My A-10C preparation

[Feuerfalke]

I looked at the key commands list. Most switches on the panels are not key assigned. I only found them in the clickabledata.lua file. The keys assigned so far are view, hotas, systems etc. Very few of the switches on the right and left consoles have been assigned. If they are, I'd know what to do as I have used I/O cards before and SVMapper. Right now I dont know what key commands are assigned for these switches, so I can't do the key press recording. Maybe I'm not getting what you are saying. Please elaborate.

 

Well, I guess that depends on whether you want to build a cockpit for a beta or for the full version. ;)

 

I'll wait for the full version with all inputs listed in the keylist. Though probably not all functions will be assigned to keys by default, they will be present in the keylist. At least, that's how it was for BlackShark.

 

On the other hand, the LUA-files as most of the stuff is subject to change. Remember it's a beta? I don't know which method will cause you more work and trouble on the long run.

[sweinhart3]

The only issue I can see with using key commands is you still need to extract current key positions from the sim if you want it to be synchronized. Push buttons are easy but on/off switches and more importantly 3 position switches and dials and will easily lose synch using that method.

[Deadman]

My concern all so

[rocketeer]

Does anyone know if using xpadder can control the switches (that are currently not assigned key commands) without LUA and if so how?

[rocketeer]

I know the dimension of the panels for the left and right consoles. they are mostly are the same width. How are you guys determining the dimension for the front console panels for the C version? Would the front central panels (Nav mode select, TISL) be the same width as those on the left and right consoles? What about others like the UFC, gear/flap, weapons panel, fuel quantity panel etc?

[Flim]

Just a heads up, but our software Helios will work with real switches for programming/etc... any switch ... We did the hard work

 

Helios will also use Lua to send commands back and forth to the sim so everything will sync correctly.

 

Easy, use one of leo's boards or similar, add switches, then program each switch function in Helios... all done and works.

Edited October 30, 2010 by Flim

[Deadman]

Hey rocketeer the side control panels or boxes IE radios or light panels are all 5.75 inch wide there high all are on multiples of .375 (with a minim of 1.125 and a max length of 9 inches( source MS25212) The TISL and Circuit Breaker panels are both the same 5.75 inch wide as the other panels.

 

I have been working on modeling a Main Instrument Panel(Dash) for a bout a month now. It has taken time to learn how to use sketch up building and rebuilding the model several time. For scale and, dimensions I am using several parts I have from the A-10A the main instrument panel ,fire handle housing .ADI,HSI and numerous other panels. I have not published any thing because its not done. My plan is to have the panel cut from MDF then make a mold from the plug then casting the panel out of a strong resin. I am looking at this option do to the cost of a .75 thick sheet of aluminum is fairly expensive with out the machining done.

 

 

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I know the dimension of the panels for the left and right consoles. they are mostly are the same width. How are you guys determining the dimension for the front console panels for the C version? Would the front central panels (Nav mode select, TISL) be the same width as those on the left and right consoles? What about others like the UFC, gear/flap, weapons panel, fuel quantity panel etc?

Edited October 30, 2010 by Deadman

[rocketeer]

Thanks DM for the info. I still need to know the size of other panels like the gear/flap, weapons, and fuel quantity panels. I wonder if anyone has any info on them or so far it's just guesswork?

 

Film, normally people who use leos' boards program the key commands in software like hotkey or svmapper, provided that ED has assigned key commands for those switches. For Helios will we also have to have the key commands assigned first? Then it should be just recording a keystroke? I know if we use SOIC even if there is no key command you can use LUA to make the switch work.

 

My impression of Helios so far has been that it only works with touch screen monitors. Now you've shown me the possibility of it working with real switches. Please elaborate on this area. If it's going to be more like recording key command or some kind of easy assignment of switch functions than figuring out all the SOIC coding then you have a customer now!

[Flim]

Thanks DM for the info. I still need to know the size of other panels like the gear/flap, weapons, and fuel quantity panels. I wonder if anyone has any info on them or so far it's just guesswork?

 

Film, normally people who use leos' boards program the key commands in software like hotkey or svmapper, provided that ED has assigned key commands for those switches. For Helios will we also have to have the key commands assigned first? Then it should be just recording a keystroke? I know if we use SOIC even if there is no key command you can use LUA to make the switch work.

 

My impression of Helios so far has been that it only works with touch screen monitors. Now you've shown me the possibility of it working with real switches. Please elaborate on this area. If it's going to be more like recording key command or some kind of easy assignment of switch functions than figuring out all the SOIC coding then you have a customer now!

 

It does work with touchscreens, but just as capable with real switches. Helios is a full cockpit management software and will work with DCS/LUA.

We have not really posted all the capabilities yet on the pitbuilding side of things, but it will be a huge time saver if you have a lot of switches.

Edited October 30, 2010 by Flim

[Deadman]

is any one else getting sick of films adds in post?

[Flim]

Just trying to get the word out so folks can save time and not re-invent the wheel. We have put many many hours into this software for pitbuilders, so Deadman If your not interested cool, but I'm sure others are.

 

only trying to help...

.

Edited October 30, 2010 by Flim

[hassata]

Keep 'em coming Flim. BUt at some point, please stop teasing and release the damn thing :).

[rocketeer]

Film, please tell me:

1. When can we expect a Helios demo on the A10C beta?

2. Elaborate on how Helios work with real switches

3. I need to buy the generic Helios, and also $39 for A10C as the aircraft pack?

[Flim]

Hey, if you guys want more info then go to our forums and I can help without any backlash.

Edited October 31, 2010 by Flim

[rocketeer]

Ok I haven't updated my progress for many months. Recently continued where I left off long ago before RL took over. This is the left console, primed and painted. Because of limited budget, I'm forgoing backlighting, CNC, table saw etc. goodies. Got some wood from OSH, screws and brackets (total < $20 and enough for both consoles). Mounted the switches directly on the wood, then printed on photo paper and sprayed it with gloss protection. My cheapo way also saves a lot of time from doing light panel, backplate for the numerous panels. It's function over fasion right now for me. I know it's going to pale in comparison to what some of you are doing with all those detailed designs and CNC cutting, but at least I'd get to fly first!

[hog_driver111th]

Rocketeer, I have the same pictures (did you email me links?). In your last picture with the switches in the "panels", can I ask where you got your toggle switches, and roughly how much they cost? I'm having a hard time figuring out which ones to get that have the right feel but still are cheap enough not to break the bank.

[pitbldr]

Looking good! I can appreciate the route you're taking. My pit will be a compromise too in that I don't plan on having exact measurements, real life Hog parts, and all the bells and whistles. I am trying to have fairly accurate panels with backlighting though... we'll see if I can pull it off. :)

 

In the end, it's all about making the simming experience a more immersive one. :thumbup:

[rocketeer]

Rocketeer, I have the same pictures (did you email me links?). In your last picture with the switches in the "panels", can I ask where you got your toggle switches, and roughly how much they cost? I'm having a hard time figuring out which ones to get that have the right feel but still are cheap enough not to break the bank.

 

Hog driver, I've sent the pictures you requested to your email few days ago.

 

For the toggles, normal sized ones if you buy bulk online it'd be $1-2. I bought some from Radio Shack here in the US, bundles of 3 for I think $4-5 so ok. Now some are 'special' eg. 3 way toggles. Those would cost slightly more. You don't have to get really expensive toggles. I've seen toggles selling for ridiculous price of $10-20 each. Don't need those. Just any with two legs SPST will do. Again the cheapest is to buy bulk online. But if you just want to start out and try one panel, go get those sold as a bundle in a retail store. Once you have the basics figured out and have confidence you can do this, then buy bulk online and save.

[rocketeer]

For the fuel open/close lever, I just shaped it from a acrylic block, then held up with an acrylic sheet cut as a small long rectangle since I had these materials lying around. Usually I prefer doing a lot of things on wood than acrylic since it's cheaper and easier to cut. I'd be building a few other levers around the cockpit with wood.

[rocketeer]

Some progress tonight. I've secured the toggles and push buttons on the panel sheets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yet to do

1. Secure the pots and rotary switches which need to be secured on a separate board underneath to adjust for the height. Doing this way I don't have to saw the pots and rotaries neck. I can adjust to the height I want. Pictures next time.

 

2. Paint some of the knobs

 

3. Drill holes for some of the knobs, including the horizontal holes for the set screws to secure the knobs to the D shape shaft of the pot and rotaries.

 

4. Glue the panel sheets to the wood surface.

 

So far these are all inputs, the easier part. Not doing the lights and 7 segment output stuff yet.

 

This is my cheap and fast way of building the A10C pit. It'd pale in comparison to you guys doing CNC, engraving and backlighting stuff. I just want a functional pit with minimum hassle and cost. I've already spent a great deal of time sourcing for the knobs. Now I just want to do the wiring once I get the OC cards, and then do the coding when the lua stuff is ready. Beta 02 still doesn't seem to be ready but I could be wrong.

[hog_driver111th]

Lookin good! :thumbup: I still can't seem to find the right switches. I did look at radio shack as you had suggested, but unsure which ones are which without holding it in my hand and saying "yep, that's the one I want."

[Triggerhappy69]

WoW..! It's starting to really come together now.. Looking GOOD!

[y2kiah]

Looks great! In the end, you will have an equal flight experience compared to anyone else with a pit. All that other stuff is just for show :)

[Feed]

Rocketeer - VERY NICE!!! I'm jealous that you're so far ahead of me, but I believe we'll end up taking much the same path (functional over form). Would you tell me where you decided to get the knobs? I have been ordering from various sources on ebay, and I'm happy with a few knows I have, but the 'right' knobs are always more than I want to pay.

 

It's looking very, very good.

[rocketeer]

Thanks guys.

 

Hog_driver, I'd check you the part numbers from radio shack. they actually ship to you for free!

 

Feed, check my post #143. Some knobs from here http://aviationsimulationgroup.com/AircraftKnobs.aspx

 

Some other knobs I bought from online store, yet some I actually borrowed, made a mold, and returned them to the great friend. Some of these knobs I may have spare ones lying around. If you learn how to make mold and casting I can send one to you for the knobs that I have a spare. Then you can make a lot more for yourself.

 

those that I found online I'd search for the site names and post here for you guys.