Whats the easier cheaper solution.

[hamsterboy]

this might be the stupidest question ever asked but what is project magenta?

[tomenglish2000]

I would recommend buying the parts and then constructing the frame.

Even though most manufacturers try to remain true to the original sizes etc, they might not be 100% spot on, so your frame might not fit them.

That way you keep the costs down and dont have to keep modifying the frame.

I would also recommend starting from the MIP as everything is connected to it. (at least thats what I am doing, other people may argue otherwise).

Tom

[hamsterboy]

thanks tom thats what i was thinking better to buy the controls then build around it.

[hamsterboy]

also this might be the stupidest question ever asked but what is project magenta?

[No Longer Active]

Project Magenta is the name of some software that you can buy that displays engine instruments / gauges / glass cockpit displays etc.

Project magenta is the best software in the world in my view for displaying instruments / guages on separate screens to make up your MIP (main instrument panel).

Go to: http://projectmagenta.com/ and read all about it!

There are demo's you can try, to see for your self.

It all works in conjuction with Microsoft Flight Simulator (not sure if it supports xplane).

Use the mycockpit.org glossary:

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/vbglossar.php?do=showentry&id=12

Find out what things mean in the world of flight sims and technology. (Glossary is labelled on the menu bar, top right of the screen).

Your question is not a stupid question, believe me, it took me ages to suss everything out!

Hope this helps.

Alex

[tomenglish2000]

I would recommend against Project Magenta simply on a cost basis, it is great software, but there are cheaper, just as good (if not better in some areas) options available.

http://www.sim-avionics.com/ offer a 737 option of there software. I have flown the 777 version of the software on their own test rig and would personally recommend it! I would use it myself, but I am building a 767.

There are also others available (suggestions people?!) so I recommend you check them out and weigh up the prices, features and reviews to get one you really feel will work for what you want.

Tom.

[TasKiNG]

P8r's package is great, free and you can add the latest airac data:-
http://members.quicknet.nl/scumari/fmc/


Seen here with FreeFD's PFD
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.ault/lj45c_graphics/p8r2.jpg

more info & instructions here : http://members.home.nl/rkruijer/FMC.htm

Operation is via a mouse but can be controlled from a keyboard by using AutoHotKey http://www.autohotkey.com/

[hamsterboy]

thanks for all the advice on the project magenta software i have looked at both project magenta and the sim avionics and too be honest i must say sim avionics looks better with the 737 software. i will look more into this when the time arises.

[hamsterboy]

i have come to a conclusion on how i am going to build the MIP i have found the 3 seperate sections of the MIP on flyengravity.com (Captain, Center and First Officer) this is a desktop panel, my next question is can i build this desktop unit into the cockpit or would i need to buy something different for my MIP to incorporate into the cockpit.