Update - B737 Project - Flight Deck Snapshot - February 1, 2012

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flight simulator in 2012. A lot more to do before it is completed

I thought I'd post an image of the flight deck to date (February 1, 2012).  It's still a a little messy, but most of the major things have been completed.

MIP, InterfaceIT & CDU

The MIP is now finished and installed on the custom-made platform.  InterfaceIT software is installed and tested.  Apart from some minor switching assignment issues there were no problems and all MIP functionality is operational.  The CDU has been fitted and operates well; the only minor problem I had with the installation was getting the window positioned appropriately.  I'll be doing a review of the CDU at a later date.

The MCP and EFIS unit has not been installed.  The unit I did have from CP Flight proved problematic  and has been returned to CPF in Italy for evaluation and possible repair.  I'm confident that the new unit will have minimal installation problems.

B737 Throttle Quadrant & Center Pedestal (Avionics Bay)

The throttle quadrant has been fitted and is functional, while the avionics bay requires some modules to be fitted to bring it up to specification. Namely: two ADF modules, a rudder trim module and maybe a cargo door module.  I have yet to decide which vendor will supply these modules.

The audio modules currently in the bay are real modules that still require conversion to FS.  I haven't decided whether I'll do a conversion or just purchase a reproduction audio panel and save the conversion challenge for a later date. 

I also must install the microphone and telephone to the rear of the bay. I managed to find a genuine telephone and microphone that came from a scrapped 737-500, but its taken some time to find  the correct cradle to attach the phone and mike to the end of the bay.

ACE Yoke, Externals & Replacement Yokes, Columns & Rudder Pedals

The ACE yoke is fitted and functional without a chart holder; I am still waiting for Ali to send the chart holder he forgot to include with the shipment.  By the time the holder arrives, I'll have installed real B737 yokes and chart holders....

I haven't spent much time investigated what external visuals will be used. In the interim I'm using two computer displays; one to show the forward outside view and the other the instructor station for Sim Avionics.  Nothing fancy but its functional for the time being.

In April, I will be removing the ACE yoke and installing two genuine B737 yokes and columns along with duel linked rudder pedals.  Rudder guards, panels and a forward steering wheel will be added shortly after.

What Am I Doing Now

I'm testing, fine-tuning and and "bug hunting".  I'm also learning new skills.....and enjoying some time actually flying (even with the small external screen)  In contrast to my previous simulator, there is much to learn & discover.  Quite a bit of time is spent with my head in manuals figuring out the various relationships between on-board systems, CDU and how they represent their data on the PFD and ND. 

If you want to learn how to do things correctly, you will spend more time reading than actually flying - at least at the beginning of the project.  You get out of the simulator what you put in...

What's Next - The Future

For those that have not read  Blog in entirety, an overhead will be added at a later stage and possibly a shell.  This will coincide with the movement of the simulator from the upstairs spare room to a dedicated room to be built in the basement section of the house.

Tasks set for the near future, other than testing & bug-hunting are:

  • Populate the avionics bay with the required avionics modules

  • Install MCP and twin EFIS units to the glare panel

  • Install & configure dual real B737 yokes, columns & rudder pedals

  • Either add a 2nd CDU or use a dummy panel to the First Officer side of the MIP

  • Install a flaps gauge with servo to the MIP for real flap gauge movement (not MIP virtual movement)

  • Install a real B737 telephone & microphone to rear of the avionics bay (waiting on phone cradle)

  • Convert fire suppression module to semi-full functionality using Phidgets (only partially done at the moment)

  • Install & evaluate add on software (REX2 - textures only & ORBX scenery & airports)

  • Investigate external views - possibly a LCD television as an interim to overhead projectors

There is always something to do   :)   Thanks for stopping by.