to deal with, but I will post when I am certain about it. Till then keep tuned :)

Well I'm sorry to. shouldnt be to harsh on you.
Sismo is a world away from opencockpits both in quality and price.

Just another update.....

I just ordered the CPflight pedestal radio set. I will have those home in 3-4 days. The opencockpits solution required many USB connections giving me many conflicts in the one PC setup I already have.

The opencockpits radio set was sold two days ago in a friend from Athens, who also builds a 737NG project.

Finally these days I am ordering a new i7 @ 3.05Ghz / 8GBs RAM PC and start from the beginning my setup...

Stay tuned ;)

That is what I call EXCELENT SERVICE !!!

On thursday 11/11/10 in the morning I ordered online the new CP_flight pedestal modules. One day after that, that is Friday around noon, my wife called at my office with the good news. The radios have arrived ( ? ) ( !!!!!! ) unbelievable. Less than 24 hours to receive ? That's a great service CP_flight... :)

My PC now runs WIN 7 and I can already see the difference ;)

I have few problems, but I will solve them today or tommorow...

No pics were taken during this weekend, but I will soon post new ones with the CP_flight modules AND a special pedestal panel created by my buddy Spiros Katarelos from Kefalonia (Thanks Spiro :) ), which plays the role of the overhead lights panel together with my Leo Bodnard card... more on this and detailed photos soon

To be continued

:)

So here I am :)

My SINGLE PC dual seat trainer is now running Windows 7.... much much more smoother than expected, all programs were installed from the beggining, and everything is operating as it should, except one minor detail with one driver, but I am certain in the next following days that this will be settled ;)

As promised I am posting pics of the new CP_flight radio modules. If you scroll several posts above you will notice that there is almost no difference on the outside, but beleive me there is a great difference in the inside !!! All CP_flight modules run better and quicker than the Opencockpits ones, and also my SINGLE PC setup (and I) feel less worried with one USB, instead of 7 USBs with the Opencockpits solution. Not to mention that the TA/RA switch is working as the real thing... just PnP.

I have to give SPECIAL THANKS to three guys here in MC.org who really proved to me that the cockpit building society is a small family, whose members help each other, and thus the experience grows...

I would like to thank my friend and well known Greek member and builder of A320 home cockpit, Spiros Katarelos for his excelent work and indescribable dedication in creating a panel I have visioned for my cockpit, which actually is the Boeing 737 overhead lights panel in a smaller pedestal kind of version (see pictures below). Spiros not only he did listen to me, not only he imagined this panel for me, he also designed the electric part, ordered the panels TWICE (the first was not as he wanted to be), made all connections, send it to Athens for me, paid everything, and now I am hunting him to pay but he refuses to get money from me !!! Hope you will Spiro, or I will send you by courrier ten cases of beer on your door step :D

The second person I would like to thank is Ian Sisson, who gave me unbeleivable help programming this panel and giving offsets to the switches from the 737 OHD macro file of FSUIPC. Hey Ian, thanks for the help and waiting for you during your next visit to kalithea :)

The last person I would like to thank is Nax228. He is making a great job giving a solution to the sixpacks and warning lights of cockpitsonoc dual seat trainer through the PMDG way. As all know Mathias is producing excelent products, but not of the same quality communication service. So Nax is very close to solve few matters that have been problems for ages as far as our Cockpitsonic DSTs. Hey Nax, a great thanks man :)

So pics.... ;)


My "new" pedestal
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0420.jpg

I am looking for a fire handles solution just to finish the pedestal project
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0422.jpg

This is the panel that Spiros made for me... A LeoBodnard card is below this panel giving the inputs but Spiros arranged the switches in a way that when a switch is on the led lights up... It works great, beleive me ;) In the middle you can see the Engine Start switches, to which I have assigned the autostart Engine1 & autostart Engine2 offset from FSUIPC, works great too !!!
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0423.jpg

Just switched on the Landing Lights...
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0424.jpg

And now the Wing Lights are switched on too...
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0425.jpg

I will make a video this weekend so stay tuned...

Next to follow is one Hitachi Ultimate Short Throw Projector, one Engravity CDU, the TQ and of course 2 737 seats...

Hope you liked this minor but VERY important to me upgrade

I am a happy man

:)

Gia Sou Nick..........
excellent progress captain. i just watched your video and it brought back many happy memories :o
thanks for the kind words, helping each other out is what it's all about. i have many greek friends
and now i just added another one........
the only thing i don't understand is how come you didn't threaten me with 10 crates of beer :o
good luck and keep up the good work.....
regards

ian

Thanks Ian for your kind words :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ian@737ng.co.uk

the only thing i don't understand is how come you didn't threaten me with 10 crates of beer :o

---

I've threaten you but you didn't notice... In our last communication, I told you we will BQ in my place when you come to Greece. Just a secret ;) Greeks NEVER BQ without alcohol !!!

:)

Lovely cockpit ;)
And must admit that the keyboard is brilliant :) It's always hard to mimetize keyboard and mouse and you've found the perfect solution ;)

Must be hard having to wait so long for the TQ.. i would go crazy myself :D

Looking very very nice Nick. Good chatting to you the other evening too.

Cheers from Almere

Hi Niko
Thanks for the nice words the panel looks great on the pedestal!!!!! but i can not take all the credit for it
as you painted it and connected it!!!!!!!!looks beautiful i love the new panels too!!!!!

and as for the beer i have a better solution maybe you and Ian can come to Kefalonia and we can drink them together over the BBQ!!!!!! i know you guys are Boeing fans but you will the airbus too ;)

we will be waiting for the video Nick keep it up!!!!!
regards

Oooo yes SERIOUS stuff...


I haven't posted for a while....

The reason is that I realised that my cockpit has come to a dead-end situation... meaning that a Single PC configuration + FS9 together with PMDG can go up to a point. I was in that point for a while now.... BUT If that makes you happy, you are a happy simmer. If you want more, you start to realise that the setup needs be upgraded to be able to follow the dream...

Unfortunately, in a personal discussion I had with my self ( :mrgreen: ), we concluded that WE belong to the second category :D

So I spent a lot of time researching, and came to the point that it is a waste of time trying to do everything with one PC... a network setup is a MUST if you want to get to the next level. Concequently, with a 4 PCs network as given, I wanted to spend as little as possible my time in programming (which is not my strong point after all) and spend more in flying instead. I needed a worry free solution... ehhhh as worry free as possible I mean. In order to achieve that I also realised that a 737 cockpit software suite is needed....

So to make the long story short, My setup few days now is a 1 server + 3 clients setup (3 x Old Sony Vaios laptops) + a full Glass cockpit + MCP + CDU, Project Magenta software for CPT and FO and as a bonus a used Engravity CDU was purchased and is expected to arrive today in my place !!!!!

The reason I choosed laptops instead of desktops, is that on the one hand I had already two of them in my drawer for 3-4 years now, and on the other hand, the small size of them, together with the fact that the screen, the keyboard and the mouse makes changes a snap, compairing with a desktop solution with which 3 mouses and 3 keyboards are too much in my mind, and also seting up windows and stuff is difficult with the screens behind the MIP. Finally eventhough my setup has 2 x 1500 UPS for safety, laptops do not lag my power setup, because of their batteries.

As you can understand it was a busy week for me, but hopefully this weekend it will be flyable and post few pics with my new setup,

So stay tuned :wink:

This thread is somehow like my cockpit's calendar, so as I promised here are few pictures of my changes involved. Cables, clients and the rest tiny details must be rearranged in the following days, as I cannot stand this mess behind my cockpit. If only I had a little more time...

So here it goes...

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0446.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0449.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0455.jpg

The right CDU is opencockpits dummy, and the left Fly Engravity
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0453.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0460.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0461.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0471.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0470.jpg

More to come with the projector instead of 3 sceens... next week ;)

Let’s get more serious…
This post is somehow the most important one, since the beginning of my project.

Why is that ?

Just because my project is starting to mature from the inside more than the outside, meaning that there are more changes involved in the programming, details that make the difference, glass cockpit software, new clients, fully operational and independent F/O side screens and EFIS, standby instruments and upper and lower EICAS that switches displays with ENG/SYS buttons and generally many small but important features that really changed the way I fly.

Just a side note for those who now begin to research and/or build. Many told me during my 2 years research before I begin building, that the best thing to do is to buy first the software and then purchase hardware modules one by one. This is something I didn’t follow. I now know that this was a mistake. I could have save several hundreds of euro this way. I understand that investing in an invisible software is not easily digested, when on the other hand purchasing a TQ for instance is something that can be immediately used, but believe me the experience which one can feel with a cockpit software has nothing to do with the simplicity of just an FS oriented cockpit, so if you are willing to invest into expensive hardware, just do your self a favor and invest primarily in a glass cockpit software. There are free glass cockpit software suites out there, there are irrationally expensive too. Whichever the way it does not matter at the end of the day, since the most important is to follow the route of software instead of just FS.

Final note… I really cannot understand why so many years and in fact so fanatically I was flying the PMDG 737 aircraft. To be more precise, my total cockpit was based on PMDG and I cannot understand why !!! Too many conflicts, lack of offsets, and many more issues, when at the same time there is an excellent and free 737 series aircraft out there called POSKY, which in my eyes it is better than PMDG. Just my 2c.

BEFORE:
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0445.jpg

TODAY:
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...IMG_0521-1.jpg

What’s the difference except that the 3 screens are missing ?
:D
A LOT

So let’s go one by one:
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0523.jpg

The CDU is now on the CPT side together with the cockpitsonic bezel, the space on the right is waiting for a second CDU in the future.
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0526.jpg
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0529.jpg
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0528.jpg

Let’s light it up ;)

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0532.jpg

Independent CPT and F/O sides, upper and lower EICAS plus standby instruments. Everything is so easy to install after all.
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0530.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0531.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0536.jpg

There is a projector now, instead of 3 screens. I still haven’t find the right place for it, but one thing is sure… I am never getting back to screens for external visuals!!!
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...IMG_0533-1.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0534.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...IMG_0537-1.jpg

This is what you see when seated
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0542.jpg

A new black flex keyboard is on the glare shield now
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0543.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0544.jpg

A look behind the scenes…
My setup now consists of a desktop server and 3 laptop clients (HP Pentium Celeron 329 euro each). The logic behind the choice of laptops, is that they are small, compact, have an Ethernet and VGA port and if ever want to upgrade, they can be sold.

Two 1500W UPS are on the F/O side securing the project from current drops.
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...IMG_0550-1.jpg

The server is on the CPT side.
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0546.jpg

This made me a great base to put a piece of wood as a platform for the clients.
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0555.jpg

The CPT and EICAS clients
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...IMG_0553-1.jpg

And the F/O client
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...IMG_0551-1.jpg

The ultimate short throw projector from Hitachi (Hitachi CP-AW250NM), great quality BTW
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...IMG_0547-1.jpg
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...IMG_0552-1.jpg
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...IMG_0556-1.jpg
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...IMG_0533-1.jpg

Hope you liked it, next stop Revolution SimProducts ProLine TQ and still looking for 2 seats…

Have a great day :)

Nice work Nick.

David

I'm truly amazed at the progress you've made, Nick! I can't wait until the summer to spend some time flying with you.

Warren

Thanks guys for your kind words :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fsaviator

I'm truly amazed at the progress you've made, Nick! I can't wait until the summer to spend some time flying with you.

Warren

---

Hey Warren,

Where have you been ? Hope you get back soon my friend :)

I can't wait too Warren. I am thinking of building a dual yoke system like yours, maybe we can build it together during the summer ? Your experience will be a great help my friend ;)

Very cool!! Congrats.

Thanks guys :)

Look what was waiting in my post today ??????

A pair of Woon Bass Shakers

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0558.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0559.jpg

To be honest with all the work here plus the cockpit upgrade, I have forgoten about those :D It took almost a month to arrive from US.

Specs:

Diameter: 5.827 x 1.575 inches (148 x 40mm) (h)
Impedance: 2 Ohms
Power RMS: 60 (120 Watts RMS Total)
Power MAX: 100 (200 Watts Total)
Resonance Frequency Range: 20 ~ 80 hz
Weight: 5.5 lbs pair
Cost: around $40 each with shipping to Athens

I will update soon I hope

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0558.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0559.jpg

Just wanted to say WWWWOOOOOOWWWWWW !!!!!!

I purchased a low range amplifier and you cannot believe these shakers what they are capable to do.......

This is definately one of the best value for money things I have ever did for my project !!!!

Absolutely AMAZING !!!

Look what is getting ready to be shipped from Paris !!!

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...iondelcran.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...iondelcran.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...iondelcran.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...iondelcran.jpg

I can't wait :D

looking good looking good.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nick1150

Look what is getting ready to be shipped from Paris !!!

I can't wait :D

---

hi nick......
i'm in paris tuesday/wednesday next week, i'll polish it for you :o
regards and happy new year

ian

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ian@737ng.co.uk

hi nick......
i'm in paris tuesday/wednesday next week, i'll polish it for you :o
regards and happy new year

ian

---

:D

Thanks Ian :D

Yummy!Tasty looking throttle...

/lenne

I know it has being long since I updated this thread, but just before Xmas, a serious health problem for my father came up. Life is difficult sometimes, and one loses the strength and appetite for his or hers hobby. This is what happened to me really….

I am getting used to the new situation day by day and to be honest yesterday I did my first online flight after almost a month of not flying at all. Anyway I am getting back to flying hopefully soon.

In the meantime my TQ had arrived during the first days of January. The box was left near my cockpit for few days, and two weeks after Revolution Simproducts team connected my setup to install it.

My TQ is the newest Proline version with 2 cards instead of 3, so there were few issues to solve. After a week or so of experimenting Rev Sim has fixed those issues, and finally since yesterday my cockpit is fully operative with a full motion TQ !!!!

I don’t have any pictures yet, but just 3 quick ones from my iPhone….

I will post new ones and I will try to record a small youtube video for all,

Till then

Take care and post as many pics as you can

Nick

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0580.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0579.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0576.jpg

hello nick........
i'm sorry to hear about your father. hopefully things will get better for you soon.
nice TQ :o
good luck and best regards.....

ian

Hang in there pal...

When these things accure i guess we stop and think whats most important...and of course what is more
important than family.

Hope everything turnes out good./lenne

Nick,

sorry to hear this. Good luck and hoping for better times.

JWS

Hi to all,

Thank you for your kind words. Things seem to get better, but we have a long way. With that said, I did some progress during this weekend. Installed the TQ, played around with REX, and did some work on the column the CH yoke is installed, made it more steady.

Made two short videos during an online flight tonight, so here we go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_TNiItKqTU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhx4KI7Aa9c

and a few pics...

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0597.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0596.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0594.jpg

Last Friday, that is 3 days ago, I had the luck and honour to fly online together with Spiros who has been in Athens for a few days. Unfortunately we didn't have the time to fly more and discuss, but I know we will have the time in the near future. Thanks Spiros , see you sson and good luck with your career man :)

nice going and good to have you back. A tip from me is to hook your TQ LEDs to a dimmer. It's supposed to be dimmed together with the pedestal panels + CDU.
It's very bright when on full power.

Hi Nikos

I love the videos!!!!!!!!!!
I would just like to add that i had the chance to fly with Nikos online with his beautiful 737NG sim:D:D
even though i am an Airbus fan (and builder) Nikos sim is a fantastic and a realistic trainer , the photos we see are very very good
but it is better in real life!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations on the sim Niko lost of work mate !!! Also thanks for the flight i really enjoyed it we will be doing more flights in the near future also
also real life ones;)

keep the photos coming Niko i can not wait until i come to Athens again


kind regards
Spiro