I have started another site where you can discuss anything related to building a flight simulator cockpit.
Check it out at http://flight-simulator-cockpits.com
Common
Cockpit Elements
What
elements should go into you cockpit to
make the experience as real as it gets?
Much of this depends on what type of aircraft
you will be flying and how involved you
are willing to be. Much of what goes into
a cockpit can be determined by looking
at the panels in your flight simulator.
There is software & hardware out there
that will allow you to include such elements,
you can also build your own elements to
further enhance the realism of you flight
deck. Listed below will be some common
cockpit elements.
MFD/PFD
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The
MFD(Multi Function Display) or PFD(Primary
Flight Display) generally is used
in commercial aircraft. The MFD/PFD
includes an artificial horizon,
altitude indicator, heading indicator,
autopilot indicators, & indicated
airspeed to name a few. The MFD/PFD
is one of the most useful instruments
in the cockpit. Some examples of
software which integrated a MFD/PFD
are:
- FsXpand
- FreeFD(no
longer available)
- Cockpitware
- Glass
Flight Deck
- Project
Magenta
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Navigation
Display(ND)
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The
navigation display is used, well
to navigate, it indicates your heading,
airports, vor's & also if it
includes nav data it can show the
heading from your flight plan. The
ND along with the MFD are essential
when setting up an ILS approach
or even when using VFR to guide
the craft to the ground. Some examples
of software which integrated a ND
are:
- FsXpand
- FreeFD(no
longer available)
- Cockpitware
- Glass
Flight Deck
- Project
Magenta
|
General
Aviation Gauges
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There
are two options for those general
aviation style gauges. You can use
actual gauges which are available
from Simkits.com. Or you can go
with software and with some creative
craftsmanship you can create a bezel
which can fit over a computer screen.
I have been told that the bezel
method if done properly will look
pretty close to real gauges
- Simkits.com
- FsXpand--Really
good option
- Project
Magenta
|
Flight
Controls
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By
flight controls I mean any element
that gives you control over the
movement of the aircraft. The three
elements that are essential are
the flight yoke, rudder pedals,
and a throttle quadrant. Some of
the top manufactures are:
- Saitek
- CH
Products
- GoFlight
|
Switches,
Buttons, Levers & Dials
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Of
course what would your homebuilt
cockpit be without all those switches,
levers, buttons and controls. This
is the custom element your personal
touch will help to implement this
element. Some companies such as
GoFlight offer pre constructed panels
but personally I think a custom
solution will make it stand out. |
A
Seat
|
Duh,
whats a good cockpit without a good
seat? Some build this appliance
themselves but most might be able
to get a decent seat from a junkyard.
Even better would be an actual seat
from a cockpit. If you have a boneyard
close to home an actual seat from
a real cockpit might happen. |
Flight
Simulation Display
|
The
main display for your cockpit is
essential to the whole immersion
experience. If you want a basic
display or you want an elaborate
projector system, there are many
options out there that will enhance
your world view:
Software
Hardware
- TripleHead2Go
- DLP
Projecton
- Flat
Panel Display
- Multiple
PC Monitors linked using hardware
or software
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The
Sound System
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Finally
to complete your set of elements
a good sound system will be one
of the most important elements to
your sim pit. You may want to isolate
certain sounds on different sound
systems, many do this with PM Sounds
from Project Magenta. Whatever your
solution, sound shouldn't take the
back seat. |
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