This web site is about the construction of a home flight simulator system. It displays photographs, videos, diagrams and discusses the problems found during the construction process and the implemented solutions. It lists the parts, components, hardware and software used.
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I took these pictures today of my dad flying the simulator. After a round of pictures we decided to take a few more of him flying the simulator using the helmet and flying jacket he used to wear when he flew fighter airplanes for the Peruvian Air force.
Here is a 10 minute video tour of the home built Flight Simulator. Thank you for watching:
Here is the updated system’s diagram for the Piranha Flight Simulator Training System. The updates to the diagram include the two new GPS LCD monitors (14″ LCDs), the new side view LCD monitors (19″ LCDs) and the computer that drives the side views, the new custom made overhead panel, the new autopilot and radio panels (from Saitek) and the Aura Pro Bass Shakers installed under the Pilot and Co-Pilot chairs for added realism.
System’s Diagram:
Click here to see the large version of the Diagram.
Legend:
Red Lines – Audio Connections
Blue Lines – USB Connections
Light Blue – Standard Mouse/Keyboard Connections
Green/Yellow Lines – Video Connections
Purple Lines – Network Connections
Piranha Flight Simulator System's Diagram
Here is a new set of pictures of the current state of the Flight Simulator System:
Here are a few new pictures from different angles showing new detail added to the cockpit system:
Cockpit Dark View:
Backup Instruments:
View of top panels:
View from the bottom center:
Landing Gear Control:
Another Dark View of the Cockpit:
Today I added a new (used) computer to the Flight Simulator. I had one computer displaying the PFD and EICAS panels, now, the new computer is going to be displaying the EICAS and the old one the PFD. With this configuration the Simulator gains performance by distributing the task of displaying instrumentation panels among two computer systems. Another advantage is that I am not longer using “Y” splitters to send the video signal to two monitors. The graphic cards on both computers have two VGA output ports therefore the video signal is stronger making the monitors look brighter.
In an effort to test fly the new overhead panel installed in the Flight Simulator System, my parents took the Flight Simulator on a flight over the skies of Lima, Peru flying a Boeing 737-800. Taking of from Jorge Chavez International Airport, flying over the Pacific Ocean along the coast, over the San Lorenzo Island and landing on the Las Palmas Military Base. My dad flew as the co-pilot while my mother, following “detail” directions from my dad flew as the pilot getting a little motion sickness. They made a safe landing. I was the only passenger on the flight and I really enjoyed seeing them in command of this virtual airline.
Here are a few pictures of the event:
My parents test flying the Flight Simulator.
My parents test flying the Flight Simulator.
The new overhead panel being operated by my dad.
My dad, test flying the Flight Simulator after installing the new overhead panel.
…and then I switched places with my mom…
Test flight of the Flight Simulator after installing the new overhead panel.
Me, test flying the Flight Simulator after installing the new overhead panel.
Test flight of the Flight Simulator after installing the new overhead panel.
The new overhead panel has been installed, wired and programmed. I also added a new ventilation system for the pilot and co-pilot and new detail to the lateral windows. The re is also new illumination systems that provide with the proper illumintation to the middle console. Here are a few pictures:
View of the new overhead panel and ventilation system
View from the co-pilot's seat
View of the lateral window
The new ventilation system. Co-pilot side.
View from the pilot's seat
View of the over-head panel
Here are a few pictures of the Overhead Panel. All switches have been installed and wired. The next step is to mount it on the Flight Simulator.
Overhead Panel with all the swtches already installed.
Overhead Panel - Close up
Location on the Flight Simulator where the overhead panel will be mounted.
New Ventilation System:
On the weekend, I installed a new ventilation system for the pilot and co-pilot. I used small electric fans powered by a 12 volt power supply. Here is a picture:
New Ventilation System.
I began building the overhead panel for the flight simulator. I based the construction on the drawings I found on this excellent web site: http://users.skynet.be/jcordon/cockpit/index2.htm and pictures of the Boeing 737 cockpit. Most of the switches on the panel will be operational. My objective is to make it look as real as possible. All indicators will be illuminated. My panel will be a scale down version. A little smaller than the original. I am using 1/2″ Plexiglas to allow for transparency. I processed all the drawings in Adobe Photoshop and printed two version. One on sticker paper and the other version as a negative (inverted with the indicators colored) on transparency paper. After I finish laying out the complete panel I will cover it with another piece of transparent plastic, then drill the holes for the switches, install them and wire them.
Here are a couple of pictures of the initial layout:
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