MIP: Part list for EFIS

There is a simple way of making fully functional EFIS panel without using sophisticated encoder embedded into rotary switch and push button. I will be using only standard encoder with button and will have to do some extra programming. As far as I understood Opencockpit's manual for EFIS they use the same architecture. Part list:

• EFIS panel + 9 push buttons
• 9 * tact switche (12x12)
• 2 * two-position ON-OFF-ON switche 
• 4 * encoder with built-in push button
• 10 * bright white led (panel backlit)

EFIS will be connected to FSBUS DIO card, the same running MIP switches. I will also publish the software and configuration in Prosim737 suite.

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FMC: FSBUS for FMC (second card in the cockpit)

Soldering was the first step to assembly FMC panel. There are a few real photos below. Unexpectedly, it started without any issues; great success :-).

If you need more details on architecture, connections and programming select the GENERAL\Electronics section from the menu.

    

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EXTRAS: Boeing 737NG Panel Guide and System Information

Have you ever wondered how particular panels work? I bet you did! So, here you have the link to brilliant Boeing 737NG panel guide with explanations of all the instruments and system functions in the cockpit.

B737NG IntactManual by Rob van Dijk (http://www.rvdijk.nl)

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FMC: The idea and part list

Basically, the heart of each FMC is the software and the panel itself is relatively easy to assembly. Here you have the list of needed parts.

• "dummy" FMC panel with 72 push buttons (from Poldragonet) / 110 EUR
• 5.6" LCD screen (VGA input, resolution 640x480) / 69 USD
• FSBUS electronics / approx 20 EUR
• 72 tact switches
• 3/5 leds
• 10 white leds (high-brightness) to back-lit the keyboard 

A long time ago I purchased dummy FMC from Poldragonet and the plan was to use it on FO side. But now, I have changed my mind and will try to make it fully functional. All buttons will need to be unglued... 

    

The LCD 5.6" screen was ordered via Alieexpress, click here to see the item page. I was positively surprised that there were no shipment nor custom/tax costs and it arrived in 14 days from Hongkong. I read that some people were using LCD screen from PSOne console; forget about it, there is no VGA input and display quality is low.

My FMC will operate on FSBUS electronics. However, single DIO card supports only 64 inputs and remaining keys will be connected to my second card driving MIP switches and EFIS. It's not optimal solution, but I purchased all elements to assembly second DIO card some time ago. It also requires minimum 3 outputs for EXEC (green), FAIL (red), MSG (amber) led annunciators, but my panel will also support OFST and DSPY.

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