T-6A Simpit Project [Archive] - Official Fighter Ops Forums

BHawthorne

11-03-2006, 00:36

I've started to do the research and initial rough layout in CAD for my T-6A simpit panels. I've filled in a bunch of the blanks on many of the questions I have, but some I've not yet been able to get answered. So far I've found:

1) I think the T-6A main panels adhere to the Arinc 408A standard for mounting most of the instruments. The AMLCDs are 3ATI and 5ATI sized.
http://www.dallasavionics.com/arinc_square/arinc_square.pdf

2) The AMLCDs are manufactured by Smiths Areospace. They call their 3ATI units a Flight Display Unit (FDU) and thier 5ATI display an Integrated Display Unit. The 3ATI screen itself is the Planar 240.240.243ATI. It has 240x240 pixel resolution and a viewable area of 57.6x57.6mm. I'm not 100% sure the 5ATI displats are the ones shown on the Smiths Areospace wesite?
http://www.smiths-aerospace.com/Products--/Digital/Crew-Information-Systems/Standby-Flight-and-Display-Instruments/3ATI-Flight-Display-Unit--FDU-/index.asp
http://www.smiths-aerospace.com/Products--/Digital/Crew-Information-Systems/Electronic-Flight-and-System-Displays/5-ATI-Integrated-Display-Unit/index.asp

3) Davtron M850 Chronometer.
http://www.davtron.com/products.html
http://www.davtron.com/documents/M850%20Electrical%20Input.pdf

4) Chelton (Wulfsburg Electronics) Series III RMS 555 Radio Management System
http://www.wulfsberg.com/cgi-bin/cp.cgi?which=RetrieveFile&doc_number=150-041212&rev=E

5) Honeywell Bendix/King KLN 900 GPS
https://www3.bendixking.com/static/catalog/viewproductdetails.jsp?pid=117
https://www3.bendixking.com/servlet/com.honeywell.aes.utility.PDFDownLoadServlet?FileN ame=/TechPubs/repository/006-08796-0000_2.pdf

6) Honeywell Bendix/King FPD 500 EFIS flat panel display, CP 500 EFIS control panel, MST 67A Mode S transponder, KTR 909B UHF transceiver, KFS 599B UHF control head, KLN 900 Global Positioning System, KDC 481T air data computer and KCC 462 AHRS compass.
http://www.honeywell.com/en/aerospace/announcement_details.jsp?rowID=38&docID=4302&catID=2

7) Korry Master Caution Annuciator Panel
http://www.korry.com/PDF/Korry_MWA.pdf

BHawthorne

11-03-2006, 00:42

I'm looking for help with measurements on this panel initially. I have some rough measurements for it based on the size of the instruments that go into it, but I'd like to be a bit more exact. ATM my best guess is 30"x24" but I'd prefer to defer to someone who has access to the real thing and a measuring tape. :smile:

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/8008/frontpanelkn2.gif

Nikolas_A

11-03-2006, 12:25

Wow, someone really did his homework!

Nikolas

BHawthorne

11-03-2006, 13:18

Wow, someone really did his homework!

Nikolas

hehe, I figure I might was well get a lot of this info out to people who might also want to make a T-6 simpit too. The info is out there, just not in any organized manner. I figure I might as well get the ball rolling and start trying to make sense of it. :thumb:

There are way too many F-16 pits out there. I'm itching to see more T-6 and T-38 pits once FO gets released. I look at the T-6 as a challenge because all the puzzle pieces aren't together yet.

bingo

11-04-2006, 04:12

After I've spent all this time on my F-16 pit you tell me that are to many out there now.................:sad:

BelgianTiger_4

11-04-2006, 08:46

Their are some nice documents regarding panel layout in PDF format or ppt format for front and rear cockpit (front panel and left/right panel). No measurements but if you know one measurement, you can scale the rest based on those documents. They should be accurate enough (within an inch or so).

location: http://www.t6driver.com/

File location: http://www.t6driver.com/gouge/t6_cockpit_layout.ppt

lqcorsa

11-04-2006, 15:07

What sim will you be using for the display itself?

BHawthorne

11-04-2006, 16:41

What sim will you be using for the display itself?

I'm building it to use with FO but initially, probably use X-Plane or MSFS X I guess. I'm in no hurry to shift to working on actual parts. I want to get everything nailed down as far as accuracy in CAD first.

BHawthorne

11-04-2006, 16:45

After I've spent all this time on my F-16 pit you tell me that are to many out there now.................:sad:

Bah, don't take it personally. Heck, anyone who has successfully made a simpit has my congrats, because I'm just starting out and you guys have already figured out the nuts and bolts. I've got a long ways to go. :smile:

Tomcattwo

11-06-2006, 20:56

BHawthorne, on the 5ATI Smith Aero displays, if you mean the ones used for the PFD and MFD, the Smith units are missing the COMP switch, GPS/APR switch and BRT/DIM switch on the bezel. See below:

http://home.comcast.net/~tomcattwo/MSFS2K4/PFD_MFD_T6A.jpg

By the way, your excelent research is doing double duty - the pix and info you are posting have been invaluable in my panel re-do of the T6A for MSFS2K4 - A

:thumb: BIG THANK YOU:thumb:

for your great research! I'll provide you credit for the oix and research in the readme material when I publish this freeware re-do. Est time to complete is another month, maybe two. I am actually doing better than planned on programming the hardest gauge (RMS555 Radio Management System).

R/
TC2

BHawthorne

11-06-2006, 23:42

No prob, good to see it's already helping a few. :)

BHawthorne

02-04-2007, 18:09

Small project update. I've extracted the vector art drawings of the panels from a ppt file. Those that have been on t6driver's site might know the ppt of the cockpit. I've found that there are a ton of issues with it as far as measurements though. I'm in the process of making my own 1:1 cockpit drawings to proper scale based on manufacturer mechanical drawings of front and side views. It's significantly more dimentally accurate than the ppt supplied document. Once I hear back from a few other sources I'll post some screenshot progress of it. The ppt file is helpful, but I consider it to be only semi-accurate. Some of the instruments are as much as an inch distorted.

On another note, I picked up the domain names T-6A com, net and org this weekend in preperation of blogging the simpit build progress. It amaised me that this domain name was still available. I got lucky I guess. :red:

BHawthorne

02-05-2007, 06:00

Dug up who the subcontractor is for the T-6A throttle quadrants and control sticks. 2 of my classmates at school work there.

http://www.harlowair.com/assembly.php

Rooakh

08-15-2007, 13:14

Building a T-6A simpit is an excellent idea. I have wanted to build a cockpit for a long time, but haven't for various reasons. If I decide to build, this is probably where I would start. Thanks for the information you provided on this plane. It's been a while since your last post. So, how are you progressing?

BHawthorne

08-15-2007, 17:00

Still in research mode really. I've yet to make up my mind just what I want to do. T-6A, F-16, A-7...etc. Not sure yet. I typically post any useful info I find though. :smile:

BHawthorne

08-30-2007, 22:59

Ok, I've started working on this again. :bigsmile: The current panels I'm working on are the forward left panels. Anyone in the know, I need names for these panels so I know what to call them. :red:

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1304/leftpanelqdi0.gif

1. Anti-G Test Panel?
2. Curcuit Breaker Panel?
3. System Test Panel?
4. Canopy Fracture Panel?
5. Seat Adjust Panel?
6. Throttle Quadrant Panel?
7. Lights Panel?

Any help with the questions above would help me with progress on things. :thumb:

fatb0y60

08-30-2007, 23:18

Id be almost 100% confident that 2A would have to be circuit breakers...

Nikolas_A

08-31-2007, 13:21

I agree on the 2A

In 3A, what do you mean "type of switch states"? How many positions or mechanization (e.g. momentary)?

BHawthorne

08-31-2007, 16:21

How many positions or mechanization (e.g. momentary)?

Yep, so I know what switch types I need to buy. :smile:

Nikolas_A

08-31-2007, 17:56

Well, in most cases the number of marked positions on the panel is equal to the switch positions.

I would guess that switches with only one marked position are momentary (e.g. LANP and AUX BAT on the SYSTEM TEST PANEL)

Also, there is only one locking switch on the left console, the TRIM switch, which is locked out of the DISCONECT position.

nuchbutter

09-08-2007, 01:45

1A: That's the location of the Firewall Shutoff Handle (Fuel, Bleed Air [ECS, Cabin Pressurization, Canopy Seal, Defog], Hydraulics).

1B: Flight Data Recorder Annunciator. Lights up anytime certain systems require maintenance.

2: That's the Battery Bus Circuit Breaker Panel.

3(A,B,C): Those four are the system test panel. All are momentary, used to test the functions stated on the panel.
Lamp lights all your annunciator lights
audio sends aural test of the overspeed and gear warning tones
aux bat test has a light that goes green (hold for five seconds to test the 24v 5amp/hr aux bat located in the port avionics compartment)
aoa tests the Angle of Attack gauge & indexer (low: gauge goes to 10.5 units, indexer = amber donut. high: induces stick shaker, gauge goes to 18 units, indexer = green (top) chevron)
Fire tests the integrity of #1 or #2 fire detection loops in the engine compartment. Indications are flashing Master Caution Panel, and steady upper or lower half respectively of the Fire Warning Light. Both Panel and Light are located on the front edge of the glareshield.

nuchbutter

09-08-2007, 01:49

4: That's the Canopy Fracture System. It activates a det-cord in the canopy over the respective pilot's head in the event he has to get out quickly on the ground. That damn canopy is nearly impossible for the smaller ladies and short dudes to open, let alone when you've run into something in the line area and are on fire wanting to get out RIGHT NOW. Of course, we've got a Zero/Zero ejection seat, so that's always an option, if you haven't unlocked the canopy.

nuchbutter

09-08-2007, 01:57

5: It's momentary up or down. It's just like the up/down seat height adjuster in everybody's Cadillac Escalade.

...wait. I don't own one of those. I guess the T6 is the only thing where I've got an electric seat! Sweet!

6:That's just the Power Control Lever quadrant.
6A: IDLE and OFF

7: Uninterestingly enough, that's just the Left FWD Switch Panel. They're engineers, not Shakespeare.

nuchbutter

09-08-2007, 02:32

Oh! sorry, forgot...

1. The Anti-G Test button is actually a big silver button hung off the aft end of that entire panel you have pictured there. It's about the size of a quarter around, and sticks up from little 2"x3" rectangular panel that's sort of just tacked on to and slightly higher than the rear edge of that whole console. Both button and panel are of brushed aluminum finish.

Below where that panel says "Anti G Suit" and in the middle of that white outlined rectangle is an inch diameter, 2 inch high conduit with a spoon shaped spring loaded cover into which we plug our G-suit hoses. A simple weight & spring mechanism underneath regulates air pressure for the g-suit. P3 compressor discharge air provides the squeeze from calves to belly...

Thicker and shorter than the CFS handle, the FSH is oval in shape, black & yellow striped, and has a shepard's crook shaped sheet metal guard which prevents inadvertent activation. Its shaft goes down thru the circle pointed at by question #1A.

BHawthorne

09-08-2007, 18:03

Great info, thanks! :thumb:

partymix

09-16-2007, 21:08

If your looking to build either one of these pits you might want to start
with these layout posters.
http://www.papertrainer.com

Deadman

09-26-2007, 17:24

PartyMix how goes the work on the A-10 pit I have picked up a bunch of new parts but am still looking for some dimensions let me know if you want to trade info later Deadman

partymix

09-27-2007, 21:25

Slow but coming along. Since Im ot flying the desk anymore I set up a pedestal for using any joystick in position where a10 stick would be. Have not
started left and right bays yet. Got color monitor to use for mfd(passive) and
made button arrangement to place on it and wire up. Lots of little things to do here and there. Got a 19"LCD in place of the tube, what a display difference, nice detail. Ill email you

BHawthorne

09-27-2007, 23:33

Deadman

09-27-2007, 23:53

LOT (25520)LBS. A10 AIRCRAFT RESIDUE. LOT COMPOSED OF MIXED METALS, HIGH TEMP STAINLESS, ALUMINUM, TITANIUM, FERROUS METALS. LOT ALSO INCLUDES NON METALLIC COMPONENTS THAT WERE PART OF AIRCRAFT, INCLUDING PLASTIC AND RUBBER. ALL MATERIAL IS CONTANED IN 20 WOODEN CRATES THAT ARE PART OF LOT AND TOTAL WEIGHT. THIS LOT HAS BEEN MUTILATED PRIOR TO SALE Man you really know how to make a man cry dude this is like saying Dasy Duke has ball and showing a picture I think i am going to be sick:sad: If any body knows where to pick up a main instrument panel that has not been mutilated let me know that and a few other items and the cockpit shopping will be done and the building will be finished thanks I feel so much better no ops gata go

BHawthorne

09-28-2007, 11:32

It really depends on how it was demiled. Awhile back I gave links to a pretty nice demiled F-16 that someone ended up picking up as a project. On ebay recently I saw the instrument panel and a throttle quad for A-10. The stuff is out there, but half the battle is the search for it.

BHawthorne

09-28-2007, 11:46

Oops, I forgot. The first part for my T-6A simpit has been made thanks to help from viperpits.org. :thumb:

The Anti-G Test panel all nice and pretty laser cut. Ready for switches, backplate and backlighting:

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/6771/p9240005fx1.th.jpg (http://img239.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p9240005fx1.jpg)

And here is a pic of the real thing (upside-down):

[/URL]http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/3355/dscf0784nm1.th.jpg (http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0784nm1.jpg)

Deadman

09-28-2007, 19:54

Ya I have two of the throttle sets and saw the main panel on ebay just could not bid at that time I have most of the real panels . The button on your panel is a lighted Korry push switch power guy on ebayhttp://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZpowerguy921 had some pull switches that look kind of like what is in you picture all so

partymix

09-28-2007, 20:01

This might be overkill, but here is the link for a demiled A-10...of all places alaska...lol.

http://cgi.govliquidation.com/auction/view?auctionId=1373910

Does it come with molds?

partymix

09-28-2007, 20:05

Ya I have two of the throttle sets and saw the main panel on ebay just could not bid at that time I have most of the real panels . The button on your panel is a lighted Korry push switch power guy on ebay had some pull switches that look kind of like what is in you picture all so

You ought to sell me one-asked for quote from hi rev sims

Deadman

09-28-2007, 21:06

The first one i bought was for over $500. and i am still in contact with the person I bought it from. When i told him i picked up the second one he ask for first chance at the one i bought from him at the same price.So if he turns out not to want it and your not put off by the cost you will have a chance at it

frogger

01-05-2008, 04:31

Hey guys , came across this post while looking for the t-6A main panel mesurements :tongue: and i thought id show u the iris t-6A for flight sim x. its wat i will use as it is hi res and has nice amount of gauges to use for a glass cockpit

these pics r from my laptop with a 26" lcd tv attached one shows the types of panels/gauges u can select to put on a different display and the other shows alittle bit of a layout with the gauges abit more sized up . u can change the size to your liking so its a good choice

if anyone was able to get the main panel measurements could u let me know where u got them thanks.

BHawthorne

01-05-2008, 13:21

Cool, I'll check it out. :) From the looks of the pic, I REALLY like the idea of every instrument having it's own window. That guarantees it would fit into your simpit build of the glass cockpit. Just align the small windows to your cockpit LCDs to where the cutouts are. :thumb:

frogger

01-05-2008, 21:39

BHawthorne

01-05-2008, 21:50

yeah i want to start the radio frame but its to hot here , tomorow will be in the 40's aswell so im just looking at pictures and dreaming lol

also does anyone have a picture of the side of the t-6A hud ?

As far as I can tell there is no HUD in any A models, it's only in the B and the AT models.

If you want specifics on the B cockpit:
http://www.cmcelectronics.ca/En/Prodserv/Milav/milav_csi_cockpit4000_en.html

frogger

01-05-2008, 22:00

hmm i c im only going by the model in fsx but thats proberly the worst thing to do lol, ah well i guess it makes it 1 step easyer , thats wat i like about this plane no radars and stuff like that so u can get it running 100% without to many problems

BHawthorne

05-28-2010, 11:33

I'm in the process of reverse engineering the IRIS model to scratch build a new solids CAD assembly. Since XSI wouldn't let me play with their T-6A model, I'll use the IRIS one for reference. :wink2:

I'm using this as a refresher on using CATIA. It's been about a year since I've done anything of note in CATIA. This should make a fun simpit project.

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/4274/t6a3.png

dc8flightdeck

05-30-2010, 16:05

BHawthorne

05-31-2010, 01:50

They had an open house awhile back. I walked though the Gov building then. Pretty cool that all those trainers come from just that small building.

dc8flightdeck

06-01-2010, 07:55

I like the paint on the Air Force birds much better than the Navy ones. Navy looks ugly!

aircraft

07-30-2010, 05:19

Yea , Air Force will be much better...congratulations !

grahampilot

12-14-2010, 20:15

awesome! I hope to fly the T-6 someday...