I've been gone a while, but I have an excuse...

Post Reply
Daddy O
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:32 am

I've been gone a while, but I have an excuse...

Post by Daddy O »

I have been absent from PE for a while. I have not been able to fly for weeks now either due to massive amounts of overtime, or the fact that my simulator was scattered and in pieces for weeks while it was being upgraded to the new MK II.

I took photos along the way for anyone who is interested in such a project. With current products and the proliferation of inexpensive PCs makes it easy to build a decent simulator for under $5k.
Top
Daddy O
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:32 am

Re: I've been gone a while, but I have an excuse...

Post by Daddy O »

This is the old simulator, the MK I. Functional, but the dual sets of instruments made it cramped and radio controls were on the wrong side for chopper flying.
Attachments
This is the old simulator, the MK I. Functional, but the dual sets of instruments made it cramped and radio controls were on the wrong side for chopper flying.
This is the old simulator, the MK I. Functional, but the dual sets of instruments made it cramped and radio controls were on the wrong side for chopper flying.
1-the MKI.jpg (36.91 KiB) Viewed 5198 times
Top
Daddy O
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:32 am

Re: I've been gone a while, but I have an excuse...

Post by Daddy O »

.
Attachments
One of the outside panels is being cut. The sim uses identical ouotside panels, and matching inside panels.
One of the outside panels is being cut. The sim uses identical ouotside panels, and matching inside panels.
2-left-side-panel.jpg (31.47 KiB) Viewed 5198 times
Top
Daddy O
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:32 am

Re: I've been gone a while, but I have an excuse...

Post by Daddy O »

.
Attachments
In this sim, the main support studs also double as chair mounts, shelves, and fascia mounting. Here we can see the mounting beams being marked out for the right side seat.
In this sim, the main support studs also double as chair mounts, shelves, and fascia mounting. Here we can see the mounting beams being marked out for the right side seat.
3-marking-the-bolt-holes-and-seat.jpg (33.3 KiB) Viewed 5198 times
Top
Daddy O
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:32 am

Re: I've been gone a while, but I have an excuse...

Post by Daddy O »

.
Attachments
4-drilling-the-interior-panels.jpg
4-drilling-the-interior-panels.jpg (30.71 KiB) Viewed 5197 times
Top
Daddy O
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:32 am

Re: I've been gone a while, but I have an excuse...

Post by Daddy O »

.
Attachments
I ultimately went with battleship gray because it was appropriate and I had lots of the base color on the shelf. A good paint job gives the thin particle board strength and makes cleanup easier.
I ultimately went with battleship gray because it was appropriate and I had lots of the base color on the shelf. A good paint job gives the thin particle board strength and makes cleanup easier.
5-painting-battleship-gray.jpg (40.55 KiB) Viewed 5197 times
Top
Daddy O
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:32 am

Re: I've been gone a while, but I have an excuse...

Post by Daddy O »

.
Attachments
The left and right tub are assembled in the loft using 20" studs. Next the two tubs will be joined with 12" studs. This makes for a very durable simulator.
The left and right tub are assembled in the loft using 20" studs. Next the two tubs will be joined with 12" studs. This makes for a very durable simulator.
6-both-tubs-assembled-seperately.jpg (32.21 KiB) Viewed 5196 times
Top
Daddy O
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:32 am

Re: I've been gone a while, but I have an excuse...

Post by Daddy O »

.
Attachments
The two tubs have been joined. Special care has to be made so that the studs do not overlap eash other or you cannot finish the assembly. Stagger the studs between outer and inner sections.
The two tubs have been joined. Special care has to be made so that the studs do not overlap eash other or you cannot finish the assembly. Stagger the studs between outer and inner sections.
7-the-two-tubs-connected.jpg (37.04 KiB) Viewed 5195 times
Top
Daddy O
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:32 am

Re: I've been gone a while, but I have an excuse...

Post by Daddy O »

.
Attachments
Now with the frame assembled, I get to start skinning the sim. Doors in the back, panelling in the top and center consile, even a removable hood up front so I can access the instrument panel for maintanence. note: To join the sections I used a nice looking torx head screw and counter-sunk all screws. Their anodized green finish contrasts nicely with the battleship gray finish.
Now with the frame assembled, I get to start skinning the sim. Doors in the back, panelling in the top and center consile, even a removable hood up front so I can access the instrument panel for maintanence. note: To join the sections I used a nice looking torx head screw and counter-sunk all screws. Their anodized green finish contrasts nicely with the battleship gray finish.
8-skinning-the-sim.jpg (30.15 KiB) Viewed 5195 times
Top
Daddy O
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:32 am

Re: I've been gone a while, but I have an excuse...

Post by Daddy O »

.
Attachments
The whole project is for naught if I don't get the seat-to-instrument-panel fit right. The sim has to be able to accomodate people of varying builds so this has to be right. I like my rumble seat because it allows you to feel the plane, feel the engine or touchdown, even feel bird-strikes. Worth the $100 for sure
The whole project is for naught if I don't get the seat-to-instrument-panel fit right. The sim has to be able to accomodate people of varying builds so this has to be right. I like my rumble seat because it allows you to feel the plane, feel the engine or touchdown, even feel bird-strikes. Worth the $100 for sure
9-test-fitting-the-seats.jpg (37.68 KiB) Viewed 5195 times
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Pilots”