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What have you done for your simulator today?

Started by blueskydriver, January 14, 2018, 04:01:20 AM

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RayS

#725
Sadly the unit didn't come with any of the electronics, save for the actual screen, which is beyond my ability to reverse-engineer. It was still extremely expensive but... the best time to buy something like this is when you first see it.

Luckily I had a spare 800x480 HDMI screen laying around that is a perfect fit.
(XPT2046 for the Raspberry Pi)

After several hours of tracing the front panel button wiring (Turns out it's a row/column matrix... the worst to reverse-trace!) I have what's a very believable and realistic Garmin 430 unit that feels exactly like the original because for all intents and purposes, it is!.

This is the Garmin 430 software:
https://www.flight1tech.com/consumer/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/13

This is the screen capture software I need to use because the Garmin software doesn't allow you to fully remove the bezel:

https://github.com/kcg-edu-future-lab/Scope-Mirror

The Scope-Mirror software is bad-ass. It's simple, and does exactly what I need it to do.

Can't wait to get this bad boy installed! It's a perfect combination for my Garmin MX-20 Moving Map/GPS system (Also real, and also fully reverse-engineered with nothing taken apart.)


 

 
Ray Sotkiewicz

Jet-A1

#726
Top job Ray!

I see now where you went with this. Great work tracing the front button wiring, looks tricky given it's a matrix!

Derek

KyleH

I've moved all the interfacing discussion to its own topic. Please continue the discussion there.
Kyle

Chief Pilot
Worldflight Team USA
http://www.worldflightusa.com

blueskydriver

Hey Kyle, thanks for the move. Didn't mind it here, but it'll be easier for everyone else too find...

John ;D
| FSX | FDS-MIP OVRHD SYS CARDS FC1| PM | PMDG 737-700 | UTX | GEX | UT7 | ASE | REX2 | AES | TSR | IS | TOPCAT | AvilaSoft EFB | OC CARDS & OVRHD GAUGES| SIMKITS | SW 3D Lights | FS2CREW2010 | FSXPassengers | Flight1 AE | MATROX TH2GO-D | NTHUSIM | 3-Mits EW230Ust Proj |

RayS

Test fitting the Garmin 430. The 430 will end up on top of the MX-20. This is my upcoming weekend work.
Ray Sotkiewicz

ame

Today I finished the documentation for making a 3D-printed 2-1/4" (60mm) simulator gauge.

You can find the instructions in the new "How To" forum:
https://www.cockpitbuilders.com/index.php?topic=7836.0

The gauge requires no exotic tools or equipment, other than a 3D printer, and no exotic components, other than an automotive dashboard stepper motor.

Total cost is very little. Here's a ball-park estimate:
X27 589 Stepper Motor $2.00
2mm clear acrylic $0.50
3mm white acrylic $1.00
Connectors $0.50
3mm white LED $0.01
Nuts, bolts $1.00
3D printed parts $1.00

Total: $6

In addition you'll need something to drive the motor. I am experimenting with MCP23017 16-bit GPIO, $1.50. This will drive up to four stepper motors.

The design also supports dual-needle gauges. This uses the X40 stepper motor, which is about $7.

I will make a short video of the gauge I built, to demonstrate that it actually works.

blueskydriver

#731
Hey Everyone,

Finally, getting my FDS B737NG Nose Kit and Liners put together. After 2 years awaiting in the boxes, things are coming together.

Got the nose kit done and started the liners, but had to stop because of my platform in its current state will not work. Previously, it was setup too be rolled out for maintenance and since my yoke & pedals portion is already a platform I have to build around that.

Therefore, I basically have to add two long rectangular portions to make it 10'x10' when all combined, and then it all must be on wheels to roll underneath the nose (in/out) when needed. More or less what I had before, just bigger.

The pics here show the nose kit only and the newly built, free-standing, projection screen unit. Albeit, the actual screen is not mounted yet, as that will be done last to avoid dirt and dust getting on it, as well as accidental tears into it.

Regarding the stand, it's 1" square metal tubing welded into three large sections that when bolted together will complete the 220 degree curve. It also has black sheet metal (sheets) riveted to the curve on the front facing side to give structural stability. The white PVC tubing is for attaching the white screen using the 6" bungees (both from Carl's place).

John
| FSX | FDS-MIP OVRHD SYS CARDS FC1| PM | PMDG 737-700 | UTX | GEX | UT7 | ASE | REX2 | AES | TSR | IS | TOPCAT | AvilaSoft EFB | OC CARDS & OVRHD GAUGES| SIMKITS | SW 3D Lights | FS2CREW2010 | FSXPassengers | Flight1 AE | MATROX TH2GO-D | NTHUSIM | 3-Mits EW230Ust Proj |

blueskydriver

| FSX | FDS-MIP OVRHD SYS CARDS FC1| PM | PMDG 737-700 | UTX | GEX | UT7 | ASE | REX2 | AES | TSR | IS | TOPCAT | AvilaSoft EFB | OC CARDS & OVRHD GAUGES| SIMKITS | SW 3D Lights | FS2CREW2010 | FSXPassengers | Flight1 AE | MATROX TH2GO-D | NTHUSIM | 3-Mits EW230Ust Proj |

iwik

John,
That looks awesome. Great to see your progress, keep the pics coming.
Les

Trevor Hale

WOW! Looks great.  Looking forward to seeing it flying John.
Trevor Hale

Owner
http://www.cockpitbuilders.com

Director of Operations
Worldflight Team USA
http://www.worldflightusa.com

VATSIM:

jackpilot



Jack

blueskydriver

Thanks guys, but I only follow the greats like you...😁

John
| FSX | FDS-MIP OVRHD SYS CARDS FC1| PM | PMDG 737-700 | UTX | GEX | UT7 | ASE | REX2 | AES | TSR | IS | TOPCAT | AvilaSoft EFB | OC CARDS & OVRHD GAUGES| SIMKITS | SW 3D Lights | FS2CREW2010 | FSXPassengers | Flight1 AE | MATROX TH2GO-D | NTHUSIM | 3-Mits EW230Ust Proj |

bernard S

looks like darth fader... but its insides  that matter   what ya doing for windows of any ?

bernard S


bernard S


Trevor Hale

#740
Them some nice apples :)  Love them apples :)
Trevor Hale

Owner
http://www.cockpitbuilders.com

Director of Operations
Worldflight Team USA
http://www.worldflightusa.com

VATSIM:

ame

Today I modified the 3D printing files for 60mm gauges again because... you really should print out or at least carefully check a 3D render of a part if ever you modify it.

So, anyway, current files on GitLab are all good.

I made a quick test program to drive the gauge with an MCP23017 I2C GPIO expander using Python on a Raspberry Pi. I'll take a video and post it on YouTube.

I also tested the backlighting with a PWM-driven MOSFET module. I could drive the PWM input from the Pi, but I intend to use a PCA9685 I2C PWM chip.

RayS

Bit of a setback for me unfortunately. Was putting the Center MIP back in place and fired it up only to discover all kinds of power weirdness.

Somehow during the course of working on the Garmin 430, I must have looked at the transponder radio in a way it saw fit to permanently discontinue it's services.

Replacements are roughly $250 US from Flight Illusion. Nope!

Working on gutting the dead radio and using the parts, tied to a Teensy 3.2 over CANBUS.
Ray Sotkiewicz

blueskydriver

| FSX | FDS-MIP OVRHD SYS CARDS FC1| PM | PMDG 737-700 | UTX | GEX | UT7 | ASE | REX2 | AES | TSR | IS | TOPCAT | AvilaSoft EFB | OC CARDS & OVRHD GAUGES| SIMKITS | SW 3D Lights | FS2CREW2010 | FSXPassengers | Flight1 AE | MATROX TH2GO-D | NTHUSIM | 3-Mits EW230Ust Proj |

blueskydriver

Hey Bernard,

Yep, Star Wars vibe, but B737 on the inside and love it. The windows are plexi or whatever it's called from FDS. I will attach them to the outside like I once did with the real cockpit...

How is your sim coming? Is it flyable yet?

John
| FSX | FDS-MIP OVRHD SYS CARDS FC1| PM | PMDG 737-700 | UTX | GEX | UT7 | ASE | REX2 | AES | TSR | IS | TOPCAT | AvilaSoft EFB | OC CARDS & OVRHD GAUGES| SIMKITS | SW 3D Lights | FS2CREW2010 | FSXPassengers | Flight1 AE | MATROX TH2GO-D | NTHUSIM | 3-Mits EW230Ust Proj |

RayS

Ugh! More set-backs!

Power gremlins have returned. The same ones that took out my transponder radio. Identified the suspect power supply (There are 5) and the 12v side is reading 3.3vdc.

Hoping it didn't take anything else with it.

Brain is figuring out how to isolate power delivery if something is out-of-spec.
Ray Sotkiewicz

Trevor Hale

:P  This is why I completely gutted my sim and re-ran new cables.  Too many changes to have a loose wire blow something up.  I have never seen a power supply going low, actually cooking something. that sucks.

Trev
Trevor Hale

Owner
http://www.cockpitbuilders.com

Director of Operations
Worldflight Team USA
http://www.worldflightusa.com

VATSIM:

iwik

Yes i reckon it must be the season for the gremlins.
I had the unfortunate experience of sticking 400vdc on a 5v line. Luckily all i had connected at the time was my Clock module. Fried every chip on the board.

blueskydriver

| FSX | FDS-MIP OVRHD SYS CARDS FC1| PM | PMDG 737-700 | UTX | GEX | UT7 | ASE | REX2 | AES | TSR | IS | TOPCAT | AvilaSoft EFB | OC CARDS & OVRHD GAUGES| SIMKITS | SW 3D Lights | FS2CREW2010 | FSXPassengers | Flight1 AE | MATROX TH2GO-D | NTHUSIM | 3-Mits EW230Ust Proj |

blueskydriver

Platform modification progress... Next, adding coin pattern rubber flooring now.

John
| FSX | FDS-MIP OVRHD SYS CARDS FC1| PM | PMDG 737-700 | UTX | GEX | UT7 | ASE | REX2 | AES | TSR | IS | TOPCAT | AvilaSoft EFB | OC CARDS & OVRHD GAUGES| SIMKITS | SW 3D Lights | FS2CREW2010 | FSXPassengers | Flight1 AE | MATROX TH2GO-D | NTHUSIM | 3-Mits EW230Ust Proj |

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