Howto:C172P Cockpit Project: Difference between revisions

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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 a panel.
{{WIP}}
'''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 intend to build a complete simulated [[c172p|Cessna 172P]] Instrument Panel with working instruments, gauges, controls and radios, built from scratch, starting soon.
The project will be compact, about 40 inches wide, with seating and controls for a pilot and copilot.  It will be freestanding, but can also be attached to a table or desk.  I'd like it to be easy to transport so it can be demonstrated to others in a variety of settings.  During the project I'll be learning more about Electronics, 3D Printing, Routing and Milling and using basic machine tools.  I've already started, I have a few drawings and CAD designs.  I am about to do some prototype circuits for things I'm certain to use.  As I go through the project, I'm doing a lot of writing both about the process and the results.  I hope these will be a help to others on the same journey.


I hope to contact others interested in participating directly in the project in any capacity.  I'm specifically looking for anyone who is building new simulator or panel, or who is improving an existing simulator during 2017.
While working on this project I'm working on two related How To sections on the wiki. This one and one covering cockpit building in general.
Other participants in the project might be working on other aircraft, but the underlying technology, techniques and electronics will be similar.  There is no requirement that participants take the same approach to the project. For example, while I hope to design and build all the major parts, others might choose to buy part or all the project as ready made, commercial products. Participants will benefit by sharing expertise, learning experiences, coaching, and discussions about the issues faced by novices and experts in various aspects of the project regardless of their approach.
* [[Howto:Build your own Panel or Cockpit]]


Tom Galvin 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 up a to a whole new level over operating simulated instruments on a display screen with a mouse and keyboard.


Here's where my personal efforts stand:
==== Resources ====
[[Howto:C172P Panel Project - Specifications]]


* I have acquired a raspberry pi, a breadboard and several SPI and I2c chips and a bunch of resistors and capacitors. 
'''Prototypes''': [[Howto:C172P Panel Project - Working Prototypes]]
* I've constructed an initial prototype of a switch bank using the MCP23S17 chip. 
* I'm planning a prototype of the circuit needed to drive 7 and 14 segment displays for various parts of the radio stack. 
* I'm considering the use of magnetic rather than rotary encoders in some parts of the application. 
* I've started work on building an air coil that can be used in many of the instruments with rotary dials 
* I've ordered a few panel meters to take apart to see if the movements can be used for gauges used to monitor fuel, oil and electric voltage and current. 
* I've gained access to a lathe, a 3d Printer and 3d router at the Framingham Ma Makerspace.  Work is progressing on building a bench power supply from a spare PC power supply. 


* I've identified and counted the following types of elements needed in the simulator and have a plan for their implementation in hardware
'''Drawings and Photographs''' [[Howto:C172P Cockpit Project/Design Drawings and Pictures]]
** spst on-off, spdt on-off-on switches, rotary switches
 
** incremental or magnetic encoders or potentiometers for adjustments to instruments, instrument lighting, volume and frequency on radios, throttle, mixture and carb heat
'''Spreadsheet of C172 Measurements''': https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13WAzYXTJ5VtTF4HeXYd2oaQTcCOABuSQmISIwCf_kmU/edit?usp=sharing
** special construction to handle pull switches and dual concentric controls on radios.
 
** single rotating needles, dual rotating needles, outer rim pointers for heading bugs and altimiters
[[Category:Cockpit building]]
** rotating compass rings and attitude indications in the turn and bank indicator and attitude indicator.
** the need for a cross
** the ball

Latest revision as of 17:08, 15 March 2020

WIP.png Work in progress
This article or section will be worked on in the upcoming hours or days.
See history for the latest developments.

The Plan

I intend to build a complete simulated Cessna 172P Instrument Panel with working instruments, gauges, controls and radios, built from scratch, starting soon. The project will be compact, about 40 inches wide, with seating and controls for a pilot and copilot. It will be freestanding, but can also be attached to a table or desk. I'd like it to be easy to transport so it can be demonstrated to others in a variety of settings. During the project I'll be learning more about Electronics, 3D Printing, Routing and Milling and using basic machine tools. I've already started, I have a few drawings and CAD designs. I am about to do some prototype circuits for things I'm certain to use. As I go through the project, I'm doing a lot of writing both about the process and the results. I hope these will be a help to others on the same journey. 

While working on this project I'm working on two related How To sections on the wiki.  This one and one covering cockpit building in general.


Resources

Howto:C172P Panel Project - Specifications

Prototypes: Howto:C172P Panel Project - Working Prototypes

Drawings and Photographs Howto:C172P Cockpit Project/Design Drawings and Pictures

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

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