Building 101

[Jaypilot2015]

Okay this seem a really dumb question to a lot of people. In 2016 I plan to build my own home simulator of a b737ng. I have not a clue how to build something like that. The home simulator I have ever seen is on youtube. Flying on my saitiek yoke on my computer is the most of a sim I've owned to date. I can tell what we don't want. We don't want a cheep starter set for beginers. I want a really nice, quality, realistic sim. I am willing to learn what ever I have to, to build it. So I figured I'd start here. So I have a lot of newbie questions. I want to try to do as much myself as I can. The top panel intimates me I don't plan to try and assembly my own. I was just going to buy one that is rdy out of the box. For the front panel. I really want to buy a empty frame, and buy my own led's and panels, and assembly all my self. That way I can pick and chose what gagues I want rather then getting what ever fly deck puts in. How much work is it to build something like that. Do I have to custom build my own borads. Or is it just wire it together and plug it in. I need to buy everything, I don't have the skills to custom build anything.

Who are the good companies to buy from and who are ones I should avoid. I was talking a little to flight deck Soulutions, wasn't sure if they were good, they seemed expensive but I wasn't sure. I was also looking at simco.

I am a computer tech. I know computers really well. My own question in this area is how many computers does it take to run a simulator like this. I want to copy a b737ng exactly. And my last questions. What type of programs would I need to run all this. I plan to use p3d, what I currently use, unless their is something better. I can't stand xplane and I don't trust fsx.

Thanks very much for all your help.

[XOrionFE]

Oh my gosh Jason,

I think you have a lot more reading and research to do before buying anything.   That said, there is a ton of information on this site if you read through the various builder threads and lots of people willing to help.   Your in Kansas so not too far from Illinois.  If you want to see what it takes and if you want to check out some options like FDS versus real versus DIY there are a few of us in Illinois you could visit.   If you plan on DIY it is about the hardest way to build an NG and most who start it that way end up tossing everything and buying FDS.   FDS IMHO is the best if you want a turnkey accurate solution.    Plan on spending $15K plus for the most basic NG and if you want full fidelity like many of the NGs you see on youtube plan on spending north of $50K easily.

Again, do a lot more research and reading before you spend any money.

Scott

[navymustang]

JayPilot  - feel free to contact me directly.  I am building a 737-800 at home that is more than what you may want, but can give you plenty of support as you get into this project.
I am a simulation engineer in my full time consulting work.
Jim

[bernard S]

my 2 cents worth....   suck it up and go FDS .. no greif .. no surprises   look it this way its simple  with a project that that you have in mind you end up building  not flying.. and the object was to fly.. it ever ends and by never ends I mean years not months and a full size project eats money with a passion you may never have experienced before.

On a more serious note ...Get the MIP (Main Instrument Panel)  at least this way you can always be flying  you can always experiment and develop your skill set with other providers add items and interface them to compliment your base unit ...  As you stated you do not have you skill set so be sure you will get frustrated and despondent if you try to go it alone you are going to need a lot of support..

[jackpilot]

One more comment:
Stick with ONE vendor for all your needs.
Even if "compatible", parts from different suppliers always create mismatch problems, harware AND software.
IMHO

Jack

[blueskydriver]

You can come visit me...in Wisconsin.

John