well, I've finally decided to pony up and build a simpit for my enjoyment and relaxation therapy :) I really decided to do this this past week after ordering and taking delivery of my latest simulator additions...

I've decided to try and model my cockpit after that of a standard Cessna 172/182 (without the glass cockpit).

I currently have the following products:
(1) Saitek Proflight Yoke - http://saitek.com/uk/prod/yoke.html
(1) Saitek Rudder pedals - http://saitek.com/uk/prod/pedals.html
(1) Saitek Multi-panel - http://saitek.com/uk/prod/multi.html
(1) Saitek switch panel - http://saitek.com/uk/prod/switch.html
(2) Saitek Radio panels - http://saitek.com/uk/prod/radio.html
(1) Saitek Trim wheel - http://saitek.com/uk/prod/trimwheel.html
(1) TrackIR setup (with track clip)

I currently have all of the above with the exception of the 2nd radio panel. I plan on using one as comm/nav and the second as dme/transponder but I'm sure that could change (easily) with the multifunction switch on the panel.

Unfortunately my multi-panel is encountering some display issues with numbers being displayed on the screen so I have to work with saitek/madcatz support to get this sorted out. If I do end up getting good support from them I will probably order 6-8 of the FIP's http://saitek.com/uk/prod/fip.html to run the 6 pack and possibly VOR1/VOR2.

My goal once I get all of the panels/instruments at the house is to take CAD drawings of a real Cessna 172 and create drawings that show all of my instrumentation/panels installed which will give me a good basis for either creating a panel out of wood or sending off to a third party for laser cutting. After that I figure I'll start building the enclosure complete with a stock or close to stock cessna 172 seat/cockpit door.

I also have an ASUS B121 tablet PC running windows 7 that I would like to setup as a networked PC to run the GPS/moving map/G1000,ETC.

At this point I'm going to probably end up using my desktop PC as my primary source for driving the system since it runs FSX with no issues but with an A/B switch or KVM so that I could still use the computer at my desk for normal day to day activities.

Will the system ever become a partial or full motion simulator? One may never know...however with time I'm sure that something will begin to develop.

I'm sure I'll be back with tons of questions, troubleshooting, triumphs etc!

Well done Jared...you are well on your way... :)

Couple of questions:

-Are you going to be able to have an ADF or two?

-What are you going to use for Carb. Heat?

-Do you have an electric flap switch?

Am hoping to start on something myself this winter but right now we are too busy bugsmasher flying... ;)

I think staying with one company and their products is a wise move on your part also, that is something I was wondering about.

Now the final question:

How you getting the money from the better half...I still have a problem with that... ;D

Welcome to the true Dark Side of simming.  We sucked you into this, did we.  Heh,heh,heh.  ;)

best,

....................john

Yes John, yes you did, all of saturday nights flying on the US Tour back in the day....

Doug, I plan on utilizing some sort of USB 'dong' device such as the one listed below to manage additional switches and options that would be available in a variety of aircraft that I tend to fly the most:
http://www.leobodnar.com/products/BU0836/

I'm currently looking for dimensions or autocad drawings of a stock 172/182 panel if anyone knows where I may be able to find this information? I'm not looking for measurements for all of the gauges just the primary measurements for total width, height, curve and if possible the depth of the glareshield.

Also would like to model working fuses, but I don't recall FSX being able to handle input/trigger those to fail anyways so I don't think there would be any point in doing so.

Thanks Jared... ;)

Jared wrote on Sep 13^th, 2012 at 7:25pm:

Also would like to model working fuses, but I don't recall FSX being able to handle input/trigger those to fail anyways so I don't think there would be any point in doing so.

Jared,

Sometimes simple visual only modeling adds to the "immersion factor", and is worth it.  On my overhead I have a fuse bank.  Most of the fuses are "dummies", but a couple are the actual fuses for actual electrical components in the pit.

You COULD write an external program that is running on the same machine as the sim that interfaces into the sim controls via FSUIPC anmd then "plays at being a fuse".  It could monitor the loading on a particular cuircuit in a plane and then fail the electrical system if the circuit is overloaded.

I THINK that might be possible knowing the vairables that FSUIPC has access to.  You'll need programming skills though.

best,

...............john

JBaymore wrote on Sep 14^th, 2012 at 2:05pm:

Jared wrote on Sep 13th, 2012 at 7:25pm: Also would like to model working fuses, but I don't recall FSX being able to handle input/trigger those to fail anyways so I don't think there would be any point in doing so. Jared, Sometimes simple visual only modeling adds to the "immersion factor", and is worth it.  On my overhead I have a fuse bank.  Most of the fuses are "dummies", but a couple are the actual fuses for actual electrical components in the pit. You COULD write an external program that is running on the same machine as the sim that interfaces into the sim controls via FSUIPC anmd then "plays at being a fuse".  It could monitor the loading on a particular cuircuit in a plane and then fail the electrical system if the circuit is overloaded. I THINK that might be possible knowing the vairables that FSUIPC has access to.  You'll need programming skills though. best, ...............john

Thanks John, I'm a programming geek, but I have a feeling that sort of programming and work my take a back burner seat for awhile. I was also thinking I could model a couple of fuses to simple keystrokes that could be used to reset the flight, and things of that nature, always plenty to consider here! I narrowly avoided being beaten by the wife by not ordering (4) 32 inch tv's that are on sale at walmart's website for a limited time only. But alas, tax time will bring with it some more additions to the simpit :)

For keen enthusiasts with loadsa-money!...>>>

http://nzff.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=18389

Paul...Just a Joystick....and a vivid imagination!... ;D...!

Fozzer wrote on Sep 15^th, 2012 at 4:39am:

For keen enthusiasts with loadsa-money!...>>> http://nzff.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=18389 Paul...Just a Joystick....and a vivid imagination!... ;D...!

Cummon Fozzer...... cough it up!  You know you've got a fortune stashed under the mattress.  ;)

best,

...............john

JBaymore wrote on Sep 15^th, 2012 at 2:06pm:

Fozzer wrote on Sep 15th, 2012 at 4:39am: For keen enthusiasts with loadsa-money!...>>> http://nzff.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=18389 Paul...Just a Joystick....and a vivid imagination!... ;D...! Cummon Fozzer...... cough it up!  You know you've got a fortune stashed under the mattress.  ;) best, ...............john

The sound of rustling money every night sends me to sleep, happy and contented... ::)....

Paul... ;D... ;D... ;D...!

Pictures will be uploaded to a folder on one of my photography sites...

The first photo of is of the panel after being cut out but before being painted.

The second photo shows the panel painted and with all saitek products as well as the samsung galaxy tab installed.

The third is the fuel selector/cutoff panel which will be mounted in a similar fashion as the real aircraft.

I have also bought most of the materials to build the cockpit enclosure as well as some other odds/ends for switches and fuses which when installed I will post photos!

http://jspeergraphics.zenfolio.com/cessna172simulation

Hi Jared... :)

Looks good from the three pictures.

I was wondering if there is a way to do Carburetor Heat Controls (Cessna 172--1 & Douglas DC3--2) along with Cowl Flaps for the Douglas DC-3 without having to use the computer keyboard.

Does any one make these units with those two above included or would a person have to modify a unit?

Keep the pictures coming Jared... :)

Flying Trucker wrote on Oct 25^th, 2012 at 10:45am:

Hi Jared... :) Looks good from the three pictures. I was wondering if there is a way to do Carburetor Heat Controls (Cessna 172--1 & Douglas DC3--2) along with Cowl Flaps for the Douglas DC-3 without having to use the computer keyboard. Does any one make these units with those two above included or would a person have to modify a unit? Keep the pictures coming Jared... :)

Doug,

There are interface cards (things like Phidgets and now the new Goflight unit) that let you map to any variable that can be addressed in the program's SDK.  So the quick answer is "yes"....... but this starts to get a bit more expensive because you need the interface card (as well as SimConnect or FSUIPC) to accomplish this.

Anything that is a simple on/off type, is wire a switch to the interface card, tell the card what vaialble to access via FSUIPC and bingo... there you are.

best,

.................john

Doug,

I did a lot of reading up on interface cards and I really like the ease of use of the 2130 box from desktop aviator. It allows me to simply plug and play different switches and buttons. I'll have to report back on the well it works sometime next week when the fuses and other switches come in.

http://www.desktopaviator.com/Products/Model_2130/index.htm

Switches/knobs coming from:
http://diyrealism.webs.com/apps/webstore/

Thanks for the information folks...much appreciated... ;)

Well....I apologize for not providing updates on each step of the way....however....I do have a link to the website with pictures of my recent updates!

I'm definitely not done with all of my "building"

once I get a few minutes of time I'll put together a list of parts used.

http://jspeergraphics.zenfolio.com/cessna172simulation

You have done a marvelous job and in a very short time it would seem... :)

A question for you.

Once you have the instrument panel installed the way you want what do you plan to do with the sides of the unit?

Will you install a monitor to the left and right of the main monitor?

The box almost looks like a wooden crate.  Will you enter from the rear?

I am also wondering about the cooling, are there extra fans we do not see?

Hope you keep us updated as it is looking real good... ;)

Thanks Doug! I fear that most of my simulator updates are on hold for a few months as the holidays come near I find the photography business picking up (christmas pictures of course!) and I need to recoup the costs involved thus far.

eventually I plan on having one large monitor across the front for the front view, and a monitor on either side to be utilized as my side view. due to monitors for side views on the side I decided that entry from the back is quite possibly the best way for now.

I'll try to remember to take some outside photos of the sim here in the next few days that show the outside. Currently my PC tower sits outside the enclosure so heat building up inside is quite minimal. Also I don't have a back wall or door to the system yet so ventilation shouldn't be a problem in the near future. Eventually I would like to be able to replicate the vents in the 172 with some form of air blown through.

Biggest thing I've found hard to get used to is just having one monitor on my desktop instead of the two since the other monitor was relegated to the simulator!

Much appreciated...please keep us updated... ;)

Keep em' coming Jared.

best,

..............john

Finally got the Desktop Aviator 2450 GPS module installed! Comes with all working buttons, knobs and a LCD screen!

wow that sounds like an awesome setup!