To SOUTH AFRICAN builders - plzzzzzz

[shearder]

shearder, If you do find a good plastic provider in SA, please let me know?

And did you see my post about the Light Tape? It think it could also be a used to light up your Perspex panel.

I definately did see the light taper thanks.

Fritz, you are in Namibia - am i correct?

I bought the perspex from Maizey Plastics in Edenvale. They are pretty reasonable and the guy offered me details of someone with a CNC if needed - but i didn't take it - was thinking about costs. They seems to have much of, i guess, what one would need.

[fweinrebe]

Ja in Windhoek Namibia.

I visit Gauteng from time to time so its good to know where all the suppliers are. Thks for the Plastics shop.

Also can't wait for Mike's second book.

[shearder]

Not a problem Fritz
They are at http://www.maizey.co.za/ - perhaps you can check the site out and find one that will be closest to where you will be.

[flyandre]

Hi,

Electronics123.co.za they do mail orders as well.

Any other builders willing to share fsbus cdk code ?


Regards

Andre

[shearder]

Thanks Andre. Much appreciated. I know them so i will have a look on the site.

What ratio did you use on the throttles? 1:4 higher?

[robjs1000]

Hi all SA builders, just thought to introduce myself, have been on this website for a while but not in the posting area. Currently building a 737NG (you can see photos in the gallery area listed under my handle). See also the homebuilding section website x-plane.co.za managed by Alex.

Progress mainly in the front shell and MIP with parts designed in CAD and cut on a panel router (wood bits) and a waterjet cutter (plastic bits). Most of my electronic hardware is from either RS Components, Communica, Opencockpits. To keep the cost down I have designed and manufactured most of the multifunction switches myself (piggybacking switch hardware behind one another using a lathe to make shafts and other bits & pieces).

For control hardware I will be using BU086 boards and for more sophisticated controls IO boards from Flightdeck Technology (already use these in my current desktop set-up). I plan to use software known as FSXPAND for the PFD, ND, EICAS displays.

So far am experimenting with MIP & MCP backlighting options (using ccfl tubes) and making annuniciators with integrated LED's. It will take a while to balance all the lighting strengths and to figure an acceptable solution. My first working instrument (a R40 clock !!!) has been installed...

Will post photos of progress as the project comes along.

Rob

[shearder]

FANTASTIC!! If you EVER feel like helping a fellow builder LOL let me know; likewise, if i can help - let me know - I have a company (not my own) in Centurion that will be making panel fronts from Lexan either cut out or not, solid lettering or transparent for back lighting.

Anyways, it is good to know there are other guys in SA doing their thing

I am in Midrand. What area are you??

[robjs1000]

Hi, I live in Irene near Centurion, thus not too far, any help or exchange of ideas will always be welcome, if you would like to see real live progress, anytime.
Would be good to understand how you are doing the panels, if you look at my photos on this site you will see an example of the MCP that has a lexan back structure and a 1 mm ABS plastic front in which letters are cut out, thus allowing backlighting to work.
How effective this will be is still a question, but am getting nearer the point to test in different lighting conditions.

[shearder]

I will be in Centurion tomorrow to discuss soome further ideas and get some samples from them tomorrow. This to send to guys, like Matt - on this site, and for my own purposes. Basically they will be doing lexan panel fronts in a number of ways
1. standard - charcoal with white print on a sheet - self cut,
2. standard - charcoal with white print - laser cut,
3. backlight - charcoal with clear print on a sheet - self cut
4. backlight - charcoal with clear print - laser cut

etc...

I would be happy to see your build and show you the samples - if they are completed tomorrow - I am busy with FSBus boards but I am really having a battle etching the boards - more with time than anything else. I will be doing the cockpit out of MDF but only the Captian side. I have 3 PCs that I will be using and also contemplating FSXpand.

Sadly (not really) I bought a Thrust Master HOTAS just before deciding to build the cockpit and this was to replace a standard joystick (logitech). But I guess if i had waited i would have rather built a yoke and throttle quad etc. But I will put these to use and have a cross-over 737NG/Generic cockpit.

Already have 2 x 23" LCDs for front view and a 19" LCD and 17" CRT for instruments ala FSXpand

[robjs1000]

I'm on holiday in the Cape at the moment but will be back before the w/e, thus if you want to visit let me know. I can show you what I have done so far with FSXPAND as well.