P-51D Cockpit at home

[Merlin-27]

Hey guys,

I've been working over the fast several months on building an interface with a more tactile feel to fly our Stang. It's not identical to the actual P-51 layout but I think it's definitely more fun now. I have built up a switch panel and re-built an old throttle setup to compliment my Combatstick and Saitek Combat Pedals. I have to say, it is pretty cool to flip the toggles for each function and it makes starting the engine a little more enjoyable. Switching fuel tanks on the fly is a breeze and switching the guns to "hot" is always extra satisfying. I outfitted the throttle with an Allegro 1301 hall sensor in place of the original pot and it works like a dream. For the project I used two Leo Bodnar BU0836X units and have 32 switches and 6 axis inputs working between the two.

 

With the WWII announcement looming I thought I'd share a picture of the progress. I've been using this setup to fly online for the past few weeks and I've been tweaking it constantly.

 

The next step is to decide if I should paint it. I'm considering white to match my PC, a classic army olive drab or leaving it with a brushed aluminum look.

 

-Merlin

[Skall]

Awesome work. I've been toying with the idea of making custom controls for a while now. It would be awesome if you could give us a bit of insight into some of the challenges you've faced putting this together.

 

Did you use custom machined parts or where you able to buy the panels and project boxes online?

[Merlin-27]

Awesome work. I've been toying with the idea of making custom controls for a while now. It would be awesome if you could give us a bit of insight into some of the challenges you've faced putting this together.

 

Did you use custom machined parts or where you able to buy the panels and project boxes online?

 

Thank you. And I had planned on doing a write-up with what I found. There are much more complex builds out there but I wanted something I could throw together that provided the experience I was looking for.

 

I will put together some info on the parts I used and what I learned along the way. The switch panel is actually mounted on a small speaker box and the box containing the throttle internals is just a metal project box you can easily find online. The hardest part was engineering a solution for the hall sensor. I came up with a plunger design that moves a rare-earth magnet towards and away from the sensor. I used the handgrip from an old Gameport Thrustmaster F-16 TQS. I wanted to make sure it worked well before I even mentioned it...but it has been exactly what I was looking for. I have put many good hours on it already flying the P-51D.

[TimeKilla]

Looks cool bro just wondering but do you fly the non-DCS P51Ds as well just seems your a mega fan when it comes to the Mustang.:)

 

I've got all the A2A - Mustangs as well for flying over different areas and DCS for combat, really cool build buddy am going to try and jump on your server more anyway.

Edited September 1, 2013 by TimeKilla
Added more info.

[wuffman]

Hey guys,

I've been working over the fast several months on building an interface with a more tactile feel to fly our Stang. It's not identical to the actual P-51 layout but I think it's definitely more fun now. I have built up a switch panel and re-built an old throttle setup to compliment my Combatstick and Saitek Combat Pedals. I have to say, it is pretty cool to flip the toggles for each function and it makes starting the engine a little more enjoyable. Switching fuel tanks on the fly is a breeze and switching the guns to "hot" is always extra satisfying. I outfitted the throttle with an Allegro 1301 hall sensor in place of the original pot and it works like a dream. For the project I used two Leo Bodnar BU0836X units and have 32 switches and 6 axis inputs working between the two.

 

With the WWII announcement looming I thought I'd share a picture of the progress. I've been using this setup to fly online for the past few weeks and I've been tweaking it constantly.

 

The next step is to decide if I should paint it. I'm considering white to match my PC, a classic army olive drab or leaving it with a brushed aluminum look.

 

-Merlin

Merlin, that's beautiful! Suggestion: take a 90deg die grinder ( air ) and use the round scotchbrite pads to emboss round hologram like patterns, like a Trans Am dash. If you have never done this experiment on a scrap piece of Alum. first , then you will be amazed at how professional it looks. Perfect for your panel. NICE WORK! How much? ( lightbulb... ) :) wuff

[TKS]

Merlin,looks great!!

[Merlin-27]

Looks cool bro just wondering but do you fly the non-DCS P51Ds as well just seems your a mega fan when it comes to the Mustang.:)

 

I've got all the A2A - Mustangs as well for flying over different areas and DCS for combat, really cool build buddy am going to try and jump on your server more anyway.

 

Thanks man, I've committed myself to mastering the DCS Mustang. I really don't plan on jumping between sims too much. Come by the server when you can! (1.2.5 right now)

 

Merlin, that's beautiful! Suggestion: take a 90deg die grinder ( air ) and use the round scotchbrite pads to emboss round hologram like patterns, like a Trans Am dash. If you have never done this experiment on a scrap piece of Alum. first , then you will be amazed at how professional it looks. Perfect for your panel. NICE WORK! How much? ( lightbulb... ) :) wuff

 

Thanks for the idea! I bet that'd look awesome. I had thought of using the ol dremel but then the painting idea came to mind. Still on the fence though.

 

Haha I had also thought about producing them for others... but these took quite a bit of time and effort. I'd need to refine the process OR buy a 3D printer :)

 

Merlin,looks great!!

 

Thanks! It's been working great so far. Eventually I'll document it better to help out those looking to throw something together.

[Hans-Joachim Marseille]

I like your mouse (^.-)

[Merlin-27]

I like your mouse (^.-)

 

That's a little personal. :megalol:

[SPEKTRE76]

You know I have given serious thought to building an actuating cockpit. I just hope that the ED team develops plug-ins for the Occulus Rift HD when it hits the consumer market.

[wuffman]

Agree - ORrift is a must!