FDS - 737NG Modular Nose Section...

[sagrada737]

Hi Guys,

I am making ready my new "Sim Room" (previously an art studio - out with the old, and in with the new!).  In considering the layout for my 737NG project setup, I am seriously considering purchasing an FDS Modular Nose Section to help speed progress on the basic sim project.

Queston:
-  What is the front width dimension of the nose section?  (FDS only gives an Aft width, Aft Height, and front to back depth in their product info)
-  For those who have purchased the FDS Modular Nose Section...   How easy is it to access the rear part of the MIP for work/maintenance once the MIP package is moved into position within the Nose Section?
-  Since the Nose Seciton has a "celing"...  How easy is it to install/work on/maintain the Overhead systems?
-  Are there any unwanted "vibration resonance" generated from the sheet metal Nose Section assembly due to low frequency audio during a typical sim flight?
- Are there any heat issues that must be considered due to the enclosed Nose Section environment?

Feedback appreciated.

Mike

[Jetcos]

Front measurement is 67.04"

Lot's of room to access the MIP.

Suggestion is to install visuals prior to the Sim. Most projectors are near the rear of the shell. Accessible but you need room to install the projectors prior to the nose.

If you crank up the bass probably everything in the room will resonant. Haven't noticed any problems with the nose once it is bolted together. Very solid.

Installing the optional windows probably would allow the heat to stay in the nose. Using larger PC fans to provide airflow is suggested. There will be heat generated by projectors, PC's and LCD's.

[sagrada737]

Thanks for the comments Steve. This information is helpful.  I'm in the process of doing a full-scale paper layout of the platform (Nose Section) to gauge the overall fit/location in my sim room.

I plan on having the sim platform base on rollers to aid in moving the platform IN/Out for maintenance requirements.  Not a new idea of course, but being able to access projectors (should I go that route) is a significant factor.

At this time, with my new FSX and Sim-Avionics computers up and running, I'm getting familiar with the 737NG Sim-Avionics software using a joystick and a TH2G setup with three 27" monitors on my office desk.  I'm impressed by the immersion effect the extended display creates - even with these small monitors.  I can imagine what three 60" LCD TV might look like. 

I'm still up in the air as to a final solution, whether to go with three 60" LCD monitors, or invest in a wrap-around Short Throw 3-projector display system.  Since in my sim room, the sim platform will face an existing curved wall (90 degrees) with a radius of 7'.  I'm guessing that it will be fairly easy to continue that curve for a 120 degree (or more) projection display with the TH2G system.  It is also easy to extend the curve for a 220 degree wrap-around project system, but I am not sure what projection hardware/software considerations are necessary/critical for good display performance.

Question:  Will the TH2G setup allow for a full 220 degree projection display, or are there more video considerations involved to achieve this?

Constructive idea on the Nose Section:  Provide a PDF on your web Product page showing the top-down dimensions of the Nose Section and location of major assemblies to assist in helping folks visualize the layout for planning purposes.  Also, a short video/animation showing how the unit goes together with the MIP would be nice.  Just some thoughts...

Mike