Panels or DSTD?

[737NG Builder]

Can I please get advice from everyone on this.

I am learning about interfacing and all the wiring, told it wont take too long. My question is whether to buy a Dual Seat Training Device and have FDS build it or buy the panels myself and build them?

My only comment is that I am not as much of a handyman as all of you so to me (at the moment) the DSTD looks like a better, more reliable option.

[Bob Reed]

That is going to be a personal thing that only you can answer. For me part of the joy of this hobby is building so I would not want to lose that. The other is the $$. So you have to ask yourself, do you want to do the building or not...

[737NG Builder]

The thing is I can't trust myself to fully build the hardware properly. Sure I mean I can build the nose and I will build other stuff around the nose to add to the realism but with a panel...im just not sure. Also (and I think I just convinced myself) when FDS builds it they test it and make it fully functional (without Monitors) before sending it to me.

[QF-347]

hey Lewis mate,
do u have 12 grand to spend on the DSTD?
or would you rather the oh say 6 grand on panels and all that jazz,
to me the cost is the main factor so i would rather get the panels
and then spend the extra 6 grand on overheads and pedestals and stuff
but you may have different ideas hehe,

camo :D

[Bob Reed]

The other thing is are you sure the price you are seeing is for a functioning unit? I always thought that the price he showed was just for the panels and frame work, you had to add your own computer hardware, interface and so forth. Might want to check that. Drop PC a line.

[ivar hestnes]

A dual seat trainer is an absolute comfortable choice, but there is a lot of things you have to learn anyway. And the learning stuff from building a sim is fun.

I would absolutely build everything myself if I were you. It gives satisfaction:D

It is not that difficult and there is a lot of people to answer all your questions right here:D

I didnt know crap for 18 months ago, now my shell is almost finished, My MIP is almost complete. And all overhead parts +++ will be shipped soon. I am really looking forward to build and wire the overhead. It will be a good challenge:)

You have plenty of time to do things yourself since delivery-times for cockpit parts can be very long.

Just my thought;)

[737NG Builder]

Ok, so where would you recommend I get the MIP? The thing is FDS has their new IBL (integrated back lighting) panels so they are really nice. Also is there a good place where I could buy a mip frame? I found one here: http://www.aerodeckengineering.com/Products/InstrumentStand/instrumentstand.php

[ivar hestnes]

I have the signature MIP from FDS and is very happy with that, but have ordered the IBL conversion kit. My MCP has IBL and I want my panels to be the same.

Lots of places to buy the MIP. Your desicion to make.

The MIP stand you can easy build yourself. It is not a hard task. And you will enjoy everything you make yourself more than stuff you buy.

Or go for the dual seat trainer and you dont have to think about that.

Here is a big point.

Sim-building is not like going in to a supermarket and buy everything you want and then everything works perfect. There will always be a struggle. At some point, before or later you have to do things on your own. And believe me, that is the fun part.

If you have enough money, you can always buy a finished sim. Many of the parts suppliers can do that for you. But you miss the fun;)

Happy shopping:D

[Bob Reed]

I could not have said it better myself Ivar!! :p