Boeing 737-800 Next Generation Simulator

[fsaviator]

Hi Mau,
Didn't think of that...  the switches in my throttles are separate inputs so it never even crossed my mind how simple that is.  Of course I'll have to get into the wiring but that shouldn't be too hard.

As for the brakes...  I'm contemplating mapping the FO brakes to the FSX axis'.  That may do the trick.  I'll mess with it tomorrow

[fsaviator]

Looking for some more tips.  I've finally started to use Nvidia Inspector and with it running it has helped a bit.  I now have 30FPS sitting on the tarmac at KDEN with Gary Widup's scenery.  I'm happy.

Here's my question...  I modified the FSX profile in Nvidia Inspector as directed by one of the many sites on the web. 

Do I need to run Nvidia Inspector every time I start the computer, then load the FSX profile?

Do I need to keep NI running while using FSX?

The only thing I use the computer for is my 737 so I'm more than happy to replace the default profile

Thanks!

[Maurice]

Looking for some more tips.  I've finally started to use Nvidia Inspector and with it running it has helped a bit.  I now have 30FPS sitting on the tarmac at KDEN with Gary Widup's scenery.  I'm happy.

Here's my question...  I modified the FSX profile in Nvidia Inspector as directed by one of the many sites on the web. 

Do I need to run Nvidia Inspector every time I start the computer, then load the FSX profile?

Do I need to keep NI running while using FSX?

The only thing I use the computer for is my 737 so I'm more than happy to replace the default profile

Thanks!

No to both questions. And if I'm wrong, that would explain some of my problems, but I'm not wrong. 

30 fps on the tarmac at KDEN? Pretty darn good if you ask me. Never ever got that close in any major airport so you must be doing  something right 

Maurice

[fsaviator]

Thanks Mau.

I'm not maxed out... using the FSX settings from the Aerosoft guy... can't remember his name...

You can find it here: http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_id=9064

or even here: http://www.hweistra.nl/Settings.pdf

[Joe Lavery]

That would be Mathijs Kok, the CEO of Aerosoft. It was me that uploaded the file and like Warren I get at least 30fps at any airport using these settings. It's simply not possible to run all the sliders maxed out, even with the sort of kit available and get high frame rates,

I have all the European major airports from both Aerosoft and UK2000. These are highly detailed but I still get decent frame rates.
Unlimited is definitely better than setting a limit. In flight I can clock up over 100fps in FSX. The only time I get stutters is if I swing the aircraft around hard while taxiing. So I don't do it... 

Incidentally, I'm running an i7 with 16Gig RAM and an AMD Radion 7970 serving three monitors. I use Project Magenta for the flight deck.

[Maurice]

In flight I can clock up over 100fps in FSX. The only time I get stutters is if I swing the aircraft around hard while taxiing. So I don't do it... 

Incidentally, I'm running an i7 with 16Gig RAM and an AMD Radion 7970 serving three monitors. I use Project Magenta for the flight deck.

Ok now, are you talking about 3 monitors running one expanded view or 3 undocked views?

Thanks,
Maurice

[Maurice]

Thanks Mau.

I'm not maxed out... using the FSX settings from the Aerosoft guy... can't remember his name...

You can find it here: http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_id=9064

or even here: http://www.hweistra.nl/Settings.pdf

I can't get the file out of the first link. Is the second link the same file? Also, please refresh my memory. Are you now using your THG with 3 undocked views or one expanded front view?

Thanks,
Maurice

[Joe Lavery]

One expanded view Maurice, I only have small 21" monitors so I'm not sure how that would compare with a full HD display or 3 undocked views.

Joe,

[Maurice]

One expanded view Maurice, I only have small 21" monitors so I'm not sure how that would compare with a full HD display or 3 undocked views.

Joe,

I thought so. I would only get 100fps in my dreams   . Actually, even 30 fps in any major airport would also be a dream for me. Unfortunately, going for a full wraparound takes a huge toll on frame rates.

Maurice

[fsaviator]

Mau, the second file is the same one.

I am running three undocked views with TH2Go at 3840x1024x32.  When  get home tonight I'll hit some of my Aerosoft scenery and get you some FPS, but I'm willing to bet that I can probably hit 20 or so with these settings.

I hope to get REX installed tonight also.  I've been having cab issues and had to download again.

[Joe Lavery]

We intend to move within the next year or so and I'm looking for a place that can house my sim, which at the moment sits in our dining room. Then I may try a full enclosed system and look for a different way of displaying the external view.
However reading the posts here makes me wonder what direction to take, some swear that there is no better than projectors, while other swear the same allegiance to monitors. I do like the clarity you get with monitors but I imagine the immersion is better with the projectors. I would like to see both but you guys all live in the states, and video clips don't really show a true picture of what it's like.
I've also considered the collimated route, which I'm told is the best of all. I have access to a huge and very accurate CNC router, which would make all the parts in a couple of hours but again I would like to see one first.

Decisions, decisions... 

Joe, 

[Maurice]

Joe,

After experiencing the clarity of three 27" monitors, my guess is that you would be  be severely disappointed with regular non HD projectors. As far as immersion is concerned, seeing everything clearly is way better than being immersed in fuzziness. Just my 2 cents 

Where do you live? There must be somebody not too far from you that you could visit before deciding.

Maurice

[XOrionFE]

Tough choice.

If you can do 5 TVs like I did I think you get the best of both worlds.   Mine with TVs is just as immersive as my projection setup was albeit with much much better picture.  Yes you have bezels to deal with but you block them out same as you do breaks in the windshields.

Upside of TVs is no warping to deal with, longer life in most cases, cheaper on energy consumption, lower heat (so long as you go with LEDs and not Plasma), easier to replace even with a dissimilar model if current model is discontinued, easier to move and align, best for night flying by far, and throw X-Plane lighting into the mix and well......

For anyone making this decision try to look at it from all angles as there are many operational factors beside the visual and immersion although you all know what my opinion is on that as well even despite great setups like Nats and the recent setup by Edward.   TVs are still best to me.

Bottom line though is if all other factors were equal it all comes down to your own eyes so I think you need to plan a trip to the states Joe!    You are welcome anytime!!

Scott

[jskibo]

Just to note, the latest generation of plasmas are very low heat, not much more than my older 40" LCD's.

They got a bad rap in the early generation as they were truly room heaters then, but alas no more

[Joe Lavery]

Thanks Guys, nearer the time I will have to make that decision. What I have now was relatively cheap to setup, compared to either TV's or Projectors; and I imagine in a years time things could change dramatically. I see that Samsung has just announced flexible OLED screens for their phones. These are high resolution devices that can be bent and curved to any shape.
Imagine that, 3 (or 5 for Scott  ) OLED curved displays with no borders, high resolution and no warping software to degrade the image. I reckon it won't be long. Once they have the technology it's just how long it takes them to bring it to market. Could be the answer to everyone's needs.

Well I can dream and Scott I've just booked the tickets.... 

Cheers all,
Joe.

[fsaviator]

OK!
22 FPS on the runway with German Airports 1 Stuttgart, and then I flew a circuit at 2500 with an easy 30 FPS and I have the Aerosoft VFR scenery installed.

I'm happy!  On to installing REX now.  That has been a pain as it takes forever to unpack those archives.  Finally just copied them to a flash disk as trying to install off my server was slow....

[fsaviator]

Finally, an update!

Panel Backlighting coming together
Posted on December 30, 2013
http://www.b737ng-sim.com/wordpress/2013/12/30/panel-backlighting-coming-together/


It has been a while since my last post.  I haven't been idle, just busy working out a plan of attack.

Today I finally completed the initial prototype of my backlighting.  Initial fielding will be in my pedestal, then I will redo the MIP.  The first attempt seems promising, and as you can see, I've learned how to create PCB's and solder SMD LEDs to them.

I tried two different type of SMD LEDs.  The larger ones are 3528?s in warm white (ACTIVE and STANDBY), while the smaller ones are 0603?s in white.  I think I prefer the 0603?s and while they are much smaller, they are easier to solder then the 3528s as they have protruding contacts that you can get to much easier with a soldering iron.

I hope to knock out the VHF and NAV panels this week, and I'll post video as I get through them.

Here's a video of the prototype

B737NG SIM Backlight Test 01

[blueskydriver]

Hey Warren,

Great video and nice job on the backlighting! You mention in the video about you're not good at soldering. Did you tin the tips of the pin items (leds and etc) first, by predipping them, and then let them cool. Afterwards, did you place the pin(s) items through the PBC and use the soldering iron to melt the solder on the pin tips to make the connection/joint? It only takes a little solder to do the job and here is a link to a melting pot to predip into:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#melting-pots/=q1d962

John

[phil744]

Warm whites do look good, good feeling when you light something up for the first time.

3528 LED's are a total dog to hand solder, there made by an overmould procedure, basically the the solder tabs are held in situe by the plastic body itself, too long with the soldering iron and the plastic melts, solder tabs move and you end up screwing the LED.

0603 are a little different, the die and solder tabs sit on a ceramic substrate, more resiliant to heat and very forgiving. 0603 / 0805 and 1206 are the basic same construction, just the 1206 is much bigger.  Normally i use 0805 LED's, small enough to shove into most tight spaces yet big enough to hand solder if needs be.

give 1206's a try

[fsaviator]

Hey Warren,

Great video and nice job on the backlighting! You mention in the video about you're not good at soldering. Did you tin the tips of the pin items (leds and etc) first, by predipping them, and then let them cool. Afterwards, did you place the pin(s) items through the PBC and use the soldering iron to melt the solder on the pin tips to make the connection/joint? It only takes a little solder to do the job and here is a link to a melting pot to predip into:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#melting-pots/=q1d962

John

Thanks John.

I did not try tinning the resistors...  I should have.  I just got my soldering pot in the mail along with a bar of solder.  I'll give it a try.  The LEDs are SMD, but I did apply the solder to the pads first after fluxing, then let it cool.  Worked fairly well.

[fsaviator]

Warm whites do look good, good feeling when you light something up for the first time.

3528 LED's are a total dog to hand solder, there made by an overmould procedure, basically the the solder tabs are held in situe by the plastic body itself, too long with the soldering iron and the plastic melts, solder tabs move and you end up screwing the LED.

0603 are a little different, the die and solder tabs sit on a ceramic substrate, more resiliant to heat and very forgiving. 0603 / 0805 and 1206 are the basic same construction, just the 1206 is much bigger.  Normally i use 0805 LED's, small enough to shove into most tight spaces yet big enough to hand solder if needs be.

give 1206's a try

Phil, have to agree.  the 3528's were terrible.  Even with the extremely small size, I found the 0603s very easy to solder do to the protruding contacts.  The hardest part was keeping track of the cathode side as it was marked on the bottom.  I'll take a look at the 0805's and 1206's.

[fsaviator]

I just put the deposit down on my Christmas present to me...  I won't spoil the surprise, suffice to say, I talked myself into making this leap a full year and half early.  Sometimes I really regret the recharge I get at FSWeekend.

More to follow in what i hope is two to three weeks!

[Trevor Hale]

WOW..  Hook, Line and Sinker.....  You would have been further ahead to come to worldflight instead LMFAO!!!!

[fsaviator]

Oh how true...

I have been hiding another surprise which I'll reveal at the same time.  That was my "congratulations for reaching a quarter of a century service in the Army" present.

Unfortunately I have been so busy at work I haven't even plugged it in yet...

[Trevor Hale]

Congrats Warren, 25 years of Service is an amazing milestone.  Although I am not a US Citizen, I do thank you for your service at the same time regardless.

Trev