cost-conscious Boeing 737NG throttle

[freddehboy]

Hi

I have the PMDG737NGX and I want to use the 737ngx cockpit together with some hardware panels and stuff. I already have:
VrInsight MCP combo
VrInright CDUII

The next parts are:
Yoke and throttle, these two are expensive so I will build a own (motorized) yoke and thottle by myself, in my own style!

How will it cost if you are comparing to buy a new one?

There is to expensive to build a complete 737ng cockpit//
Fredrik

[Efe Cem Elci]

Here is a crude comparison that will give you an idea:
- purchasing motorized third party yoke or throttle cost: an arm and a leg (really)
- converting actual yoke or throttle into motorized version cost: an arm and some time
- making your own motorized yoke or throttle cost: lots of time

[freddehboy]

Hi

:) hehe I have figure it out the time will cost, a lot of but I am not scared to it, I would also learn alot of electronic during the time?

If I will build from the begining what will that cost, about?

[birdyguy]

Hi freddehboy,

I am nearing the end (I hope) of my home made 737ngx throttle quadrant. I figure after all the dust settles it will have cost me around 600 Canadian dollars. The hours I've put into it, I can't begin to add up. It's lots and lots. Mine wont be motorized at this time. A new motorized unit will probably deplete your wallet of around 3000 Euro..give or take. Of the 600 dollars worth of supplies I bought, I probably have enough stuff left over to build another as it's difficult to order a half sheet of mdf for instance, or try to buy a half litre of paint etc.

Hope this gives you an idea of costs,

All the best

Ed

PS: You're welcome to check out my throttle build at www.737ngxca.com for ideas etc.

[GPreddy]

Freddehboy,

I am pretty much in the same boat as you. I'm only fifteen, so even purchasing something like the vrinsight cdu is too much for me. As a result, I elected to build everything myself.

I currently use a ch products yoke, but I scratchbuilt a throttle quadrant for myself out of basswood, mdf, radioshack potentiometers, and desktop aviator cards. I also literally just finished motorizing it using an arduino uno board and a cheap servo motor. It may not be professional quality, but it only cost me about $150 and does all the same things a real tq would do.

I also have a scratchbuilt mcp, scratchbuilt console with landing gear lever (and soon to be operating gear indicator lights) and a scratchbuilt overhead panel. It all interfaces with fsuipc and the ifly 737ng.

I would love to help you out if you wanted to build your own tq. Just send me an email at gnwwiisteve@gmail.com and I can send you some pics.

[freddehboy]

Hi

That sound not so expensive like a new one but do you really mean about 3000EUR for a motorized?



Hi freddehboy,

I am nearing the end (I hope) of my home made 737ngx throttle quadrant. I figure after all the dust settles it will have cost me around 600 Canadian dollars. The hours I've put into it, I can't begin to add up. It's lots and lots. Mine wont be motorized at this time. A new motorized unit will probably deplete your wallet of around 3000 Euro..give or take. Of the 600 dollars worth of supplies I bought, I probably have enough stuff left over to build another as it's difficult to order a half sheet of mdf for instance, or try to buy a half litre of paint etc.

Hope this gives you an idea of costs,

All the best

Ed

PS: You're welcome to check out my throttle build at www.737ngxca.com for ideas etc.

[mpl330]

Hi

That sound not so expensive like a new one but do you really mean about 3000EUR for a motorized?

If you buy a ready made motorized tq then yes it can be about 3k depending on supplier e.g. http://shop.revolution-simproducts.com/category.php?id_category=5

Cheers
Mike

[birdyguy]

Hi freddehoy,

The costs rise fast it seems. For my home build 45 for mdf, 100 for switches and buttons, 100 for bodnar card and potentio meters, paint and brushes 80, software 30 , avery sheets , nuts and bolts and various screws 50. plastic gears 25, pulse switches 25 and many other various little items that add up after awhile.

Hope this gives you a bit of an idea of costs.

Ed

[freddehboy]

Hi

I now but if you build a own a motorized not buy a new one?

[birdyguy]

Hi

I now but if you build a own a motorized not buy a new one?

Hi freddehboy,

For me the reasoning is that there may be things I wont be able to build on my own, so if I save money building my own throttle, that will free up money to buy those things I can't build myself. This type of economic view will be my strategy through out my build. To me, a motorized unit is not a P1 requirement. As long as I have a throttle that I am happy with, then that's fine for me. Everyone of us is different though, we all look at things in a different way, and what is good for one, may not be so pleasing to another. It's all about what YOU want in your sim pit.

All the best,

Ed

[freddehboy]

Hi

Exactly what I thinking at. I have not ask if you can build a motorized throttle?

If not, I am maybe going buy one in the future? If you can build one, is depends on what it will cost?

If I can build a non moto... for about 600$ I am satisfied, if a motor...... will cost about 200$ more the dream has come true!

Is a moto.... throttle will cost about 2200$ to build if not worth it, do you see my point?

My I ask, must I have a motor...... if you will see the thorttle movement according form the autopilot? Stupid question :)

The only differnences are as nonmotor...... you must move the throttle in the correct position when you are disconnecting the autopilot (autothrottle)!

Best Fredrik

[birdyguy]

Hi Fredrik,

Yes it is quite possible to build a motorized unit and I should think probably for another 200 or less. You would need a servo motor for each lever you want to motorize and for trim wheels also I should think. I have no idea of the costs of these servo motors and at this time I know very little about them.

It isn't necessary to have a motorized unit but I have to believe it would be a lot more realistic to have. I wish I had a motorized unit, but at the moment my knowledge base is a bit limited when it comes to electronics.

One thing I forgot to mention, search this forum and read every thread. The amount of information with in is incredible. You will learn something about everything when it comes to building a home sim pit :-)

Hope this helps ,

Ed

[freddehboy]

Hi

As all of you now I am planning to build a motorized 737ng throttle but in my style and inm the most easiest way. I have read a little of what stuff I am going to need!

That bring a lot of question to sort out:
1.)
The most important to understand are the diff... USB pc card to connec between the throttle and mine computer. The type of cards you need are according to what you are going to build. The principal of this are that you must have a master card who are controling the other?

2.)
I have seen that some has DC motor instead of servos but what are the best way to go and the most easiest way?

3.)
Where can I find the diff... size of the real throttle etc. etc.?

More question will come//
Best Fredrik

[birdyguy]

Hi Fredrick,



That bring a lot of question to sort out:
1.)
The most important to understand are the diff... USB pc card to connec between the throttle and mine computer. The type of cards you need are according to what you are going to build. The principal of this are that you must have a master card who are controling the other?

I use the Bodnar card for my throttle inputs. It offers both axes and buttons. It's reasonably priced and to date I have not had any issues with it whatsoever. http://www.leobodnar.com/products/BU0836X/

2.)
I have seen that some has DC motor instead of servos but what are the best way to go and the most easiest way?

No idea on this one. Dont know much about either of these devices.


3.)
Where can I find the diff... size of the real throttle etc. etc.?

Try this site http://www.737ngproject.be/ I have found a good deal of my throttle information here. Reading this forum from start to finish isn't an option, it's a must do. So much information to be found. As you sort through it, you will find all kinds of sites to visit. Also have a look at Claus's site if you haven't already. He has built a great throttle for very low cost. http://www.737sim.dk/ These are just a few of my favouites, but there are far too many to list in this post.

Ed

[freddehboy]

Hi

Can I switch the site: http://www.737ngproject.be/ to English?

I will build with servos for throttle, flaps & speedbrake but what servos can I use for the project and what weight must the servos manage?

I do have Saxöx Digital Servo SC1258 x2 these are from a RC racer car! Can I use it? They are build to handle 12kg!

Fredrik

[birdyguy]

Hi

Can I switch the site: http://www.737ngproject.be/ to English?

I use Chrome. It asks if you want to translate. I think FireFox has a built in translator also. For sure the pages translate.



I will build with servos for throttle, flaps & speedbrake but what servos can I use for the project and what weight must the servos manage?


No idea on this. Sorry. If you find out please let me know.


I do have Saxöx Digital Servo SC1258 x2 these are from a RC racer car! Can I use it? They are build to handle 12kg!

Fredrik

Can't help with servos as I dont know anything about them yet. Maybe someone else can offer help on that one.

[freddehboy]

Hi all

You can follow the projekt in the forum!

I have desided to start my projekt in building a motorized 737ng throttle, yoke and peddals!

I have no time line so it may take the time it takes :) and the cost, I hope, it will be spread out over a couple of year!
Best Fredrik