Howto:C172P Cockpit Project: Difference between revisions

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'''The Plan'''


==== The Plan ====
I intend to build a complete simulated [[c172p|Cessna 172P]] Instrument Panel with working instruments, gauges, controls and radios, built from scratch, starting soon.
I am planning to build a complete simulated C172P Instrument Panel with working instruments, gauges, controls and radios, built from scratch, starting in 2017.   
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.


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.  
  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.
* [[Howto:Build your own Panel or Cockpit]]


==== Why am I here? ====
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
at this point. 
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.
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 [http://wiki.flightgear.org/Special:EmailUser/Callahanp e-mail. (link)]
==== Specifications ====
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.


==== Resources ====
[[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 Cockpit Project/Design Drawings and Pictures]]


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


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)
[[Category:Cockpit building]]

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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