Cessna 172 Glass Cockpit Simulator

[RojanTrojan]

Hi there,

Here are some 3D rendered images of my new Cessna Glass Cockpit project. The simulator is currently in the design phase (I still have a lot to do!) and I have been working on this for a number of months. The project will be using Project Magenta's GAGC software using 2 x 10.4inch LCD 800 x 600 resolution screens along with Leo Bodnar's circuit boards for switches and rotaries. I have stripped some of my old project for the Simkits parts to make up the standby intrument panel - not an easy decision to start all over again but I am hoping not make any silly mistakes with this project. :roll:

These images are of the standby instrument panel and the circuit breaker panel.

I have a new blog please visit my site if you're interested to find out more. I will try to keep it as updated as much as I can.

http://cessnaglasscockpit.blogspot.com/

Thanks

Rhydian

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S1M9v_rdjbI/AAAAAAAAAHw/b90Ksv8lIgg/s1600/Standby%2BInstrument%2BPanel%2B-%2BFinal%2BRender%2B-%2BFront%2B-%2BSMALL.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S1M9vvOSM_I/AAAAAAAAAHo/Eza7kH-6bss/s1600/Standby%2BInstrument%2BPanel%2B-%2BFinal%2BRender%2B-%2BFront%2Band%2BTop%2B-%2BSMALL.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S1M9usJbdqI/AAAAAAAAAHY/32D3VqefCsI/s1600/Standby%2BInstrument%2BPanel%2BRender%2B-%2BRear%2Band%2BTop%2B-%2BSMALL.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S1M_cyLaS6I/AAAAAAAAAIY/tGzaN8sthho/s1600/Circuit%2BBreaker%2BPanel%2B-%2BFinal%2BRender%2B-%2BDiagonal%2B-%2BSMALL.jpeg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S1M_cnx6GvI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/QJO1cdN2e54/s1600/Circuit%2BBreaker%2BPanel%2B-%2BFinal%2BRender%2B-%2BFront%2B-%2BSMALL.jpeg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S1M_cLFS7KI/AAAAAAAAAIA/rPbJA8vNI4E/s1600/Circuit%2BBreaker%2BPanel%2B-%2BFinal%2BRender%2B-%2BRear%2Band%2BTop%2B-%2BSMALL.jpg

[RojanTrojan]

Just a small progress update on the lighting panel. A couple more renders.

Thanks

Rhydian

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S2VphWrgKWI/AAAAAAAAAI4/5jV4ETGePSs/s1600/Lighting%2BPanel%2BRender%2B-%2BFront%2Band%2BTop%2B-%2BSMALL%2B.jpeg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S2VphCfVn5I/AAAAAAAAAIw/4K4uCGcis64/s1600/Lighting%2BPanel%2BRender%2B-%2BFront%2B-%2BSMALL.jpeg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S2Vpg9iG-rI/AAAAAAAAAIo/MoJvMd0VNKI/s1600/Lighting%2BPanel%2BRender%2B-%2BRear%2B-%2BSMALL.jpg

[RojanTrojan]

This is part of a smaller project focusing on the primary 6 instruments, a Saitek radio stack and couple of toggle switches. This is a smaller flight simulator for the desktop using parts of my old pit.

more info on my blog

www.cessnaglasscockpit.blogspot.com

Rhydian

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S3CcN5MgxzI/AAAAAAAAAJI/4wPJIQ4RX2I/s1600/Primary%2B6%2BPanel%2B-%2BFront-%2BLeft%2BPanel%2BOnly%2B-%2BSMALL.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S3CfMcZUMoI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/zQkNg2QyocU/s1600/Primary%2B6%2BPanel%2B-%2BRear%2B-%2BLeft%2BSide%2BOnly%2B-%2BSMALL.jpg

[RojanTrojan]

Quick update on my Primary 6 project. You may notice that there is a Saitek Radio product that i am incorporating into my panel to save on some costs, rather then building my own unit.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S3nFpPNp7iI/AAAAAAAAAJg/5D9Fg__qlAE/s1600/Primary%2B6%2B-%2BRadio%2B%26%2BSwitches%2BPanel%2B-%2BSMALL.jpeg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/S3nKhX2VrfI/AAAAAAAAAJo/iBXsHPFj5GA/s1600-h/Primary+6+Panel+Complete+-+SMALL.jpeg

The second image is a quick (and rather shoddy...sorry) join together of two images, hence why switches and gauges are going in all sorts of directions :roll:. But I wanted to see what the final unt will look like.

Regards

Rhydian
Blog: www.cessnaglasscockpit.blogspot.com

[Ronson2k9]

That's very clever using the breaker panel as a way to add sim functions. I might suggest you take a look at a PIM I uploaded some time ago here. It's for the C206 but the cockpit is quite similar to the 172 and this PIM includes the Garmin 1000 (glass cockpit). What is the software you're using to do your renders with? I'm building (currently still designing as you are) the Cessna 206H Stationair (non glass though). Gotta walk before I can run kind of my thinking. As well bush planes are notorious for being a 'no frills' kind of flying. I am going to add the Garmin 530 (perhaps twin panel) along with a mix of LCD and physical gauges though.

Just a thought you may want to consider carefully the controls (breaker) selection you place behind your yoke. I would pick the ones you are going to use but perhaps less then the ones you have easier access to. From an overall design standpoint I would exclude ones you aren't ever going to use. Your own sim experience will tell you what you really want to have.

Cool progress on the design looking forward to updates.

[RojanTrojan]

Thanks for the kind words

Well I thought I would never simulate the breakers so it seems a waste of buttons just sitting there doing nothing.

I use Qcad Pro (vary basic CAD, but fine for what I am making that i bought for about £20) to make the panels. I then import it into Google Sketchup (Free) and then use a rendering engine called Kerkythea which is also free to make the final image. I use Gimp 2.6 photo manipulation program (yep you guessed it free again) to touch up the images with lettering and such. It's surprisingly a simple process even thogh it sound like a lot. It's certainly saved me money in the long run because I have picked up on some design flaws before i have cut anything. No wonder that modern aircraft are made using a computer. The benefits are huge.

Cheers

Rhydian

[Ronson2k9]

I use Blender (http://www.blender.org/) for all my design work. It's a freeware 3D Design Studio. Does everything but there is a bit of learning curve for those that haven't used to it. I had once thought of making a Simpit kit for designing using blender. Objects like Knobs/Switches/Gauges and so on in a object layer and then you just copy and paste a panel together. It took me some time to get the stuff done I was doing though so I kind of passed on the kit idea. Blender isn't a CAD program per say. It's a design program so you are working in 'Blender Units' when designing. These can be what ever form of 'real world' measurement you like. It's all relative anyway.

One of the things I did in blender. I only did a bit of post work (gimp) for image enhancement everything you see here came from Blender though (Text/Lighting/Shadows/Transparency).
http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp244/Ronson2k3/Cessna%20T206H/CessnaThrottleGroupCR_JFF.jpg

If you want to take a look at the software it's available here Get Blender. (http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/) I use Gimp too. I do aircraft repaints with it now even. So I've become pretty used to Gimp.

I'm a bit hung up doing the gauges right now. Don't know if I should go the full on look or just make placeholders for the gauges. As it's a design for building I need all the measurements and so on but on the other hand I'd love to see what it will look like when done. I'm hoping Steve will share his MIP frame design/photos. So I can get some thoughts on what would be good as a support for the MIP. In the beginning I wanted to make an enclosure but as I'm in an apartment now I have to think multitasking with the space I have available so I'm going more modular.

Looking forward to seeing more of your design and construction work when get building.

[RojanTrojan]

That looks great. I have tried Blender but as you mentioned the learning curve with any 3d program is fairly steep and unfortunatley I gave up on it. I was looking for something quick and easy, to see how pieces fit together and Sketchup seems to handle that pretty well.

I know how you feel about lack of space for your project. I had to convince the wife that my Cessna wouldn't take much room in our house. It will probably take up most of our study. She's already complained about having to move the Saitek Yoke of the desk every time she want to use the computer, so I wonder how she will feel with a full size cockpit in her house! :roll:

Cheers

Rhydian

[RojanTrojan]

339433953396

An update on the housing for my Primary 6 project. I love MDF! I came up with this 3 spar system with aluminium rods binding it all together. It worked well for my last project so why change it.:eek:

Rhydian
www.cessnaglasscockpit.blogspot.com

[Anderson/SBSP]

Hi, great work!!!

You can send me the measures of MIP C172? Thanks.

[RojanTrojan]

Hi Anderson

Thanks very much for your comment.

I can send you in the right direction. I got all the cut-out measurements for the instruments from Simkits's document centre. Go to their support section and then to their document centre and go to measurements and Auto-CAD files. There are some very hand CAD files of their Cessna that can be downloaded there. Most of the switches etc were measurements from the manufacturer. I hope this helps.

Cheers

Rhydian

[Ronson2k9]

I can perhaps help both of you guys out. I found this site quite useful.
Cessna Free Manuals (http://www.micro-tools.net/pdf/Cessna/)

You won't find dimensional info from the parts or service manual but you will find the Cessna 172 POH/Service/Parts manual there free to download. There are various years so it's up to you which year (model) your building your sim after as to which one you'll need.

What I did with mine was a bit complex. As the cockpit of the 206H is same size as earlier models going back to the 'F' model but the MIP size has increased I had to take my best shot at it.

If you take a look at the POH of the model your building you will find a cockpit interior space diagram. This is so that people know where all the seats and loading is. There you will find the overall width of the cockpit (that's the start). You will also see the MIP in the POH. There is a standard size (diameter) of the gauges (79mm) you can use one as a measuring tool for the MIP itself. You can blow up the image of the MIP and then using your graphic software measure one of the larger gauges then divide that by 79 and you will get the number of pixels to the MM then it's just a question of measuring out the MIP with your ruler.

You will find the Parts manual will describe everything you need to know and how it works (as a system) this is quite valuable to building one. The center piller/control stand (fuel selector/cowl) is also in there. You will get to see all the parts what they are connected to and this will help you build the interior to quite exacting standards.

Hope that helps.

[Anderson/SBSP]

Thanks Rhydian!!

[RojanTrojan]

Hi,

Here is an update on my Primary 6 Desktop project. The project is finally coming off the computer and into reality. Here are some panels made out of 3mm acrylic and the cabinet pieces that have been routed out of 12mm MDF, (I love that stuff)!:o

Next step is to get the panels painted and etched with the lettering and then everything has to be assembled.

More here - I try to keep it updated as often as I can.
www.cessnaglasscockpit.blogspot.com

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TFw2XAcFmhI/AAAAAAAAALw/BjgMinlRfGs/s1600/IMG_1991small.JPG
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TFw3PmT-KII/AAAAAAAAAL4/PVPsJCJicfU/s1600/IMG_1992small.JPG
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TFw3QZObITI/AAAAAAAAAMI/UjxDyr7Su7s/s1600/IMG_1985small.JPG

[Ronson2k9]

How did you do such great cutting on the plexi? If that is what it is. Great job overall. Looks fantastic..

[RojanTrojan]

Hi Ron.

It's 3mm acrylic that I had cut at my workplace with a low powered laser machine. I did intend to use 3mm polycarbonate but the machine failed to cut it. Acrylic is obviosly not as strong as a polycarbonate but it bends and flexes quite well without breaking so it seems ideal for what I am making. I had the MDF pieces cut yesterday and I'm very happy with the result. I forgot some holes on my CAD design so I have to mill a couple more for the sheet aluminium that will be draped over the top.

Cheers

Rhydian

[RojanTrojan]

Hi,

Small update. These are my new black 3mm acrylic panels since I couldn't paint my clear ones. I had them laser etched and filled in the holes with white acrylic paint.

Next thing is too start adding the switches and instruments. :p

Rhydian

[RojanTrojan]

Radio and switches panel has now been assembled. It now needs some wiring and installing into the case - which is still in pieces!

Rhydian

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TG-YmvP1e8I/AAAAAAAAANw/YrYsc9kXnxc/s1600/IMG_2055small.JPG

[Anderson/SBSP]

Very nice!!

[Jordan Farmer]

thats looking very very nice! what did you do with the old panel may i ask? that was nice in its own right! great work!

cheers,

jordan

[RojanTrojan]

@ Anderson

Thanks.

@ Jordan

Thanks for your comment Jordan, Yes, the old switch panel now lies in a box in my study. I keep it as a momento as it was one of my first projects. It's now...well...switch-less, as I have used them (and more) in my new panel. It was used everytime I used FS as it was so convenient to press the toggles rather than the keyboard for any aircraft I flew in the sim. I plan to make another smaller one maybe with some lighting this time around. With what I have learnt with CAD, laser cutting and acrylic etc. it should be a much nicer, more professional panel. It's funny I reach over to press for FLAPS DOWN now and there is nothing to press! Oh well...

Cheers

Rhydian

[ATTACH=CONFIG]4185[/ATTACH

[Jordan Farmer]

Well, its nice to keep a momento of all the things you have achieved, and i hope to, some day, achieve skills in CAD like that, i am quite the noveice at the moment, and i honestly dont have a clue what im doing when the program is in front of me, and im rubbish when it comes to listening to tutorials, i like to ask questions :p Where did you start? Anyway, very good luck on your project, its looking bloody brilliant so far!

Cheers,

Jordan

Sorry, i forgot to ask, where did you get those fan outlets? they look great, i may have to find some myself!

[No Longer Active]

Jordan....

Those fan outlets are called 'Eyeball Vents' Google them, real aircraft vents are around £50.00 a pair, those plastic vents which are pretty much genereic cost £5 - 10 a pair!

Here are some in white:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-MUSHROOM-VENT-SAILING-BOAT-CARAVAN-CAMPER-VAN-/370416025290?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM#ht_746wt_831

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mazda-MX5-MK1-Eye-Ball-Vent-/120607454467?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM#ht_720wt_1057

Google it!

[No Longer Active]

Edit, the fans that Rydian has cost £14 each, I can get the exact same vents as what Rhydian has!

[RojanTrojan]

Well, its nice to keep a momento of all the things you have achieved, and i hope to, some day, achieve skills in CAD like that, i am quite the noveice at the moment, and i honestly dont have a clue what im doing when the program is in front of me, and im rubbish when it comes to listening to tutorials, i like to ask questions :p Where did you start? Anyway, very good luck on your project, its looking bloody brilliant so far!

Cheers,

Jordan

Sorry, i forgot to ask, where did you get those fan outlets? they look great, i may have to find some myself!

Hi Jordan,

I got mine from Airworld UK Aircraft parts and spares.

http://shop.airworlduk.com/plastic-eyeball-air-vents---black-301389-1009-p.asp

Comes to £16.88 without VAT and delivery.

They are a bit small for one of my projects, I am really looking for bigger ones but they can be expensive.

I use Qcad Pro for my CAD work. It's fine for the sort of panels I'm doing. It's nowhere near as sophisticated as AutoCad but it does the job nicely. I bought a deal which had the program for £20 and the book to go with it for another £20. You can use a demo as well to try it out.

http://www.qcad.org/

Cheers

Rhydian

[RojanTrojan]

I've some progress on the case that will hold both my panels. Next step is to coat it with MDF primer and white paint and then use a sheet metal folding machine to make the 1mm aluminium skin that will cover it.

Cheers

Rhydian

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/THfioCZYYyI/AAAAAAAAAN4/qRDY5r32kBw/s1600/IMG_2058small.JPG
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/THfiodQ0tbI/AAAAAAAAAOA/dgaPPZewLmc/s1600/IMG_2059small.JPG

[Jordan Farmer]

Well, ive been following your work, and im still impressed! Your very lucky to have all those resources at hand! Hopefully soon i will have the time and money to invest in CAD software and the actual machining of some panels, its just tough to justify the cash when im on such little money! Good luck though, and great work!
Jordan

[RojanTrojan]

Thanks Jordan.

You can start learning a bit of CAD for free. QCAD do a demo of their software that is completely free albeit a few save functions. That's how I started. Once you have mastered it, the software only costs about £20 for the full product. It's surprisingly easy to master. I mean OK it's not AutoCAD, but it's great for 2d panel design. Once you get the basic principles in your head, it becomes really easy. I found myself staring at manufacturers schematics of switches not having a clue how to interpret them. However, once you realise that it all follows a specific format it becomes very easy to incorporate the dimensions into your CAD drawings.

I used Sketchup and Kerkythea (a rendering engine) to make the design in 3d. Both programs are free and extremely easy to use. Sketchup is a great way to realise your project in 3 dimensions. It also can be a generally helpful design tool. I caught a number of problems with my build using the program. Now I see why Boeing and Airbus use the computer to design their aircraft, it certainly saves time and money, especially when spotting mistakes!

You may be surprised to hear that some routing and laser cutting services will cut out your project for a very reduced cost, or even better for free, as they know it's just a one off project rather than a company making a run of a product. It's surprising how much support you receive as well. The people I have dealt with from the various companies I have used are themselves quite intrigued about making a flight simulator. They have all asked to see finished photos of the project. :D

Cheers

Rhydian

[RojanTrojan]

4210
4209
4208

I have started to wrap the MDF case with 1.2mm sheet aluminium. Once the pieces are positioned I need to drill some holes for the 3mm machine screws that will bolt the metal skin to the case and then take the pieces to a company to get powder coat painted in white. I have created 2 more pieces in CAD that will routed out of the same aluminium for the back and front. This is the hard part for me as I have never done this sort of thing before. But it seems to be shaping up well... oh!... There you are I've jinxed it!:roll:

Rhydian

[epaton]

Please, or please!! This glass cockpit deserves the best glass software! Check out http://www.flythissim.com The make avionics and instruments for flight simulators. Bezel or no-bezel options, so you can use your own real hardware. The video of the G1000 Carvan looks great.

[RojanTrojan]

Here are some updated photos of the nearly completed aluminium case. It just needs to get powder coated and then some wiring and testing completes the unit. Almost there!!!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TLH0_bYRDNI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/d3Cny2MnMpc/s1600/IMG_2072small.JPG

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TLH0-idcESI/AAAAAAAAAQA/OKq1lteUmnk/s1600/IMG_2065small.JPG

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TLH0_Fe-zwI/AAAAAAAAAQI/sngssqP5sLg/s1600/IMG_2068small.JPG

Rhydian

[RojanTrojan]

One more photograph, a little close-up this time around. Just tried it with a 120mm fan via the PSU and airflow in the case is good. I was a little worried about how much heat was flowing around that case because of the power supply. So it will be nice and cold. I notice Simkits have ventilation in their case too.

4345

Rhydian

[Ronson2k9]

Extremely nice work.. Looks great.

[RojanTrojan]

It's been a while. I finally had my panels coated by a powder coating company. It's a nice and clean signal white colour. The paint is very durable and I'm really happy with the results.:D

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TT9U7a2uZAI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/_XCHf61dtXU/s1600/IMG_2227.JPG

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TT9U7pyDFiI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/jFAg5SFDIAs/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TT9U8DQTIrI/AAAAAAAAARE/wuo9Vu1wEvQ/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG

Rhydian

[RojanTrojan]

Quick update of the electronic components installed in my sim. The Simkits CCU2, 32bit controller, PSU and USB hub have now all been placed inside the chassis. I've been testing the Simkits gauges which need some more fine tuning with the calibration software but other than that I am pleased with how they operate. Just need to purchase a USB turn coordinator and the basic 6 instruments are complete.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TU1f1_rynsI/AAAAAAAAARQ/l40pC1XJvDc/s1600/IMG_2241.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TU1f2mrE4KI/AAAAAAAAARY/BahUo2O2cBs/s1600/IMG_2243.jpg

Rhydian

[RojanTrojan]

This is asking for trouble! Soldering the switch panel on our dining room table. Thank God my wife is so...forgiving!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TU1r3xbz_-I/AAAAAAAAARg/roM8xaRm9Ds/s1600/IMG_2237.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__9E8h0v10eE/TU1r4Gf14uI/AAAAAAAAARo/B-lZP7MNiCA/s1600/IMG_2238.jpg

Rhydian

[Joe Cygan]

Very nice work!

[Matt Olieman]

Very nice work Rhydian, thanks for the pics.

Matt Olieman

[RojanTrojan]

Almost there!!!!!! Just a couple of decals to go on top with the logo and some to go on the dummy 'circuit breakers' acting as flight sim interface buttons and it will be finished. Sods law though, the first time I put the top panel on and tightened the last screw I fired her up and the altimeter failed to calibrate to zero after months of working just fine without the top on! Gutted! I had to take the case apart and the altimeter apart to figure out what went wrong. I put it together and re-calibrated it (looks like a dodgy photo sensor which I've left off) It seems to be working fine for the moment but something tells me it'll go again. At least it's not too much hastle (yeah right!) to get the top panel off if needs be, but it's still a pain. Bit of a milestone for me though. I've never completed anything in my life apart from a half marathon and even that was 200 metres short because the organisers got the distance wrong!

I'm off to play!!!

Cheers

Rhydian

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYzeA5CrKJI/TXOHN4ykKgI/AAAAAAAAASc/ajdTX0QHmfk/s1600/IMG_2432.JPG
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXpyt_LQOKE/TXOHODoHNtI/AAAAAAAAASk/MRIDQNV76YI/s1600/IMG_2430.JPG

[Joe Cygan]

Outstanding job! I love seeing work like this. Very innovative.

Joe

[Ronson2k9]

If didn't know someone spent long hard hours on that I would say it's a off the shelf professional unit. Looks very clean and has everything you need. GREAT JOB.

Cheers
Ron

[verticallimit]

A super cool "box", nice work.

[espejor]

I use Blender (http://www.blender.org/) for all my design work. It's a freeware 3D Design Studio. Does everything but there is a bit of learning curve for those that haven't used to it. I had once thought of making a Simpit kit for designing using blender. Objects like Knobs/Switches/Gauges and so on in a object layer and then you just copy and paste a panel together. It took me some time to get the stuff done I was doing though so I kind of passed on the kit idea. Blender isn't a CAD program per say. It's a design program so you are working in 'Blender Units' when designing. These can be what ever form of 'real world' measurement you like. It's all relative anyway.

One of the things I did in blender. I only did a bit of post work (gimp) for image enhancement everything you see here came from Blender though (Text/Lighting/Shadows/Transparency).
http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp244/Ronson2k3/Cessna%20T206H/CessnaThrottleGroupCR_JFF.jpg

If you want to take a look at the software it's available here Get Blender. (http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/) I use Gimp too. I do aircraft repaints with it now even. So I've become pretty used to Gimp.

I'm a bit hung up doing the gauges right now. Don't know if I should go the full on look or just make placeholders for the gauges. As it's a design for building I need all the measurements and so on but on the other hand I'd love to see what it will look like when done. I'm hoping Steve will share his MIP frame design/photos. So I can get some thoughts on what would be good as a support for the MIP. In the beginning I wanted to make an enclosure but as I'm in an apartment now I have to think multitasking with the space I have available so I'm going more modular.

Looking forward to seeing more of your design and construction work when get building.

Hello Ronson2k9
You have done a very good work
I'd like to know how have you made the internal mechanism of the control in order to allow them move quickly forward and backward when you push the button but slowly when spining the controls

Thank you very much

[espejor]

I use Blender (http://www.blender.org/) for all my design work. It's a freeware 3D Design Studio. Does everything but there is a bit of learning curve for those that haven't used to it. I had once thought of making a Simpit kit for designing using blender. Objects like Knobs/Switches/Gauges and so on in a object layer and then you just copy and paste a panel together. It took me some time to get the stuff done I was doing though so I kind of passed on the kit idea. Blender isn't a CAD program per say. It's a design program so you are working in 'Blender Units' when designing. These can be what ever form of 'real world' measurement you like. It's all relative anyway.

One of the things I did in blender. I only did a bit of post work (gimp) for image enhancement everything you see here came from Blender though (Text/Lighting/Shadows/Transparency).
http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp244/Ronson2k3/Cessna%20T206H/CessnaThrottleGroupCR_JFF.jpg

If you want to take a look at the software it's available here Get Blender. (http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/) I use Gimp too. I do aircraft repaints with it now even. So I've become pretty used to Gimp.

I'm a bit hung up doing the gauges right now. Don't know if I should go the full on look or just make placeholders for the gauges. As it's a design for building I need all the measurements and so on but on the other hand I'd love to see what it will look like when done. I'm hoping Steve will share his MIP frame design/photos. So I can get some thoughts on what would be good as a support for the MIP. In the beginning I wanted to make an enclosure but as I'm in an apartment now I have to think multitasking with the space I have available so I'm going more modular.

Looking forward to seeing more of your design and construction work when get building.

Hello Ronson2k9
You have done a very good work
I'd like to know how have you made the internal mechanism of the control in order to allow them move quickly forward and backward when you push the button but slowly when spining the controls

Thank you very much

[espejor]

Hi
Have you try with sketchup

[espejor]

That looks great. I have tried Blender but as you mentioned the learning curve with any 3d program is fairly steep and unfortunatley I gave up on it. I was looking for something quick and easy, to see how pieces fit together and Sketchup seems to handle that pretty well.

I know how you feel about lack of space for your project. I had to convince the wife that my Cessna wouldn't take much room in our house. It will probably take up most of our study. She's already complained about having to move the Saitek Yoke of the desk every time she want to use the computer, so I wonder how she will feel with a full size cockpit in her house! :roll:

Cheers

Rhydian
Hi
Have you try with sketchup