MCP panel

MCP panel, backplane and buttons. I decided to start with the autopilot console (MCP) and did a lot of research. Then I found out that Hispapanels can provide pretty complete panels for the Boeing 737-NG cockpits. It means that you can buy the panels but they will not have working buttons, switches etc.
The 'real' buttons, lights, switches, displays etc. can be ordered seperately and will fit neatly in the backplane.

Th 09-03-06 - ordering MCP and electronics

Today I ordered the MCP panel, the buttonspack and....... some electronics.
The electronics were ordered at opencockpits. Here you can order several electronic circuits and parts specially made for flightsimulators.

I ordered:
PCB 5digits : 3
PCB 3 digits : 3
Kit Master : 1
Kit Display2 : 1

With these electronics I can build a working MCP.....

Tu 14-03-06 1st part of order has arrived (electronics)

the display v1.2 + mastercard package the display v1.2 package

Now I can really start my project....

Display card, finished (ca. 40 min.)

We 15-03-06 Building the mastercard

The plastic tool is to make bending of the resistors etc. easier.

Mastercard finished (in about 1,5 hour)

17/20-04-2007

glued some M4 nuts on the back of the MCP front panel (glue is from computer security cables)

on an overhead projector sheet I drawed the size of the number displays and put (paper) tape used for painting doors, walls etc. exactly in it. After one layer of paint I removed the tape, let it dry for a day (is scale modellers paint) and put a second layer layer of paint on top of it.

cut them out and stick them to the back of the frontpanel

see the difference between the "VERT SPEED" and the "COURSE", no more holes !

I also decided to (try) to make my own electronic boards, this weekend I ordered some stuff at Conrad and dickbest.nl.

...to be continued...