Pit build from K6-E

[pcalvert]

UFC fit

 

I fitted the UFC and tested the instrument panel. It's difficult to try and take a picture that is near RL. The main monitor in the picture looks very small - but in RL the canopy fit's inside the monitor.

I'm going to run a few tests for backlighting the UFC. I'm not very good with electrics so it's a steep learning curve for me. I took one pic with the flash off to try and give an idea of how immersive it is when sitting inside the pit. I really liked the reflection of the MFCD's on the inside of the canopy :)

[98abaile]

That's looking very professional pcalvert.

[pcalvert]

UFC backight test

 

Thanks 98abaile I put some LED's at the back of the UFC to test backlighting it looks ok. I'm going to try several different types of LED to place behind the buttons and see which works best. I'll post pictures of my progress.

[KLaFaille]

Some of the best LEDs I have found for panel lighting are what are called "Inverted Cone LEDs". These have a molded in lens in the front of the LED which spreads the light out to the side in a wide dispersion pattern instead of mainly forward. You don't end up with bright spots on the face of the panel and get a nice even lighting almost like incandescent.

 

They are somewhat of a pain to find, but not overly so. Just for general info, if you can find green LEDs in the 510-520nm wavelength, they are a good match for NVIS Green Type A. :)

 

Pits looking good. You really got it together nicely.

 

Red

[pcalvert]

Thanks Red. That is a compliment coming from you. I've seen your work and you are in a different league. Thanks for the info, I'll do a search on the LED's you suggested. BTW I've fitted an LED in the cockpit light (the F4 one, you helped me with).. It works fine. I will probably mount it on the left side of the glareshield.

[KLaFaille]

Thanks. See the difference though, is that the stuff I have done looks pretty but doesn't do anything yet, you can actually fly the sim in yours! :thumbup:

[Succellus]

Very very good!!!! You ll have tons of fun inside this!!!

I am building mine finally its gonna be weird. Onde thing still breaking my legs tough, its how to deal with keyboard location so with the stick centered it remains fairly usable.

How will you deal with yours ?

[pcalvert]

Hi Succellus, Inside the pit I am going to use the N52 because I can programme it. When I use the PC for 'normal' use I'll use my standard keyboard. I'm going to mount it on the outside of the pit on the left hand side. I found a couple of old aluminium hangers (from the back of a door) which will be perfect. the keyboard will just rest in them - kind of hard to explain - but I'll take a pic when it's done.

[pcalvert]

Hi Red,

 

I couldn't find any "Inverted Cone LEDs" of the size I wanted. Going to Maplins (local electronics shop) after work tonight. There is someone there apparently that can help. Got my switches sorted, so going to mount them on the switchplate this weekend... I'll post pics when I'm done :)

[Ragtop]

Stunning man! That whole build looks super professional.

[pcalvert]

Thanks Ragtop. I didn't know it would turn out like this. Didn't know anything when I started but learnt loads looking at other peoples work as well as using the skills of people like gadroc and pitbldr. Fantastic forum - loads of help out there if you need it. Good luck with your build.. it's looking good! :)

[pcalvert]

First system test

 

Put everything together this weekend - except the rudder. I actually flew the sim (first time in months). Throttle and stick work fine at the moment! :) I took a pic during daylight. I have no problems seeing the instruments with the sun behind me. I haven't tested TIR yet. I fitted the pilot light (left hand side of the pit) and will wire it to one of the switches behind the throttle. I've fitted the switches on the UFC and they work well. There is a slight light bleed around the edge of the buttons but I've spoken to Pibldr and am going to try something this weekend. I'm going to strip everything down now, sand and paint, hopefully by the end of October...... not long now - only 9 months so far!!

[pitbldr]

That looks great! Will you be (or have you) soldered wires to those switches or did you have some type of plug for them?

[pcalvert]

Hi Pitbldr,

 

I am going to TRY and solder the wires this weekend. I've ordered Leo Bodnar's PCB so I'll test when it gets here. I've never been very good with soldering... usually end up with a big lump of solder with nothing joined! .. so I'm just going to take my time :)

[Succellus]

AWESOME INDEED! You guys are quite putting it in this. I suppose it is exciting to fly in it

[pcalvert]

Hi Succellus,

 

Yes AWESOME - worth all the time and effort :)

[pitbldr]

Hi Pitbldr,

 

I am going to TRY and solder the wires this weekend. I've ordered Leo Bodnar's PCB so I'll test when it gets here. I've never been very good with soldering... usually end up with a big lump of solder with nothing joined! .. so I'm just going to take my time :)

 

Don't worry... with that many buttons to solder up, you'll be a pro in no time! :D

[pcalvert]

Sod the build!

 

I thought this weekend - sod the build - I'm going to use my half built pit! Having trouble with TIR at the moment. A yaw movement of the head causes pitch and roll as well! - I'll have to do a few tests and sort it out... feels weird flying without it. Trying out the pit - fantastic... really immersive - more then I thought it would be :) - I'm really pleased... Still got quite a bit to do, just want to get it finished now. It's going to take me longer than the build to learn how to fly it!......

Pictures are of 1. Showing one flood lifgt over the throttle.... 3 is taking off... 4 night flying...:)

[TulsA-10]

Thanks Kiezer and thanks Gadroc for Helios!MFCD's working with no (so far) stutter or drop in FPS.... Helios next! :)

 

Man your guage overlays look great. I want to try an replicate this so what material did you use and what did you cut it with? Looks awsome instead of just a lcd screen sitting there.

[pcalvert]

HI TulsA-10,

 

I have a picture on this page... http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=70880&page=3

 

I used 6mm MDF with a 2mm piece of perspex on the back so that it fits onto the monitor. The bezils are made from 3mm plastic sheet which I bought from an RC model shop. I used 2 x hole cutters - can't remember the size now and cut the plastic first (I just marked these out on the sheet in squares then maked the middle.. then cut. I found you have to use a very slow speed with the hole cutters on both the plastic and MDF - otherwise the plastic melted and caught the blade! or with the MDF it just got clogged and wouldn't cut.. After I cut the plastic I placed them on the panel and used masking tape to hold them down - then cut the MDF. For the ADI I used two layers of plastic - one to give it more depth and the other so that I could cut the inside piece with vertical edges (I cut this one by hand). After gluing the bezils to the MDF I used very short screws (about 4mm) drilled and set them into the bezil edge (they are glued in!...

 

I the future it should be possible to make several instrument panels and just swop them over :)

[TulsA-10]

I figured that's how you where doing it. I have never used that kind of plastic before. It sounds like a cool process. I'm not ready for this step yet but will have to file it under the things to do list. Hey thanks for the info.. looks cool.

[pcalvert]

Hi Does anyone know if this board will work with Helios?

 

http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=0&product_id=1002

 

Thanks for your help :)

[Gadroc]

Hi Does anyone know if this board will work with Helios?

 

http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=0&product_id=1002

 

Thanks for your help :)

 

It doesn't today, but I could add it. What are you planning on doing with it?

[pcalvert]

Hi Gadroc,

 

I was going to run my UFC caution LED's with it. But don't worry I can buy the one that is compatable if it's too much trouble. Thanks for your help :)

[Gadroc]

If you're just going to run LEDs the advanced LED board is a much better choice. It's $30 more but will control 64 LEDs instead of 4.

 

http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?product_id=1031