I am getting so many e-mails regarding how it all went together and particularly how i use the PMDG 737, I decided to put together a page to assist other PMDG 'drivers'. This is general, but I will expand when time permits........  Click Here. 

Long Paddle Switches for the Overhead are available from LUCHTVAART Hobby Shop. Or MOUSER in Fort Worth TX
MOUSER PART NO's are
108-0027-EVX (SPST OFF/ON)
108-0028-EVX (SPST (ON)OFF(ON) )
108-0029-EVX (DPDT ON/OFF)
108-0031-EVX (DPDT ON/OFF/ON).

Now here's a great thing.  It's a pulse switch which only contacts in the direction of rotation.


So now there is a solution to the 'Encoder' Problem. You can send either two repeated Keystrokes  or repeat two seperate Joystick button Inputs. I haven't found these in the UK yet, but they are available from MOUSER . 
Here's the Data Sheet.  Connect it to Leo's BU0836 Joystick Controller card and you get Repeated Joystick Button Presses based on the direction you turn the switch.  Opens up all kinds of possibilities doesn't it.

If you don't want to spend a fortune on Project Magenta (and who does), you can easily re-write your panel file to display PFD & ND and then configure your EICAS using the excellent FsXpand  Program from Gert Heijnis 
*** NOW WITH PANEL SWITCHING ***

EICAS Panel Courtesy of FsXpand  @ www.flyware.nl

I have been asked a few times how I went about getting the Panel Switching Operational.
Click HERE for the .pdf file
"How To Use FSXpand to switch EICAS Screens"
 and for Information on 
"Using Remote Joysticks with FSXpand and FSClient"
 click HERE

What do you bung in the Chronometer Windows on the MIP, well working clocks of course :o) See the MIP Page for how to do it

Steering Tiller came from ROUTECH in Romania

This has got to be the BEST solution for your Worldwide Charts.  Upto date, excellent quality and affordable. 20 Euros buys you 300 credits, thats a full charts package for 150 airports.  Works out at 13 cents apiece. And they have now joined forces with Richard Stefans Navdata Service which will mean your charts and your FMC Navigation data will both be synchronised.

Well I 'Bit The Bullet' and went out and bought the SYMULATORY Throttle Quadrant.  Sadly it arrived damaged, but with some mailing backwards and forwards Jakub and I have resolved the problem and I'm just amazed at the level of realism it adds to the Pit.   Not cheap, but a 'must have' for serious builders.
See the TQ Page HERE

** How A TQ Works and How To Connect It To FS2004 HERE

Two 'Must Have' additions are the USBKeys Card and The Joystick Axes Card from Opencockpits in Spain. There's more information on the OpenCockpits Page.

Here's the BEST USB Joystick Emulator I use, BU0836 

from Leo Bodnar. Gives you 8 analogue axis inputs and 32 buttons,     check it at LEO's Website where you can also find the connection diagram. Now also available in 12 bit resolution for even better accuracy on the axes.

** HOT And there's more.  Leo has just introduced the BU0836X board.  Much Simplified 'Push Fit' connections, so no need to be soldering up Matrix Boards.  Every input neatly labeled for easy identification. BU0836X now supporting encoder input from 1,2 & 4 pulse per detente encoders and translating them into joystick button presses. He tells me it should be on his website week beginning 31st March.   see www.leobodnar.com 

Or, if you are just looking for a simple 20 button interface unit, take a look at this from Steve S at Desktop Aviator. This little 'Plug & Play' card gives you an extra 20 Joystick Buttons inputs. To these you can attach Toggle or Push Button Switches which can be assigned within FS or FSUIPC.
see the Model 2040 Board HERE. It's a modular system which simply plugs into the next board.     And then........

So i was looking for a way to SIMPLY translate Buttons and switches into actions.  Quite by chance i came across the  DESKTOP AVIATOR WEBSITE.  What these guys have done is develop a system of ready made Switch and Avionics Panels which easily let you communicate with your sim.  These boxes emulate a USB joystick which means you can assign any switch to any function you choose either thru the Main FS menu or in FSUIPC.  I've just ordered the complete set for my DASH8 Desktop Cockpit.

  Looking for a Single Lightplate or Switch Panel. Here's a bunch of guys who know where it's at. I just ordered the Weather Radar Panel, The Stabalizer/Cabin Door Panel and the Rudder Trim Panel. Talk to Manolo at HISPAPANELS.  Real Nice Guy who replies by return and is very helpful.

So where do you start with the overhead panel. There are so many systems and indicators that it can be a real problem getting them all sorted out. Ok well a great place to start is here.   Just click on the 737NG overhead panel image to help you get all the right indicators in all the right places.
You can also visit Chuck Harman's  interactive site HERE

In choosing a projector, I decided on the InFocus X3. It's a great value for money unit giving me the options of XGA or DVI Inputs with native 1024 x 768 resolution.  You can see the specs HERE.

Just thought I'd give this a mention, a very handy box of tricks which we carry in the cockpit.  From the French Development Team it's a small module that gives us Directional Pushback, Synchronizes Zulu Time, Converts Hg to Ins and vice versa and also a host of other extras. Give it a try - it's free to download at MCDU.com 

'Ere have you seen these? 737NG Yokeboards/Checklists.  Made by Engravity and Available from the LUCHTVAART HOBBY SHOP in Amsterdam.

Take a closer look HERE

Just click on the image for a closer look at the Checklist Fitted to my Yokes.

+ Build Your Own  BOEING 737 YOKE

I've been building a Boeing Style Yoke for a friend and it's turned out better than expected.  All i used was an old CH Gameport Yoke, some Grey Rainpipe, 8mm threaded rod and some flat bar.   I have to admit we spent money on 2 Gas Struts and some Aluminium Checker Plate for the Base, but finished cost was £70 about 110 euro's all in (except the Control Wheel).  We even have the Buttons and POV working.   Then i got an engineer to make me the proper base which added another £90 (125 euro), but the finished item is amazing. Take a look at the build document.  
 + BUILD YOUR EFIS Units for The PMDG 737NG.... 

Leo has now added encoder input with the BU0836.  I have the utility to 'flash' the card so it can work with encoders. You can download the utility here.   But please remember only cards built after December 2007 have this capability.
So we went ahead and built an EFIS unit for the PMDG with the BU0836. Take a look at the .pdf document on the left to see how it was done.

Kay & Marielle at SIMMOTION have sent me a complete Overhead Kit to Assemble and Document. It's both Fore and Aft.  Quality is AWESOME.   And at 550 euros + vat it's going to be a winner, believe me.       Over the next few months we will be uploading progress.