Newcomer

[Ewan2k_uk]

Hey all just wanted to say hi and that this is my first post. 

I've started to build my own cockpit panel just for a hobby, I've started my PPL as well so am hoping this will make the sim more realistic to practice on.

I've opted to build a Piper PA28 panel and am going down the route of using LCD displays for the gauges. I'm getting on quite well with the switches, rotary encoders etc but one thing I can't seem to sort out is which software to use for the gauges?

Could someone point me in the right direction please and offer advice in this area? I am running FSX and have a custom built pc with excellent performance.

Thanks

Ewan

[Boeing Skunk Works]

I used FS Panel Studio and the (mostly) stock guages supplied with the aircraft software. It should be really easy to use this to create your panel.

[Trevor Hale]

Hi and welcome to the group.  If nothing else, Flight one Has a Pa28 I believe, you should be able to move the gauges to various undocked windows.  there is many ways to do that.

If you haven't already go and buy FSUIPC By PeterD.  this is 100% required equipment.

As well Mike Powell Wrote some amazing books that you absolutely must look at.  Building recreational flight simulators is the name, you will learn a lot form that alone.

Best regards,

Trev

[jackpilot]

Probably the best for a pro  GA aircraft.
You can network the gauges .No FPS loss.
position/size  the gauges with the mouse
Ultra smooth and realistic
Not THAT expensive for what you get
Try the demo !you'll be hooked

http://www.projectmagenta.com/ifr_software/

[Ewan2k_uk]

Thanks guys, i already have peter dawsons software (purchased version) so thats a tick in the box. Where abouts can i find the book, is this an ebook or a hardback book?

I did look at PM software and looked quite good but on other forums everyone was complaing about the cost so i held off for the moment until i get a response from you guys.

Ewan

[jackpilot]

I did look at PM software and looked quite good but on other forums everyone was complaing about the cost .

Ewan

Serious builders only here!.....good software/hardware come at a price.
But anyway  PM  Boeing Suite is in K$ territory,  but the PM GA is not. Worth checking!!
If you want amazing fluidity, graphics, (a must for a trainer) and the aility to move/size gauges at will, this is it.

[Trevor Hale]

The Book is available at www.mikesflightdeck.com

Best regards,

Trev

[Ewan2k_uk]

Hey guys,

Ive just purchased the PM GA IFR software for my panel display and i am well impressed, off that topic though im hoping to get a little help if possible wiring up a 5 way key switch. Ive purchased desktop aviators 2090 board and have all the rocker switches (Battery, Altenator, Lights etc) wired up and working which was simple enough but now im stuch with the key switch 

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj140/ewan2k_uk/IMG_1946_zps16aeaee1.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj140/ewan2k_uk/IMG_1945_zps61b0d25d.jpg

Any help would be much appreciated.

Ewan

[Joe Lavery]

Hi Ewan,

If you live in Scotland, I'm surprised you bought the Desktop Aviator Board. It's actually Leo Bodnar's board and would probably be cheaper here in the Uk.     £19.99 plus shipping
http://www.leobodnar.com/products/BU0836/

However, to your question. From the look of the switch it appears to be a 2 gang 3 way switch not a five way. In either case you simply attach the common (centre) pin from the switch to one of the analogue grounds on the board and the other pins to any of the 1-6 columns or 1-6 rows pins on the board. Then you have to assign them in FSUIPC as I assume you've already done for the other switches.

Incidentally wiring the board in this way will only allow for 12 buttons or switches, however if you wire the board to a matrix as shown on Leo's site you can address upto 32 buttons or switches, and more.

Hope that helps. 
Joe.

[jackpilot]

Glad you are happy with the PM IFR.
Instruments quality and dynamics are unmatched.
Plus the fact that they can run on a cheapo PC which unloads the FS PC.

[Ewan2k_uk]

Ok thats great, all this electrical wiring etc is new to me so that page looked a little frightning but i think i get the idea. I never knew about these boards so il definately be buying on 

Thanks again

Ewan