Pit build from K6-E

[pcalvert]

panel 2

 

Slightly better pic :)

[Succellus]

Awesome! want to see the final building.

[pcalvert]

So do I!! :)

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finished!

 

Finished the throttle panel at last. I've had very little time - but It looks okay. I've fitted white spot and green lights. I'll fit it back nto the pit this week and test it out. Pictures aren't great.... my wife dropped the camera!

[Kiezer]

looking very slick! :thumbup:

[pcalvert]

WH test

 

I've tested the WH throttle. It was a bit concerned because I've read so many threads about bricked throttles. I updated the firmware and it seemed to work fine. I haven't used it since January!I have some holiday time coming soon so hopefully I can get the bulk of the work done.

[Cali]

If you updated the firmware you should be fine, I haven't heard of any with update firmware bricking. It fits in there perfectly.

[mikoyan]

Your pit looks awesome, and your dog aswell :D

 

is the pit frame it self finnished? Let i say without the side panels :)?

 

Best regards,

 

Thomas

 

GREAT WORR! also that is the kind of dog I want to get when I buy my own house.

[pcalvert]

I hope so Cali. I thought I would test it now because I plan to finish the build at the end of August. I'll re-run tests for the throttle between now and then. I'm still running Vista 64 but bought Win 7/64 a few months ago. When I complete the build I will format my main HDD and install Win 7.. As I want the A10C at the root of my drive.

[AtaliaA1]

Man!!!! Does your wife have a sister? If I put this much time and money into this like you, she would have a cow.

 

Looks absolutly awsome.

[pcalvert]

She's got three! Haha :)

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Cockpit light

 

I wonder if anyone could help me. I bought this cockpit light off ebay, it's from a Phantom F4. Trouble is I tried shining a powerful LED through it and couldn't see a thing! The glass is very very dark. I may be being a bit thick here - but can anyone tell me what kind of bulb is going to work with this type of light? I've searched the Internet and couldn't find a thing....

[KLaFaille]

Likely 26V-28V AC / DC is required to run the light. Without seeing the inside I would guess that a T1-3/4 bulb or two would be used, just because that is the most common. Couldn't say for sure though. Are there any markings on the light that could help locate some info?

 

Red

[Advicepuppy]

Lol he's building a cockpit from scratch, installing all kinds of high-tech stuff, and he gets stumped on a light. I find it ironic. I have no idea what to tell you, but fan-freaking-tastic pit, and I can't wait to see it when it's done.

[pcalvert]

Nice one Advicepuppy - it is going to be a 'mish-mash! haha..

 

Thanks KLaFaille - There is a makers stamp on it - M.B.M. The inside looks like a standard bayonet fitting, don't know what size (can't take a pic tonight - my wife's got the camera!) There is a serial number too... looks like: 5XC/5135

[KLaFaille]

The dark lens is also likely a UV filter for NVG use, so you won't see visible light coming through it, or if you do it may be a very faint bluish purple. Best bet is to replace the lens.

 

Red

[pcalvert]

Yes thats right - it was a faint bluish purple. Haven't looked really close but will see if there is a way to take the lens off... thanks!

[KLaFaille]

Ok some more info.

 

http://www.bulbtown.com/1495_MINIATURE_BULB_BA9S_BASE_p/1495.htm

 

That's the bulb (T-4-1/2, 500 Hour, 28V DC, 1.375" MOL) that I believe your light would use, based off the MIL-SPEC sheet I found on the light. It's made to run on 28V DC, voltage in through the solder contact on the back, ground is carried through the mounting bracket.

 

Red

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light

 

Thank you very much Red. I took out the UV filter and cut a new one from perspex. I wanted to use a cable that I've seen before on cockpit lights (looks like a curly telephone cable). I found one on a pair of headphones but I don't think the wires will take a large current. So I was looking at other options such as making a mount for an LED and using that instead. I haven't decieced yet.

[KLaFaille]

If you going to run the bulb, I think you'd be fine with that cord. It's only 28V and the bulb states it draws 300mA current. I don't know if you have any internal lighting dimmer solution, but I'd wager you wouldn't want to run this at 28V anyways, it will likely be exceedingly bright. 14-18 volts would probably be a more comfortable level for a darkened room.

 

Of course there would be the heat from the bulb which becomes a nuisance, so a hi-power LED or even a couple super bright ones tied together would be nice. And of course it's easier to supply the voltage to run the LEDs than the incandescent.

 

I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

 

Red

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Steps

 

I've built the steps to aid entry. I have to buy a hinge for the panel that will swing up to enclose the mouse platform (I have taped it up in the pictures). I will use a magnetic catch to keep it up. I still have to sand down and round off the edges but it works well. Just have the mount for the main monitor to do now, which will consist of a metal post running through the fusalage bolted to a cross member in the cradle. The post has a flat metal plate on top. I've tried it with the monitor mount and it works fine. I then have to complete the wiring for the switches - skin the inside, sand the whole pit, seal the wood and paint! It's going to be black on the inside with olive green seat covers. and two tone grey outside - light grey on top - merging to dark grey on the bottom.

[pcalvert]

Oh - and cover and sand the cradle! :) - I want to round everything off, so it doesn't look like wood when it's painted.

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Test fit

 

I couldn't resist fitting everything together - I was hoping it would inspire me to complete the rest a.s.a.p. :) I just rested the throttle panel on the side without bolting it on to get a feel of the controls coming together. It feels to me that the original 'K6e' shell has started to change into something altogether different, which was what I was hoping for. I think to get it to a high standard finish.. will need a good deal of work - but i really feel quite pleased now, made some progress at last!! LOL

[pcalvert]

Monitor test

 

I've been away a long time but finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I did the first test for the instrument panel installed in the pit. I mounted the monitor using an arm mounted on a metal bar that runs though the front of the pit attached to the base - it is a very solid mount. I had to do it like this as the nose of the K6e is made from fibre glass and wouldn't have been able to support the weight. I also received my UFC from Pitbldr - fantastic piece of work - so will be putting that together soon. I tried the pit with everything running and it is VERY immersive.. I'm plesed with it so far. Still have to sand and paint, add the floodlights etc - probably because of work - should take me no more then two months ... hopefully! lol

[pcalvert]

First fit of UFC

 

JUst cut the instrument panel and test fitted the UFC. I'm going to extend the glareshield over it using 1/8 plastic sheet, then add downlighting. I've got to put the UFC togther yet and find a way to backlight it - I have an idea, so will put it to Pitbldr first and see what he thinks..