Building an A320 Home Cockpit | 4 Months in less than 4 Minutes | Flight Simulator Setup 

Thank you! It is very much a dream come true.

Do you mind sharing, where you sourced these parts

@@tugguy5771 You can find more information here: www.flightpathsimulation.club/blog/a320-cockpit/

Thank you

lol had to stick the "virtual" in there as to discredit the physicalities involved.. I'd say happy flying :)

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I like building cockpits as much as flying them. My previous project was an SR-22, so this is a little bit of a step up.

Thanks. I am sure nothing beats flying the real airplane.

Thank you. Expect some full flight videos coming in the next few weeks.

Here is a full flight video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FKb7312sAm4.html

Thank you!

This was definitively a long time dream of mine so I feel very lucky.

@@captaintango …that’s so awesome. Glad to hear you were able to make it happen. Congrats

Thanks.

Thanks. I hope your dream comes true one day!

Glad I could help!

Thank you. I appreciate your kind words.

Thanks. I'm not going to stop you if you want one.

I am glad you enjoyed the video and the music. I hope one day you will indeed be able to do something like this as it is a lot of fun.

Thanks a lot!

Thanks. That's a great suggestion. I'm assuming you are thinking ButtKicker or similar. I know some other cockpit builders who have done that but I have never looked into it. Let me know if you have any specific product/setup recommendations.

@@captaintango I have a buttkicker for my floor which vibrates up through my controls and 4 smaller transducers attached directly to my seat. But you can also use a insert for your seat if you don't want to modify too much. See review link ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-z6yPwjJ-MJk.html . Still recommend also using a buttkicker on the floor if you can, as the spinners in the H8 have limited frequency response compared to an actual transducer.

Thanks for the additional information. Much appreciated.

Indeed. I really like the hardware.

Thank you!

Thanks 😁

Thanks!

Thanks. I have mixed feelings about doing a costing video. Maybe one day, who knows.

@@captaintango i respect if you don’t. i saw one for an a10 once and it was fascinating!

Do you have a link to that A10 video or maybe a short description of the content. I'd be curious to know more about what was covered. Maybe it's something I could do at some point in time.

@@captaintango absolutely! he went into a lot of detail, which you may or may not be interested in. i just found it fascinating and it showed everything that went into it. thanks for replying, here it is: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gDy10Wy4vw4.html&feature=share8

@@captaintango stuff like this is amazing too ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GWwiDnhjQlo.html&feature=share8

Thank you! 😄

Thanks!

I'm definitively in that camp too!

LOL. It is not cheap, that's for sure. If you are curious, you can find more information about the cost, and how I funded my cockpit, in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

How much did it cost? I’m thinking about making an atr-72/42 version.

I think it's about passion. Rather life is an opportunity to full fill ones passion. What is a life without one!!

@@pilotpawanc It is definitely my passion!

@@captaintango mine too....any moment of life i get, it deducted to this cause...cheers

Thank you very much!

Thanks. I did purchase most components as a "kit". You can find more information at: www.flightpathsimulation.club/blog/a320-cockpit/ BTW I love the King Air and flew a C90 in the sim for almost a year many moons ago. It was a lot of fun. Good luck with your project!

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wvbz5R_7AIY.html

Full flight video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FKb7312sAm4.html

Well, having the space to build something like that is the first item on the "checklist", so who knows?

haha true, lets hope canadian housing prices go down in the future

Thanks for the kind words. The throttle quadrant is from Skalarki (as is the rest of the electronics). More details at www.skalarki-electronics.com/en/onlineshop/product/proline-throttle-quadrant.html

I enjoyed building the sim quite a bit. And it is never "done". I am always looking for "just one more thing" to add to the cockpit (check out: ru-vid.com/group/PLJ1TYn01NBIRh-XPdG43QPt36DGnWbDrf). But ultimately I really love flying it, especially when I get some other flight sim enthusiast to join me in the cockpit for a flight, like today: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5sYAnx74e3A.html

Agreed. I wish I had more room to do that. Maybe in the next house...

Thanks!

Thanks. You can find more information about the sim, including the suppliers I used, at www.flightpathsimulation.club/blog/a320-cockpit/ The seats are from Opencockpits. I am quite happy with the visuals.

Thanks

LOL

The cockpit uses a total of three computers: one for the visuals (3 TVs) and two for the cockpit instruments (split between Captain and First Officer). You can find more information about the setup at www.flightpathsimulation.club/blog/a320-cockpit/ All three TV screens run out of a single RTX 3090. That was a little bit of a gamble but I am able to run everything in 4K at 30-60 fps. It does require a little bit of tradeoff, especially on the anti-aliasing side, but overall I am happy with the result.

I did buy the overhead from Skalarki. The metal frame for it came from Vier-Im-Pott. As you know I did assemble the overhead myself which wasn't too tricky. I don't know if you can get it fully assembled but I wouldn't be surprised that it is possible.

LOL. You know what you have to do now... Just get the rest of the setup to match 😉

Thanks for your comments. I don't think I'll ever have a motion-based simulator but I am quite happy with my current setup of course.

I bought the entire cockpit from Vier-Im-Pott. They provided drawings and videos for installation (and footprint). The LCD displays for the instruments came from them as well (with custom adjustable mounting brackets). I am not sure how easily available those displays are.

"Why did you buy the products of this company, and not for example those of opencockpits, coflight, sismo solutions, or another manufacturer?" I did use some products from Opencockpits in the past (737 MCP and EFIS) and liked them. Still I feel like the Skalarki products are more detailed (higher fidelity). Note that the A320 seats I used are from Opencockpits. Also I am not sure if Sismo Solutions offers any products for the A320. In any case selecting a specific supplier is a complex balance between quality, fidelity, price, support, etc.

@@captaintango thanks captaintango

Exactly. Nothing like taking off at 2 am. Pretty much a normal day/night (especially during WorldFlight) if you ask me. See ru-vid.comUgkxS8hQe1LdWFHMg8eqQhxc60Zg5V5Us1Vv?si=6FBkSvQjQkDHxlhQ

Two different screens (with no bezel) are used for the instruments, one for the PFD and ND, and one for both ECAM, the ISIS, and the DDRMI. Both types seem to me like some sort of general-purpose OEM screens but they are not easy to find and, in my case, were directly supplied by Vier-Im-Pott (supplier of the cockpit). They also provide the matching custom brackets that allows full adjustment (horizontal, vertical, and vertical angle). They tightly fit in the space available.

thanks for the reply im going to start building a sort of home cockpit.are portable screens with no border alright to use?@@captaintango

I don't have any first hand experience with portable screens but I don't see why they wouldn't work. Good luck with your home cockpit project!

Vier-Im-Pott can provide the flood lights but I bought mine directly from Amazon as that was more cost effective. The knob to control the intensity of the flood lights is on the pedestal (on the Captain side) and works once you connect the appropriate output from the Skalarki board (they have a centralized board to control power and backlighting distribution for the pedestal). The two flat black knobs you see on the video are provided with the FCU and control the intensity of the FCU backlighting and of the FCU displays. I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any additional questions.

@@captaintango yes, I’m sorry I said flood lights but I was asking you about the flood lights and also the knobs to control the fcu lights, so the fcu that you bought from Skalarki already comes with thes knobsto control fcu lighting? and the glare structure from vier I’m pott already comes with the spaces tu put the lights but not the lights that’s why you bought it from Amazon ?

Correct on all fronts. The knobs to control the FCU lights come with the Skalarki FCU and the panel at the bottom of the glareshield comes with the proper cutouts for the flood lights. Vier-Im-Pott does offer the flood lights as an option but I chose to get those from Amazon. I got the following lights: AIBOO under cabinet LED puck lights kit (4 lights, daylight white).

@@captaintango awesome I got all my stuffs coming in 14 days from Skalarki and vier I’m pott respectively, did you choose the tv option agains 220 degree screen with projectors or they did recommend that to you?

@@kevinjpd2614 Very exciting! I don't have enough space in my sim room to use a curved screen and projectors. However I am quite happy with the 3 TV setup I have.

That was just a test. I probably used the button that switches PFD and ND locations or tested the PFD brightness (if you reduce it to zero the PFD will automatically move to the ND location).

@@captaintango oh! Right :)

All the panels are specifically designed for simulation and come with USB connections (they are not OEM panels from a real aircraft).

@@captaintango ok, what is the name of the company that sells those panels?

@@stevieray48 Skalarki, out of the UK. www.skalarki-electronics.com/en/

The DCDU is homemade. I used a 5in touch screen and got the face plate custom cut by the cockpit vendor (Vier-Im-Pott).

@@captaintango hai... Thanks for anwers..

I discuss the cost of the cockpit in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html I think I estimated a while back the electric consumption to around 1,500W.

Thanks!

I would suggest asking the cockpit supplier(s). In my case I got both engineering drawings and very nice assembly videos from the supplier I used (Vier-Im-Pott).

Thanks

Thank you!

Don't worry, you are not the only one asking that question. I discuss the cost of my home cockpit in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

Thanks. The cost can vary quite a bit based on level of details, options, vendors, shipment, taxes, etc. But unless you build a lot of it from scratch it's easily around the price of a high-end car.

For more details, I discuss the cost of my home cockpit in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

Each option has pros and cons. VR is certainly much more affordable. Personally I really like the opportunity to fly with another pilot in the cockpit.

Thanks man

Most of the USB devices are connected to (industrial grade) powered USB hubs. A few, such as the sidesticks or rudder pedals, are connected directly to the main PC (that's just my preference). In addition to that, power supplies (plugged into the wall) are required for powering the electronics, the backlighting, and the stepper motor for the trim wheels. The electric seats have their own dedicated 12V (10A for each seat) power supply.

Thank you. That's very helpful.

You are welcome. Good luck with your project!

Sorry for asking so many questions. I don't know what country you live in but do you use a transformer or frequency converter? I live in Japan and am concerned if it will work. The voltage and frequency in Japan is 100v, 60hz.

I live in the US and didn't have to use any transformer. Some of the LCD screens for the instrument displays came with transformers equipped with a typical European plug but they accept a wide range of voltage and frequency so I was able to use them with a simple plug adapter. The industrial power supplies require their own power cords so I found on Amazon a power cord with a switch, a US plug on one end, and bare wires on the other end. It would be best to check with the suppliers but I suspect that most modern electronics using DC power and thus requiring a transformer ships with one that can be used pretty much worldwide (the plug type is the only thing that you would have to worry about then).

The overall footprint is approximately 140" by 78" (360 cm by 200 cm).

I'm glad you liked it.

Very cool. Are you looking for original Airbus parts (OEM parts) or just replica? You can find a list of the parts I used (with suppliers) here: www.flightpathsimulation.club/a320-parts-list/

Unfortunately there is currently not enough room to add the cockpit shell but it's definitely something I'd love to add in the future.

The wiring for the overhead is mostly flat ribbon cables for the data and wires for the power and backlighting. There is only a single USB cable for the whole assembly (not including the third radio). Here is a picture: www.flightpathsimulation.club/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Final-Assembly-5-scaled.jpg

Copy that.

Check out this video if you are curious about the cost of my setup: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

Here are a few things I would suggest considering, in no particular order: - What sim would you like to use for the visuals and what aircraft model is available for that sim. Ideally you want a high-fidelity model (flight model, systems, failures, etc.) designed for cockpit builders so that it can run across multiple computers. - Level of complexity: having motorized throttles and mechanically linked yokes add complexity (and the later requires additional space below the platform supporting the sim). - How much automation do you want the airplane to have. - It might sound like a minor detail, but the type of seats and how they operate (electrical or mechanical on rails) might be important to you. - Any particular operator you want to "fly for". These are on top of things such as price, vendor reputation, parts availability or "build-ability", and personal preference of course, just to name a few.

Whichever aircraft you decide to model, good luck with your project!

@@captaintango Thanks!

Thanks. For the music I try to support artists that I know.

You can find more information about the vendors I used here: www.flightpathsimulation.club/blog/a320-cockpit/

The first aspect I would suggest looking at is a rough budget and what plane you'd like to model. I have a video regarding the cost of my cockpit: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html There is some good information on SimObsession's website: www.simobsession.com/faq/how-do-i-start-building-my-own-flight-simulator-cockpit/ If you have specific questions, feel free to contact me via the contact form on my website: www.flightpathsimulation.club/contact-us/

You can find more information about the cost of the sim in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

Very cool.

It is more than $30k so it's definitely not cheap. I discuss the cost in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

Sure. I am always happy to share my experience. Feel free to reach out to me using the "contact us" form on the website: www.flightpathsimulation.club/contact-us/

Cockpit overview: www.flightpathsimulation.club/blog/a320-cockpit/ Parts list: www.flightpathsimulation.club/a320-parts-list/

I am less familiar with the ProSim A320 software. Is the issue in MSFS2020 or/and P3D? I would check the ProSim forum and their Facebook group. I hope you find a solution and continue to enjoy your setup.

@@captaintango in MSFS, but I didn't find any solution on prosim forum and don''t use facebook. I tried so many different things and I'm sure it's only a little setting problem. The trim wheel config in prosim don't work with the slider, so I manually move the trim wheel to it's position -4,0....4, 13.5 and press the setting each time. I wish you the best for your sim.

Sorry to hear that. It must be so frustrating.

@@captaintango now, it's running well... 🥳 I've chosen simconnect instead of FSUIPC7 in profiler 5.1. Easy, when you know the mistake... 🙈

I'm glad to hear that you got that issue resolved. Enjoy your flights in the sim!

I discuss the price in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

Correct. Everything is Plug & Play via USB.

not for the realistic or quality of materials? or for another reason? sismosolutions and other company works with plug and play too..

You might have already seen it, but I discuss the price of the overall setup in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html For your specific question, feel free to send a request via our contact form: www.flightpathsimulation.club/contact-us/ I'd be happy to go back to my notes and give you an estimate.

You might want to check out this video then: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

The cockpit footprint is approximately 140" by 78" (360 cm by 200 cm). It fits in one of our bedrooms and occupies most of the room.

@@captaintango can i make it as a foldable cockpit

@@vivaanchoudhary9465 I really don't see how that would work

It took me around 3 months to assemble everything. But it's never "done", so I am still adding little things here and there.

Copy that. Anything in particular?

Hahaha. You are not the first one to say that.

See this video for more information about the cost of the cockpit: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

It's not cheap for sure, but it's totally worth it if you ask me. I discuss the cost of my setup in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

I really don't see how that would work.

There are a few different suppliers. If you are curious I have a list of the parts I used and their suppliers here: www.flightpathsimulation.club/a320-parts-list/

Sure. I put together a list of the main components here: www.flightpathsimulation.club/a320-parts-list/

@@captaintango Thanks, most appreciated!

at least $5

@@aiden2532 I think like 7.26 euro

It really depends on the configuration you select, the vendor(s) you use, and where you live (taxes and delivery cost). My equipment came primarily from Vier-Im-Pott and prices are available on their website: www.vier-im-pott.com/en/home

Full setup from Vier-Im-Pott is north of 100K euro.

For more details, I discuss the cost of my home cockpit in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

All structural components for the cockpit are from Vier-Im-Pott: www.vier-im-pott.com/en/home They resell the electronic modules from Skalarki: www.skalarki-electronics.com/en/ The electric seat replicas are from OpenCockpits: www.opencockpits.com/index.php/en/

Here is a video of the cockpit in action: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wvbz5R_7AIY.html If there is anything in particular you'd like to see in a "demo" just let me know.

I discuss the cost in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

I hope you still find ways to enjoy flight simulation if that is your passion.

You can find more information about the cost of the cockpit in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

That's an idea!

Thanks. You can find a list of parts and suppliers here: www.flightpathsimulation.club/a320-parts-list/ And I discuss the cost of my setup in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

Thanks. I discuss the cost of my setup in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

It all depends on the options you choose, the vendor(s) you select, and where you live (shipping costs, taxes, exchange rate). Prices are available on the website from the suppliers listed in the video description.

For more details, I discuss the cost of my home cockpit in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html

You can find links in the video description.

Oh thank you, but where are you from because I don’t know if they ship to my country. And how much did you pay

@bendikhaland4053 My system is in the US. The vendors I used are located in Europe and ship pretty much around the world. Prices are available on their websites.

For more details, I discuss the cost of my home cockpit in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZeIV5dp3UBo.html