Hi all,

I have been thinking to add a first officer side to my simulator for a long time, but I didn't like my first try. I just tried to extend to the existing part and the result didn't make much sense to me. It just looked not quite right. So I decided to build a new MIP as as seen below.
In the process I also thought to replace the existing CRT monitors mainly for crisp vision and to save power consumption. At the same time CRTs are very heavy and bulky. Fortunately except for the 19" touch screen display on the pedestal all the other four monitors were given to me from friends and family who have already decided I am crazy and obsessed with aviation related stuff. 

Currently I am using prosim glass cockpit software and on the touch screen a trial version of Aivlasoft  Electronic Flight Bag which is really good like the real ones, but $ 80 and Approach system's software. Approach systems is moving map EFB made for tablet pcs; it doesn't run with FS9 or FSX. But it is cheap; I think the software is $10 and the US approach plates are $15. It has many functions and it is a good source of US airspace and navigation. It gets updated every month, but for me the first purchase is enough since I don't fly the real wings.

I still have to divide the PFD and ND displays and attach the switches under them.

I have finally interfaced the throttle which was idle for a long time. I used a joystick and keyboard emulator from www.groovygamegear.com. I used FSUIPC to assign the axises.

My next project after this is going to be a total redo of the overhead panel. The current one doesn't have any label so I have prepared a real size printed paper and I am going to use a plexi glass as a cover and install the switches, toggles and rotaries. My plan is to interface it with the 28 left over buttons from the key board emulator  which I used for the throttle along with another keyboard emulator to get a total of 56 inputs.

So why a second side? Two reasons because I just can't stop myself and to adapt a joystick to make a collective and fly helicopters. This way the toy can be used for both machines.



The first picture shows the old set up. The others show the new one.














Regards,

ermias