Howto:C172P Cockpit Project: Difference between revisions

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(Removed design notes because they repeat information on other pages, Removed progress report because it's not appropriate.)
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==== The Plan ====
'''The Plan'''
 
I am planning to build a complete simulated C172P Instrument Panel with working instruments, gauges, controls and radios, built from scratch, starting in 2017.   
I am planning to build a complete simulated C172P Instrument Panel with working instruments, gauges, controls and radios, built from scratch, starting in 2017.   


This Howto will develop into a detailed project plan for building a C172P Instrument Panel.  While not a step by step guide, it will include details on the prototyping, design and building of an instrument panel.
I'm working on two related How To sections on the wiki: This one specific to the C172 and a more general one covering cockpit building in general.
 
* [[Howto:C172P Panel Project]]
==== Why am I here? ====
* [[Howto:Build your own Panel or Cockpit]]
 
Cockpit builder Tom Gauvin gave a presentation on cockpit building at Flight Sim Con 2016 at Bradley Field near Hartford Ct. USA.  In his presentation, he pointed out that there is no mouse in the cockpit.  As a user of a flight simulator, visual and tactile realism is a major factor in the quality of the experience.  Having a realistic control panel in front of you or even a whole cockpit surrounding you will bring the experience to a whole new level.
 
==== You're invited ====


I'm finding the project is quite a challenge because I'm working alone
'''You're invited'''
at this point. 


I'm actively looking for anyone who's going to be
I'm actively looking for anyone who's going to be
actively pursuing building or improving their instrument panel or
actively pursuing building or improving their instrument panel or
cockpit in the coming year, 2017.
cockpit in the coming year, 2017-18.


If you would like to work with me on common goals, consider yourself invited.  No experience at any skill is required, but anyone with enough grit to get where
If you would like to work with me on common goals, consider yourself invited.  No experience at any skill is required, but anyone with enough grit to get where
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If interested, you can contact me personally via [http://wiki.flightgear.org/Special:EmailUser/Callahanp e-mail. (link)]
If interested, you can contact me personally via [http://wiki.flightgear.org/Special:EmailUser/Callahanp e-mail. (link)]


==== Specifications ====
==== Resources ====
 
Work has begun on formal specifications for all aspects of the C172 Panel Project.  As of 11/1/2017, these specifications are being heavily edited and are not ready for use.
 
[[Howto:C172P Panel Project - Specifications]]
[[Howto:C172P Panel Project - Specifications]]


=== Prototypes ===
'''Prototypes''': [[Howto:C172P Panel Project - Working Prototypes]]  
see: [[Howto:C172P Panel Project - Working Prototypes]]
 
A number of Prototypes are planned. Each will feature a specific aspect of the simulator's electronic electronic or mechanical devices.
 
For example, the use of Microchip's MCP23S17 to implement a switch bank capable of handling 255 switches, or the mechanical linkage between the pilot and co-pilot's yokes and pedals. 
 
As soon as the prototype is working it will appear in
[[Howto:C172P Panel Project - Working Prototypes]].  I will eventually add wiring diagrams and other materials to the working prototypes page.  For the moment, they're just descriptions the prototype, what I did to get it working and any tests I performed using the prototype
 
=== Drawings and Photographs ===
 
[[Howto:C172P Panel Project - Drawings and Pictures]]
 
I am creating a collection of Drawings and JPEG pictures covering each Radio, Instrument and Control.  The Drawings are based on various photographs of items in the cockpit, on files that are part of the C172P Aircraft in Flightgear, and physical measurements from actual aircraft. 
 
Pictures will be links to pictures of interest found on the internet and actual Photographs or Screen Shots for which I have or have obtained the right to publish.
 
The drawings will be used as input to develop a spreadsheet covering all measurements needed for CAD/CAM designs and tooling. 
 
The spreadsheet is located at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13WAzYXTJ5VtTF4HeXYd2oaQTcCOABuSQmISIwCf_kmU/edit?usp=sharing
I've made a lot of progress on this spreadsheet.  It is nearly complete and just needs to be checked for accuracy.  The measurements provided could be used in a script within a CAD program to make it easier to build.
 
Because of a change in a vendor's product strategy, the use of the measurements for construction of a model using javascript has been suspended.  Another approach will be taken based on the experience gained in producing the prototype drawing.


'''Drawings and Photographs''' [[Howto:C172P Panel Project - Drawings and Pictures]]


Contact me if you would like to work this project with me  Your level of expertise does not matter, just your willingness to put in some effort on moving things forward.. [[User:Callahanp|Callahanp]] ([[User talk:Callahanp|talk]]) 18:31, 6 March 2017 (EST)
'''Spreadsheet of C172 Measurements''': https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13WAzYXTJ5VtTF4HeXYd2oaQTcCOABuSQmISIwCf_kmU/edit?usp=sharing

Revision as of 21:08, 3 November 2017

The Plan

I am planning to build a complete simulated C172P Instrument Panel with working instruments, gauges, controls and radios, built from scratch, starting in 2017.

I'm working on two related How To sections on the wiki: This one specific to the C172 and a more general one covering cockpit building in general.

You're invited

I'm actively looking for anyone who's going to be actively pursuing building or improving their instrument panel or cockpit in the coming year, 2017-18.

If you would like to work with me on common goals, consider yourself invited. No experience at any skill is required, but anyone with enough grit to get where they want to go will be welcome.

If interested, you can contact me personally via e-mail. (link)

Resources

Howto:C172P Panel Project - Specifications

Prototypes: Howto:C172P Panel Project - Working Prototypes

Drawings and Photographs Howto:C172P Panel Project - Drawings and Pictures

Spreadsheet of C172 Measurements: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13WAzYXTJ5VtTF4HeXYd2oaQTcCOABuSQmISIwCf_kmU/edit?usp=sharing