Show Us Your GA Pit! [Archive]

ddimm

09-18-2009, 09:09 AM

Here are a few of the pix I just posted in the GA photo gallery of my C-172 simulator. Next step is building an enclosure.
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/532/IMG_1846.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/532/IMG_1845.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/532/IMG_1844.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/532/IMG_1834.JPG

lowwing_99

10-15-2009, 07:36 PM

I have a 3head to go on 19" screens, a 21" for an instrument panel, 2 22" for left, & right views, & a 7" for the moving map, pic of that didn't show it on very well but it works great. I don't like just 1 outside view, the instrument panel & everything else there so I have been flying X-plane 9 a Piper Cherokee 235. 5 seperate views, 5 seperate computers. I can't waite for someone to develope a fighter program that can do this. I just got back from a flight from ASX to DLH I got vectored in on the ILS 27.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/lowwing_99/2009_0915001.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/lowwing_99/2009_0915002.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/lowwing_99/2009_0915009.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/lowwing_99/2009_0915008.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/lowwing_99/2009_0915007.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/lowwing_99/2009_0915005.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/lowwing_99/2009_0915004.jpg

gokhotit

10-16-2009, 01:15 AM

I dont know how to post pictures inside the post, but I do have a photobucket page that has all the pictures, and a website that i am building..both are in my sig..

Not much of a "pit"..yet. but a collection of panels, I am still working on an enclosure design that is very loosely based on the DIYFLIGHTSIM fighter cockpit.

http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u185/gokhotit/th_IMGA0683.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u185/gokhotit/P1000296.jpg

Kerbo

10-16-2009, 10:27 AM

I don't have much yet, just a panel and some switches.

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2399&d=1255703218

Doon1

11-08-2009, 03:31 PM

Here's a couple of pics of my dashboard. It's set in place on the monitor to check fit. I'm working on the radio faceplate sticker right now. I figured it was going to be cheaper, easier and more precisely done to draw it out and print it on a full page sticker than any other method I've come across. Next phase is to wire the switches and dials to the keyboard IC that will be running it all. I also chopped up my Saitek switch panel for a more realistic look. Still hoping to have the flight chair (in it's most current upgade stage) ready by years end.
John

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2481&d=1257708687

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2482&d=1257708687

kermit

11-08-2009, 04:35 PM

Hi,
Here a quick view of my pit ,
well what is going to be.
Yes I still have to decorate the wall s , and do some finetuning:rolleyes::rolleyes:.
Also I`m on the look out for some interiorpanels,so If you know something anything at all .
please contact me
greetz

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2486&d=1257712777

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2487&d=1257712777

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2488&d=1257712777

turbopropdriver

11-11-2009, 01:39 PM

This was my Queenair. Sold a long time ago.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z226/Dean33GTST/simoct05_1.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z226/Dean33GTST/P1010967.jpg

klm320

11-26-2009, 06:18 AM

the start of my GA cockpit:D

thought I start sharing what I have untill now (not quite there yet:D)

planning, lot's of fun! :wink:
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz124/klm320/IMGP1222.jpg

Plexi glass attempt, discontinued..
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz124/klm320/IMGP1229.jpg

custom made legends:D
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz124/klm320/IMGP1234.jpg

new MDF MIP
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz124/klm320/IMGP1241.jpg

the backstructure
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz124/klm320/IMGP1236.jpg

well note quite finalised yet, but I'll keep you updated.
William.

No Longer Active

11-26-2009, 06:41 AM

You remind me of the days when I planned my Cessna sim.

I googled and printed out just about every Cessna cockpit I could find on the net!

Plexiglass for the MIP is not a good idea unless you have a CNC or Laser Cutter as one small wrong slip up and you have buggered the whole thing.

MDF is great for MIPs, it is the best material in my world, Hardboard is a little too fury for my liking as it doesnt sand too smooth, MDF is just perfect. For MDF Cessna MIP's I would not go any thicker than 6mm because your cut-outs would look too deep and unrealistic in terms of placing a screen behind. If you are using real gauges then use 12mm because you will need a deep cut-out to hold the gauges in place when used with screws.

I take it you are building a Generic Pit and not a Cessna?

Also where is your yoke going to be mounted?

Kind Regards.

Alex

klm320

11-26-2009, 08:44 AM

Hello Alex,
Thanks for your comments.

Same here, been looking for weeks to find different cockpit lay outs to decide what to do :-)

You are correct about the plexiglass, broke in thousand pieces (so to say)…MDF works great. My current thickness is 4mm which is fine for projecting gauges (I think), they don’t look too deep now. Will stay with projecting for the time, hardware gauges will follow once the other parts are finished.
And yes, It will be a generic setup…kinda hard decision though… I was absolutely planning to make a mooney cockpit for 100% but Getting the correct gauges and exact measurements was quite hard. I therefore decided to get the speed of the mooney with the gauges of Cessna:-).
In the end, the fact you can physically look at your panel and control the aircraft via hardware is (for me) the ultimate goal.

I currently have the idea to put the engine instruments on the co-pilot side. I have decided to make “the best of two worlds” since there are instruments from both aircraft that I like. The anunnciator panel of the mooney for example, is something I really like. The panel dimensions are from Cessna…

The yoke is another story. I currently use the saitek yoke which will also be implemented in the first version of the panel. I will create a space for that so it will fit inside the panel. You can see the space in the picture left of the tumble switches. A rectangle is drawn there which represents the yoke “cut out”. I know that it will be to low in that case and it will take up to much space (to be realistic), but I want to use the new Flight illusion yoke once it is available and I have the money offcourse.

William

No Longer Active

11-26-2009, 10:05 AM

Hey great to hear your sim is in full swing.

You mention that you would like to buy the FI yoke, I have a funny feeling that this will set you back around 1000 euros, the simkits alone is 500 and that doesn't do half as much as what the FI yoke does, so better start saving the pennies.

A generic sim is usually a safe bet as you have nothing to compare against, you simply have what you what in your pit without the hassle of having to replicate a certain layout or scheme for instance.

Take the Cessna for example. The Cessna 172 looks simple in terms of gauge arrangements etc, but when you come to actually building it, you come in to so many scenarios that actually cause problems, GA builders usually like to build the Cessna 172 (the most popular GA aircraft in the world), and you realise that you cant have a cessna 172 replica by using soft gauges because of the physical layout of the MIP wont allow you to, the Cessna 172 was designed for gauges and not glass technology.

Anyway...

Keep us posted, your doing great, I love the idea of whacking your fuel gauges on the co-pilot side, I have seen that done many times, and especially with MIK's Cessna 150 sim from Finland (check it out: http://www.mik.fi/simulaattori/)

Keep us posted, and good luck...

Alex

klm320

12-01-2009, 04:06 AM

just a mini update.
found some time last night to make the panel cut outs:smile:

The lower panel is slightly moved to the back compared to the top panel. The idea is to put a "dome" light behind this to create lighting on the lower panel.
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz124/klm320/IMAG0014.jpg

and yes, that's a beer in the background, don't have much sparetime so I have to combine some things;)

@Alex Thanks for the link, looks fantastic! It was indeed the same idea that I had...

William

No Longer Active

12-01-2009, 11:07 AM

Wow, Looking good my friend....

I really like the lighting idea, and I am glad that the Malmi Aviation Clubs' sim has given you some inspiration in your build.

Kind Regards and keep us posted!

Cheers...

Alex

kermit

12-02-2009, 04:45 PM

Hallo William,
ik heb nog een aantal onderpanelen voor een Cessna te koop evt met een complete set echte zekeringen.
kijk even op underpanels
groet Henk
This is dutch for professionals :wink:

kermit

12-02-2009, 04:54 PM

Here 2 pictures from last weekend

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2555&d=1259787226

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2556&d=1259787226

klm320

12-03-2009, 03:47 AM

Looks fantastic Kermit!

really nice you have a full enclosure!

William

kermit

12-03-2009, 05:18 AM

Hi,
To get it in the room on the first floor was really easy,
although I had to cut the ceiling from the pit, with a special fibre cuttingdisk.
The cut itself was not even 1 mm, so you wont see it when the ceiling will be mounted again.
The fuselage wasn`t that heavy and with two friends it toke about 5 minutes
As for an understanding wife, Well :rolleyes::rolleyes:
Just a joke ,
But you have to have a wife that sees the joy of it, not that she understands though.
small man small toys, big man big toys:smile:
greetz

ibennett

12-08-2009, 03:45 AM

Hi,

Attached is a photo of my actual cockpit. But I will totally change it into a totally GA cockpit, see the attached drawing of the panel.
I have all parts purchased and I am waiting for the delivery :)
I will use a Elite AP3000, 4 goflight modules, I allready have the yoke AFCS II and pedals PFC and throttle PFC. I am also waiting for the shippement of a reel glare shield from a DR400 as well as panels from VFR-Cockpit.

I soon will be mounting all of this into my cockpit and will keep on posting as progress continues.

cheers,

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2582&d=1260258319

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2583&d=1260258319

AND here is the final cockpit:

4282

4283

4284

I love it

Running x-plane with fully functional gps

CPU i5 ; GPU HD5850 ; 4GB RAM etc... The graphics are superb

It is perfect http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/images/icons/icon6.gif

GARich

12-12-2009, 03:21 PM

Here it is - arrived this morning -
Still a lot of work to do:
http://www.seething-airfield.com/sim/images/1209/DSCF3835.jpg

And will take some time to fit out if I keep getting sidetracked like this:

http://www.seething-airfield.com/sim/images/1209/DSCF3841.jpg

and this:

http://www.seething-airfield.com/sim/images/1209/DSCF3844.jpg

No Longer Active

12-12-2009, 03:28 PM

Hi Great Build!

Did you build the enclosure yourself?

Do you have drawings to build this?

Thank you very much congrats on the build!

GARich

12-12-2009, 03:46 PM

I wish I could say I built it myself - It was one of the club's PPL members.
Plans - what plans! I'll try and get some better pics tomorrow. Got to fit the simkits panel and other gubbins.

Cessna172sim

07-04-2010, 12:58 PM

Hi all,

Very nice projects!! Especially Kermit, very similar to ours:
http://www.lentosimulaattori.com/index-eng.html

Also new avionics panel coming up:
http://www.lentosimulaattori.1g.fi/kuvat/GA+Avionics+panel+project/Project+3+-+Spring+2010/

From sunny Pirkkala, Finland
Olli-Petteri

kermit

07-04-2010, 03:54 PM

Hi Vectro,
Thank you , for your kind words,
It`s only fair to say , that I`m using your website as a guide
It`s very helpfull , with problems that are popping up.
greetz

Cessna172sim

07-04-2010, 04:05 PM

Sure, no problem. Feel free to ask me anything:
robots@jippii.fi

You should also collect some history of your fuselage, for example if there are still some old logbooks available.
I managed to save the last logbook of our sim. It's very interesting to see where the fuselage have been travelling.
Maybe even gather some photos.

I wrote to Finnish sim/flight forum and kindly asked if anyone still got some original photos of our plane stored
and I actually got some.
http://www.lentosimulaattori.1g.fi/kuvat/Cessna+172+Skyhawk+II%2C+OH-CKU/

BR,
Olli-Petteri

p.s. Was your fuselage the one that Simkits was selling?

Jordan Farmer

07-20-2010, 03:09 PM

Here is my pit, its not really based on anything as yet, but i plan to buy a small touchscreen monitor and a 12'' monitor for gauges etc, but on my budget, these things take time! Heres the whole setup
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4812565583_2a90b6405f.jpg
And all the more detailed photos are here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/devonshirefarmer/sets/72157624421080155/show/)
All of the other setups here look great! Good job guys!

Cheers, Jordan

No Longer Active

07-21-2010, 04:23 AM

You have the basics and space to make a great cockpit, you'll get there my friend!

Jordan Farmer

07-22-2010, 05:21 PM

Just a little update, ive added a few cosmetics and a small comfort fan control (ive yet to get the fan and install it! Im just going to fit a blower to give me some warm air on my feet if it gets a little chilly. I found an OXY indicator i bought a while ago and this will indicate when the fan is running, it just needs a small stream of air to operate. The switch for the fan is placed above with a guard, just for fun really! I still want to add switches onto the console for various things e.g. bttery/alternator, avionics and such like. This will come soon, i promise! Heres the pictures of the updates!

OXY indicator and Fan switch
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4818772369_32bec06c0a.jpg
Left Console (Unpainted)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4819395606_02570d1acb.jpg
Radio Altimiter Limit Switch, Unknown Gauge, TrackIR 4 & Sensitive Altimiter
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4819397008_75dd7ea7dc.jpg
Chart Clip above Throttle Unit
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4819396294_099457f357.jpg

Cheers,
Jordan

kermit

08-14-2010, 08:04 AM

416741684169Just a little update

2dof pivotpoint under construction
(shaft can be 20 cm pulled out for 3 dof in future).
greetz

Cessna172sim

09-13-2010, 11:02 AM

New avionics panel ready:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcpftGskLds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1Tq7j8WZJc

http://www.lentosimulaattori.1g.fi/kuvat/GA+Avionics+panel+project/Project+3+-+Spring+2010/

http://www.lentosimulaattori.com/index-eng.html

Cessna172sim

09-17-2010, 03:50 AM

Real C172 upper cowling is now painted with the original Cessna paint theme. Huge improvement to the realism.

http://www.lentosimulaattori.1g.fi/kuvat/assorted+construction+pictures/upper+nose+cowling/

colt45

09-18-2010, 12:18 PM

A couple of photos of my in progress simpit. Actually it is more like part desk, part work bench and part simpit. Won't win any awards for good lucks and precision panels but it works and its mine. :) Generic in nature but loosely based on a Cessna 172.

Just finished the transponder and it needs some tidying up (ie. trim encoder shafts, add labels, etc.)

The large open area where all the Opencockpit cards, wires, power supply, etc are seen also houses a fourth flat screen which shows my panel as well as a yoke on the ledge which extends beyond the edge of the desk. I have not reinstalled it yet as I have some more wiring to do. I think my next project will be to build a MIP with encoders to control the various instrument controls (ex. heading bug, Kohlman dial, etc.) Or maybe an annunciator panel. Or maybe an audio panel. The list is endless with the OC hardware.

Actually the next project is likely a DIY CNC machine (and I thought the simpit was a drain on the wallet :shock:). I have been reading and planning for several weeks now and am totally hooked on it.

Cheers, Dave

bushman

10-14-2010, 08:30 PM

Heh guys:
These GA sim pits are in a league of there own, awesome builds. They certainly helped me to rethink my first build. Working gauges and switches, annuciators, aswell flight controls some home built and others of trail and error. Great job guys. Here are a few of what I've been busy in my hanger recently, like a year and a half. C-FROB C/N 02 deHavilland Beaver.
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp148/bushman_015/simkit%20gauges%20and%20switches/deHavillandBeavercockpitsim007.jpg
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp148/bushman_015/simkit%20gauges%20and%20switches/deHavillandBeavercockpitsim008.jpg
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp148/bushman_015/simkit%20gauges%20and%20switches/Pic653.jpg
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp148/bushman_015/simkit%20gauges%20and%20switches/deHavillandBeavercockpitsim001.jpg
Was able to purchase the avionic gauges from simkits aswell a digital 32 input card for switches. Right now in the process of building a working centre yoke column and TQ using potionmeters to plug and play. The fusealage frame will be assembled this winter in the basement hanger.
For now
Bushman

Ronson2k9

10-15-2010, 09:22 AM

Talk about craftsmanship.. That's awesome work. Being from Canada I recognized the beaver right off. Another bush pilot too. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to updates.

cessnaskyhawk

11-07-2010, 01:45 AM

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150097215349289&set=a.273526799288.174314.658669288 i need your advice guys it's not yet finished im having a problem with my dual monitor.

Cessna172sim

11-07-2010, 02:34 AM

I think I could help. Please email me: robots@jippii.fi

jackwall

12-25-2010, 06:05 PM

Some great examples here which is great inspiration.

I am very C172/C182 focussed and in an effort to meet this goal and build a configurable cockpit to meet future GA configurations, I've decided to go with a glass cockpit.

The first picture in post #9 is the perfect pciture to descibe my current status.

More will come but thanks to all the posts do far.

rcolle

01-21-2011, 04:50 AM

Relatively new to this. Here's my setup.

RojanTrojan

01-22-2011, 05:28 AM

Heh guys:
These GA sim pits are in a league of there own, awesome builds. They certainly helped me to rethink my first build. Working gauges and switches, annuciators, aswell flight controls some home built and others of trail and error. Great job guys. Here are a few of what I've been busy in my hanger recently, like a year and a half. C-FROB C/N 02 deHavilland Beaver.

Was able to purchase the avionic gauges from simkits aswell a digital 32 input card for switches. Right now in the process of building a working centre yoke column and TQ using potionmeters to plug and play. The fusealage frame will be assembled this winter in the basement hanger.
For now
Bushman

Very, Very impressive work. The attention to detail is astounding! Lookig forward to seeing your progress and it's refreshing to see someone attempt a deHavilland Beaver. Great stuff.

Rhydian

rcolle

02-14-2011, 12:06 PM

Update. Not scale or anything but this is where Im at. Its a lot nicer to do approaches on than what I had.
4830

epaton

05-01-2011, 12:04 AM

Here are some photos of GA pits using SimAVIO. The photo gallery with more information can be found at www.flythissim.com/Customer_Gallery.aspx

http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/AvSimMap.png
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/Ayton_1.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/Ayton_2.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/COPA.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/FTS1000_AATD_eric_small.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/Gil.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/Ian_sim_01.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/Ian_sim_02.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/Ian_sim_03.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/jerry_C.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/News_Open_house_2_small.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/simulator 001.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/simulator 002.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/simulator 005.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/simulator 036.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/simulator 2 030.JPG
http://www.flythissim.com/images/customer_gallery/Vincent_M_simulator 001.JPG

Hennie

05-22-2011, 01:35 PM

Gentlemen, marvelous work.

This is my first post on this forum, since I joined last night. I am in the process of building a six-lever throttle quadrant similar to a Beech Baron, and I found some real nice info on www.baron58.com regarding the subject. I am simming on X-plane, simply because I like the way the software "works", but FS2004 is floating around in the background as well. If anyone of you do have a wiring diagram with a USB interface, I would appreciate it if I could get my grubby paws on such a diagram.

Thank you in advance.

nemo_7708

06-03-2011, 01:49 AM

this is mine tell me what u think http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGDUHZN7-Ds

Ronson2k9

06-03-2011, 02:22 AM

Pretty cool. I like what you have constructed. What is the aircraft your flying? I know the beech aircraft have a ton of gauges making it hard to build a simpit for but you've done a really good job.

nemo_7708

06-03-2011, 07:19 AM

Thanks Ron ,it is the beech kingair 350 i've jus added a trim wheel by desktop aviator soon to make a duel trim wheel out of it , i have a ac/dc converter also that is powering my backlights and my car amp i have 2 12inch sub woofer speakers behind the seats and a 10 inch sub under the seats u can really feel and hear the kingair as u start up or advance the throttle but as the bass drops the lights dim lol so i bought another converter but didnt hook it up as yet, my cockpit as is, is not finish by far! i built everything in a rush just to get my flying on but i have plans to re do everything in a beta way in the near future im leaning towards getting more stuff from desttop aviator like nobs and incoders and switches and pulse generators so i can have a real kingair350 simpit but for now this does the trick ,im also a private pilot and im using my sim for training ifr on vatsim im stuck for the next 2 years to go back to flight school so thats y i built a sim

mocha22

05-25-2012, 09:16 AM

6673

Here's my set up. Used spare wood sitting around the garage. It's mostly generic...with the overhead panel it gives the feel of a 737ish and the main panel is GA. Overhead panel is a print of an overhead with real switches installed. The gauges on the main panel are also photo cutouts but with the holes behind to allow the light behind the panel to shine through making the gauges light up. All in all I am pretty happy with it especially since I just started making it with no real plan in mind. Oh, the GPS...if you can see it...is also a cutout but with real switches installed on it so I can work the GPS from there and not have to use the mouse. Not seen in the picture (because I havne't installed it yet) is a Saitek switch panel (lights, battery etc)
I plan on replacing the "cutout" GPS with a small 7in touch screen monitor. Also, what is your opinion on this...I want to add a second monitor to be used just for gauges and put it under the monitor seen in the picture which would replace the cutout gauges I have on the panel. I have a hard time visualizing if it will look better or not.

Let me know what you think...open to suggestions but most of my budget went to the Saitek stuff and switches.

Ronson2k9

05-25-2012, 11:50 AM

i like it.. Very clean and well designed.

FSogikubo

06-20-2012, 08:38 AM

I have just made a cockpit for Japan aviation high-school, using VRinsight prop cockpit trainer.
One high performance PC with GTX680, 3 outside view monitors,and VR Propit monitor.

677467756776

jer166

09-21-2012, 12:39 AM

My GA Pit. I will post more pics soon.

Cessna172sim

09-21-2012, 06:27 AM

My GA Pit. I will post more pics soon.
Hi,
Looks good! One thing that seems to be a bit out of the place is the upper cowling handles. Now those seems to be too center of the cowling. Check out this picture for reference:
http://lentosimulaattori.1g.fi/#/kuvat/Construction+of+the+fuselage,+September+2006+-+March++2012/IMG_2715.JPG

Tom_G_2010

09-21-2012, 01:44 PM

My build lost lift and thrust earlier this year. Translate that cash and time ;) However I am hoping to get things back off the ground in a month or so.

I've been a Flight Sim junkie since the days of SubLogic's Flight Sim version 2 on my Commodore 64 up through all the MS versions and now on FSX. My sim pit build is being done using a Cessna 172 fuselage and like one other poster said, I big Thank You! goes to Vectro for a lot of great examples, advise, and inspiration.

Here are a few pics showing the evolution of my flight sim experience and project from the early 80's thru today

6976 6977 6979 6980 6981

Until the fuselage is finished I am flying a desk so to speak as seen below. These pictures are from the banner on my webpage and blog M (http://www.mycessnasim.info)yCessnaSim (http://www.mycessnasim.info) The first pic is my Commodore 64 running SubLogic's Flight Sim v2. The second pic was my first IBM pc clone running MS Flight Sim 98. The next pc shows my current desktop sim using FSX on an Core I5 HP platform complete with dual monitors, Saitek Panels, CH Yoke, and DIY Rudder pedals. The last two pics are of the plane and fuselage section that I am converting into my new flight sim.

Louie Mendez

09-21-2012, 02:17 PM

Wow! Do you still have that computer on your first pic? I was too busy breakdancing around that time. I got addicted to flight simming not until late 90's.

Good stuff Tom =)

Tom_G_2010

09-21-2012, 10:46 PM

Wow! Do you still have that computer on your first pic? I was too busy breakdancing around that time. I got addicted to flight simming not until late 90's.

Good stuff Tom =)

Actually, I do.

It was also part of a ham radio computer relay station after I moved my flight sim to the pc clone. The C64 along with the Sub Logic Flight Sim software are boxed up in storage. I was toying with setting it up again after I get the full flight sim built as a then and now kind of display.

Cessna172sim

09-22-2012, 02:51 AM

Actually, I do.

It was also part of a ham radio computer relay station after I moved my flight sim to the pc clone. The C64 along with the Sub Logic Flight Sim software are boxed up in storage. I was toying with setting it up again after I get the full flight sim built as a then and now kind of display.

Good to hear that I've been useful for other projects also. You should definitely continue your project. Put it on the hold for a while and then continue. You have a real priviledge to own a real fuselage.

My history with the computers is exactly the same. Started with C64 and FS2. :)

Shawn

09-22-2012, 03:26 PM

Some more work has been done on the simulator since I last posted photos. The overhead monitor will be flush mounted and have a bezel cover eventually.

6987

s4sha

09-26-2012, 10:07 AM

Greetings all! It’s been a while since I’ve had time to look around the forums! I hope all of you are doing well and coming up with some awesome sims. Looks like it!

I finally got around to putting a brief summary of my Cessna build. It’s functionally complete, just have lots of cosmetic things to address.
I started with a Cessna 172/K fuse’ and it’s running X-Plane on 6 PC’s - 5 for display and one for the panel. I wanted to keep much of the original airplane’s controls, so yokes, pedals, toe brakes, throttle, mixture, trim wheel and switches are all retained and functional. I wanted to use SimKits instruments, but cost was the deterrent. The sim also runs PilotEdge for ATC, which MAKES the sim. It’s the icing on the cake!

You can check it out at www.digitalpencildesigns.com/simulator.html (http://www.digitalpencildesigns.com/simulator.html)

Keep up the great work you guys!

7025

flyinjake

09-26-2012, 07:00 PM

Like to look at what other builders have been able to do.

Shawn, Did you build the gauges?

Jake

Shawn

09-26-2012, 09:47 PM

Like to look at what other builders have been able to do.

Shawn, Did you build the gauges?

Jake

The gauges are displayed on monitors with a sheet of PVC covering them. I used PVC tube to create the bezels. Its simple but seems to work well enough, much more realistic than the whole monitor showing.

mac1963

10-22-2012, 09:57 PM

A few photos of past and present projects, the Hornet was an EPIC card run system and the Cessna is running cards from Desktop Aviator and Arduino.
Thanks to Louie Mendez for his great cockpit addons which make work a lot easier. Also thanks to The gauges factory for absolute brilliant gauges which I cannot believe are freeware.

The hole above the NAV radios houses the Saitek A/P which I had not installed in the panel when the pics where taken. I have now also decked the floor with marine carpet which makes an improvement.

Still working on the seats so I will post some photos when done.

Cheers, Brian

Simaviator13

04-20-2013, 08:22 AM

Wow some great work here, heres a short vid of my work in progress:
Fsx simulator sneak peek 3 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEOqGqc9VWs)

Blouberg

10-20-2013, 03:37 AM

We have built 2 simulators at the Norwegian Defense Aircraft collection (Museum in Norway). The first is a Cessna 182 GA pit built into an old Cessna cabin. The simulator is used to give our guests a short flight experience guided by an instructor.
The Simulator is FSX based and use Simkits an VRInsight equipment besides some homebuilt components.
We use Instructor Station to control the sim and help the “Pilot” to a good experience.

The other simulator is built for kids. Its built into a plywood cockpit and uses a small monitor for gauges. It’s a very simple setup, but it actually is one of the most popular items in our exhibition (:

A couple of pictures are attached.

/Blouberg

82278228
82298230

Maxx1

07-08-2014, 02:37 PM

Work in motion...Baron 58..Fully working MDF & PDF G1000's.........9338
All gauges are servo driven with backlite.....
Airspeed indicator is backlit with stepper motor.

nebulawars

08-11-2014, 10:42 AM

Adding my GA pit, that I built last week from scratch. It will replace my old simpit that was really a piece of junk.
The most interesting part of the design is that it includes both single engine TPM and multiple engine throttle quadrant.
Autopilot and annunciator panel will be moved from the central pedestal to underneath glareshield.
Wood was savaged from old shelf and two old small kitchen cabinets. Had to add new screws for 7$ :).

9445

DustBeats

10-11-2014, 12:57 PM

Latest sim pic - currently rebuilding the box holding the monitor and saitek panels - any plans or ideas are more than welcome. Thx
DustBeats

http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshotsv2/images/2014/10/11/hYxSf.th.jpg (http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshotsv2/image/arI)

Cannibalized a friends road case..lol
http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshotsv2/images/2014/10/11/0CX1O.th.jpg (http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshotsv2/image/arl)

solid

11-14-2014, 12:46 AM

Hi Pilots...
I just updated my budget GA pit and maybe you'll like it. The shell is made of some wood covered with Foam board, so that was cheap. Then as you can see I use five monitors with two of them for instruments panel and radio panels hooked up by two usb monitor conectors. I fly all kinds of planes so I have several panels which I use as I change planes. Since I use software for the instruments I can switch them as I wish or need.
9653

memorgan

03-06-2015, 05:15 PM

Nice job. I'm looking to start building mine soon, but am stuck for ideas as to what to use for bezels for the instruments, what did you use? Also, are you using Arduino or something for the switches etc?

Mithras

05-14-2015, 01:54 PM

Hi, I am a real amateur when it comes to building stuff, but I am a Roman reenactor, so creating working replicas of things, I can do quite well if I plan!

This is my Britten-Norman Islander BN-2 cockpit build. Why the BN-2? I don't know, I'm English and its an English design, but I have never flown in one, and only seen one in the air once , landing at Bembridge, where they are assembled.

I already had all the kit for this, I just had to buy a refurb iPad for my instruments (£180) but the wood was left over from a kitchen build, the glareshield is formed from layers of cardboard the PC came in, I scavenged a piece of carpet from a local shop for free for the footwell, and the leatherette finish was around £6 on eBsy. Oh yes, bought the fuel selector too, though that does not work with the BN-2, I use that when flying single engined planes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/lord_mithras/Aircraft/image.jpg5_zpsldy4jqlj.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lord_mithras/media/Aircraft/image.jpg5_zpsldy4jqlj.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/lord_mithras/Aircraft/image.jpg1_zpsvglw9ku8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lord_mithras/media/Aircraft/image.jpg1_zpsvglw9ku8.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/lord_mithras/Aircraft/image.jpg2_zpsrteft2xf.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lord_mithras/media/Aircraft/image.jpg2_zpsrteft2xf.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/lord_mithras/Aircraft/image.jpg7_zpsiyjggilu.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lord_mithras/media/Aircraft/image.jpg7_zpsiyjggilu.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/lord_mithras/Aircraft/image.jpg6_zpsow5d9hmx.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lord_mithras/media/Aircraft/image.jpg6_zpsow5d9hmx.jpg.html)

Mithras

05-14-2015, 01:56 PM

kermit

06-15-2015, 06:38 AM

Hi , I`m flying the Cessna 172 ,
Sadly I can`t use A2A Cessna 172 , because the instruments I`m using are from Simkits.
Despite the promises they don`t have drivers for using them with A2A,
Gr Henk

bj1140

08-03-2015, 05:52 AM

Cresco/Fletcher home sim. Work in progress but close to finishing.
Can load basic vfr gauge profile for AG/Crop Dusting or full IFR profile for freight flying or just IFR training.
www.crescoproject.wordpress.com

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10457&stc=1

jtesta01

08-06-2015, 10:22 PM

Based on a C172. The MIP is actually made of a marker board panel board which is quite thin and easy to work with with regular tools. The bezels are actually just plastic cups with the tops cut out and spray painted black. They are just deep enough to allow the depth of the mip material + depth of rotary encoders mounted by the instruments. The panel slopes slightly backwards to help with the viewing angle otherwise the tops of the instruments would be too deep to see and would be covered up by the tops of the cups. The MIP is about 17.5" tall and it slopes back about 3" over the 17.5".

Shawn

08-07-2015, 01:12 PM

Very nice work, I love the idea of sloping the MIP backwards slightly to improve the line of sight on the gauges. You can't notice it overall but I'm guessing it helps nicely with the viewing angle. I will be storing yet another great idea hopefully for future use.

Shawn

jtesta01

08-08-2015, 07:31 PM

Thanks Shawn! The slope really isn't noticeable and it made making the glareshield a bit easier since all I had to do was cut out rectangular pieces since the panel itself was sloped. If anyone wants all the specifics of my project, go here http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/showthread.php?t=29724

bj1140

08-10-2015, 12:08 AM

Hi what is the phone based GPS moving map your using?

MultiQ

09-13-2015, 05:14 PM

This is my GA budget simulator cockpit based on the Cessna 172N. I use it for many different aircraft such as the Piper 28, Piper 38, Cessna 172SP and Mooney M20.

Instrumentation software is Airmanager and Panelbuilder. Looking to do some hardware upgrades next year. Saitek radio panels and Goflight pedals are one the top of the list. :)

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10735&stc=1
http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10736&stc=1
http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10737&stc=1
http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10738&stc=1
http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10739&stc=1
http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10740&stc=1

memorgan

09-15-2015, 07:39 AM

MultiQ

09-15-2015, 11:34 AM

I used used plastic mugs of the right size, cut them and then glued them with PVA glue into the holes I have drilled.

memorgan

09-15-2015, 12:12 PM

Thanks, looks like I'm on the right track then. Hope mine looks something like yours by the time I finish it.

SimSupervisor

09-15-2015, 09:57 PM

Wow, am just about to start making something like this myself too. I'm a bit stumped with what to use as bezels for the instruments, I was thinking of using plastic funnels cut don. Do yuo have any hints or tips you could pass on please?

I contacted a used aircraft parts store in Florida, and they shipped me actual (unusable) instruments. Just need to mention you want them to look good. Total cost wasn't dramatic and I have actual bezels and glass that fits.

OK that might not be best if you use a monitor, but I like the challenge of interfacing them, and the end result is great.

memorgan

09-16-2015, 05:45 AM

Food for thought. I think though that the interfacing would be beyond my very limited skills, but worth looking into I think. Thanks.

SimSupervisor

09-16-2015, 10:21 PM

look around in here, its not as complex as it might look, and brings you to the next level. (food for thoughts)

memorgan

09-17-2015, 04:00 AM

Thanks, the more I look into this, the more I think I need to slow down and try to figure out what I need to be doing for the future, rather than just blundering in to getting something that looks ice, but has stunted operability. I also need to be careful not to get my ambitions mixed up with my capabilities ! I think I could do worse than atleast trying to pick up some programming. Not sure which is the best to learn though. As you say, looking on the forum should give me some solid pointers. Thanks for the support by the way.

xplanematt

09-18-2015, 11:51 PM

Many of us started with "very limited skills" when we got into pit building. Not knowing any better, we forged ahead, and now find ourselves at the top of a mountain looking down at all the knowledge and capability we've gained....but always with one eye towards the next mountain. :)

Learning how to program is the single most important thing you can do to further your sim-building capabilities. I can heartily recommend Python, which I am still using for most of my interface code (even my OpenGL glass instrument software). Both X-Plane and FSX (FSUIPC) have Python interface modules available. I've also heard that Ruby and Lua are similar languages with similar capabilities, though I have not used them.

You'd also do well to learn at least the basics of C or C++, though you'll probably find it easier to start with Python initially.

Custom programming is the glue that holds my sims together.

Matt

Roger Hopkins

10-11-2015, 05:47 PM

Here is my Mini Tecnam panel nearly finished.http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10831&stc=1

Roger Hopkins

10-15-2015, 06:15 PM

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10838&stc=1

Finished Mini Tecnam Panel Started painting flightsim rig, should be finished next week for final setup the week after. Watch this space. This panel has only cost me about 30 pounds to make, the biggest expense being the 2 small screens.

Live2Fly

01-14-2016, 03:27 AM

Here's my GA pit currently. I'm using the LCD TV for instruments and the 3 AOC I2757H 27" monitors. The smaller 17" monitors will be mounted level with the other three for the left and right views. I'm hoping to run the 3 forward views and instruments off of my GTX970 and using another PC as a wide view client for the left and right views. I'm sure there will be many changes before I'm finished :-P

*not sure why the picture is upside down. If I pull it up in my photo library it looks right side up.

Tom_G_2010

01-14-2016, 03:26 PM

I was reading the most recent posts in this thread and decided to look back. It's been about 5 years since I posted pics of my pit so I figure I'm long overdue. So here it is as of today.

I've actually had the pleasure and priviledge of putting it on display at the New England Air Museum in Hartford CT a couple times and it will be back there again this coming June for FlightSimCon 2016 (http://flightsimcon.com/). If you are going to Flight Sim Con please stop by, say Hi, and take a test flight.

I'm still a ways off from finishing the build but most of what's left is all big ticket items like projectors and screen for the 180 wrap around view, force feedback, mechanical guages to replace the projected guages, etc. So the build has slowed down somewhat while I try to save money for those items.

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11123&stc=1http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11124&stc=1http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11125&stc=1

brantleycmd

04-20-2017, 11:55 PM

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12261&stc=1
Hello all! I've seen such great cockpits on here that I feel a little silly posting mine. However, I feel accomplished tonight because I just completed my Glare Shield project!! See links below for the final product and step by step progress as I built it! It is nice to have everything integrated finally!

Final product: http://imgur.com/gallery/Nxycy
Step by step: http://imgur.com/gallery/w2PZ9

brantleycmd

04-20-2017, 11:58 PM

Holy cow, how did you go about chopping up the Saitek Switch Panel?! I'd love to have my gear lever on the right side where it belongs.

brantleycmd

04-20-2017, 11:59 PM