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kalz
03-13-2011, 11:41 AM
Hi

I recently bought the kit from the OC website for 737 FMC. This is my first time using OC to build something myself although I have used OC plug n play hardware before.

My question is:
how do i connect the OC usb card to the FMC pcb. Will the following IDC connector (to be soldered onto FMC pcb) work?
http://www.rapidonline.com/Cables-Connectors/Connectors-Multipole/IDC-Connectors/IDC-Straight-boxed-header-2.54mm-pitch/178120/kw/40+way+idc+boxed+header

Also I cant seem to find a 40 pin ribbon cable. Could somebody point me in the right direction? Ive come across 40 pin style ribbon cables with only 39 blocks.

Thanks in advance

Kalz
kiek
03-13-2011, 11:47 AM
Hi,


My question is:
how do i connect the OC usb card to the FMC pcb.?

The FMC pcb should be connected to a USB Key card from OC, not the OC usb card...

rgrds,
Nico
kalz
03-13-2011, 11:54 AM
Hi Nico

Thanks for quick reply.
My understanding is : FMC PCB ----- USB Key Card (which I have)

Uncertainty is around the connector to solder onto FMC PCB. Will the connector I have link for in above post be suitable?

Thanks
Kalz
kiek
03-13-2011, 01:59 PM
Uncertainty is around the connector to solder onto FMC PCB. Will the connector I have link for in above post be suitable?

I think so, you need a 40 way IDC connector. For ribbon cable you only have pay attention to the type of connectors you need, presumably one male and one female. The 40th missing way is not a problem, it is not being used.
fordgt40
03-13-2011, 03:34 PM
Kalz

This link might help

http://www.737ng.co.uk/djb/opencockpits_fmc.pdf

David
mefiu
03-13-2011, 06:55 PM
I don't know what pinouts has the OC FMC pcb you bought, but OC USB Keys card have a standard 40-pins male connector.
What you need to connect these two is a standard 40-pins strip (cable), the same that connects ATA hard disks to the computer's mainboard, and the very same standard 40-pins male connector to be velded into the OC FMC pcb.

I cant seem to find a 40 pin ribbon cable
Go ask in any electronic shop in your vicinity. 100% sure they have one.
Kennair
03-14-2011, 01:35 AM
Kalz

This link might help

http://www.737ng.co.uk/djb/opencockpits_fmc.pdf

David

Excellent document David. Makes a daunting task look pretty easy. If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend the LED strip lighting (available cheap on ebay) for backlighting.

Cheers,

Ken.
nax228
03-14-2011, 03:57 AM
Excellent document David. Makes a daunting task look pretty easy. If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend the LED strip lighting (available cheap on ebay) for backlighting.

Cheers,

Ken.

I opened my OC FMC for the purpose of installing some LED strips, but couldn't really find any room for it.
Have anyone actually backlighted this FMC? I would love to learn how it's done with good result.
fordgt40
03-14-2011, 04:59 AM
Ken

Thanks for kind comments and yes, I have since backlit the FMC with strip lighting. Very fiddly, particularly masking the joint between the carrier plate and the key edges to avoid bleed through:roll:

Nax

You can run led strips horizontally between every other line of keys and supplement dark spots with individual leds. The line select keys are very difficult however, I still need to install some very small smd leds there. Will see if I can find some photos.

David
mefiu
03-14-2011, 05:09 AM
You can run led strips horizontally between every other line of keys and supplement dark spots with individual leds.
The best possible results you can get nowadays is to use these little switches with built-in leds:
http://www.maritex.com.pl/pl/shop/productInfo/ggid/9257/pid/10675/page/1/backurl
No worries about masking side lights, but you have to design your own pcb, because no existing one will handle them. I did one for myself. It's double-sided and pretty complex if you endeavour making one at home.
Barrykensett
03-14-2011, 05:43 PM
I used led switches but did not attempt to make a PCB. You can see how I built mine on www.a320sim.com. Look under pedestal, MCDU.
Barry
Kennair
03-15-2011, 02:01 AM
Barry slightly off topic but that is a very impressive sim build. Have really enjoyed perusing your site.

Cheers and thanks for the link,

Ken.
kalz
03-18-2011, 05:55 AM
All,

Many thanks for your help with this project.
The FMC is coming along very well.
As suggested earlier by Nico and meifu the correct connector is indeed the 40pin (2 x 20) IDC connector
For anyone struggling for the cable, I found the 40 pin cable on e-bay.

Thanks

Kalz
kalz
05-22-2011, 06:32 PM
Please ignore. Mispost can't seem to delete.