Simkits Releasing Wet Airliner Compass
August 31, 2004
Dutch Simkits are announcing a new addition to their line of instruments. Now available for airliner builders, Simkits launch a Panel Mount Wet Compass. The compass is an original Wet Compass, filled with fluid, as used in many aircraft. Simkits have added magnets, mechanics and electronics to be able to control the Wet Compass directly from controller boards, which connect to the PC via a single USB cable.

[Read more...]

Cpflight´s Azimonti to Join Sim Build Scandinavia
August 30, 2004
Claudio Azimonti of Cpflight is the latest guest speaker to join Sim Build Scandinavia. Azimonti is the author behind the well known 737 Mode Control Panel - a system used by many 737 builders. Azimonti will demonstrate both the MCP and the newly released EFIS panel, as well as demonstrate the panels functionality as interface. 

[More on SBS2004...]

The Injection Moulded Heaven
August 13, 2004
Peter Cos, over at Flightdeck Solutions, has presented a lot of news the last months. Whether Elite style CDU´s or B3 type knobs, they all share a new injection moulding tool, that Cos has acquired. We thought it was time to announce this, since they are really adding a new dimension to sim building. 

[Take me to Heaven...]

Simkits Announces Helicopter Cockpit
June 17, 2004
In a press release Simkits announces a new helicopter cockpit to be released. The cockpit is a full size replica of a Robinson R22 and R44 helicopter. The new product is expected to be released by the end of july, and will be fully compatible with most gauges from the Simkit product line as well as the CCU2.

[Read more...]

Sim Build Scandinavia Launched
May 14, 2004
FlightSim.no and Cockpit are organising a cockpit builder conference in Gothenburg on October 2-3. The program includes presentations by Project Magenta, Flightdeck Solutions, Sim-Instruments and Nordic Simulator Center. The event will take place at Aeroseum, a former top secret swedish airforce base, located 30 meters below ground, at Säve Airport. For more information and pre-order, please visit Sim Build Scandinavias webpage, specially setup for the occasion.

[Take me to SBS2004...]

Lasse Haughom On Other Cockpits
May 7, 2004
Today we are happy to introduce our next writer on Other Cockpits. Norwegian reader Lasse Haughom sent us some pictures and remarks of his work-in-progress. A 737 cockpit utilising Wideview and a complex system of screens.

[Read Lasse´s story...]

Project Magenta Announcing pmSystems
April 24, 2004
It´s getting closer to the long awaited release of pmSystems by Project Magenta. Today Enrico Schiratti is posting a video demonstrating the new software. pmSystems will add a new dimension to current flight management software, integrating the overheadpanel with other components of the PM product range. One software will be able to drive and interface many different aircraft types, irrespective of the manufacturer.

[Read more...]

Deltaflight into business
April 2, 2004
Michael Lehkamp of Deltaflight.com has announced a newly added division to his company Horizon Computer Services. The new division, Horizon Flight Simulation, will offer many accessories for home cockpit builders and flight enthusiasts alike. Horizon will manufacture nearly anything from yokes to an entirely enclosed full scale simulator. Horizon is currently accepting preorders for the upcoming ´67 yoke.

[Read more...]

Project Magenta releases IFR Twin Panel
February 27, 2004
In a press release, Project Magenta informs us of their latest product - a IFR twin engine panel. The new panel features the same high fidelity graphics and advanced precision instruments as the single engine. The new release also includes an HSI with GS information and a newly modelled flight director system.

[Read more...]

Wideview for FS2004 Released
February 4, 2004
The new version of Wideview for FS2004 has been released. The new version has been completely redesigned, working like a gauge and not as an extension module. Wideview uses a new proprietary technology with improved performance and better compatibility for Windows XP. Retail price is set to 24.95 US dollars.

[Download and order...]

Wideview for FS2004 Soon To Be Released
January 30, 2004
Programmer Luciano Napolitano announces the pending release of Wideview for FS2004. According to Mr. Napolitanos webpage, the long awaited release is only a few days away. Wideview is a program that synchronizes FS on several machines, making it possible to have different outside views. Follow the development on our Wideview forum, for latest news and release progress.
[Follow the forum...]

PFC Reveals Details on 737 MCP
January 15, 2004
Precision Flight Controls have revealed more details and published new images of their upcoming B737NG Mode Control Panel. According to PFC´s website many of the components have been custom made to make the MCP look and feel just like the real thing. The panel is in its final stages of production and will eventually work together with on or two EFIS panels
[Read more...]

Project Magenta Updates With Classic 767
January 12, 2004
In a press release from Project Magenta, Enrico Schiratti informs us of the latest developments. Most noticeable is the new software Regional Jet Glass Cockpit, an in-between the regional/business jet and general aviation. In addition Schiratti tells us the classic EFIS style 767 is now included in the Boeing Glass Cockpit. Not only is it possible to display the EFIS instruments, but also the altimeter, the speed indicator, VOR/RMI indicators and more have been reproduced.
[Read more...]

Simavionics Launch 767 Throttle Project
January 9, 2004
Most people already know this, but it´s so interesting we couldn´t resist a late news post. Canadian company Simavionics are launching a 767 throttle, and pre-orders are already beeing accepted. The throttle is an exact replica of the 757/767 counterpart, and price has been set to modest 350 USD.
[Read more...]

737NG Flightcenters available
December 18, 2003
Peter Cos at Flightdeck Solutions informs us that their new 737NG Flightcenters are finally released. The Flightcenters are developed for builders wishing a jump start, and have limited space and budgets. The centers are available in different combinations - with or without hardware, with or without interface - and are also available as ready to go "plug an fly" sets.
[Read more...]

IOCards - the Freeware Approach to Interfacing
December 9, 2003
Building a home cockpit simulator, you will eventually come to the question of how to get your simulator software to recognise a turn of a knob or show the numbers on a display. Acheiving this is a question of interfacing, which so far has been quite a complex issue requiring either advanced programming skills or a generous budget. In a short but stimulating article, Claes Heijbel explains why Opencockpits appeals to him - their IOCards is nothing less than an interface for free.
[Read more...]

PFC Releasing 737 MCP
November 3, 2003
Precision Flight Controls yesterday announced that their 737NG Mode Control Panel is in the final stages of production. This long time awaited unit, is featured in full size up to scale with high quality LEDs, high quality tactile switches, custom aluminum, powder coated knobs and panel backlighting. The MCP has inputs for one or two EFIS panels, which is next in line from PFC. No prices or final release dates have yet been announced.

[Read more...]

The Real Cockpit Announces New Products
October 22, 2003
The Real Cockpit announces in a press release, new products to be displayed at the Avionics Expo Europe 2003 in Wiesbaden, Germany. Among the novelties are their new Flight Simulator, the TRC472, and the new Radio Stack RS372. Both these products are intended as flight training devices and are precisely modeled after the original Cessna 172 Skyhawk respectively the Bendix King Silver Crown line radio stack. The TRC472 is available as non-approved, as approvable PC-ATD and as approvable FTD, The Real Cockpit informs us.

[Read more...]

Key2Mouse for FS2004 Released
September 30, 2003
Software designer Luciano Napolitano has released Key2Mouse for FS2004. Key2Mouse is a utility that can assign key presses to mouse clicks on different screens in flight simulator. This freeware software makes it possible for cockpit builders to connect buttons and switches via Key2Mouse to FS default commands.

[Download Key2Mouse]

New York Times on Cockpit building
September 29, 2003
On september 25 prestigeous newspaper New York Times published a full size article on cockpit building. Titled Flight 737 Now Departing From Your Garage, the article focuses on some of the leading names within cockpit construction and flight simulation. To be able to read the article on line, The New York Times requires You to be registered. Registration is for free.
[Read more...]

Rory´s complete story
September 17, 2003
Remember Rory Gillies and his Cessna project? One of our most appreciated stories here at Cockpit. Well, Rory has finally written more for us, and today we publish the complete story on how Rory built a Cessna home simulator.
[Read more...]

Closing  the Glass Cockpit
August 19, 2003
A bit late, but here it is. Our closing review of Project Magentas Glass Cockpit software. This time we´re taking a look at the EICAS screens and close the review off with some general conclusions.
[Read more...]

A320 SystemWare By HCSDT Available Now
July 14, 2003
A320 System simulation software developed by the HCSDT folks is now available via Flightdeck Solutions. "Having the ability to add true system simulation into a sim project truly takes our hobby to an all time high", Peter Cos informs us. Coupled with Project Magenta, the software by HCSDT, provides the ultimate setup for any serious sim project.
[Read more...]

EHAM Simbuilder Report
June 9, 2003
What went on at the FDS Simbuilder meeting the past weekend? And what were the highlights? Hook up on Cockpits fresh report from Amsterdam and watch the pictures in our forum.

[Read the Simbuilder report...]

Aerosoft announces GC software
June 5, 2003
A couple of interesting news items have been posted at the Aerosoft Australia site. Now official, the soon to be released EFIS and EICAS items are not going to be made compatible with Project Magentas Glass Cockpit. At the same time Aerosoft announces the nearby release of their own Glass Cockpit software. At the Aerosoft website, a special production page for the PFD has been set up.

[Read more...]

Last call for simbuild event
May 27, 2003
The simbuilder conference at Schiphol airport is coming closer. The current list of speakers and keynote guests for June 7-8 include among others Enrico Schiratti from Project Magenta, Peter Cos of Flightdeck Solutions, John McIlvenna (an A320 FO) and Sim-Instruments. Those interested in participating at this rare occasion should sign up at FDS as soon as possible.

[Sign up for EHAM...]

As the finishing touches are being made on the documentation, Project Magenta announces that their new IFR panel is available for download and purchase this weekend. During May Magenta is offering an introductory price of USD 49. The Project Magenta website has been updated with new screenshots and news on this interesting new software.

[Read more...]

Our assistant editor, Claes Heijbel, is currently building his own Flight Management Computer. Fortunately he´s documentating this with his camera. However, judging from his first set of pictures, this appears to be somewhat delicate... Cables, cables, cables seem to occupy his life!

[Read more on Claes´ FMC...]

Precision Flight Controls announces a new FMC/CDU unit to be released in short. The units are exact replicas of Boeing and Airbus type CDU´s and come in five different layouts. The price, 3500 US dollars, might sound a bit scary but on the other hand the FMC feautures no less than a 1,2 ghz Intel processor, a 20 GB hard drive, integrated network, 512 MB RAM, CD-ROM and a 5" VGA mono monitor.

[Read more on PFC...]