Panel instrument cutouts over computer monitor question

Hey all,

Im building a quick sim for practice at home on IFR procedures, it is based on a king air type setup and i was wandering what is the best way or "how to do" the cutout panel to go over the computer screen.

Im using a 19 inch LCD monitor and will do a simple painted MDF board cutout to sit over the top, I was wandering how do you make sure the instruments line up with the holes/squares cut on the panel.

Do you cut out the panel first then undock the instruments to align ?
Do you use panel editing software such as FSpanel to adjust the size and positioning of the instruments ?
Do i align the image on the monitor and trace the instruments then cut them out ?

I have seen alot of people do this however i have not been able to find anyone detailing how they exactly did this.

Do you know of any links to any good tutorials ?

Anyone wish to share how they did theirs ?

Thanks

I use networked gauges on a separate computer, this allows me to place each individual gauge where I want them. A good start would be to try the freeware gauges by Laurent H.

http://www.thegaugesfactory.org/

You can use a very basic computer on a home network, with the added bonus of reducing the workload on you FS computer. Instead of Mdf you might consider PVC board, it's thinner and very easy to work with. It comes under a variety of names but I have been able to buy it at local sign shops quite easily, it costs about the same as good 1/2" plywood.

Shawn

I use the Peix GAPanel on a second pc for the instruments. It is payware but I've been using it for at least 5 years with no problems.
You can have several different panels saved and open the one you want. I have one for C172 and one for a generic twin, and separate MIP panels whic I can change quickly with thumbscrews to hold them in place ove the lcd screens.

Den

Thanks im going to use plexiglass once ive finalised what im doing, the MDF is just a trial, do you have a link to the Peix software, do they have collins type glass instruments for the AHRS.

Did you guys cut out first and align later ?

Hi Ozziesim,

Editing panel configurations is very easy, either with software like FSPanel, or simply changing the panel config files direct in Wordpad. The gauge x,y positions on the screen and height and width are defined by four numbers. It's simple to fine tune both individual gauge position and size.

For me the key first point was sizing the gauges on my screen. Then I made cardboard mockups of the panel fascia to test the general layout and dimensions before getting my fascia plates cut (I got them CNC'd in 1.5mm aluminium sheet). A pair of scissors and some old fruit boxes from the local supermarket was all it needed for the test stage. I need to fine tune my gauge positions now, but I'm waiting until I can get some bezels to fit the instrument cutouts. The picture below is still a work in progress, the VSI will be replaced with a TCAS unit! Also I have a 10mm thick sheet of clear Perspex between the screen and the panel, it fills the gap which would otherwise be left and "pulls" the instrument image forward as well as giving a nice glass effect.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/l.../Paneltest.jpg

I'd second what Shawn said about the PVC board, the stuff I use is marketed as "Foamalux". Can be cut with a sharp knife, sanded, bent, etc....very easy to work with.

Cheers
Jon
http://www.g-bvob.net

That's really nice BW901. The gauges on the right are they functional or dummy?
After seeing your craftsmanship I'm not sure if I should go with G1000 or this type of setup with my C208 project.

Thanks for posting the picture.

Link to GAPanel

http://www.peixsoft.com/index.php?page=ga-panel

Den

Thanks Louie,
The F/O's gauges are Flight Illusion. I was going to go down that route for the whole panel, but I wanted engine instruments that looked like the real aircraft, and also an HSI and Flight Director for the captain's side. plus it would have been a wee bit too expensive! 99% of that work was done by the guys in the Fokker factory in 1968, all I had to do was go mad with an angle grinder to be able to mount the screens behind the panel.
No reason why as Den says you cannot do both a G1000 setup and a clockwork panel, just assign them to different aircraft and when you change the fascia panel you can load either one. I'm thinking of also doing an F50-style semi-EFIS captain's panel so if I ever want to follow a magenta line instead of doing things the old-fashioned (proper) way the option is there.
Cheers
Jon

I also have a 3rd MIP facia, this one for a glass cockpit using the freeware VASfmc software. It is very good but, unfortunately, the site no longer exists and I don'y know anywhere else hosting the files.
Would it be considered improper to place a copy in the MyCockpit file library? It may break the licence agreement but as the site no longer exists I can't ask them.
Or does it already exist there?

Den

Now I'm curious about the PVC panel, sounds like it could be useful for some other bits I'm working on for my sim.

On the instrument panel itself, however, I would suggest you stick with aluminum. Yes it's a bit more work than wood or plastic or other more flexible materials, but it maintains the right look and feel as a real plane, plus it's strong enough to hang stuff on (like the monitor).

For making the cutouts: decide how you WANT the panel to look, and cut it to that design, allowing for the dimensions of the monitor you're working with. Then adjust the software (gauges) to match. It's far easier to tweak software than to wrangle a piece of aluminum (or plastic, or wood, or cardboard, etc). For my panels, I primarily use metal-ready hole saws for the instrument cutouts (3-1/8" for standard instruments, 2-1/4" for the smaller ones), a $30 Lowes jigsaw with metal blades, my trusty Dremel, and an el cheapo benchtop drill press of Asian descent for precise drilling. :) Your initial investment probably won't be much higher than if you were working with a softer material, you are just getting slightly different tools. Throw in a countersinking drill bit for screw holes on the panel (making sure to buy some countersunk screws or bolts, of course), a couple cans of flat spray paint of your choice, and you can have yourself some fine looking (even professional) instrument panels.

Matt

Excellent suggestions, thanks I think I will do just that, that is make a mock up with PVC board first then I'll try to work out how to use FSpanel and edit the gauges to fit.

Cheers

Clint

I just laser cut this cardboard this morning. I know I have mentioned I'm working on c208 but this 172 is for my 9 year old son.
He's into flight simulator and Modern Warfare I'm not sure if he's going to be a grunt when he grows up.Hooah!
I'm planning to install bezels with rotary encoder in the cutouts. The knobs are laser engraved, I wasted about 10 knobs trying to center legends.

Anyways, if this cardboard works out fine I will go with aluminum for final result.

Thanks to BW901



http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2737.jpg
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2738.jpg
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2739.jpg
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2736.jpg
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2735.jpg
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2687.jpg
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2686.jpg

Wow Louie, that's looking rather sweet, especially the knobs. :cool: Please keep the pictures coming, it's nice to see the process as well as the finished product.

Jon

Nice, sure would be handy to have a laser printer, ive started a cutout with PVC board to test. What sort of encoders are you using ?

I'm planning to use CTS 288t, the one in the picture is a different model.
http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...3002-ND/203827

Hi Louie -

I'm curious to know what are you using for the instrument bezels in your picture?

Thanks,
Daniel

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ddimm

Hi Louie -

I'm curious to know what are you using for the instrument bezels in your picture?

Thanks,
Daniel

---

It's a VOR gauge bezel. It's too deep, I have to shave it down a bit and enough space for the encoder to fit. After that I will clone it.

I can make a mold out of CAD but I'm still a total noob using the injection molding i just purchased.

I'm gonna design my own gauge bezel so the encoder is perfect fit.

I will scratch the idea of molding the original VOR gauge bezel. Too much work just to make the encoder custom fit under it, i'd rather fry some lumpia =).

More pics will be posted soon as the bezel is done.

Sounds cool. Will the lumpia be available at your site?

Yes definitely! I will make a TQ handle out of it.

Hahaha, yammy parts, sarap :D

Wasssup Makoy? hahaha

10 min of CAD time
5 min of cut time
45 min to fry lumpia

Here is my fast-track prototyping.
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2749.jpg

Coming up
HSI, AIS and Bezel with ATTITUDE.

Sorry for the crappy picture.
Attachment 6868

When will these bezels be available?

What type of monitors are you going to use? I am assuming you are going to use two for your Cessna 172 panel? I am interested to see if you keep the yoke placement scale or lower it to accommodate one screen. I have been struggling with this for some time now.

orange= monitor
blue=panel overlay
green=yoke
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...ypic/panel.jpg

I'm constructing my own yoke. Typically, the hole for the shaft is on the center of the console , I placed it on the right side instead.

As for the monitors this is what I do for a living
http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/off-...tors-sale.html

I got hundreds of them to play with =] from 3.5 to 42 inch monitors i got them all. I'll keep you guys updated soon as I figure out which monitors I will be using.

My son engraved these knobs
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2974.jpg

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2975.jpg
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2977.jpg

Can you explain how you are going to get your gauges on those two monitors? Are you going to use fs panel studio to do it or some other way. I am very confused on how to do this. If you buy the project magenta ga fir panel can you place the gauges or do you have to cut out the proper size hole and go with their gauge setup? What is the best approach to getting gauges on those two monitors?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shawn

I use networked gauges on a separate computer, this allows me to place each individual gauge where I want them. A good start would be to try the freeware gauges by Laurent H.

The gauges factory

You can use a very basic computer on a home network, with the added bonus of reducing the workload on you FS computer.

---

Check out Shawn's reply.

Coming to the store soon???

Bezels 57 and 80 mm ! WANTED !!
You can buy almost everything for sim building ..... but not standard bezels ???????.

I wonder when a CNC guy sees the potential to sell these bezels to us GA simmers.

Best Regards
Bjarne :-)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bjarne Horsbøl

Bezels 57 and 80 mm ! WANTED !!
You can buy almost everything for sim building ..... but not standard bezels ???????.

I wonder when a CNC guy sees the potential to sell these bezels to us GA simmers.

Best Regards
Bjarne :-)

---

I'm working on it =]

Hi Louie
Just checked your web. diyrealism :D :D :D !

WAUUU ! :cool:

Wonder why I never came across your site. Are you keeping it as an secret ? ;)

I just started the site 4 months ago plus I'm a really shy dude.
And no secret at all I was just busy from 2003-2010 dealing with other stuff.

Hi Louie,
Yes i must say a great site for GA simmers. Can you tell me the hole diameter of the yoke supports you sell?.
By the way i was the Dude that bought your Skyhawk Yoke complete with pad. Very pleased and thanks.
Les

Hey Les the inner di. is .764, nice to see you here =).

I think these monitors should work in order to accommodate the geometric correctness of c172. I'll try to make radio stack faceplate(GNS430, GNS530, Xponder, etc) for the right side of the monitor. The challenge is not making the cutout too deep but still have room for dual rotary encoder and push button switches. It's a bit ambitious but it will be a fun father and son project.
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSCN2983.jpg

Louie,

Have you had a look at Vectro's postings? He and his partner did exactly what you're talking about using the Reality XP GNS530 / Xpndr, Radio using a monitor. He had some very detailed pics on here and they also had bezels made and had found a truly innovative idea / product for backlighting. I fully intend on copying the idea, my issue is lack of CAD / fabrication knowledge or skills to produce the face plates. You should be able to hammer this out in... say... 15-30 seconds or so :o) Good luck...

Here are the links that I have saved... He's been a GREAT reference (as everyone here has been thus far) for me and has been extremely timely and courteous with replies!

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/gene...-cockpits.html

http://www.lentosimulaattori.com/index-eng.html

Nice! So it is possible.

I actually made some GNS backlightable knobs. Problems solved =)

He's an amazing dude!!