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Design:
I was heavily influenced by the battletech pods I played in as a kid. The current modules consist of a center console and two peripheral modules.
I already had some helicopter avionics lying around, so I decided to integrate them into the layout that made the most functional and aesthetic sense. The center console houses communication, command, and ECM functions. The left module contains reactor functions, heat management, and weapons management. The right module operates vision modes and master caution. The rest of the avionics were procured via e-bay or DRMO auctions. I am utilizing Sikorsky UH60 panels, Collins, Link-11, and some JTIDS panels, autopilot controller from a Lockheed Electra, and the master gunner's caution from an AH-1. Many were in rough shape and required stripping down/repair. I have not yet re-labeled the controls because it would require altering the backlighting which would be difficult. Eventually I may make use of customized panels. The panels were populated with whatever I had lying around, and wholesale buttons from overseas.
Construction:
I am on a reasonably tight budget with this project, and consequently have to get creative when it comes to materials. The base frames for the modules are constructed with scrap wood I salvaged from a box spring mattress someone was throwing out. The sheet-metal skin is also a lucky alley find.
Implementation:
About 90% of the buttons and switches are functional. They are wired to a microcontroller [acquired from here. Ignore the atrocious site design: http://www.desktopaviator.com/] shich connects to the computer via USB. The board is recognized by the computer as a joystick. Due to MWO’s lack of sufficient nkb devices, I have mapped each button to a keyboard keystroke. In order to implement toggle switches, I chose a microcontroller that is able to convert a constand input to a momentary signal [that way when you flip a toggle, the computer doesn’t receive “wwwwwww”]. The backlighting is mostly 12v. one module runs off 5v, so I used USB power for that. The two top left and right panels are backlit for nightvision and require 115v, so those plug directly into the wall. The autopilot controller on the right side has 12v relays for the levers to maintain their state. Unfortunately, the voltage required for the relays is interfering with the microcontroller and triggering miscellaneous inputs. Still gotta sort that one out...
Looking forward:
As of right now all lights and indicators are static. MWO simpit builders currently have no way of getting the game to export event data for cockpits. For example, if you wanted a "critical heat" warning to trigger an indicator in your cockpit, you would need some sort of .dll released from the devs to export this data. Plenty of flight simulator games have done this to great success without compromising game security: we can only home that the sim-heads get some love in the future.
I have the same.
