Homecockpit

What is it?

The homecockpit is a piece of hardware, that emulates a cockpit for a given computergame. In this case we're emulating a "universal" cockpit in M$ FSX:SE. "Universal" means, that it is adapted, so that it can be used on any aircraft type.

What is the main concept?

The main concept is to have a big frame with cutouts, where panels are slotted. The frame features:

• space for 7 panels (6x 20x10cm + 1x 10x20cm),
• a cutout for a monitor to show more complex instruments (PFD, GPS, ...)
• a cutout to fit the saitek yoke
• a powerbar
• an Arduino MEGA as the "brain"

Which panels are already finished?

• Basic LightsPanel
  • bunch of simple two-state-switches to control lights in and around the aircraft
  • hardware nearly done ( First set of switches done, needs integration with Sim-commands panel)
  • software 0%
• Basic RadioPanel
  • 2 frequency displays + 1 knob (to set s/b freqency)
  • Hardware done (100%)
  • Software still WIP (w/ main firmare)
• AutopilotPanel Part 1
  • CRS, HDG, SPD displays + knobs
  • hardware done (100%)
  • software still WIP (w/ main firmare), but a beta has already been written and tested
• AutopilotPanel Part 2
  • ALT, V/S displays + knobs
  • hardware done (100%)
  • same software as AutopilotPanel Part 1
• Advanced RadioPanel
  • SQUAWK display + setting buttons; com/nav selector/switch buttons
  • hardware work in progress (50% done)
  • software not yet started, but easy (0%)
• Landing gear lever
  • lever with pull function to lock it into three positions (UP, LK, DN)
  • hardware WIP (lever done , installation + wiring missing)
  • software 0%

Which panels are still planned?

• Sim-commands panel
  • buttons to command fsx (pause, slew mode, kneeboard, ...)
• Electrical panel
  • Hydraulics, APU, Generators, ...
• Engine Panel
  • Engine starters, fire suppresion, ...

What's included?

In the "pcb" folder, there are the EAGLE .schematic/.board files for the custom PCBs we designed and ordered to make things easier. In the "firmware" folder there are nearly all iterations of the firmaware, including the current version ("FSX_3.0"). In the "parts" folder there is a list of all the parts, that have been used to build the cockpit.

How much is done is it?

If we had to guess this would be like one third done. There are still a few a lot of the planned panels missing. Also the main frame is still a work in progress.

Individual statuses

• Frame: 70%
• Firmware: 40%
• Panels: 40%
• whole project: 30%

Who's contributing?

Currently there are two main contributers: Jonas (Hardware & Software specialist) Cornelius (Flightsim/flying & design specialist)

How can you contact us / help us?

Just create an issue. We'll answer on it as soon as possible.