MIP Improvement - Non-Reflective Displays
/Currently the simulator is installed in a spare room in the house. The room is well lit during the day and has windows on two sides opening to the garden. Until a dedicated room is constructed in a windowless room in basement, this will be the home of the simulator.
Reflections - Mirror Mirror On The Wall.......
One aspect that was problematic (at least to me) was that the MIP comes standard with 1.5 mm thick reflective perspex to cover each display. Reflections were a problem in the well lit room during the day and only eased somewhat during the evening hours. From the left hand seat it was almost impossible to read the FO's MPD or ND display. I also tired of seeing my reflection on the Captain's display.
Three Options
I investigated the option of non-reflective glass, however, 1.5 mm thick glass is very thin and the chance of glass breakage during installation or use quite real. Further, non-reflective glass does not work optimally if there is more than a few millimeters gap between the display screen and the glass. The next option was either an adhesive-type material, which I discarded as I dislike applying "sticky" things to glass or perspex. or non-reflective acrylic.
The only clear acrylic I could find locally that was non-reflective and 3 mm in thickness; a little thick as the standard perspex used by FDS is 1.5 mm thickness. I experimented with the 3mm acrylic on the smaller gauges (flaps, yaw and brake pressure). The thickness didn't appear to present a problem, however, the thickness when used on the main displays and EICAS did present an issue; the screws were now to short to attach the display frame correctly.
The Solution
The solution is obviously to purchase thinner acrylic, however, this is not obtainable at the moment. I solved the situation by using a beveling machine and cutting the lip edge of the acrylic that sits on the MIP (the area covered by the display frame) to 1.5 mm. Therefore, the edge of the frame is 1.5 mm in thickness whilst the the actual display portion in front of the display has a thickness of 3 mm.
The Outcome
The reflections are now gone, the displays are bright and readable across the MIP, and I finally can fly during the day without seeing myself in a mirror.