Real Collins ADI possible to interface?

[727s4ever!]

Hi everyone!  So, I'm trying to decide if I should interface real instruments for my 727 build or just go with monitors behind the MIP.  Has anyone been successful in interfacing a Collins ADI such as is found here?  https://www.ebay.com/itm/ADI-Indicator-Flight-Director/183449628182?epid=1953683399&hash=item2ab6732e16:g:7~EAAOSwkkNbJVnM

If this is possible then I am leaning toward this as I really love the old steam gauges!! Thanks!

-Woody

[KyleH]

Hi Woody,

You need to talk to Rob Archer (727737Nut). He built a 737-300 with real gauges and x-plane.

[mickc]

Definitely doable, and as Kyle said: Rob A is the resident expert for the older steam stuff.

I will say that you can pick one of those up much cheaper than the one you posted, so do a bit of shopping around. 
There are also some great Facebook groups for used instruments and cockpit parts, its amazing what shows up in them from time to time !

[_alioth_]

Doable.

There are two ways to achieve it:

- ARINC cards to comunicate to instrument. So you don't need to modify them. I know nothing about this, but I think is expensive, and not very easy.

- Mod the instrument, and interface it with arduino/teensy... or similar. Cheaper, but not very easy neither. And you will kill the original gauge state, so only for people whose religion allows it .
I have fully interfaced a real bendix king HSI 525a + slave switch ka51b, and an RMI in this way. Now I am interfacing a real collins hsi 331a. You have to play with synchros (or change them with absolute encoders), d'arsonvals, pots, dc motors.. etc  Each gauge is like a new adventure. You don't need a lot of money, but you really need some skills and A LOT of time.

Arturo.

[blueskydriver]

Or, just have guys like Arturo vacation at your house for a week or two and do the gauge for you! And Woody, since you're a pilot, could you get discount airline tickets? Plus, I am sure he would love a free trip to the USA!!!  :idiot

John

[jeffreyk]

Hi,

If you want to do this, have a look here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Flight-Director-777-1224-001-329B-8G/202455832106?epid=1837575199&hash=item2f234ed62a:g:ErIAAOSw0-Ba~fxq

Jeffrey

[727s4ever!]

Thanks for all the replies!  I posted that eBay listing just as a reference for the type of ADI that I was interested in using.  Thankfully, I was able to find one much cheaper!  It is good to know that it is possible, so I think I will go the steam gauge route!  Of course I know this will mean added expense, time and complication to the project but I really want to see those old instruments working again.  That is just too cool!

-Woody