OEM MCP conversion worth the hassle?

[maxmotoring]

Hi to all,

I am considering to begin the construction of a single seat 737 project. Being an old man and real life private pilot, simming from FS2  my choice is X-Plane 11 (ArdsimX plugin) with whichever 737NG meets the standard first. There is one now that "exceeds" it: the Classic IXeg 733. But it will be very difficult for me to make a realistic rig with all those steam gauges involved.

Some time ago I got  a Sperry SP-177 complete MCP (with connection cables et all). The feel of the old school hardware is awesome. The rotary knobs clicks are perfect and well.. hard. As it is not powered (I can´t guess how to) the number drums do not move, and the activation levers are stuck.

As you can see in the pics inside the unit, all this is solenoid and motor powered!
Not having access to any diagram to deduce the hundreds of connections involved, the only thing I imagine is: a) keep it as a buff museum piece or b) get it ripped from all the electronics it and TRY to use the carcass and hard knobs and mechanisms to drive other rotarys linked to an Arduino board.

One thing to consider in this option is that all the numeical drums have to be replaced with very tiny leds, if I want to leave the face of the instument intact (one if not the principal reason to use it).

Well, this is the question... Any ideas are welcome!

Saludos from Argentina

Max

[737NGer]

I sent you a PM.

You can use ARINC 429. For those who don't know what ARINC 429 is, it is a data transmission protocol used to exchange data between transcievers on board the airplane e.g. an MCP interfaces with the DFCS (Digital Flight Control System computer) using ARINC 429.

You will need an ARINC 429 interface - you can get these from the following suppliers:
Simulator Solutions Australia
Simvionics
Cockpit Concept

Though you will have to know if your MCP uses high speed transmission or low speed transmission, as ARINC 429 supports both.

[jackpilot]

Would not harm either to ask the manufacturer for a pinout.
Usually they are very accomodating , even more for a discontinued item.
They have everything on file.
Jack

[XOrionFE]

I have a better idea.

SELL IT TO ME!!!!  As you can see below I have the CP Flight EL series in place in my OEM IXEG 737 build.   A friend wrote a custom plugin for it and it works flawlessly with the IXEG without any CP flight drivers necessary.   The plugin handles all.   We could work out a deal if you dont want to tackle the interfacing of the SP-177.   I would take on the challenge.    Whatever you do...PLEASE DO NOT rip apart the unit to convert it.   That would be a shame.



Scott

[Bob Reed]

I have to agree with Scott here. To tare that apart would be a real shame. Now do you want to tackle it, that may be a call only you can make.

[maxmotoring]

Well, seems the old SP177 will live long and prosper... I will consider the options you suggest, meanwhile.

Cheers

[727737Nut]

FYI,  That does not use arinc 429 as it is from a 737-200 adv model.  It is old school syncho outputs.  Easy to use if you have the pinouts and another FYI, its a Sperry and they will NOT give you pinouts unless a certified shop or airline and you have an account with them.   Good luck in your sim build and happy flying.

Rob

[maxmotoring]

FYI,  That does not use arinc 429 as it is from a 737-200 adv model.  It is old school syncho outputs.  Easy to use if you have the pinouts and another FYI, its a Sperry and they will NOT give you pinouts unless a certified shop or airline and you have an account with them.   Good luck in your sim build and happy flying.

Rob

Rob you say easy to use. I may get the pinouts soon, so what should I use for the interface? Teensy Arduinos? I  suppose a 400Hz 26 volt power supply? What's your expierence with this OEM parts (in a nutshell)?

Saludos

Max