Collimated display project update...

[geneb]

Here's a pic of the new framework:



..and a walk-around video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdOnzHXpyNk

We're getting closer!

g.

[geneb]

Well "affordable" is relative.  If you don't have a CNC machine to cut the parts, you're SOL.

We don't know if we can release a full plan set yet - the mirror frame uses a feature that's under active patent.  Once it's finished we'll try to get a free, "for non-commercial use" license from Rockwell-Collins.

g.

[geneb]

The mirror is as large as can be built using commercially available mylar sources.  The widest roll of mylar you can get is 56" and that will be just enough to give you an 8' diameter mirror.  Before you ask, no, you can't glue two sheets together.

g.

[geneb]

What you need to do is let HER decide.

"Honey, it's either flight simulators or strip clubs.  You pick."



g.

[jskibo]

Nice work Gene.......

[geneb]

Thanks!

g.

[Nat Crea]

Bloody unreal Gene!

Are you going to use this for your F-15?

Nat

[geneb]

Unfortunately, this kind of display system won't work out very well with the F-15.  It's just too small.  The F-15 will get a "standard" curved display.

g.

[Trevor Hale]

Gene,

This is amazing.  I just looked at the videos, what you have accomplished here is a new beginning.  Something None of us ever thought pissible in our hobby.

I cannot tell you enough what a giant leap this is for the hobby. 

Congratulations on this project.  I can't wait to see it done.

[geneb]

Thanks Trevor.  It's not just all me though.  My friend Wayne is an aerospace engineer and he's done all the heavy lifting on the math end of things.

Check out http://www.diy-cockpits.org/coll/collimated_display.html

g.

[Trevor Hale]

Amazing.  I don't know what else to say, but that.  its incredible.

[wledzian]

I'm getting more excited as the first full-size display comes together - I've got it modelled in Sketchup to make sure it will fit in my office, but seeing the model on-screen and seeing the real thing take shape are two totally different things.

Pieces are coming together quick at this point - it shouldn't be much longer now.

Just for fun, I stood in the assembly and held up a scrap of foam roughly the size of a 19" monitor at arm's length - it just about fills about a third of the vertical view and maybe a bit more than two of the ribs - I plan to tie my jaw shut before the first startup of FSX just to keep my jaw from hitting the floor.

-Wayne

[jskibo]

Just had a look at the Boeing P8 demo trailer.

They integrate thiers in the demo as part of the forward (only) display. 

Not ideal and way too big on the screen, but interesting.

[geneb]

Well I suppose we could add a drool-towel rack to the outer framework...

..or maybe some of those disposable lobster bibs with a Simpits logo on them?

FYI folks, I've gotten the ribs for the screen cut and the arms for holding the screen in place were cut last night.  Just need to sand, seal & paint the arms.

The funny part is, the display system will be complete long before we've got a cockpit to stuff in the hole. *laughs*

g.

[wledzian]

Give me a chair, stick, throttle, and an extra screen for the instrument panel, and I'd be happy for a while without any additional cockpit structure.

[Trevor Hale]

I still can't beleive you guys are making this a reality.  The display you are building should be stunning when it is complete, and I bet you are still doing it for a fraction of the cost of the CAE Displays

Trev

[geneb]

Trev, if it's any consolation, neither can we.

g.

[geneb]

YEah, don't got disturbing RC at all.  We'll take care of that process when the time comes.

FYI, providing the model in the Google 3D warehouse was accurate, a B1900 WILL fit in our 8' mirror.

g.

[Trevor Hale]

I find it hard to beleive that the big companies would even bother with us hobby guys.  regardless, it is fun to play

[Efe]

I find it hard to beleive that the big companies would even bother with us hobby guys.  regardless, it is fun to play

Come on Trev! Even corporate lawyers get bored from time to time.

[Trevor Hale]

LOL..  Good point..  Well, regardless A home made project would look awefully funny in front of a judge and watching their lawyer say that your homemade project is the same or even superior to their multi-million dollar setups LOL.

[Efe]

I'm no lawyer but I believe it wouldn't stand up in court anyway. You're using it at home for personal use, not selling it or making money off it.

[wledzian]

It's not about looking good in front of a judge, or even about winning.  It's about protecting the intellectual property.  In a fight like that, spending good money to bring us to court until we can't afford to fight anymore is a valid tactic, and is what we want to afford.  Sure, we could probably point to case law regarding personal use, but we'd go broke before we could even get to court, and the corporate lawyers know that.  Our best option is to go to them with case law FIRST, and ask permission.

[Garys]

Why does this debate always come up. Its ridiculous.Everything we buy today is copy of someone elses idea  The car industry wouldnt be where it is today without it. As cockpit builders we have been buying exact replica hardware and software for years but now your worried about the legality of a homebuilt display.
Give your head a shake. 

[Nat Crea]

Yep, Im with Gary...

Boeing might as well lock us all up...
Fact is were not stealing sales from Boeing or CAE,
I think they would be more flattered honestly.

Nat