Cessna 172 Glass Cockpit Simulator

[RojanTrojan]

Hi Anderson

Thanks very much for your comment.

I can send you in the right direction. I got all the cut-out measurements for the instruments from Simkits's document centre. Go to their support section and then to their document centre and go to measurements and Auto-CAD files. There are some very hand CAD files of their Cessna that can be downloaded there. Most of the switches etc were measurements from the manufacturer. I hope this helps.

Cheers

Rhydian

[Ronson2k9]

I can perhaps help both of you guys out. I found this site quite useful.
Cessna Free Manuals

You won't find dimensional info from the parts or service manual but you will find the Cessna 172 POH/Service/Parts manual there free to download. There are various years so it's up to you which year (model) your building your sim after as to which one you'll need.

What I did with mine was a bit complex. As the cockpit of the 206H is same size as earlier models going back to the 'F' model but the MIP size has increased I had to take my best shot at it.

If you take a look at the POH of the model your building you will find a cockpit interior space diagram. This is so that people know where all the seats and loading is. There you will find the overall width of the cockpit (that's the start). You will also see the MIP in the POH. There is a standard size (diameter) of the gauges (79mm) you can use one as a measuring tool for the MIP itself. You can blow up the image of the MIP and then using your graphic software measure one of the larger gauges then divide that by 79 and you will get the number of pixels to the MM then it's just a question of measuring out the MIP with your ruler.

You will find the Parts manual will describe everything you need to know and how it works (as a system) this is quite valuable to building one. The center piller/control stand (fuel selector/cowl) is also in there. You will get to see all the parts what they are connected to and this will help you build the interior to quite exacting standards.

Hope that helps.

[Anderson/SBSP]

Thanks Rhydian!!

[RojanTrojan]

Hi,

Here is an update on my Primary 6 Desktop project. The project is finally coming off the computer and into reality. Here are some panels made out of 3mm acrylic and the cabinet pieces that have been routed out of 12mm MDF, (I love that stuff)!

Next step is to get the panels painted and etched with the lettering and then everything has to be assembled.

More here - I try to keep it updated as often as I can.
www.cessnaglasscockpit.blogspot.com

[Ronson2k9]

How did you do such great cutting on the plexi? If that is what it is. Great job overall. Looks fantastic..

[RojanTrojan]

Hi Ron.

It's 3mm acrylic that I had cut at my workplace with a low powered laser machine. I did intend to use 3mm polycarbonate but the machine failed to cut it. Acrylic is obviosly not as strong as a polycarbonate but it bends and flexes quite well without breaking so it seems ideal for what I am making. I had the MDF pieces cut yesterday and I'm very happy with the result. I forgot some holes on my CAD design so I have to mill a couple more for the sheet aluminium that will be draped over the top.

Cheers

Rhydian

[RojanTrojan]

Hi,

Small update. These are my new black 3mm acrylic panels since I couldn't paint my clear ones. I had them laser etched and filled in the holes with white acrylic paint.

Next thing is too start adding the switches and instruments.

Rhydian

[RojanTrojan]

Radio and switches panel has now been assembled. It now needs some wiring and installing into the case - which is still in pieces!

Rhydian

[Anderson/SBSP]

Very nice!!

[Jordan Farmer]

thats looking very very nice! what did you do with the old panel may i ask? that was nice in its own right! great work!

cheers,

jordan