Installing PFD Computer and Monitor

I finally started to tackle one of the major issues..... getting to activating some of the main panel instrument displays.  Ths main panel will mostly be set up as a "glass cockpit".  That means that computer monitors hidden behind the fake wood "panel" structure will have instrument facings that make you think they are each separate stand alone instruments.

The design of this configuration was one of the FIRST things that I tackled on the whole project... so that the sizing of the shelving stuctures that hold everything will line up correctly.

PPPPP (Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance)





In the photos above and below, you can see the monitor that will handle the Primary Flight Display, which is sitting on the main structure with the main panel facing removed.  The sofware for this glass cockpit is FreeFD (thanks Don).  This is the main cockpit function that this particular monitor will display, and it takes up most of it.  You can't crowd the edges of a non-flat screen monitor too much.... the curvature is an issue.





I also have a couple of very simple VB6 programs that I have written to access the FSUIPC data stream that will drive the other instruments located on this monitor.... marker lights, a simple caution annunciator panel, and a radio altimeter (top to bottom).  These will be to the left of the PFD.

The monitor is just sitting there on the shelf... but there is a small piece of mdf screwed onto the shelf directly behind the monitor base that keeps it from slipping backward.  The face of the screen is spaced so that it is as close to the facing panel as possible, and tilted at the same angle.  The closer it is the better the effect.  A flat screen (or led) one would be best..... but expensive.  This is an old one I had laying around.




The area behind the monitor itself will get some real ventilation fans that will be controlled by 12V DC switches on the overhead panel.  the two monitors in here will get hot!  I will also install a real smoke detector in each main structure that is also powered off the main avionics supply from the main panel with a switch.  It will be part of the "fire protection" panel on the overhead.  So it will serve a real function  .

Below the monitor will be space for the routing of numerous wires.


In the photo immediately below, I am transfering the dimensions of the monitor BEHIND the main panel facing to the wood so that I can double check the layout I had planned for the "glass instruments".  I'm making sure I am right before I cut that stuff!  The masking tape along the edges is to keep the wood from flaking at the cut points.




Next the holes for the instruments are identified and the dimensions drawn in place.  Then holes are drilled to allow the use of a scrolling jig saw to cut out the holes.




Below you can see the holes that will form the instruments on the PFD monitor fully cut out.  Now it looks like "a panel".  They get cleaned up with some sandpaper and a file....and then the edges of the cuts are painted flat black to help make the thickness "disappear" when in place.





Below, the main panel wood facing is now back in place in front of the PFD monitor... and you begin to see how this all works in the end.  You can also note the panel for the (real) cockpit light controls is in place but not screwed down too.




In the photo below I have added the instrument frames that cover the holes in the main panel facing.  This step makes all the difference in the world in the look of things!  Now it is starting to look a bit more "real".  The details matter in this kind of stuff.




So.... this is pretty much where things are as of today.  As it gets closer...... I get more impatient 


best,

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

Congrats!

Lookin' good.

I fully understand the need to take it on a test flight...why do all this continuing work unless you get a chance to play every once in a while?

Totally amazing John. Glad to see that thing starting to come alive!!!

Dave

Flt Lt Andrew,

Windshield?  Windshield?  I'm Instrument Rated........ we don't need no stinkin' windshield  .


best,

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

Ah yes....it all makes sense now....

A.

Looking good buddy, keep it going, and keep us posted!

Thats awesome...where do you find the time?

A.

Great job! Keep us posted 8)