Cockpitbuilders.com

I find with my cockpit project that it is really hard for me to focus on one thing at a time... Part of me wants to build my own CNC machine just to make the custom parts for my cockpit. It's silly because I don't have the space (I'm pushing it going for for the ATR but I'm going ahead anyway). I just would love the idea of making this thing from scratch. Yeah, I am going to be buying a lot of stuff but I want to make sure the guts are designed and constructed by me.

I think at some time in the future I will change my LCD gauges for real steam ones (if I can figure out how to extract the data). another idea I had was making a "Modular" cockpit where the panels have plug in connectors for things like Radios, Quadrants etc. I don't know how practical it is atm but I think having it modular would make it easier to build. Change the masks for the LCD, change the throttle quadrant etc. and I could go from an ATR to a 737NG. It's something to think about when I start building the hardware.

But the real question is "Do I buy ready built for plug and play or do I build it myself". For me, DIY is the only way... but I would really love that CNC mill...

Ummmmm look around all those things have been done already. All the gauges data you need is already extracted from FS or FSX. Modular panels is really the only way to build because at some point you will have to repair.  Don't re invent the wheel spend your time on other areas of your build.

I have planned, tried and started building many of my cockpit parts, but ended up buying them after all...
This includes MIP with bezels, gearhandle, yoke and dualyoke setup, TQ and chairs. Instead of building it my self, it has set me back some 7000€ hehe

To get a room for my sim, I tare down my old kitchen and split it up to two rooms and built a new kitchen. I did it while upgrading the whole flat, and wouldn't done it if it wasn't part of a bigger plan, but anyway...
I think I went far to get my simpit as I wanted.