Switches - DC-3 Overhead

[GreenMtn]

I am new, so you may have already answered the question, but I cannot find it.

Everybody seems to be building jets. I really only want to build the simple and reliable old DC-3. I am in the processes of selling the house so I have to start small, so, I want to start with the overhead panels. I want to start simple then expand my knowledgs.

I would like to install about a dozen toggle switches, some on/off, some spring loaded on/off. I know a bit of electricity, electronics and PC's but I am baffled.

Is there a simple way to install a switch, wire it to an interface board plugged into a USB port and map (FSUIPC would be cool) the switch to MSFS 2004? Let's start with the landing lights, Battery, Generators, Radio Master, then graduate to the Mags and starter.

Would love recommendations.

Thanks a ton...

GreenMtn
DCA1553

[JBaymore]

GreenMtn,

Hi and welcome to both SimV and the Homebuild Cockpits forum section.

[GreenMtn]

I knew someone would have an answer. I'll be spending some time looking through your build.

Yes, entering the dark side... It's something I've wanted to do for many years, now retired a hobby? Obsession? Insanity? Who knows. I'm sure I'll be back to talk about my HomeBuild.

Thanks,

Jim

[beaky]

Welcome, and excellent aircraft choice, BTW!

You should find most of the answers you're looking for in past posts in this forum.

Here's something else that might be of use to a DC3 pit builder:

http://home.versateladsl.be/verlejan/welcome.html

[GreenMtn]

The gooney is my favorite, in fact, the plane I fly is the MAAM DC3 using Ozark texture of N763A. I have had the privilige to explore this plane in detail on a couple of trips to Bloomington IL where it is based. I've even sat in the office. I have lots of photos and plan to make this Simpit as close to the original as possible based on my limited artistic talents.

The Dutch guy I have followed for some time and in fact is pretty much my inspiration.

Thanks for the note. I looked at your postings and now I'm trying to make a decision between wood and aluminum. I think it will be wood, I know I can do good things with it and the metal seems a bit formidible.

Thanks for the response.

Jim

[beaky]

Working with aluminum is not too bad, even for a novice ( I also have a lot more experience with wood). But it is a lot harder to fix mistakes, even if you're going to paint the metal. I only did so much metal work with my pit because I started off with a bunch of (free) metal, and was stuck with that... But in the end, just the fact that the shell is so incredibly light made the trouble worthwhile, and makes up for the few scratches, etc.

[GreenMtn]

We'll see how it goes. We have to relocate about 2000 miles soon, so the pit is on hold, except for the planning right now.

Love your photo of the sailplane. I started my flying in a Schwietzer 2-22 towed by a taildragger. That was just a few years ago. I soloed at age 14 1/2. I'm now 62. The end of my flying was in 1982 so the simpit is going to have to do for now.

Cheers,

Jim