Boeing 737 Simulator Blog

Level D 767 gauges successfully moved out of aircraft

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 11:07:22 GMT

18th January 2011 - We successfully relocated the PFD and ND from the 767 onto seperate monitors in the Main Instrument Panel. We also removed the bitmaps that created the cockpit, so we now have clear forward views! Nice!

Boeing Exit sign fitted

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:26:57 GMT

12th January, 2001 - Managed to get hold of a genuine 737 EXIT sign. This has now been installed at the rear of the pit, and lights up nicely using LED strip lighting! Can't beat the genuine thing!

Gatwick Airport Scenery installed

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:29:59 GMT

17th January, 2011 - Successfully installed UK2000 Gatwick Extreme scenery. Nice job they made of it too! Not too much impact on frame rates and the ground area looks stunning on approach. Recommend this without doubt!

Instructor Station Installed

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 11:18:23 GMT

28th January 2011 - Installed Luis Gordo's Instructor station onto the PC at the rear of the simulator. This will allow us to generate failures and scenarios at will, giving the crew a few headaches to deal with in flight or on approach!

Lower MIP arriving soon

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:14:34 GMT

Hoping to receive my Lower MIP from Simworld shortly. Mmmm, Nice too! Go check them out at www.simworld.pl Their quality is outstanding and the prices are really affordable. My MIP and overhead came from them and I am knocked out by it!

Side Views

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:32:03 GMT

Hoping to install two monitors today for side views. Once complete, this will give us 180 degree views and add another dimension of realism, giving the feeling of movement. However, after reading up on this, it would appear that FSX does not allow side views in 2D cockpit mode. Looks like another "you don't need this function" Microsoft cock up. Always assuming things, never asking the end user!

High Definition Web Cam and mic now fully operational

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 13:41:13 GMT

We now have the web camera and mic mounted ready for some more online flights. You can log on to my web site and use the "Live Cockpit Camera" link (when we are online) and see the cockpit being flown. Also we have an open chat box so you can natter to us when we are at Cruise level. Just click on the cockpit image on the page and it will connect you to our live stream! Cool!

FSClient PC clean up

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:19:34 GMT

Decided to format the PC that drives FSxpand client as it was getting sluggish, so we are going to wipe the drive, reinstall the operating system and set it back up again, hopefully losing some of the latency in data transfer

Solved Overhead panel issues

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 13:36:34 GMT

Had an issue on the overhead where when the power was applied to it, the USB voltage was sinking. Leo Bodnars card supplies connection from switches via usb. We had to link a common ground connection from the PSU to Leo's card. Problem solved! Whew! That took some finding!

Electronic Flight Bag Update

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 22:22:33 GMT

We formatted the Hard drive to reload fsxpand client and EFB and had horrendous troubles getting it reconfigured. We found out that there is a newer version so we installed that, not realising that ther server part of the program was the previous version. Pandemonium and cursing for two hours whilst we sorted it all out. As most programs all have server/client programs we suggest that if you go down this route check that both server and client are the same versions! Both knackered totally and tired out now to bother continuing with the flight! Thankfully due to Jonathan's stirling effort and patience we now have it working. PC needs more ram! Greedy devil!

WideView Problems

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:54:02 GMT

We installed Wideview tonight and everything went well until we tried to register the software. It bombed out my net connection and the only way to get it back is to shut down FSX. Classic programming eh! So another day passes without our side views that we have been carefully working towards. So, now we have to wait until Luis replies with an answer to our woes! Maybe we should burn the simulator and take up extreme sports!

Addendum to WideView entry

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 22:27:32 GMT

Well, after a lot of trial and error, we had to manually register it using another PC. At the minute we are trying to sync the views with the main simulator. Of course, now we have to add Active Sky, all the addon airports, uncle tom cobbley and all. Might get this finished for 2012! So now we have to fit the side monitors and try and set the views correctly. Then comes the headache of getting WideTraffic to work in the equation as well. Now 22:20 and we are both knackered so it's off to the sack (not in the same sack I hasten to add) to dream of Ian Sissons pit. So much to do, so little time! Will this pit every be finished, or will I just become a bankrupt, gibbering heap of beer-stained denims! Watch this space!

Side Views now in! Whew!

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 23:23:33 GMT

It's now 23.20 and we have just finished getting WideView running. Monitors are fitted and it seems to work okay. We decided that we need to work on the refresh rates to speed things up as it's a touch stuttery on a high-end dual core PC and should be better than that. None of the traffic is synced yet as we still have to get Wide Traffic running too. Sooooo many pieces of software have to be started up and set, it can take 15 mins just to get it ready to fly. Still it will be worth it in the long run. It's just great to see some side movement at last and it's quite rewarding. Jonathan has been "squeezing" down the side of the PC racking to fit two video outputs to the graphics card and has had to do it blind and back to front. But, he has more patience than I and got it sorted. When will this pit ever be finished I hear myself saying and I hear Ian Sissons in my ear saying "never mate". lol Off to my other pit now for some well-earned sleep!

Hi Def Web cam now operating

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:06:57 GMT

1700 hrs. Running trials on the new web camera and stereo mic. Performance is much higher and clearer than I expected. So, we may try an online flight tonight with it and see what feedback we get. Only be a short, one hr flight to give her a run and make sure last nights surgery didn't have any detrimental (or mental) effects. Have the side views to tweak and adjust before the flight so we get some great peripheral movement. Active Sky is installed as is the add-on scenery so it "should" all match. Haven't used the streaming software of late, so I hope that still works okay. We'll soon see later tonight! Anticipating take-off at around 2030hrs.

Web cam streaming issues

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 07:41:57 GMT

Well, we were just too tired last night to even fly. Been burning it both ends this week so we both went off to our respective beds for a decent kip. Having trouble finding a site that can stream in high-definition AND provide a chat room. The one we are currently using doesn't support high-def which is a shame. We found another site (YAWCAM) that will support high-def, but doesn't provide a chatroom for interaction so we have to do some more research. Don't really wana have to pay for it if we can help it as I would sooner put the cash into the pit as I still have a long list of stuff I would like (haven't we all). Well, off now to get my car MOT. :-((

Side Views II

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 07:49:14 GMT

Will be doing some more alignment work on the side views. Difficult to get set up right so everything is level. I think it's just a case of a lot of patience, tweaking and fiddling. The monitors are in place and functioning okay now. Difficult routing cables when the pit is already built up. Hindsight is one thing I wish I had! If anyone has tips on setting WideView up I would be most pleased to hear them! Once this is done, we then have to setup WideTraffic to complete the effect. Will be worth all the hassle when it's done. We also have to setup EZdock camera so the side views "bounce "during turbulence. Oh well, one bit at a time. Further news on how I got on later ....

WideView Speed

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:28:42 GMT

Okay - we have WideView running now, but have a lag issue where the screens do not start moving until around five seconds AFTER we have started up the runway! Looks hilarious, but annoying. Once running, it is as smooth as silk. So, if anyone has ideas, I would be glad to hear them. I am runing the network on a gigabit lan so speed there is not an issue, so I think it is a program issue.

Web cam update

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:30:50 GMT

The camera is all working now and I have had pleasing and encouraging feedback from those who came on to watch a live flight with me last week so this system will now stay. Whilst our streaming software doesn't support the high resolution the camera can shove out, it is leagues apart from the quality and focus of the old camera. Sound works too!

Panel.cfg

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:16:58 GMT

Well, this has become a real pain in the neck. We had the views and the instruments all moved onto the screens we wanted them on, and all was well with the world. After booting up the system the next day, the virtual cockpit we had removed had returned, making the pit unusable. After becoming "pitted out" I left it for a week. Jonathan came round and managed to get the file replaced from an earlier backup, and VOILA, it worked. We booted up later the same day, and the VC was back again! Damn it! Even restoring the file didn't work the next time. So, if anyone out there knows what the hell is going on, we'd be mighty pleased to hear from them as we are currently grounded again!

Impending visit

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:21:16 GMT

This coming weekend sees us whizzing up to see Ian Sissons again and his fantastic pit. We will of course be again picking Ian's brain dry. Really looking forward to seeing Ian again. Such a genuine and skilled guy into the bargain. It will be Jonathans first trip up, and Ian is sorting out the "bastard of all flights" for J to try his hand at. Of course, Ian will be there to grab the controls should Jonathan's bottle go, lol. Plus of course, it will be cool to see Ian's motorised TQ and new rudders, and new J-rails and ....... Mmmmmm! If you haven't been to Ians site, you must be on another planet. In case you live on Mars, go to www.737ng.co.uk and be prepared to be amazed at what Ian has done!

NEW Offerings from SimWorld

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:27:15 GMT

Well, the guys at SimWorld have been burning the midnight oil to improve their already stunning 737 panels, and not only that, the prices are even better! You gotta go see them before you buy and talk to them! Usually, you will get a response the same day, and PLEASE remember, they are NOTHING to do with Poldragonet. I use a lot of their products, and love the accuracy, quality and craftsmanship that has gone into them. Don't take my word for it, come and visit me and see first hand what these guys are capable of! Check them out at www.simworld.pl

Lower MIP arrived

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:05:08 GMT

Well, my lower MIP panels arrived from SimWorld and I am delighted once again with the sheer quality of them. Been busy assembling them, measuring up and getting the switches and pots together ready to wire up. These will of course complete my MIP although I have still to fit the pots into the main panel. Just struggling for room between the panels and the LCD monitors. I'll get there. Just not gonna rush it and mess it up. Lots of thinking and measuring first (and more beer).

All quiet

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 19:08:37 GMT

Not a lot happening this last fortnight. Been having software issues, and FSX is taking forever to boot up. Tried going back to FS9 but there are issues with that too, so a decision has to be made as to which platform we are gonna stay with, as the main FSX PC will get wiped and reloaded. It;s just teh thought of retrieving all the serial numbers from downloaded software that's putting me off. Level D for instance is an absolute pain. There's a lot to be said for NOT downloading software and having the actual CD in your hand. Maybe start on it this week. Just absolutely pitted out at the minute. Haven't even switched it all on for two weeks. We'll see.

New PCB to drive the overhead and MIP

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 19:08:28 GMT

A friend is designing a new circuit board that will supply the annunciators on both MIP and overhead with both LED's lighting as needed from FS, so watch this space! I will be trialling it when it's ready :-))

Update on Pit

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:18:58 GMT

Well folks, the pit is at a standstill at the minute and has been for a bout a month. Can't get any enthusiasm for it of late so it has stayed switched off and covered up.The main PC has been pulled out and the drive has been formatted, a new copy of Win 7 installed and required software reloaded. It was becoming far too unreliable and with visitors looming, I had to bite the bullet. Most of you will know what is involved and it is a real pain in the neck to do. It has one last chance to redeem itself or I throw in the towel and sell up. Many people say that it should be fun, but as Jonathan and I can testify, this has been purgatory. Yes, we have had some good flights, but a lot of faults appearing that are never the same twice. Those of you that know me will know that I have had many many trials with the pit and have (on the most part) got over it and sorted it out, but now I find it hard to continue on. I currently have two brand new 19" LCD monitors still in their boxes (for the second set of side views) unused and at least they can go back for a refund if I decide to stop the pit and sell up. Tough call, but I just don't need the hassle. I spent good money and got the best I could get, didn't skimp on anything, and have had so much trouble with it. I lay most of the faults at Level D's door with their damn 767. Wish that PMDG would pull their finger out and release the 737NGX as that "Might encourage me to carry on a while longer. Still, we'll see what ensues when the main PC is refitted and all the networks/file shares are done. I really hope this works! Watch this space!

Latest update

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:42:41 GMT

Okay, the PC's are all out, the FS PC reformatted and reloaded. Rack has been taken out and extended floor put in for the PC's to stand on outside the pit. Been untangling the wires and sorting which one goes where. Slow job, but getting there. Hoping to put all the PC's back in and onto the network and fire 'em up and see what wires are wrong then make the necessary changes. It's got one last chance to work properly! I hope it does! Never really understoof how Microsoft can write an operating system, and a simulator package and the tow don't really cohabit very well at least without issues! Taking this all really slowly to ensure it gets done properly. Adding one bit of software at a time and testing each stage before moving on. Will explain on here how it all goes shortly.

Changes and update

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:34:58 GMT

Well, it's been ages since my last entry so I thought I should drop one in. Following a back injury, it has stalled out all attempts to get on with things. Been having issues with getting everything working properly, ie the TQ and yokes, but after speaking to Ian Sissons this morning there is a new version of FSUIPC out which I am installing today to see if it cures the problems of axis disappearing out of FSUIPC. All being well, I should get it flying shortly as it has been grounded for almost three months now. So am desperate to get her up and about again (back permitting). As with most cockpits, its very cramped to work in so have to take it steady. The main FS PC has been fully formatted and wiped, software reinstalled and fingers crossed, it will all work shortly. Watch this space! I live in hope!!

NEW PC isntalled

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 09:22:42 GMT

Just received a new PC and installing everything. It's an I7 950, 6Gb ram, and 1TB HDD. Installed an ATi Radeon HD6950 PCI-e with 1Gb on board ram - so it should literally fly now! Following software installs, the TQ and yoke calibrated and set up perfectly. Not able to get the three screens all running yet as the card only seems to want to see two - one off the first DVi port and also off the display port. The eyefinity software isn't seeing the third monitor despite it being on a brand new VGA lead. All my monitors are VGA only so I am having to use adapters. Tried a different adapter on the third screen but still the same, so more investigation needed.

Pit almost fully working

Mon, 02 May 2011 09:17:48 GMT

Well, the pit is now airborne and working very well indeed. Jonathan was slaving over a hot PC last night as we put each system back in place. The new i7 is out-performing expectation with all sliders all full on! Unfortunately, the ATI Radeon card is faulty with only two of the three screens working so it will have to go back. Shame! At the time of writing this the aircraft is enroute to Dublin, and I am only sorry that Jonathan is not able to be here to do the "test flight" with me. All instruments working well, direct out of the cockpit (panel.cfg tweaks) and it is just so nice to be able to go for a buzz around again! Thanks also to Simon for helping out to get the new PC up and running quickly.

Graphics card update

Sat, 07 May 2011 09:08:29 GMT

Well, the graphics card from Novatech was due to be picked up Friday, but they tried to collect from a wrong address after me giving them the correct one and he even read it back to me. Now I have to wait for a collection this coming Monday. Once Novatech have checked it is faulty I get another one back. This is probably gonna take a week which I am not happy about, so Novatech's banner is being removed from the site! Even PC World will replace without question, so Novatech have gone down in my estimation and I will think twice before buying anything else from them! Surely they should just replace when they collect the faulty one, and should the product not be faulty, they can make an appropriate charge. That to me is fair as I guess there are some who try it on. So, the pit is again unusable until the card gets replaced. Seems you have to play the waiting game with simulators. So Novatech, you have now gone from 10/10 to 4/10.

Up and Running

Sat, 14 May 2011 18:52:42 GMT

Finally after finding out that all this time the errors were due to the Quad core PC, and switching to a high-end i7 do we see perfect flights, incredible frame rates with every sliders up to the hilt. We can perhaps throw caution to the wind and get a few flights in. As I write, I am airborne at FL390 travelling from Cairns Intl to Auckland Intl and it is as smooth as silk! A few little tweaks left to sort and get the new digital Th2go working properly and then we can enjoy it for a while before we start dealing with increasing the overhead connectivity.

AIRBORNE AGAIN!

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:07:39 GMT

Well folks, after a period of uncertainty of whether I cold get it flying again, I have managed to sort all the issues out and am once again airborne! All systems functioning within acceptable parameters as they say! The Core i7 is ruuning the simulator, a quad core the side views and a dual core is now running the Electronic Flight Bag and of course the FSXpand EICAS. PFD/ND are extracted from the actual aircraft by tinkering with the panel.cfg. So if anyone wants to fly, get in touch and have a go!

Pending visits

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 21:26:35 GMT

I have pending visits from some ATC lads wanting to have a look at the pit. My father was heavily involved with the squadron, so I am looking forwardto maintaining contact with them and letting them take the controls and experience it for themselves.

Woodworker needed

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 21:29:51 GMT

I have some alterations to make to the pit where I need a new centre console making to house both fmc's and also help in creating the side windows to fit the new monitors behind, so if anyone is able to help it would be appreciated. Just mail me

Fire Panel Backlighting

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:03:46 GMT

Today I am installing the back lighting for the fire control panel. Luckily there is a PC PSU inside the console so the wiring and supply is nearby. Also added a 12v fan as it gets pretty warm in here at times with four PC's and seven monitors steaming away! Might have to invest in an aircon unit for those longer flights (wife permitting of course)

Lower EICAS Cabinet built and fitted

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:31:57 GMT

Well, today I bit the bullet and ripped out the TQ and built my lower eicas cabinet and fitted both FMC's and the touch screen that runs Electronic Flight Book. And after fitting all the wiring and boting it in, to my surprise, it all worked first time!! Once the second yoke is fitted it will be fully flyable from both positions. Next job is the side view monitors to be fitted, but that is gonna be a job and a half due to room constraints. Gonna sit down now and have a beer and enjoy my labours!

Cockpit now extended

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:11:36 GMT

Have added about another 18" to the rear of the cockpit shell so it now looks and feels so much bigger and roomier. Completely repainted inside and out to freshen it all up. All monitors cleaned and the MIp glass cleaned too, and I even hung a tree-type air freshener off the interior mirror! I have two lads from Upwood ATC coming to check the pit out next Wednesday so I am looking forward to that. An RAF Group Capt is bringing them so I had better be on my game. A friend is busy and very kindly building me my second yoke, so I will be able to fly from either seat now both FMC's are in and functioning. No issues to report since I installed the i7 server. Mmmm Sweet!

New Yoke being installed

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:41:49 GMT

Well, my friend Simon has completed the new yoke. I got hold of some 737 nose-wheel gas struts which have been used, so there is now some real resistance there to add to the realism. With both yokes installed, we will be able to fly from either position as now both fmc's are operational and working nicely! The two lads from the ATC were over last night and had a great time. Two more due to come soon. It's a real pleasure seeing the look on their faces when they take control.

NGX Installed

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 12:50:50 GMT

Against my better judgement, I decided to try the NGX from PMDG as I have both FS9 and FSX installed, so I thought what the heck, give it a go. Initial installation went without a hitch, but I found it kept crashing the PC on scenery load up. I did find a temp workaround whereby I loaded the Level D 767 first as default flight then when loaded, switched to PMDG 737-800 WL and it works a treat. I guess PMDG will be releasing an update soon to fix this error, which I think is due to .net issues.

Initail thoughts: Lovely bird to fly, and the luxury of the modern cockpit. PFD/ND are easily moved and the panel state can be saved via the FMC options. A doddle compared the the now quite old Level D 767. Overall, engine sounds are much more realistic. Now I have to wait for drivers for my VR insight stuff! Hmpphh! Guess they will be released soon. Screen shot of the cockpit flying the PMDG NGX. Still using my PMDG 737 with FS9 until drivers are released, and then (and only then) will I switch over to the NGX fully.

Go Flight ICCS panel added

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:31:30 GMT

Well, I have added the newest version of Go Flights Radio/Nav/Xpander panel to the centre console. Took some setting up, and the PSU they sent was 100volts (useful) so I had to drag the 5v needed from the PC PSU in the console unit that supplies the backlighting for the TQ. Now I just have o cut out the top panel to fit this unit and the fire panel. A tight fit, but think I can get them both in. Nice clear displays on the unit and as I cannot get radio pairs in the console side by side, this works well as they are underneath each other. I have two more ATC lads along with their Group Captain for a flight on Monday evening, so have to have it all in and done by then.

Go Flight Panel in (whew)!

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:33:16 GMT

Well, I finally got this damn thing runnig. As GoFlight had kindly sent me a power supply for it that was for the USA, it was useless to me! Mailed them but got no response. Apparently the owner of the company just walked out! Oh well, it will get taken over (again) I guess. So, luckily I had a PC PSU inside the centre console so I butchered the lead from their power supply and got a 5v feed from my PSU and "voila". Took some understanding how to set it up, as the help file images didn't load that came with the unit, so I blagged my way through it and got it running and I have to say it's ptretty damn fine now it's going. Interfaces nicely with everything and smooth to use. I might overpaint the HUGE goflight logo that is right down both sides of it. A bit naughty really as why shoud I advertise them for free? Anyway, quite pleased with it and it fits well into my console. Due to space limitation I cannot have two radios side by side in a standard console so this fits the role nicely. A big thanks to Cody from GoFlight who went beyond the call of duty chasing my order and getting it moving! It has very clear displays too!

Com Panel finished and running

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:59:33 GMT

Well, after an earthing problem with one of the PC power supplies, I found I needed to earth it to the Leo Bodnar card in the TQ as it was causing issues. The Com panel works well now and sort of looks okay. Will have to do some more finishing up and tidying cables at the weekend.

Sept 8th Update

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:12:02 GMT

Well, had a weirdo tonight, where the FSX Core i7 PC kept restartiong itself over and over. Had to remove the CMOS battery and wait for the capacitor to discharge then refit the battere and set up the BIOS again. All going now and just running a test flight. So far so good. A friend called last night and we did a flight from LCPH to LGRP. He tried it down on te stick and pretty much got it down but off the runway (snigger) Also fitted some more switches into the overhead and wired them in. Set up in FSUIPC and got some more knobs and switches to play with now, lol.
It's my intention to add some flight videos on here in the next few weeks, especially when I get the next batch of visitors. The next job on the list is to move back the rudders and the yokes so the seats do not have to go so far forward, plus it gives easier access especially if someone calls to fly it in a short skirt!! :-)) Any offers out there? Need to get my voltage display sorted out too. Got all the bits to do it, just time and a steady hand! I have another GoFlight switch panel to fit so that will be able to handle things like pushback and view changes. Another update next week.

and finally .........

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:11:50 GMT

Well, after a long time of being "burned out" and not really doing much to it, I am back in the left seat making big changes.

1. Dumped FSX and all its issues along with PMDG's NGX which I think is just too full of bugs!
2. Gone back to good ol' FS9 with 60fps + and PMDG's NG
3. Installed Ultimate terrain as the ground in FS9 looks just like a mud bath otherwise
4. Set up more overhead switches to perform the correct startup
5. Installing a Phidgets LED 64 in the overhead this weekend to get more functionality so the annunciators feed back information
6. Set up all other functions in FSUIPC, ie more switches/rotaries/wafer switches
7. Got a lousy neck ache from trying to wire overhead switches in situ
8. Need to look at why the VRinsight MCP isn't acting on the driver file supplied for the NG. Doing weird stuff!
9. Both FMC's working fine
10. Hoping to get a rear overhead soon so I can move all the overheads to the correct positions in the roof section.

Whew, that's enough to be getting on with! More soon as it happens!

Rewire of the Overhead panel

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:58:27 GMT

Well, now that the Phidgets card has arrived, it's time to get serious on the MIP and overhead! The wiring needs to be so neat so as not to block any backlighting, so - slowly, slowly. I found that each output will support two LED's in parallel, but I am only doing the odd one's such as the gear, LE Flaps Ext and Speed brake on the MIP and GND Power on the overhead. All the rest are single led's so as not to stress the board. Certainly a back breaking job when it has to stay in situ! I curremtly have all the low pressure anunnciators working, ground power and window heats (complete with overheat warnings too). Very slow job, and it's easy to rush it, but I don't want problems further down the line. It's nice to see the low pressure lights go out after engine startup, and the delay before ground power is hooked up and available on the gate. I now have to fit the second Leo Bodnar card in the overhead as I have run out of inputs for the switches! Also ran out of USB sockets, so I have to put in a powered hub somewhere. Glad I ditched FSX and now run FS9 with the old PMDG 737NG. Solid as a rock which is more than can be said for FSX! Yes, the scenery is better, but who cares when you are at 39,000 feet anyway!

New annunciators in

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:03:06 GMT

Well, today I have fitted some of the LED's to the phidgets card and set them up and tested them. All work brilliantly. So far I have:

Ground Power
All four Hyd Pumps
All four Window Heats
Window heat "Overheat" warnings
LE Flap Ext
Speed Brake Extended

These few have took me a good few hours as the routing of the wiring is important for future maintenance. LED's do "pop" from tme to time so need replacing. Been performing some routine tasks, like a backup, Defrag etc to keep everything in good shape. The two Core i7's have had their processor speed upped with no detriment to operation or temperature. Like to squeeze out everything that is there. FS9 is now giving me 70fps locked, so well pleased! Next job is find out why the Transponder has stopped working! Mmmmph! ALWAYS something to do, and anyone who tells you different is lying! lol

Earthing Faults sorted

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:38:04 GMT

OK. I had a fault on the system where the MCP and the phidgets card suddenly stopped working for no apparent reason. It took a few days of thinking and testing to realise that both units are powered by a "pregnant plug" which has a PLASTIC earth pin. I had this issue with one of Leo's boards where it needed a ground from my PC PSU. It seems anything connected to USB, that has one of these horible power supplies needs an earth to it. After scrapping the PSU that came with the Phidets, and running it on the PC PSU, along with its own earth. away it all went.
Been connecting more overhead switches and annunciators today. Engine Gen switches, fuel pump switches, spar valve, fuel valve annunciators, fuel Pump low pressure annunciators, and Yaw damper switch and annunciator. Taken five hours to do with all the wiring tidy. Off for a sleep now!

More Annunciators fitted

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:23:01 GMT

OK. Well a lot has moved on since the last entry. FS9 is now a permanent fixture not only giving reliability, but awesome frame rates, so stuff FSX! Fine for the desktop guys, but no good to me as it was just too quirky and unreliable. Prone to stuttering (poor frame rates) and crashing. Spent dump loads of money on it to, with a high end Core i7 and a mega graphics card but still poor.
With FS9, you switch her on and she just works! A few scenery and airport add-ons and it is as good as FSX any day! Have almost finished wiring up tons of LED's for the annunciators (thank goodness as it is sucha boring job). The overead is nearing completion with just a few more to wire in and some more switches connected, then it's the major tidy up. Then when I start on the rear overhead it will eventually be the stuff dreams are made of! A public thank you here to Ian Sissons for his unwavering help and support during my tribulations!

Just Flyin'

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:56:27 GMT

A few "tweaks" here and there with scenery adjustments, but pretty much just flying and enjoying it. Since dumping FSX, the pit has been 100% reliable Good ol' FS9!
My friend Simon was over last night for a flight to Innsbruck in heavy weather. Great fun flying with someone. Simon is about to start on his sim in the next few weeks, so we shall have some fun putting that together! More switches and LED's need to be done, and I will be glad when they are finished as it is the most boring job on the planet! Still, be worth it when done!

Pit Expansion

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:09:38 GMT

Have now completed makinga new Coms Cabinet, and have all the Com/Nav/TransX operational. Wide view is now functioning providing the side views.
which sync really well and add a lot to the immersion. Overhead wiring virtually complete now. Just a few bits to tidy up. Feels like a 737 now.!

Comms Cabinet Replaced

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:11:42 GMT

The old Comms cabinet was just too short to properly fit everything I wanted into it so a new one had to be made. Unfortunately I cannot fit a full size one in due to space limitation so went with the GoFlight panel. Not as nice looking as the real kit I admit, but it's either move house and build it in a bigger room or live with what I have. Now I have the side views running it's much cosier. Next job is the 5th PC and two more side views giving 180 Degree views or therabouts.

Flying Tonight

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:16:00 GMT

My ol' workmate Eddy is over tonight for a flight, so will be a good test for everything. Flight Deck Companion LIVE has been installed, so we will see how good it is. Told Ed to bring his sick bag!

VATSIM

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:57:33 GMT

VATSIM Squawkbox software now installed and working. Head sets for Capt and F/O installed with PTT switches added. Now full able to fly with online ATC!

Fire Panel Lighting

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:58:23 GMT

Now added backlighting for the fire panel in the centre console.

Transponder issues sorted

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 15:00:28 GMT

As I am using the Go Flight GF15 Coms/Nav panel. the designers of it put a transponder panel in, which looks nice, but the clowns forgot that you need a rotary switch to turn it on and a button to Ident! So, out came the "butchers knife" and I have now modified it so it now has both! Designers are obviously not aviators!

New 27" monitors installed

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:11:49 GMT

Well, another struggle over. I purchased two 27" LED monitors and have just completed installing them, and boy what a difference. The three screens that were there will now become the rear set of side views, giving me virtually 180 degree views! Hoping to build the window frames this weekend and cut the plexiglass for the window frames. Monitors will be mounted behind. Scenery is no longer stretched and it feels totally different. Taking my time over this as I want it to look perfect now I have spent a chunk of cash getting it right.