Flightdeck solutions or FlightDeck Tech interface

[pmillerrusso]

Hello,

I am at a cross roads in my building effort/planning... do I go with Flight Deck solutions interfaceit or Flightdeck tech's simboards?

ANy opinions?


Peter

Project: 737ng

[Bob Reed]

Well, if you plan on using FDS's IBL panels then you want to go with there interface. If you do not plan in using FDS's panels then I would go with FDT's boards. Just my 2 cents....

[Gsey]

It all depends on what you want to accomplish yourself. By that I mean if you want to build everything yourself from MCP to FMS and radios then your probably better going with FDT. FDS is moving to a more plug and play direction and I cant say I blame them. Just take a look at some of the recent posts in the FDT forum to see the shortfalls with the current support for that system. But there is no reson why you cant use a combination of both depending on the specific function. As an example Im using FDS, phidgets, beta innovations Go flight and hagstrom depending on what I need.

The new FDS sys cards are a dream to use though and the support is superb.

Brent Vernon, the developer of the InterfaceIT system for FDS is an absolute genious, and has bought that system to the point where is works flawlessly in professional training devices. I dont think the same can be said for many of the other systems out there.

Gary

[Bob Reed]

Like I said if you are going to use FDS's panels use there interface other wise use something else.... FDS's support for anything other then there panels is not great. They do not have a interface for rotarys.. Lots of rotays in a cockpit...BUT remember if you are using FDS's panels this is not a problem!

[Gsey]

Like I said if you are going to use FDS's panels use there interface other wise use something else.... FDS's support for anything other then there panels is not great. They do not have a interface for rotarys.. Lots of rotays in a cockpit...BUT remember if you are using FDS's panels this is not a problem!

I think you need to be more specific Bob. Rotary encoders or rotary switches?

Rotary switches out number rotary encoders 10 to 1 in a cockpit and interfacing rotary switches in not a problem.

Gary

[Bob Reed]

Sorry , thought I stated.. Rotary encoders and yes rotary switches are different. A rotary switch is a switch but there are a LOT of rotary encoders in a cockpit.. ECIAS panel, radios, MCP, MIP, overhead ( a few in the 737)

[vidarf]

I would go for the FDS SYS boards. They are VERY easy to work with.

There is NO connection between FDS panels, IBL and the SYS cards. You can buy FDS IBL panels and use Opencockpits if you want.
I am using the SYS boards with FlyEngravity panels.

As for rotary encoders: You could use Opencockpits for those, or buy finished products like CPFlight or FDS MCP.

As for the radios: Check out the new Opencockpits Multi-radio module...

[Bob Reed]

Ok apparently I am not being clear. If you are going to build your cockpit with FDS parts use the FDS sys boards. If you use FDS plug and play parts there is no need for rotary encoder stuff as it is built in to the modules. And the sys boards are easy to use for the extra switches and things you need. If you are not going to use FDS parts and modules for your cockpit , I would recommend a different interface. Is that more clear?

[Trevor Hale]

Hello,

I am at a cross roads in my building effort/planning... do I go with Flight Deck solutions interfaceit or Flightdeck tech's simboards?

ANy opinions?


Peter

Project: 737ng

I think you need to evaluate the units independently. If you are going to use FDS to supply your entire cockpit, use their interface. If you want options to use a little of everything or your going to home brew parts of your cockpit. Then I would suggest you stay with an interface like Phidgets, Simboards, Epic, etc.

Good luck with your cockpit endeavors. No matter what interface you decide upon.

[pmillerrusso]

Great replies - thanks everyone - looks like a great place for sharing!