From Flat Pack To FlightSim

We simmers are never satisfied; next to catch my eye was the Overhead unit – and here we go again!

Two large packs arrived on 16th October 2014 from Jetmax.



One contained the ready built OH unit - sadly damaged in transit.



So Jetmax arranged to send another and collect the damaged unit for return – continuing their excellent service. The other contained the parts to build the support frame, which is very solid and hard to damage!

There was much to do to prepare for the replacement’s arrival. To avoid the risk of banging my head on the sharp corner which is about 5’ 9” from the floor, I decided the whole thing had to be turned through 90 degrees. The following pictures show what was involved.

I had been happily flying my JM737 for some months, and it looked like this

But that had to change, and chaos, created by power drilling, woodworking and re-wiring, commenced.







When order was restored it was ready for the Overhead.



The replacement pack arrived, and was well protected this time





The build started with the support frame, which was put together with umpteen screws.





When the support was ready for fixing to the JetMax 737 unit, some drilling was required, as my JM unit was an early model. JM supplied rigid plastic templates, and the job was easier than I had expected.

The base plate for the right hand monitor had to be replaced, to allow room for the support frame.



And, finally it was fitted.



Then the four suspension brackets



To get the OH unit up onto the support frame, I needed the help of two strong men - Ted and his friend, Andy.

And, here it is – ready to go.



And look who became an even happier simmer.



The observant among you will have noticed the deck is not fully authentic at that stage. Whilst searching for a good replica of the 737 yoke and pedals, I was using Saitek’s Pro system, with a Cessna trim wheel.

My search ended when I found the AGRONN 737 yoke, built in Turkey. It arrived very well packed from Simware in Belgium.









At the same time I upgraded my CP Flight EFIS & MCP from the EL version to the PRO.



So, the raid on my bank account goes on!

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Not satisfied with the scenery array on 3 monitors.



I decided to buy 2 Dell Ultra Sharp 34” curved monitors, to cover the same width as the existing 3.



But that created a new problem. When you use just 2 monitors the centre of your view is right behind the abutting bezels. That makes landing, and taxiing, very difficult. So, would another Dell U3415W be the answer? Three of them span 8 feet. They would fit the available space – its original position!



First, unplug everything and move the ancillary hardware to the other side of the room. The main unit is on wheels, so is easily pushed out of the way.



A new shelf had to be fitted to accommodate the new monitors.



The wiring had to be re-planned, and strapped up to make movement easy, if and when any maintenance becomes necessary.





The week’s work was worth it, as I was able to position the unit so that the centre monitor is directly in front of the Captain, giving him a perfect view.



Once more the happy simmer!

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