Project 747 Reality

[visualchaosfx]

I've dubbed my project as "Project 747 Reality" because I'm attempting to make a 747 simpit a reality.

1st off I've been doing alot of thinking about the design. I guess what I could really do, to lighten the load, is buy prefabricated panels and stuff. But I think what I want to do is make the panels myself and I've already started a design on the MIP in 3D Studio Max:

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/5443/mipdraft1awk2.th.jpg (http://img83.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mipdraft1awk2.jpg)

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/5971/mipdraft1blk7.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mipdraft1blk7.jpg)http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3290/mipdraft1beh0.th.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mipdraft1beh0.jpg)

As you can see, the areas where the monitors will go for the PFD and ND, EICAS are raised somewhat. The monitors on the very end of this panel will point inward.

The panel currently measures out to 64" x 15 1/4" Basically a 2 seater simulator thats only gonna be flown by me. I may do up a design for a 1 seater. The base of the panel would be constructed out of 1/2" or 3/4" MDF and will be fiberglassed to give it the smooth look and raised monitors holder thingies as illustrated in the image. Its not going to be an exact replica of a 747 cockpit but it will have a likeness to it with my own creative touches, especially if I go ahead and decide to do a 2 seater. Also was thinking about, since I have limited room, that this could be a desktop simulator as well.

But I thought I would post some WIPs and see what ya'll think of the idea.

[NicD]

Great you're underway!

Don't want to discourage you but alot of builders I've seen/read-of who did their own MIPS have either regretted it or ended up purchasing prefab ones in the end anyway. Just a word of caution is all.

How come your screen spaces aren't aligned horizontally? Alignment is important for good instrument scan.

[Trevor Hale]

Nic,

I happen to know of a couple people that make their own panels... Myself included, and to be honest with you, those that make their own panels feel a larger sense of accomplishment.

You are 100% Correct though, that if they do not turn out the way you want, you need to redo them until your happy. Personally I cannot afford Prefab panels, and if I could, nobody makes them. LOL

I think the thoery here is, if you can afford them, and you want to see results right away, buy them. If you can't afford them and you have the time to build them, Go for it.

Great Idea Visualchaosfx.

I would love to see your pictures as you progress.

Fantastic!

[dodiano]

Great you're underway!

Don't want to discourage you but alot of builders I've seen/read-of who did their own MIPS have either regretted it or ended up purchasing prefab ones in the end anyway. Just a word of caution is all.

How come your screen spaces aren't aligned horizontally? Alignment is important for good instrument scan.

I think that is true for Scan they should be alligned it is much better or you can get dizzy buddy but then again just a suggestion... Nice work Dude!

Roberto

[Michael Carter]

I would have probably bought mine too if anyone made them. I thought long and hard about making my own too, but it's not the same as making individual panels for the overhead, or even building a throttle.

Too many dimensions and too many holes that need precise placement.

I'd rather build things like the instrument bezels and the framework to hold the panels.

I was going to build my own out of necessity until my 727 instrument panel came up on e-Bay. Now I have a real MIP.

[visualchaosfx]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I would go out and buy prefabs but man, their expensive. Like the one at Flightdeck Solutions. $649.00?? I'm not discounting the quality or anything but I'd rather spend that much money just to get the GoFlight MCP.

But with getting a prefabbed MIP, I have the option of back lighting it but the way I was thinking of lighting the custom MIP is to mount 6" red or blue mini neon tubes on the underside of the glareshield and have a knob control the dimming of the neons so it doesn't get to bright.

The overhead panel, I think I'm gonna go with the traditional look. I thought maybe I could find one that is already assembled and all I would have to do is wire it or interface it with the computer, but I haven't had any luck finding such a thing. But I'm not worried about that right now.

The throttle: I was thinking of doing something like this:

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1172026432

Its the 4th image from the top.

Or getting a GF-TQ6 throttle quad from Goflight. Haven't decided yet. Lots to think about though.:) <small>
</small>

[Bob Reed]

Hello Visualchaosfx and welcome. You are about to start down the path of the dark side... Never to return! There is nothing wrong with building your own panels. In fact as has been stated here I have seen some real nice ones. I do not think there is an overhead panel that comes pre assembled, in fact I can tell you there is not one for any aircraft. This hobby is very high$$ but if you just take one step at a time and go slow the expenditures can be more then manageable. There are lots of builders in this forum with all kinds of skills and knowledge and they love to share it. Ask questions! But one other thing.... PATIENCE!!!! That will get you a long way in this hobby!

[visualchaosfx]

Yep its gonna be a long road. I'm gonna do some designs for a 1 seater later on tonite. Although I would like to have a 2 seat simulator but since I'm gonna be the only one using it, might as well do a design for a 1 seater.:p

[dodiano]

Nic,

I happen to know of a couple people that make their own panels... Myself included, and to be honest with you, those that make their own panels feel a larger sense of accomplishment.

You are 100&#37; Correct though, that if they do not turn out the way you want, you need to redo them until your happy. Personally I cannot afford Prefab panels, and if I could, nobody makes them. LOL



Ok Dude I have some panels that came from a Citation and other Biz Jets maybe I have something that might help you... don&#180;t know much the Falcon but probably there is something there you could use need your email and I&#180;ll send ya pics if they are suitabel they are yours DEUDE!!

Roberto

[Trevor Hale]

Right on, I have sent you a PM.

[visualchaosfx]

After thinking about this for a few days I have decided to build a 1 seat 747 simulator because I'm gonna be the only one using it and because of the limited space I'm going to be putting this in.

Objectives:

1. Build my own MIP (Design Stage)
2. Either build an MCP or buy one. Haven't decided at this point
3. CDU to be purchased at PMDG way down the road lol.
4. Overhead panel (See question below)

Is there any other place that has a 747 overhead panel thats cheaper? I've looked at the one at Flightdeck Solutions and its $999.00 for just the panel itself. Hardware optional. Its not a bad price I guess but I was just curious if any other place has one cheaper with or without the hardware.

[AndyT]

Ok, I'm a real life GA pilot and I built my sim as a GA plane. I built my own panel and I'm very glad I did. Even if it does not have the spit and polish of a pre-made panel, I like it just that much better. Each and every drop of sweat and frustration only adds to the value of it.

But, I should like to give you a peice of advice before you get crazy with it. Design your MIP in your CAD program or whatever it is you are using, and then build it out of cardboard. You can get empty refridgerator boxes from appliance stores and they are PERFECT for testing your designs.

Cut the panel out of the cardboard and mount it in your frame and play with it. Imagine you are flying and play. Note how much clearance you have behind each cut-out. Is that set of switches too far away? Use the cardboard to get your design kinks worked out BEFORE you invest time and money in a metal or wood solution.

:D

[visualchaosfx]

Yep, I plan on doing the cardboard setup first. Thanks for the tip though.:D

[AndyT]

Where in Michigan do you live? I used to live in Howell for a number of years, now my wife and I are back home in Hawaii.

[visualchaosfx]

Where in Michigan do you live? I used to live in Howell for a number of years.

I live in Cheboygan County. About 29 miles from the Mackinaw Bridge.


Now my wife and I are back home in Hawaii.

Lucky you! We just got plastered with wet snow and high winds late Thursday night. So you've seen Duane "Dog" Chapman locally then?

[AndyT]

Yeah, you can see him crusing the island looking for his next target. :lol:

I so do NOT miss the snow! As soon as someone invents warm snow, I'll be down for it!

[visualchaosfx]

Yeah, you can see him crusing the island looking for his next target. :lol:

I so do NOT miss the snow! As soon as someone invents warm snow, I'll be down for it!

Shoot there's warm snow right now. Its 30 degrees outside. Personally I like the fluffy snow. Its alot easier on the snowblower lol.

[AndyT]

Oh well. I'll just suffer along here in paradise. :D

[visualchaosfx]

Oh well. I'll just suffer along here in paradise. :D

Yeah yeah yeah. You just had to rub it in didn't ya lol:)