Any interest in P-51 trim boxes?

[Stevos758]

Will be using high quality 10k 10 turn Pots.

 

http://www.vishay.com/docs/57065/533534.pdf

 

3d Printed Knobs.

 

 

 

 

 

Possibly a plastic project box. Might make some wood ones if enough interest.

 

Electronics will most likely be teensy 2.0, 2.0++ or 3.0 or arduino.

 

If any additional buttons/toggles are wanted I will gladly add them.

 

Please post in here or PM me. The cost so far is around $120 just for parts.

 

The more I make the cheaper it will be. I can possibly get the end cost down to $100-$90 possibly lower depending on how many people buy.

 

New cost will be around $220 with a metal box. It wont be a piece of junk!

 

I have parts on the way and will post photos of my prototype. I plan on adding a few mini SPST switches on mine for various things.

 

If there is enough interest I could put all of the important switches on it as well.

 

Here is where I got the Idea from. If anyone wants to have a go at it themselves.

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=103837

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:69460

 

People of Interest!

 

#1 cichlidfan

#2 WildBillKelsoe

#3 Oesau

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10 Stevos758

 

 

 

Note - I am doing all of my own design/modeling/programming. If any of you have a 3d printer and want to try out my design yourself let me know.

Edited March 13, 2014 by Stevos758

[cichlidfan]

Put my name on the list. The price sounds good so I am looking forward to seeing your prototype.

[Stevos758]

Quick question.... What about a sheet metal case? It may increase the price but it may be worth it.

 

I'll work on a model for an example.

[cichlidfan]

Metal is always better, unless you do really nice work in wood! ;)

[Stevos758]

Prototype knob.

 

Electronics should be here in the nest few days.

 

[Stevos758]

Electronics received. I'll maybe have a working prototype by the end of the week.

[cichlidfan]

Looking good!!

[Stevos758]

What other controls would you like to see? Need to know how large to make it or If I should split it in two and have a left and a right side.

 

I plan on adding Heading adjustment encoder

Start panel switches

Fuel Controls

 

Right now you can see I have most of the right switch panel.

[cichlidfan]

The switches would be a nice bonus but I don't have anything specific in mind. I actually use my TM MFDs for various things in the P-51 (and other sims) so I have most everything covered.

 

My MFD insert for the P-51.

[WildBillKelsoe]

check inbox, and count me in!

[PureEvil]

sorry, i don't need a trim box. i think it maybe be a little better if the wheel will have a bit less distance to the the base, maybe 2-5mm and it's on level with the base all the way (no waving, like on video). it's more like an advice, most likely it won't effect the way how everything is working, but it will look much better.

best wishes on your interesting work!

[Stevos758]

Yes, Thanks.

 

The first knob was a prototype. Ill get the pics of the new one up next week when the rest of my switches arrive.

[WildBillKelsoe]

hey bro I sent you the specs I look for. Should help you with components too. Cheers

[Stevos758]

Working on a sheet metal design. Similar to the size of the warthog throttle.

 

 

[cichlidfan]

Unless the internals are driving the size, that strikes me as unnecessarily large.

 

Just my two cents.

[Stevos758]

Ohh....., I'm not done putting stuff in it yet..... You will see! : )

 

Flaps lever on the left side, Heading encoder, Gun range, Wing span, and various other switches on the top and engine start on the rear..... : )

[cichlidfan]

I am assuming the controls will be putting out regular DX so that they can be mapped as desired.

[Stevos758]

Yes. all axis and switches can be used as desired. I plan on including a default config to be loaded so you don't have to set everything up.

 

I am still awaiting a quote on the cost of the sheet metal. It might not even be an option.

 

I am even contemplating adding the throttle on the left side but I am not sure how to pull that off.

[cichlidfan]

Good deal on the programming, as I have plans for other sims too! Small run sheet metal can get quite pricey so I won't be surprised.

 

For myself, the throttle would not be a desirable addition, since I have Warthog along with a separate throttle quad available when called for.

[Stevos758]

Sheet metal boxes would be $50 vs $10 of the plastic box if we can get 10 people on board.

 

Would you be willing to accept that extra cost?

[cichlidfan]

Yes.

[Stevos758]

Excellet! Ill keep updating the plans so we can get more people on board.

 

Ill get to work with the top panels and the switch configuration list.

[Stevos758]

So here is once configuration I just whipped up.

 

It would include

 

18 switches

 

6 pots

 

2 rotary encoders

 

and maybe a 5 pos switch.

 

One of the pots will be used for the flaps control on the left side. I still need to come up with a design.

 

There is still some room on the right and left side of the box.

 

Estimated price will be $220 plus shipping to your door.

 

I still have some more estimates to get and planning to do so that is a rough cost.

 

Chime in with your thoughts and I can look into a different route if this is getting to costly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cichlidfan]

My gut reaction to that picture is 'too many switches too close together'. That is just a first impression but still something to keep in mind.

[Stevos758]

Yes, Please give me input. I was just trying to maximize the space.

 

How many switches would you like to see?

 

I can certainly cut it back. Cutting it back to 12 would be ideal.