737-200

[dc8flightdeck]

this is a real 737 that i am helping to convert into a sim. Many of the instruments will be functional when finished.

Here are some gauge test links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNROl5WSaiw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZJvVHC9KBI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVgmNnVoL-Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iisYLsJFuW4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAsA-bo73W0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvXW_L549aI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NozRV9lkSM

[Matt Olieman]

NICE!!!!!! even got wheels :) :) :) Good work on the servos!!!!

Thanks for the links and Pic.

[737NUT]

Nice job!
I started with the engine gauges, got all those done now i'm starting where you have finished. Any close up pics of how you integrated the servo's into the ADI? I have to RMI's, and HSI, and an altimeter and airspeed gauge to go. LOL
Thanks
Rob

[dc8flightdeck]

I have found that each manufacturer, in addition to the different models, of instruments fabricates them in different ways. I have to work on each instrument on a case by case basis. In regards to the ADI's, I used JB weld to mount servos inside the standbys.

The main ADI's are using sychro senders on 400hz. Those units require external signal amplifiers and were a bit complicated to get to work.

In the past I either used simkits or flightillusion units for the altimeters since the multicontroller will not run them.

Rob, have you shot any video of your gauges in action? ;) We finished the engine gauges first as well. I need to order the computer that will run the guages in the sim. The main PC is 64bit Windows 7 which of course will not drive a multicontroller. Right now im using my old laptop to test the units.

[737NUT]

I don't have a vid cam but i may try with my cell phone. Can't guarantee the quality. :)

[dc8flightdeck]

Any video is better than none :) Photos are not good enough for showing moving gauges. Ive just used the video function on my digital camera so I dont have to go to the effort to capture the video from my tape camcorder.

On the flaps gauge did you interface both needles? We just glued them together and are using the sychro to drive both needles together. Im not worried about being able to simulate a flap malfunction, I dont even know if FSX even simulates flap malfunctions.

Today I will be finished with the 2nd Officer's VSI and will start on the oil and hydrualic gauges.

[dc8flightdeck]

Video of the TQ servos test

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mlm1OTQqig

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MAfm6tnv88

Throttle converion by Art at Northern Flight Sims

[dc8flightdeck]

Here is a new video clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM4UdFJsIOY)of panels being tested in the sim

[dc8flightdeck]

a webpage update! This has a new video i think you will enjoy as well as footage of the museum grand opening
http://blueangel.site90.net/1_7_737-200.html

[dc8flightdeck]

http://blueangel.site90.net/1_7_737-200.html

[dc8flightdeck]

Here is a recent video of the 737. 737 2013 Update 1 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hotit9vwUU)
The autopilot driven trim wheel is new.

Work is in progress to interface the generator and APU controls. The battery switch is now interfaced and cuts off the "DC bus" to make possible a dark cockpit start. The instructor can fail the main ADI's and force the crew to fly on the standby horizon.

Justin

[fsaviator]

Nice vid!

Can you expound a bit on what you use for ground services and voice control?

[OmniAtlas]

Nice vid!

Can you expound a bit on what you use for ground services and voice control?

Looks like GSX to me

[dc8flightdeck]

Correct it is GSX. Its a great program. Its not optimized for use in a functional cockpit but it was worth the effort to interface.

[Avro748]

I'm guessing you're using Tinmouse as the software? Also, do you have any plans to interface an analogue HSI? I can understand why you're using a screen for it. It would probably take around seven servos, not including the flags.

[dc8flightdeck]

Actually, I wasnt aware of the Tinmouse 737. That appears for be for FS9? My server computer is just using the stock FSX 737NG. I have Captain sim's beautiful United 737-200 on the clients for visuals, but Captainsim is full of functions that work with mouse clicks only so Im not using it for the server at this time.

The HSI is bottom on the "maybe" list. Would be nice, but there is much other work to do first. There comes a point where some lines must be drawn :) What I would really like first is to get the RMIs to work.

For ATC the sim is connected to PilotEdge.

Justin

[Avro748]

There is a port-over of it for X. I have it myself, and I think that it's better than the CS one. The SP-77 AP is more realistic from what I've read, and it's freeware, so outputs will probably be easier. Plus, it works better with the CIVA INS gauge, and includes panel CFGs to accommodate it. It also has a PCDS, which I'm not sure CS includes. The FSX port-over is relatively new, so I can see why you didn't know about it. Luckily, the port-over issues are minimal. I don't even remember if there were any.

----------Unrelated Question Alert!----------
By the way, what software are you using for your DC8 sim? Do you have any videos of it in action?

[dc8flightdeck]

I have video of it being transported. DC-8 Transport - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DronSh28CuQ)

The DC-8 was briefly connected to FS9 in 2006 but hasnt had a computer connected since. Ive simply been collecting parts for it over time. A few month ago I picked up the overhead assembly I was missing. This DC-8 was part of the 1955 Pan Am order of the very first american built jetliners. It may be the only surving cockpit.

Justin

[Avro748]

It sucks how quickly these wonderful classics are dissapearing, the only cockpit section of a 748 is at a museum in the UK. All others are either scrapped or still in service. I did see a restoration project once, but the site hasn't been updated in ages.

[dc8flightdeck]

Here is a new video of the recently integrated overhead speaker and hand mic system with PilotEdge ATC.

737 sim hand mike test 2013 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbwcmbHJRs8&feature=youtu.be)

[dc8flightdeck]

A friend took some pics in the sim today.

[dc8flightdeck]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH3gt9EXiAI&feature=youtu.be

A new video! :p