Installing Display Monitors to Flight Deck Solutions MIP
/fds mip. the mip has a very handy shelf at the rear. propriety angled monitor display stands are very helpful in securing monitors to the rear of the mip. When positioned correctly, the bracket is tightened with Allen bolts
Over Christmas, I mounted the display monitors to the MIP. Although an easy task, it’s a bit fiddly trying to match up the monitor display with the perspex panel in the MIP.
Monitor Display Stand
double sided cushion tape is used to frame each monitor. this avoids dust and stray light from entering the side of the monitor
I’m using two Viewsonic 19 inch wide screen monitors for the primary flight display and navigation display and an older HP 15 inch monitor for the centre EICAS. After dismantling the plastic covers from the displays (how these clip together without screws only the Chinese can manage), I cleaned each screen before fitting to the rear of the MIP. I’m glad I purchased from Flight Deck Solutions the monitor display holders, which make the attachment of the displays so much easier. It’s only a matter of acquiring the correct position of the display, then moving the cradle forward, back, left or right and tightening the Allen screws. It's a simple install and adjustment, but as mentioned, does take some time to ensure the screens are mounted in the correct position.
Concerned About Dust
I was concerned that dust and back light may stray onto the monitor display between the display and MIP Perspex. This is because the lower side of the monitor does not sit entirely flush to the perspex. I solved this potential issue by adding to each monitor frame a layer of adhesive padding. The padding also provides a soft interface between the front of the display and the MIP. The padding strips are readily available at hardware outlets and often are used in the fitting of glass shower screens.
I couldn't find black coloured adhesive , therefore, to minimise the chance of seeing the white adhesive, I used a permanent marker pen to colour in the inner edge.
One important thing to note when installing the displays is to make sure they are orientated the right way! I installed them upside down – maybe because I live in Australia :)
Clean Up Wiring
Next on the list is to clean up the wiring from the MIP to the two computers. As you can image there are a lot of wires, USB cables, power and monitor cables. I used a wiring loom to keep things somewhat tidy; I dislike “rat-nest” wiring.
What's Next?
After this, it’s onto installing Sim Avionics and other FDS software to get the MIP operational with full functionality.
