Gremlin's A-10

[Gremlin77]

the "THING" is running

 

So, now I have the promised pics of the running pit (without cdu, missing DVI adapter, f....)

 

Get a framerate of 38 with full details on.

Had to cut the main picture a bit to get the mfds ond cdu on the edge. So I can use the helios Screen copy tool to display the mfds etc.

First tried to make the A-10 used screen to span over all displays. But, If you span it only 1 pixel over the eyefinity screen, the framerate goes down to about 8. Don't know why, perhaps anybody can help.

 

Next step is to fresh up the realy ugly construction of the monitor table. Looks like done by an damned idiot. But finally can get some airtime!!!

 

Also have to fix some bad steps between the different monitors when you fly a curve.....

[Gremlin77]

UFC finished

 

Hi all,

 

finished up today with the UFC. Attached it on the pront panel.

 

It's full working by using an Arcaze USB adapter.

 

Found on the DCS User files page a LUM file for builders, in which only the front frame and hud is visible. Does anybody know how to use it? Tried to copy it in the file where the original LUM was - no effect.

[Gremlin77]

some facings...

 

so, some new pics.

 

The last days worked in the facing of my pit. Just used 8mm mdf and some plastic edges, doing some painting an so on. Think, now it looks a bit more professional. Finally a bit.....

[Deadman]

Looks great!!!

[avlolga]

Looks great!!!

[Gremlin77]

VHF AM Radio

 

So, after hard work and help from Gadrok(thanx again) for the Preset Numbers my VHF AM radio is full operable. I used Opencockpit cards for the 7-segments exporting the values over UDP and for the Dials I used Gray encoders connected to Arcaze board. Works fine for me, but have to redesign a bit, cause the Presets have two digits.......going to change......F....

[danipelos]

Excelent work! Hopefully in a few weeks Ill be following your steps. I am doing the woodwork at the moment but I have already purchased my OC hardware. I cant wait to start building my own panels!

[MTFDarkEagle]

Dang that is FRICKIN' awesome!! :D

[Rockeyes]

So, after hard work and help from Gadrok(thanx again) for the Preset Numbers my VHF AM radio is full operable. I used Opencockpit cards for the 7-segments exporting the values over UDP and for the Dials I used Gray encoders connected to Arcaze board. Works fine for me, but have to redesign a bit, cause the Presets have two digits.......going to change......F....

 

That's is sweet. More pictures and details PLEASE:thumbup:

[rocketeer]

Your idea of using a knob instead of building a turn wheel for the presets is good. Much easier than making a wheel and smaller gear to turn the encoder.

[Gremlin77]

how I build my panels - The TISL

 

Okay, have a bit freetime so I decided to show up how I build my panels. In the past, I have build some kind of A320 cockpit, this was the time I tried out several building methods. Now, with the A-10 I use my "recently best results" that work fine for me.

Here we go.

First of all I use a CAD programm to develope the Panel Backplate and the Front. The different colors are for the different worksteps like cutting or engraving.

 

After lesering the two parts (using a two colored plastic for the front (specially for engraving with lasers) and a 5mm transparent acrylic for the back) I glue them together and start installing the switches and encoders. I simply use hot glue (dont know if this is the right english word) to stick them in. Also insert the opencockpit adapters for the 7-segment LEDs.

 

for the A-10 push buttons I found the RAFI 15x15 mm buttons. I buy them without lighting and use two 3 mm leds wich I glue in. (much cheaper than Korry.....) the frontplates of the switches are also lasered out and glued on the push button.

 

Thats all - so building a panel will only cost you some Euros and about 2 to 3 hours of fun (without cabeling)

 

In the past I used an cnc drilling machine to build the panels. That works too, but isn't that comfortable as a laser is.

 

So, now have to do some cabeling....Pictures follow

 

Guys, go on building, it's worth it!

[JerseyRyan]

Thanks for the great post :D

 

First of all I use a CAD programm to develope the Panel Backplate and the Front. The different colors are for the different worksteps like cutting or engraving.

What CAD programm and laser do you use?

 

Thats all - so building a panel will only cost you some Euros and about 2 to 3 hours of fun (without cabeling)

It will cost us only "some Euros"? Have you considered selling us laser cutted and engraved panels for some Euros? :music_whistling:

[Rockeyes]

Nice one Gremlin77 :thumbup:

 

Can you post some pictures of your equipment that you use to build?

[Gremlin77]

You can use any freeware CAD program you want, doesn't matter because you just have to do simple constructions like rectangles, lines, circles etc. . I have an 60W cutting and engraving laser from www.exklusiv-laser.de . They import the lasers from china, so it would be cheaper to order directly from china. I prefered the way over this company to be sure to have guaranty, spare parts and some safety. This company added some fundamental safety controls to the machine.

 

I have already written in this thread before that I could do some front plates if anybody wants some. But nobody was interested so I didn't follow this idea any more. I think packing and transport will be quite expensive and time robbing so I don't know. :smilewink:

 

Just kiddin'

 

Don't think I have the time to build panels for money. And it's my freetime I prefer investing in this pit. If you want one, I can do one for you for free (hope transport is not so expensive)

Edited May 24, 2012 by Gremlin77

[Gremlin77]

own interfacing software

 

So, back again. Sorry for the long absent time.

 

I decided to write a piece of software which helps me to avoid all the A-10 restarts when you change the export.lua. (And the weird error search.....)

 

So I took Visual Studio Express 2010 (free for private use) and wrote a little prog that hooks in the SIOC-, A-10- and Helios-network streams. Now I have the possibility to create my commands send to A-10 in a convinient way programming it in Visual Studio. (I love it when a Program says you why it doesn't work......and not like the f..... lua)

 

It took me nearly a week to get it working but now, what should I say, I am so happy with it.

 

Also did the whole connections between SIOC and most of my already finished panels.

 

Here's a pic of my Prog running. (sorry for all the german words in it..)

 

 

Pics of the running panels will follow

Edited June 3, 2012 by Gremlin77

[Panthro]

mmmm watching closely as I too have to work out somthing for my 7seg displays

[Gremlin77]

if you have oc cards and only want to use 7seg look at my post about radios. you can send directly your frequencies, tacan, ils etc. to sioc variables. now, running my little prog i use a table in visual studio to store all the a-10 values and then from there i send them to sioc. it's just the more convinient way. if i can help, let me know

[Gremlin77]

Time to fly

 

Now here come the promised Pics of my baby.

 

All working now, having all instruments, cdu with displaying real cdu data and the switches on the finished panels connected and running. Both mfds displaying right pictures. For external view three monitors. Caution panel is working, all the little gizmos blinking and numbers showing frequencies... love it!

 

Added some green lighting to get a better atmosphere and, cause having no backlight have to use it this way!

 

It feels very good to sit in and blast some tanks.

 

But, as you all as builders know, still a long way to finish this up.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 10, 2012 by Gremlin77

[linden]

Nice work!!!:thumbup:

[avlolga]

Hi Gremlin77,

 

your pit looks awesome !!!

[reactorone]

Yes, very very nice !!! :thumbup:

 

R1

[danipelos]

Congratulations. It looks amazing!

[Gremlin77]

thank you all, this gives me a lot motivation to go on!

[rocketeer]

Looks good. I'd like to see what you have done to the left and right consoles that I can learn from. Your front dash looks really nice.

[Succellus]

Very very good stuff must be a joy to jump in and fly whatever you like to fly...