So, just how do I make these work...(RWR, countermeasures panel, etc)

[ESzczesniak]

I'm going to sit down soon and start building an A-10C cockpit. My plan is to start with the full front instrument panel since that is by far the most useful once you're up and running. Of course, this also has the most challenging gauges to make/extract. Anyone have any thoughts on how to make some of these work?

 

1. RWR: Short of finding a 3x3 LCD monitor, I have no idea how to put extracted RWR data on to a gauge. Anyone know of some pre-built gauges or work arounds?

 

2. Countermeasures UFC panel: So, in principle, this is a simple LED display. However, any thoughts on how I'm going to extract this from DCS A-10C to display the correct numbers and letters?

 

3. Engine gauges: most of the basic six instruments can be tweaked and modified from existing home cockpit gauges (altimeter, etc). Any ideas on a simple way to make all of these engine dials though?

 

I'm aware of the Helios concept of display these on an LCD monitor. However, I want something that really looks and feels much more like a military cockpit. I don't need millimeter accuracy, but I want it to look darn near the real thing.

[metalnwood]

You have a bit of work ahead of you.. I am not sure if RWR data is available from DCS currently but it is something that will require an lcd display so there will not be any off the shelf gauges for it.

 

Do you know how you are going to drive the countermeasures displays? Sioc or something you build yourself?

 

 

There are some companies that sell off the shelf gauges but they are not going to look darn near the real thing if thats what you are after. If you want real 'steam' gauges there isnt a 'simple' recipe for making them but there are instructions on the net for making them based on small servos. You still need to interface them. Same with off the shelf stuff - they all support FSX but it's unlikely they will support dcs.

 

A good compromise is a glass cockpit using helios and screens but real switches. This usually means a collection of small monitors in various positions to render the gauges but keep space for the real switches off to the side.

 

If you want something of quality I would first think about how you are going to interface the electronics and which methods you will produce the panels - cnc, laser engraving, printing templates and attaching to wood?

 

 

I think in general you may find the exporting of data to be the easier part of the project.

[Kuky]

See this thread

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=70716

[ESzczesniak]

...I think in general you may find the exporting of data to be the easier part of the project.

 

Well, I think quite the opposite actually. I'm fairly good with tools and the actual construction I'm not so worried about. My plan is to make steam gauges out of, well...steam gauges. I'm aware of using servos to power these, but I'm not so good with electronics. What I clearly need is some idea how the interface for servos will work. In other words, how do I make the magic happen from the export file, through a USB cable in to the servo motor? The rest will require some work, but are basic metal and wood working skills I can live with.

[Deadman]

these may help

http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/