EFIS plug and play module?

[HondaCop]

Can someone tell me if the OpenCockpits EFIS plug and play module is worth it? Yes, I know you get what you pay for, but I would like to know what you guys think of it. Thanks!

[dvincent]

Hello Efrain,

on the OC Efis the TFC and CTR buttons are not implemented.
There is no selector for the radio / baro altitude (around the minimums setting rotary). You can overcome that by using the push button function of it to switch between the 2 modes.
The same goes for the inch / baro selector. The same method to overcome that problem.
Further on it's working quit good.

[HondaCop]

Hello Efrain,

on the OC Efis the TFC and CTR buttons are not implemented.
There is no selector for the radio / baro altitude (around the minimums setting rotary). You can overcome that by using the push button function of it to switch between the 2 modes.
The same goes for the inch / baro selector. The same method to overcome that problem.
Further on it's working quit good.

Thanks for the response, dvincent. I was thinking that I could open it up and replace the switches with concentric rotaries/encoders with push buttons on the radio/baro selectors.

As for the TRC/CTR, I was thinking of simply modifying the rotary switches to allow for a pushbutton to work on each.

Would this be possible or would modifying it make it useless?

[Steve A]

Do open cockpits not sell the efis in kit form? .. Might be easier if you are planning to modify it

[HondaCop]

Do open cockpits not sell the efis in kit form? .. Might be easier if you are planning to modify it

Actually, they do make mention of it being available in kit form, but I don't see it listed as a kit on their website. I will email them and ask about it.

[dvincent]

Good idea, Efrain.
Keep us informed about the kit availability.
Adding 2 selectors in a way that it works the same way as a dual concentric depends not only on the skills to produce such a thing but there must be 4 free connectors inside the efis.

Regards,

Dirk

[HondaCop]

Good idea, Efrain.
Keep us informed about the kit availability.
Adding 2 selectors in a way that it works the same way as a dual concentric depends not only on the skills to produce such a thing but there must be 4 free connectors inside the efis.

Regards,

Dirk

As far as making the dual concentric rotaries, I think I have mastered that skill! lol I made them for the N1 and SPD REF switches on the Autobrake panel and they work and look great. I used a tutorial from this website: http://personales.ya.com/micabina737/index.htm which teaches you on how to make these type of switches.

I have a feeling that maybe buying all the components separately, will probably be my best option in making a nice EFIS module.

I have done some shopping around for all the components needed, such as switches, EFIS panel, encoders, toggles, and hardware such as knobs and standoffs. I can expect to pay about $230 USD if I buy EVERYTHING separately, which is the same amount I will pay if I was to buy the OC EFIS plug and play module.

[dvincent]

Hi Efrain,

I took a look at that website.

here is another link with a complete tutorial for makin' an efis, including film to make the pcb's. Just adding a 2 concentrics with a rotary selector (2 positions) and a rotary encoder + centre axis for the pusbutton makes it complete.
The pushbuttons are Omron tactile switches. You can buy these at Digikey.

Panels at OC or Hispapanels.

http://www.micabinadevuelo.com/

I think I will make 2 modules too.

[HondaCop]

Hi Efrain,

I took a look at that website.

here is another link with a complete tutorial for makin' an efis, including film to make the pcb's. Just adding a 2 concentrics with a rotary selector (2 positions) and a rotary encoder + centre axis for the pusbutton makes it complete.
The pushbuttons are Omron tactile switches. You can buy these at Digikey.

Panels at OC or Hispapanels.

http://www.micabinadevuelo.com/

I think I will make 2 modules too.

Great post, dvincent! I think I will go this route and just buy all the components. I think I will have more control on the quality and looks of the EFIS by doing it myself.

[dnoize]

As Dirk pointed out, please note that the oc pcb will lack the physical terminals to connect these extra switch positions to !

So you will have to interface those to another interface and write your own SIOC scripts for that.



stef

[HondaCop]

As Dirk pointed out, please note that the oc pcb will lack the physical terminals to connect these extra switch positions to !

So you will have to interface those to another interface and write your own SIOC scripts for that.



stef

Yup, this is why I am going to build one myself from scratch, by just going ahead and purchasing all the components individually. ;)