Aircraft Aviation

I wouldn't think you are the only one TRB . However, if you look at the diagram closely, there is only a total of 19 wires, which isn't that many. It's the daisy-chaining of the wires which is difficult!

Very impressive livery there CSoul if I must say so myself.

Hiya Joe, It depends. In this case, I have draw the diagram before soldering, purely for the reason that I'm not overly experienced in Matrix Wiring. Basically, I made the diagram, then showcased it to Nico Kaan (a genious when it comes to IOCards, USBKeys, etc) - And since he has approved of it and says it should work, then all is good. However, in the case of the overhead panel, so far I have pretty much soldered first and then produced a diagram. thanks alot, Jack :biggrin:

Unfortunately the USBKeys Card hasn't been ordered yet, but I can safely say that the CDU construction is coming along very well. Sadly, no pictures today, but I do have this Circuit Diagram I drew of the Matrix Wiring that'll be used. Take a look: Also, for those of you who are interested in building your own Simparts, I am making a tutorial on how to design a simple GA Autopilot panel using the BU0836X Card. Jack :biggrin:

Okay! fantastic theme this month, an opportunity to showcase some vibrant, colourful liveries! Yanyanni Dreaming, the little brother of Wunala Dreaming for Qantas: FreeDom Air Movies Livery: The same Aircraft, but from a slightly different perspective:

Something tells me Troy you won't be the only one sporting that livery htis month!

I have some fantastic news about the O/C CDU! The CDU has been located... And Correos are sending it back to me! It turns out that for some strange reasons Opencockpits did not collect the CDU from the local post office... Well anyway. I will resend it and hopefully get my refund this time! Regarding the self-built CDU... Progress is running great. I've just obtained some awesome circuit diagrams from a member at MyCockpit.org, which are essential for the CDU's construction. Jack

No problem Lads, glad the review gave you a good insight into what's what. Ay more questions just ask me!

Thanks alot Joe, and if anyone's interested I wouldn't mind making a few PDF tutorials on making switches and how to interface them... Basic switches of course to start with first. thanks, Jack :biggrin:

All issues have now been solved. I see no problem (unless some problem arises NOT to do with the panel) to start the next stage of contruction this coming Weekend. Thanks, Jack

Right guys, got some fantastic news! I have just fully tested the overhead panel with the LDS767... And sucess! Everything, apart from 1 rotary position which will be fixed soon, works perfectly! :biggrin: :biggrin:

Thanks alot Rob, I have of course much more hardware reviewing to do and I enjoy every bit of it!

Sunday 25th March 2010 The CDU panel has been cut! The frame is of aluminium and those small stands you can see on the sides are made of wood. Of course there is a long way to go yet, lots of soldering and mounting of buttons but hey, it should be worth it in the end. I have just ordered the SPST Momentary normally open Black Push buttons from Rapid. The only buttons I have yet to order are the circular buttons for the CDU. Thanks alot, Jack

Thanks alot Dai .

Just to say guys... For the CDU, I will be enlisting the help of my fantastic father. This is because he is a chartered electrical engineer and also a genious with wood/metalwork. He has also assisted me in some past building, but never have I needed his help so much, this CDU is one complex thing. I feel so much more comfortable with him on board with the CDU, he makes all the wiring look like a doddle. Jack

Yup! I'm also enjoying the price of the whole build too .

Construction has begun for the CDU. The aluminium frame will be cut tonight/tomorrow, and the USBKeys Card purchased... I don't know, but it shouldn't be too long. I will keep you informed, also keep an eye out for the 767 Overhead too! Jack

Thanks as always everyone, and yes Dave & Sam worked their noses off to get the baton clean again for Leg14!

Leg13 brings host to two new pilots, equally interesting in their backgrounds and character. We have, sitting in the Captain's seat, Dave, who is an A321 Pilot with pizzaz. On the right, we have Sam, a Pilot who has been friends with Dave since the start of their Flying Career. Dave: 'Tis a fine day isn't it Sam?! Sam: Aye, it is truly spectacular. Dave: What're we flying today? Sam: An Aircraft Dave:...... Sam: The A321 of course! We're also carrying a very special piece of cargo! Dave: What is it? Sam: Me! Dave:..... Sam: Okay... The baton. Dave: Full throttle then. Sam: V1! R

Extremely impressed with the Virtual Cockpit, one of the best I've ever seen!

Interestingly, I was thinking of (for the CDU) ripping apart a keyboard and just re-arranging the keys onto the frame, but then I figured it would jsut look messy, the keys wouldn't give the right feel, etc.

Heheh, no problems, got the Matrix wiring sorted out. It works like this: Say the "A" key on the CDU. This has two terminal legs coming off've it. The O/C Board has 11 rows of 8-pin arranged circuitry, this is the Matrix config. Row 1 is called A, row 2 called B, and so on. Each pin on each row is called a number. So, for example if we are referring to the fifth pin along on the second row down, it is called "B5". Anyway, one of the push-button terminal legs is connected to "A1", and the other connected to "B1". This coombination of wiring is simply translated as: "Key press "A" is defin

Okay guys, looks like it will be a home-made CDU. The interfacing board this time will be the Opencockpits USBKeys Card. I know Opencockpits are still in dispute over the CDU refund, but the USBKeys card is only 24 Euros and you can't really go wrong for that. The bad side is, is that the board using something called a "Matrix" circuit which utilises Diodes instead of direct circuitry. Also, there is alot of scripting involved!

Hmmm... Okay but I'd stay aware as Orbx really don't agree with resale of their products (from what I learned from "Uhu Fledermaus").

You bought a boxed version or the download version?