Hello World - 737NG Project

[sagrada737]

Hi Folks,

I'm new to this forum and new to simulators.  I have built and flown helicopter and high performance fixed wing experimental aircraft, and now want to construct a full scale 737NG simulator for personal use.   Although unrelated to this forum, I also enjoy designing and building robotic telescopes and observatory systems.   

My main interests center around designing and building all kinds of electro-mechanical things.  I have a small but fairly complete workshop that includes CAD/CAM CNC machining capability that allows for precision for any small complex parts that might be required for a sim project. 

The idea of a 737NG simulator project represents a nice challenge for the next year or two that I am budgeting for such a project.  I am in the research phase now putting together a project strategy for build/buying the various parts/systems for the 737NG sim project.   I would like to actually begin this project in February 2013.  I will use FSX with either ProSim or Sim-Avionics, with sub-modules from FDS, CPFlight and other suppliers.  Advice regarding vendors would be helpfl.

I am currently considering buying FDS's MIP package to help get the baseline 737NG  project off to a easier start.   That said, I am anxious to hand wire and fabricate other major systems as needed - the Overhead Panel would be a good example of this challenge.  Building a realistic cockpit environment is my desire and a challenge that I am up for.  I plan on starting out with a multiple monitor outside display, but would like to finish up with a 180 deg + wrap around display.

Any comments on these ideas are appreciated.

Keep your airspeed up!
Mike Sherick

[XOrionFE]

Welcome Mike!

Glad you found us.  Lots of helpful folks here and your off to a great start.    I am sure we will all love to learn from you and your experience as well.

Best Regards,
Scott

[sagrada737]

Thanks for the welcome Scott.  I am starting to learn my way around this forum.  Looks like some nice folks, some good projects, and lots of great discussion.  When I am able, I will try to be a good steward to the group and contribute as I am able.

Mike

[blueskydriver]

Hi Mike,

Welcome to Cockpit Builders flight line! From the sounds of your first post, you'll fit right in... Here is my first tip I tell every new person; go visit someone who has a sim now. You will gain the most invaluable insight from that experience. And, as I have said before, I believe any one of us would welcome new builders in too see our setups...

In fact, I think it's time a location map is made as to all builders who would volunteer to show and/or let other people, who are just starting out, come visit for an overview, as well as a short flight. I will start a new post on this...

Anyway, you're welcome to come visit my wife and I.

John

[sagrada737]

Thanks for the welcome John.  It's good to be part of this interesting and creative group of sim builders.

I appreciate your comments on the benefits of seeing sim projects in person and discussing details when you can see and operate the hardware, etc.  I would very much like to visit you and see your setup sometime soon.  Perhaps I can plan a trip from New Mexico up your way to visit you and Scott, and also a trip to to Flight Deck Solutions while I'm in the general area.  Actually, I was in Madison this time last year for training on my Tormach PCNC milling machine beautiful area of the county.  In any case, I greatly appreciate your openness and hospitality.

Good idea on a location map for all sim builders.  This is the kind of community that greatly benefits from cooperative communication on the myriad of building issues related to a complex simulator project.  That could be a nice part of this Forum, since most everyone is already registered.

737NG TQ question for you and/or

I would like to take a shot at building this system myself, since it looks interesting and has some complex geometry.

- Are there specific dimensions for this system located somewhere?
- Does the TQ interface directly and only to FSX?
- What are the list of functions required of the TQ, and how are they interfaced to software and hardware?
- What are the value of the required slider potentiometers and their usage?
- If there is an interface hardware module required, what is it?
- What is the relationship to FSX with the Yoke trim function vs. manual trim vs. motorized trim?
- What functions need to be automated if "motorized" capability is desired?

Or...  Should I just skip the idea and purchase the Flight Simulator Center version shown on their site:
http://www.flightsimulatorcenter.com/Product.aspx?lang=ENG&ID=874a2737-1ce7-4c64-a8aa-bccb4b2bd768&CODE=910005
This version looks very nicely done and the price point at 2,500Eu is not too expensive for such a complex system.

Comments appreciated.

Keep your airspeed up!
Mike

[XOrionFE]

Mike,

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Bill Bulfer's 737NG Cockpit Companion as it is a great reference for a lot of the functions in the cockpit of the 737 and answers a lot of questions.  Flightdeck Solutions sells them and there is also now an iPad version if you prefer that just came out.

Also, I find that the PMDG 737 for FSX loaded on a desktop sim is also extremely helpful in using while learning systems until you get your fll size complete.

Starting out with a full MIP from FDS is a great way to start also.



Scott

[sagrada737]

Thanks for the information Scott.  I'll load up the Cockpit Companion on my iPad and begin further exploring - it's loading now, but it seems to be taking an long time - must be a rather large document/app.

I have just purchased FSX and will follow your lead to get PMDG so I can play around with the 737NG environment.  I'm also looking into the specs for the FSX computer.  Peter Cos at FDS indicated that this needs to be a fairly powerful/fast computer system for a full scale 737NG simulator to function properly.  Secondary computers for the sim app eg. Sim-Avionics or ProSim can be more of a standard PC.  I assume that you concurr with this approach.

Thanks again for the affirmation on FDS's MIP package as a way to bootstrap my 737NG sim project.  I'll give you a shout later this evening.

Keep your airspeed up!
Mike

[jetpilot]

Hi Mike and welcome,
In my opinion I would recommended you to take a peak on the real TQ. With all your skills I belive it is going to be a great approach for you. Scott have a real one, I have a real one. I have not started the interfacing yet but I believe nothing beats the real one
Roberto C

[sagrada737]

Thank you for the welcome Roberto.  It is good to be in the company of folks designing and building simulators.  I hope to learn much before I begin my own 737NG sim project early next year.

I appreciate your advice on obtaining a real 737 TQ for subsequent modifications for use in a simulator.

Questions:
- Is there a section of this Forum that specifically speaks to the task of modifying a real 737 Throttle Quadrant?
- What components are necessary for such TQ modifications, and what electronics and/or controllers might be necessary?
- Are you planning on making your TQ motorized?  And if so, what type of motors and controllers are you going to use?

Best Regards, and keep your airspeed up!
Mike