Building a home cockpit

[jj2414]

Very nice!

What you need is a 55" monitor hanging on the wall behind the dashboard.:encouragement:

[Waterman981]

Thanks Lazer!

Today I built the bases for the cockpit. I started off with a 2x4 structure. Then added 1x4's of nicer wood around the outside of that.


Then I just had to put a skin on the sides. Unfortunately I only had that crappy wood, so it's not super great.


For the right side one I added additional structural support, then cut a V into the top. Into the V I installed my throttles in a wooden surround. To route the cables out of the throttle enclosure I used my Dremel to carve out a channel for the wires, then drilled holes to run to the back of the base. So I do still need to figure out how I want to do that last side. Due to the wiring I will need to be able to get access, so it must be removable. Perhaps I will get MDF for that side...


I need to cut the bottom plate to width and screw down the rudder pedals. I'll then tilt it on end and screw the bottom plate into both bases.


I got some L brackets to attach the dash to the bases, but they are too small, so I'll have to go get larger ones, then it should be rock solid.

Oh yeah, and paint too... but honestly right now... I don't care.

[Lazerbolt]

Great job! This project looks great. Keep up the good work!

[XJJohnsonX]

I have been tinkering around with a tablet but haven't really found anything really useful with my setup

[XJJohnsonX]

Smart... Didn't think about that

[Waterman981]

You would need to undock the GPS (right click on it and select undock) and move the window to the small monitor. I believe if you save the flight in that way it will restart there. But especially with multiplayer I think I'll end up having to move it every time.

[XJJohnsonX]

How would you get the GPS to line up in fax? Or would you?

[Waterman981]

Yup, that's how guys build full 737 cockpit replicas. I'm thinking of isolated switches like I mentioned above and possibly make a GPS replica using a 7" screen and buttons and rotary encoders around it for the buttons and switches.

[XJJohnsonX]

That's awesome... You could have a button for EVERYTHING!!!!

[Waterman981]

You may beable to go to radio shack and get some switches and knobs depending on if you can figure out how to hook them up to your computer

Hooking them up to your computer is simple! Just get a Leo Bodnar card! I've already used one to modify my Thrustmaster F-16 FLCS stick and TQS throttle quadrant.

I bought them back in 1996 or 1997. Well before USB. The controllers used game port and an AT keyboard connector to connect to your computer. I ripped out all the guts and replaced them with a single BU0836X for both controllers! I use a parallel cable that I custom wired to connect the stick to the throttle, then the BU0836X is mounted in the throttle. Just a single USB type B port and both controllers work beautifully as just another USB controller!

Here's a video I found of how to connect it all up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB7FTO87Mzo

[XJJohnsonX]

You may beable to go to radio shack and get some switches and knobs depending on if you can figure out how to hook them up to your computer

[Waterman981]

Thanks everyone for all the kind words! Last night I installed a Saitek Radio Panel into the cockpit. It did get me thinking more about what I would change for version 2. The big thing I was thinking was I'd like the Backlit Information Panel to be above the 6 Flight Instrument Panels. I'm thinking I may not see a warning light in the current position I have planned for it off to my left. I guess we'll see when I get that panel added. Moving it would only require an extra inch, two max for it to fit with the curve there. But then that left side would be basically empty. A lot of wasted space, so why not move the Switch Panel below the yoke (adding more height to the cockpit). Then I may as well either shorten the width, or add a second yoke for a co-pilot.

As you can see going in to it with having a generic cockpit, rather than basing it off a single aircraft, there are so many options, and I keep second guessing what I've done. I am at the point where I will stay the course and not build V2 until I have everything populated, and probably some extra switches thrown in as well (I'm thinking Nav/GPS first). Although the wood is cheap, so then it's just time, and I currently think I can get as much as I have now in half the time.

The plan (once again) is to build the bases this weekend... If I can avoid doing all the spring cleaning that SWMBO wants to do around the house.

[PerryNavy1991]

Looking good...as I am in the design stage of my cockpit, I love to see other cockpit construction and I like what I see...

[XJJohnsonX]

looking good.. cant wait to see the finished product!

[Mulderpilot13]

Absolutly Wonderful! I've been watching all your pics and just keeping my mouth shut, But its so good I can't keep it shut any longer! Great Job!