Generalized Mil Panel

jcagle · January 12

Hello All,

I was sitting with a keyboard in lap back in October and reached a tipping point. I was tired of looking down to find keys, constantly breaking immersion. So, I started buying switches and laying them out on carboard cut-outs. Two months later, and this is where I'm at. Next is the task of hooking things up in a methodical way (I am an engineer, and it should be noted that the real world F/A-18 HOOK lever is attached to the sim base via personally milled aluminum adapter).

I will be sporadically posting images in the months to come. It won't be much of a "How to" but hopefully some motivation for others of a similar mindset.

First project was a minor reworking of the excellent WinWing Hornet throttle by integrated 3x Otto switches. In absence of a boat switch on the F/A-18, I thought it would be a nice addition when flying the A-10C. The push-button switches were also selected to be distinct so there is no tactile confusion about which is being pressed. Adapter collars were turned out of 3/4" aluminum rod.

jcagle · January 27

In a search for center-mount seat concepts, I stumbled across a pilot's seat complete with a 5-point harness sitting in someone's garage, and for too good of a deal to pass up. Here is a quick-attach assembly for the flight stick. Probably a month out, but the next project is to build a base for the seat and a quick-attach for a rudder plate.