Simviation Forums

More Control Panel Fronts Finished

Well...... here are some more panels with the switches, knobs and leds and such mounted.  The designs were documented in the last couple of "parts" of this series.  See the prior threads for other info on these.... not going to say too much more here.  Picture is worth a thousand words amd all that.

Sorry about some being a bit fuzzy.
















The image above shows the rudder trim control panel.  In the picture I have a flashlight shining thru the indicator gauge location to simulate how it will look with the trim position gauge backlit.  At the moment it is simply a piecve of paper there.... but the milky transparent gauge facing is already completed and is awaiting a bracket to mount it.  The trim knob will move a pointer on the dial facing for an accurate mechanical linkage readout.







I have just started constructing some of the electronics for the pit.  Below is a small unit to take 12V dc regulated from an old ham radio 8 amp supply I have and convert it to 3 separate 0-5V dc 1 amp variable supplys that will control the dimming of led type panel lights.  This unit hooks to the Dimming Panel with the three knobs which you see above.





best,

........................john

JBaymore,

I came up with a Door Lock logic that might appeal to you...

Switches:

• SW1-Lock Dial
• SW2-Throttle Cutoff (normally closed)
• SW2-Throttle Cutoff (normally open)

Throttle switch is set up to make when the throttle is fully in cutoff position.

"Lock" indication...
SW1 in "LOCK" position OR SW1 in "AUTO" AND Throttle not at cutoff (SW2 Normally Closed)

"Unlock" indication...
SW1 in "UNLOCK" position OR SW1 in "AUTO" AND Throttle at cutoff (SW2 Normally Open)

"Fail" indication..
SW1 in "UNLOCK" position AND Throttle not at cutoff (SW2 Normally Closed)

Notice that the door lock is "Engaged" anytime engines running...not just when the gear is up.  

John, where do you get all these custom controls & knobs. Do you have each plate custom made?

I can't wait to see this thing fly!!

Dave

Dave,

I spent a lot of "design time" working a lot of it out in my head before I ever set saw to particleboard.   I looked at a lot of pictures of real aircarft on places like the Airliners.net site.  I also looked long and hard at what FSUIPC could control.  I looked at the default functions in FS2004.  I looked at the GoFlight stuff.  

And I looked carefully at all the virtual aircraft panels that I flew.

Then I stole what I felt were good ideas from multiple places and assembled them into my "Generic Jet".  I also spent some time in my car and measureing my "reach" to various locations... to decide sizes and positions

I use a computer draw program to compose the panels..... laser print them...... laminate them onto the mdf cutouts with ModPodge...and then drill the holes.  The switches and such get mounted normally.

See the existing threads below....it'll probably give you the info you are looking for.

There is an electronic surplus place near here... 30 minute drive.  About $1 per switch or led unit..... but you take what they have around at the time.  Then there is Radio Shack for the occasional item.  And so on.


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=homebuild;action=display;num=1079431551

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=homebuild;action=display;num=1080500592

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=homebuild;action=display;num=1081104497


best,

........................john

Hi John

Well done. I would like to know how you did the mechanically linkage between the rudder trim button and the indicator above.

I have thought a lot about that but didn't find a good solution yet. So an explanation or even better a pic would be much appreciated.

Regards


norbert bosch


http://home.wanadoo.nl/norbert.bosch

Norbert,

First of all... thanks for the kind words!  8)


I will try to get a photo of the rear of the panel soon so that I can show you how it is done.  It helps to be a "mature" individual for the genesis of the linkage idea.....back to my early ham radio days.

best,

................john  

[quote]JBaymore,

I came up with a Door Lock logic that might appeal to you...

Switches:

• SW1-Lock Dial
• SW2-Throttle Cutoff (normally closed)
• SW2-Throttle Cutoff (normally open)

Throttle switch is set up to make when the throttle is fully in cutoff position.

"Lock" indication...
SW1 in "LOCK" position OR SW1 in "AUTO" AND Throttle not at cutoff (SW2 Normally Closed)

"Unlock" indication...
SW1 in "UNLOCK" position OR SW1 in "AUTO" AND Throttle at cutoff (SW2 Normally Open)

"Fail" indication..
SW1 in "UNLOCK" position AND Throttle not at cutoff (SW2 Normally Closed)

Notice that the door lock is "Engaged" anytime engines running...not just when the gear is up.