My Cockpit

651: My Cockpit Rev #24

| Tom Tsui

Plan can’t catch up with change — my cockpit rebuilding project is a good example.  It was virtually completed right before the launch of the MSFS 2020 a couple of months ago.  Many components I built for P3D then have to be reworked to cope with the new simulator now.

For  example the Flight Instrument Panels (FIPs) that were networked and now have to be connected to the main PC directly; and the two TVs on both sides are no longer usable for surround purposes as they are in different sizes (main TV 65-inch; side TVs 49-inch) that MSFS doesn’t support.

Fortunately, new plan is catching up.  Except the avionics set, others have been set properly even though finetuning is still needed.

Also, there are new components to be added soon.  Continue reading →

643: My Cockpit Rev #23 – My New Rig

| Tom Tsui

It’s almost four years since I purchased my last computer for flight simulation.  It’s still working good.  However, it’s commonly agreed that hardware for flight simulation is just like the song in the “The Greatest Showman” movie – Never Enough.

Cannot say it’s the best timing to upgrade but since my work computer (nearly 10 years old) acted a bit odd lately, I decided to substitute it with my current flight computer and purchase a new one for flight simulation.

The specs are: Continue reading →

609: My Cockpit Rev #22 – Flaps Lever

| Tom Tsui

I’ve been playing a lot with the newly bought 3D printer lately.   After many failures, I finally made a satisfied Flaps Lever to replace the little black round button coming with the Flaps Indicator by Desktop Aviator.

The 3D model of the Cessna flap lever I earlier sourced from the Internet wasn’t bad.  However, it is a bit small and the shaft hole doesn’t fit the metal shaft, which is flat, on the indicator.

Therefore, instead of modifying the file, Continue reading →

603: My Cockpit Rev #21 – Covering up FIP Up-Dn Buttons

| Tom Tsui

From time to time, I receive emails from non-SpadneXt users asking if it is possible to turn off the up/down LEDs on the FIPs.  Frankly speaking, I didn’t care much whether they were lit or not in the past.  So typically I would give them an answer NO.

Until recently I have my cockpit layout properly,  I then understand why they have the needs.  Even so, my answer was still a NO unfortunately.

But there was one time I was joking to a friend saying that “You could Continue reading →

601: My Cockpit Rev #20 – Ruddo Rudder Adjustment

| Tom Tsui

VirtualFly’s Ruddo (not the plus model) is one of the highly praised rudders on the market.  I got mine last year but only started using it until a few months ago (for some personal reasons).
The Ruddo is made of metal completely and therefore very heavy and sturdy.  And unlike other similar products, it comes with 8 springs to allow users to configure the best possible pressing force on the pedals of their choices for ideal maneuverings.

It is so far the best rudders I ever have.

However, there’s one thing I don’t like in particular — it is Continue reading →

594: My Cockpit Rev #19 – Mini Keyboard

| Tom Tsui

With my DIY cockpit gradually forming in shape, I found the using and fitting of the keyboard and mouse a bit clumsy.  The worse is they cannot be simply “trashed” as they are needed for many inputs and controls, such as airport switching.

In the end, I found a solution of replacing the normal keyboard and the mouse with a miniature keyboard that comes with an integrated touchpad.  The best part is the keyboard even has a backlit.

Actually it (D8) is not my first choice. Continue reading →

592: My Cockpit Rev #18 – Full Cockpit Trial

| Tom Tsui

I bought a full scale C172 glare-shield for my cockpit rebuilding back in 2017.  After setting up the FIPs and Avionics stacks two weeks ago, I found out they didn’t fit to each other.

Since the FIPs were leaned backward on their original plastic frames, which didn’t match with the vertical avionics stack at all, I then decided to replace them with a one-piece wooden frame just like the one I made for the avionics.  Moreover, as the avionics in one stack format would leave many empty spaces on the right, I decided to put them into a B58 style layout as well.

In addition, two 12-push button switch arrays from iflysims.com were added to the cockpit for general functions, such as open doors, etc.

Followings are the pictures during the makeover: Continue reading →

591: My Cockpit Rev #17 – Parking Brake T-Handle

| Tom Tsui

Over the last few months, I’ve been looking for a proper T-shade handle to replace the unattractive pull button handle on my parking brake.  Among the last three candidates I chose, the nylon one on the right is the final winner.

However, as the screw size of it is an M-6 and the shaft of the parking brake is an M-4, I have to additionally source Continue reading →

587: My Cockpit Rev #16 – Avionics

| Tom Tsui

I got the Bendix King Style Avionics Set from Flight Illusion nearly three years ago.  Embarrassingly, it was put on the shelf until I recently moved forward with my cockpit rebuilding project finally.  What a ridiculous waste!
Followings are photos how they are assembled to the DIY rack made of wood. Continue reading →