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...

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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...

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MIP: Preparations for EFIS

As of now there has been only some preparations done to make EFIS module, see the below picture. It's due to the fact that I was not quite sure whether to buy MCP along with EFIS or not. Finally, MCP was ordered from OpenCockpits without EFIS module. And, I took a decision that EFIS engraved panel which intend to be dummy panel on FO side would become functional module. The plan is to complete the work by the end of April 2013 and then connect to...

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GENERAL: PC System setup and high-level architecture

PC: FSXMain Radeon HD 6850 1GB GDDR5(256bit) HDMI/dualDVI, DP, PCI-E GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3, P55, Dual DDR3-2000 MHz, RAID, GLAN, ATX Intel Core i7-870, 2.93 GHz, 2.5 GT/s Transfer, 8MB, LGA1156, 45nm Patriot GAMING EP 2x2GB 1600MHz DDR3 CL 9.9.9.24 WD Caviar Blue, 3.5'', 1TB, SATA/300, 7200RPM, 32MB cache HEDY 600W ATX 2.2 14cm FAN Activ PFC LG SuperMulti SATA DVD+/-R22x,DVD+RW8x,DVD+R DL 16x,SecurDisc PC 1: FSXPilot Intel Pentium 4...

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MIP: MCP V3 from OpenCockpits

Instead of making the MCP panel on my own I have decided to place an order with OpenCockpits. That was mainly due to high volume of encoders, switches and 7-segment led displays required. Of course, the FSBUS project offers full support for all parts listed above, but I had not time for soldering  :). In general, there are two different layouts of MCP panels, it's Collins and Honeywell. As you could see below Collins one seems to look...

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MIP: Sixpack recall annunciators and Master\Fire buttons

It took me around 5h excluding painting time to get two-side 6pack announciators ready for use. Well, it's really cheap, but fully functional solution. Total cost was around 20 EUR for both, excluding electronics as  panels are connected to two FSBUS cards (IO/DO64) which drives MIP switches and announciators. Before After Base (MDF 12mm) You can copy the idea and adjust the dimensions to the rest of your own glareshield. I...

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