3. How to start?
It may be hard to decide where to start building. Some people
like to make a full detailed plan, others just start somewhere.
I have setup this document in different sections.
- The basic interfacing explains how to
drive your keyboard with switches, and how to connect
separate potmeters to your game port. If you have little
experience, maybe some experiments with simple test
circuits is a way to get familiar, before starting out
building the real cockpit controls.
- The full cockpit controls overview
section gives you an idea about the functionality of
the complete setup.
- The controls description section
shows all parts and dimensions in detail. You can build
the modules one by one, since they are not cross-linked.
- If you are lost on how to connect everything, the cockpit wiring overview shows the whole
scheme.
Your sim setup also depends on available space. If you want to
use an existing table, check the height for the yoke and your
legs. (Im 1.76m tall, and the setup just fits my size).
- From flight experience enhancement point of view,
building the flight yoke is one of the best additions. It
is also the base for the whole wooden case dimensions.
- Rudder pedals with toe brake are easier to build, and add
a lot to your flight control capabilities.
- Elevator trim comes next in realism, together with the
throttle/prop/mix section.
- Adding transducers to your sim is another great
enhancement. You can start with one, to see (feel) the
effect. Other family members will also appreciate the
effect for games, like StarWars Racer.
- The other levers like gear, flaps and parking brake are
fun to have, and are very easy additions.
On the cheap:
If you want to make use of dump material, get a good idea of
what you might need, and regularly check your local dump/junkyard
for goodies.
- Old VCRs, fax machines, printers contain lots of
useful parts, like gear wheels, timing belts, metal rods,
etc. which are otherwise hard to get.
- Old copy machines are the ultimate for salvaging more
heavy duty gear wheels, belts, pulleys etc.
- Old motorcycles or cars can provide the engine key
switch.
- Old car radios can give you the transducer amplifier
ICs you were looking for.
- Old speakers can serve as base for building transducers.
Where to buy parts:
Since the availability of parts varies a lot in different
countries, I cannot give much advice here.
I have listed the web-sites of major part suppliers, where at
least you can view component spec sheets. Those suppliers however
do not sell loose parts, only large quantities. For single parts,
electronics and computer shops are the best bet, and you can find
alternatives by talking to the shopkeeper. Otherwise, mail order
service is the only way.
Continue to next chapter or Back to Index