X-Plane 737-800 Build

[kenrosefire]

Hello all!

After seeing all of the interesting discussion on peoples's builds here, I thought I should join it. My build is going to be a Boeing 737-800 with X-Plane 11 based on Arduino using the ArdsimX/SimVimCockpit plugins. My board of choice is the Arduino Mega 2560.

I am going to build most of it myself but I have had to make a few purchases as it was to much time and/or money to do myself.
These so far are:
Used Opencockpits MCP
Used Opencockpits EFIS
Used Opencockpits ATC/Transponder Panel
Used SimParts 737 Throttle Quadrant
Used FDS MIP including extras

My FMC currently is two iPads running the AirFMC app. It is not perfect, but it works until I can buy some. The structure of my cockpit is going to be of wood, with pedestal and overhead panels being 3d printed. I have two 3d printers including the Monoprice Maker Select Plus and the Geetech Pro W printer. Each panel once printed with be covered with vinyl to mimic real panels. I went this way because back lighting is a very low item on my to-do list.

This is what I have so far:

[Trevor Hale]

Nice Job Gavin,  Really looking good so far

[FredK]

Nice work Gavin!

Looks like my old TQ will have a nice home after all!

Fred K

[kenrosefire]

Thank you for all of the kind words! I just got my 737 throttle and it's about 25% interfaced. For all of you X-Plane builders out there, have any of you used phidgets or looked into it. I'd like to hear your thoughts! Thank you all!

[Steenos]

Looks good Ken. I need to get some MDF and cut some for the MIP. Which dimensions did you use?

[kenrosefire]

Hello all! I have not posted for a while so I thought I'd give you guys an update. I have not made too much progress since my last post as I have been learning about all things simulation(or at least trying to). However I have made a little progress. On my throttle I have taken out all of the phidgets boards and connected the existing pots to a Leo Bodnar already in the throttle. I have almost all of the non-motorized functions finished and I am holding off on the motorized functions. I also acquired a pedestal off of Facebook that just arrived today and I'm looking forward to installing panels onto it in the future. My build besides this is at a bit of a standstill because I am having 3d printer issues that I'm working on. It is getting there!

[kenrosefire]

Wow it's been a while. I have made a bit of progress! I have acquired two CDUs that I have gotten working. I have also finished printing my forward overhead minus the white panels that go on the top. Now I will start printing the aft overhead and pedestal! I am building my frame for the cockpit starting with the base using Simujabs measurements. I should have about 1/3 of it done by this weekend. I will also be fitting the overhead with parts and wiring them all. I've got my hands full for a long time. Additionally, I 3d printed a yoke which worked very well except for one piece of it. I have decided to build dual linked yokes out of PVC pipe which will definitely be an experience. I have a lot of learning to do but it will be fun!

[kenrosefire]

And the base is done! It's starting to look like a cockpit!

For all of you 737 builders out there, I've got a couple questions. I cannot afford to buy real seats or even replica seats so I'm looking for another option. I've looked at car seats, boat seats, even building my own, but does anyone have any recommendations on what I should do in this situation.

Also, I am building my dual linking yokes myself, 3d printing them and linking them via PVC in the floor. I have figured out the pitch mechanism for linking them but does anyone know how to link the roll in the yokes?

[KyleH]

...
For all of you 737 builders out there, I've got a couple questions. I cannot afford to buy real seats or even replica seats so I'm looking for another option. I've looked at car seats, boat seats, even building my own, but does anyone have any recommendations on what I should do in this situation.
...

Minivan bucket seats are a reasonable option. Especially if you can get the middle row seats that have 2 armrests.

[kenrosefire]

That's a good idea. I'll check that out. Thanks!

[jackpilot]

Also, I am building my dual linking yokes myself, 3d printing them and linking them via PVC in the floor. I have figured out the pitch mechanism for linking them but does anyone know how to link the roll in the yokes?

Use chains on gear or belts

[kenrosefire]

Thanks Jack!

[jackpilot]

Chains and sprockets will work better.

[jskibo]

Chains and sprockets will work better.

[kenrosefire]

Hello all! It's been quite a while since I've posted but I figured I'd give an update. I ordered overhead parts and got the lower overhead mostly assembled and the upper overhead about 50% assembled. Now time for wiring  Additionally, I worked on building part of my shell and glareshield. Next up on the list is to finish the frame to support my overhead and then yokes!

[jackpilot]

Exciting part of the build ...yep!

[kenrosefire]

Hey everyone!

I hope all are well during these unfortunate times, but the silver lining now that school is cancelled is that I have more time for sim building! Additionally, I thought I would provide an update on my build. I apologize if its a bit long but people have asked about the status of my sim, so I want to give a full update.

I have accomplished quite a lot since my last post. First off the overhead has been mounted and almost 75% wired. Something I came across when doing this is that SimVimCockpit, which was what I was planning on using to interface my build, doesn't allow for multiple cards except for specific purposes, and the way they were doing it, I didn't bother to learn how to do. Consequently, I will be using either Mobiflight or ArdSimX to interface my build as I will have about 25 Mega 2560s in the cockpit.

Next, my favorite, is seats! I went to a car junkyard and found two seats in almost perfect condition and walked out with both for under $50 USD. Sorry to all you OEM builders, but these are more comfortable than the real ones

Third, I got a set of rudder pedals used and they are installed on the captain side, FO will be stuck with my old Saitek pedals. Also, I am still waiting on yokes, but I have a mockup of the linking system ready for when they get here after the quarantine.

Fourth, I got my CDUs and lower EICAS display installed as well as the throttle and pedestal installed in their correct position. Those haven't been wired yet, and if anyone has any old 737 pedestal modules to sell, let me know. I am also looking for a 737 Fire Panel if anyone has one they would be willing to part with.

And lastly, to conclude my essay, I got my MIP assembled and installed. Not everything is wired yet and there are still a few bits and pieces I need to add(display monitors and annunciators), but it looks good! Also, I got a second computer to run everything, and unfortunately it's looking like I will need a third.

Next up on my extraordinarily long list of stuff to do is to finish out the shell, and finish getting everything wired. If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! Again, I hope all is well with everyone and I enjoy seeing all of your builds! Keeps me motivated on this break, thanks again everyone!

-Gavin

[FredK]

Hi Gavin

Your sim project is developing very nicely!

I am glad to see that my old TQ has found a nice home!

Fred K