ISSUES LOG (challenges needing some type of resolution)
Keeping the sim as a 727 presents a couple of challenges: first, because the 727 is a three-engine aircraft, it limits what flight/aircraft models can be utilized with MSFS and still have relatively realistic flight controls. For example, it would be unrealistic to try and configure a 747 or A340 (4 engines) or a 737 or A320 (2 engines) into a sim that has a throttle quadrant of 3 engines. We're viewing the throttle quadrant as the "crown jewel" of the sim, so this is a tough one. This issue is currently unresolved.
Latest update 7/7/2005: We're still making
progress, although I think we will most likely transform the 727 into more of a
727/737 hybrid. There's just too much hardware configuring and expense involved
in keeping the original 727 steam gauges, so we will be transforming the MIP and
throttle into a 737 setup. We'll still keep the Flight Engineer's panel for eye
candy.
The main software setup for now includes 3 PCs, each running a licensed copy of
FS2004. We use the payware version of FSUIPC, plus WideView to keep the
PCs in synch. PC #1 is used solely to display the pilot's 45-degree view
outside the left side of the cockpit. PC #2 runs the "main" version of FS2004,
where the Flight Plan and instrumentation runs, plus the straight-out view. PC
#3 is used to display the co=pilot's 45-degree view outside the right side of
the cockpit. We use 3 LCD projectors, one for each outside view. PC #2's
graphics card supports 2 monitors, so we run an LCD monitor inside the cockpit
to simulate the MIP. None of the original 727 instruments, switches,
annunciators, etc are working yet.
Go Flight has in the last year released some
cockpit-builder equivalents
of their already-put together components, such as throttles, etc. That's what
we're currently doing, and it's slow going, so no new pictures yet. Hopefully
we're getting close with the throttle quadrant, although I think we may need to
switch out the original potentiometers for something that works a little more
smoothly.
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If you take a look at the pics, you'll most likely be blown away like I was as to just how awesome-looking the round-dial instruments look. They just exude realism, and I'd really like to build the sim such that I can use as many of them as possible. The biggest challenge: just how do you take a 30-year old sim, with resistor-type electronics and customized servos, and connect it to MSFS?
Latest update 7/7/2005: We will be using glass cockpit displays, and hopefully added realism of FMS units as well, but I still have a desire for round gauge realism. One potential alternative that we haven't explored yet is Flight Illusion's beautiful standby instruments that are connectable via USB.
The sheer amount of detail in the sim could conceivably allow us to start a flight in a completely "cold and dark" cockpit, and follow step by step all of the checklists used for real 727 flight. The trouble is, I don't have a first officer or flight engineer! (the 727 had 3-person crews). So, again, we'll need to decide how much realism to put into the actual operation of the switches, dials and Korry lights, and how much will simply be "eye candy". In addition, we have a significant investment in GoFlight controls used for my existing flight sim set-up. How much of that will be used will remain to be seen; our current plan is to, at minimum, use all of the GoFlight radio modules, as the sim came with no functioning NAV or COM radios. This issue is currently unresolved.
Latest update 7/7/2005: We spent some serious cash to invest in a CNC machine, which can be used to create small faceplates and other pieces. This will allow us to use the "guts" of the Go-Flight radios, for example, but use a more fitting faceplate can can mount on the throttle quadrant with a commercial airliner look, versus the stock GA-type of faceplate.
The original sim had an extra 18 inches of what was in essence a sub floor. This sub floor housed all of the pistons and linkages necessary for the pilot and FO's rudders and yokes to work in tandem, as well as simply providing the linkages necessary for these controls to function. Because of the reduced height of the basement, we needed to saw and remove this sub floor from the original sim setup, which puts us in a dilemma on how to get the yokes and rudders to function.
Latest update 11/6/2004: We've decided to not use the original flight yokes and rudder pedals. An addition compromise will be that the co-pilot seat will not have functioning rudder pedals nor flight yoke, so the pilot and co-pilot controls will not move in tandem, as in a real aircraft. Luckily, however, funding allowed us to purchase some professional-grade replacement pieces from Precision Flight Controls. Additional pictures of the new equipment are available on the Progress page.