Making my own instruments ...

[neuman5022]

Hello Folks

Maybe it is too crazy - but If you don't ask you don't know

Looking at the prices of even small simple instruments make me grin. So as a general idea I would like to ask you guys - what would I need to do this.

I know you got to have a servo or a stepper motor to drive the needle/s, a controller to control the servo/stepper, and somehow to interface it with FSUIPC/PMSYSTEMS etc.

Is there any Phidget card that can do part of the task ?

Can the FS2PHIDGETS SW be a part in the interfacing ?

I guess I am not the first one thinking this way - Can you assist me finding someone or somewhere to start looking for info ?

Cheers

Isaac

[smendlik]

This is best resource I know of: http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/. He has a book dedicated to making gauges and provides a lot of help on this site as well.

[fordgt40]

Isaac

Try this link for a very simple gauge that uses an Opencockpits servo control card and the SIOC programming language

http://www.737ng.co.uk/djb/brake_pressure_gauge.pdf

More complex gauges such as the overhead Duct Pressure gauge with dual needles are also easily made using concentric shafts and two servos.

David

[twisted8]

I have made a few gauges using opencockpits cards. I used a stepper motor and a couple gears to make a wet compass. It's really not that hard and not very expensive. Give it a try!

[neuman5022]

Thanks People

I guess the OpenCockpits solution is the way to go. However I have no clue how to do the programming - I guess I will have to lear this from scratch.

Cheers

Isaac

[fordgt40]

Isaac

SIOC can be daunting, but not so much if you take it step by step and not expect instant results or to be a tyro by reading the manual once (or even hardly at all). Before you make any commitments I suggest you read this link and others on this site to gain an appreciation of the task

http://www.lekseecon.nl/howto.html

Regards

David

[CocnutAir]

I built my own flap gauge and use phidget servo card and fs2phidget software to drive it.
In choosing between Make-It or Buy-It, might be better to buy solution.
Choosing interfacing software is a matter of how much you want to spend and your desire to learn the interface technology.

[neuman5022]

Thanks for the info guys

So is it possible then to use Phidgets I/O card and the ServoCard for the 737 OVHD instruments ?

The mechanical part is not such a big issue for me - I am more concerned with the interfacing and controlling the gauges.

If the Phidgets cards can do the trick - so I geuss my biggets problem is over - is it ?

Cheers

Isaac

[fordgt40]

Isaac

Your big problem in making overhead instruments is not the hardware but getting the FS info to drive them. There are no FSUIPC offsets, that I am aware of. The Project Magenta suite may provide them (check their forum) Sim-Avionics definitely does, however, both packages are fiercely expensive. The best hope might be the FSX PMDG, if it ever comes out.

I stand to be corrected if any has better info for the 737

David

[neuman5022]

Hi David

Prepare to be corrected

http://www.prosim737.com/

Isaac