Hi from Northern California (building a helciopter sim)

[Jetprovost]

I started a thread in the "MY COCKPIT UPDATE" forum with some pictures of my first steps as components arrive.

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/showthread.php?t=17681

[Jetprovost]

Good news! - I dabbled with Anti Torque pedals for a bit, but have decided to start by concentrating on the panel. I managed to source some authentic klixon switches and some push to test lights. I have a few questions for you...
Does Leos board do outputs (lights) as well as inputs?
Are you planning on hardwiring power via the battery switch to the other switches or just letting the interface and software handle it?

Thanks,
Stuart

[Jetprovost]

Well I am glad I am not the only novice around here See attached photos of my push to test lights. Very easy to wire - 3 posts 1: Ground 2: Signal voltage (from your interface card - this will light the light if conditions are right) and 3: This is direct to power which lights up when you push to test.

It is in a test state right now, as I am still sourcing parts and a main panel.

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[Jarod]

Hi all! As spitfire9 said in the posts, hovercontrol has some really good stuff at their website, for pictures go to: SimPits and Hardware and for forum chat go to: Home Cockpits and Hardware

I am setting up a micro helicopter cockpit myself. Micro because it has to be small enough to stove it away when needed. Made a small website about the project, but since I just started it - no pics yet But it will come.

Link to the Micro Helicopter Sim.

Off course I will also add the pictures here as the project moves forward. It is always great to see others peoples simpits. Gives me motivation and inspiration - often needed!!

Happy simming!

[Jetprovost]

OK so it has been a while, but I finally finished my CAD drawings of my panel and received it back from the water jet company. I have been concentrating on the panel and getting the authentic parts from various places. I 'dry fit' tested the components I have managed to get so far (all the swithces, lights, and some guages). I am missing the mixture control, 3 engine guages, and all the flight instruments oh and avionics. I have plenty to be getting on with though. I plan to use the Simkits guages with custom face plates. See attached face plate designs I made in Powerpoint. So now a few coats of gray paint and wet & dry sanding and then its on to the lettering!

[Jetprovost]

Here is the panel painted and 'dry fitted' to ensure the lettering will fit. I am awaiting delivery of the Pulsar decal system (http://www.pulsarprofx.com/DecalPRO/index.html) to enable me to convert these laser printed labels into white decals. I will let you know how it goes....

[Geremy Britton]

Welcome to the madness, you're already away with the building of your sim. Keep up updated as to how it goes and of course if you have any questions were all here to help, there are many helicopter 'experts' with us.
Thanks for the pictures too.

[Sweetwater]

Jetprovost,

Thank you for the interesting decal link... That might just do the trick for my C441 panels that are being cut as we speak...

Jeff

[Jetprovost]

Hi Jeff,

I will let you know how it all works. The materials are on their way.

I ordered 'al la carte' as opposed to the starter set.

FYI For white decals you need:

GBC "Personal" Laminator (Its listed on the decal site for $69, but Presentations Direct have the same laminator for $24.95
KK-2000 Adhesive (Getting this from Joanns Fabrics for the same price and doesn't impact UPS shipping)
Carrier Board
Carrier Foil
Toner Transfer Paper
1226 Pigment White Toner Reactive Foil

Stuart

[Jetprovost]

Well my decal supplies arrived - Boy you need some practice and patience! 7 Hours Later I got 2 labels done. However, I learnty a lot along the way - You definately need a day to practice with scrap panel amterials. It is a 10 step process.

1. Print off your label ont eh special paper via a laser printer
2. Dry with heat gun
3. Cut it out and cover with the white foil and run through the laminator
4. Remove white foil and clean up with masking tape
5. Cover with mylar carrier and run through laminator again (I ran it through 3 times)
6. Trim and run through laminator again
7. Place in water bath and await spearation of film from paper
8. Dry film
9. Apply adhesive
10. Stick to panel

At any step something can (and usually does!) go wrong. from wrinkles inthe foil to not sticking the label on straight. HOWEVER the results are worth the effort. I am hoping that the rest of the labels go on much quicker than todays efforts.