I’m looking into either purchasing or making my own desktop panel but don’t really know where to start. I’ve looked online and there doesn’t seem to be many manufacturers especially in the UK. Ideally I want a bespoke panel made to my specifications abut does t have anything too complicated. I have the Honeycomb Alpha & Bravo, Logitech Multipanel and a 13.3 inch display for pop outs/Air Manager.
Would appreciate anyone who has details on how to make one or a manufacturer. I like the look of the Slavx panels as they look nicely finished off but they are US based.
Draw up what you want (in detail, making sure you have it correct) – then go out and find a local “Machine Shop” to make it for you. It won’t be cheap !!
Or make it yourself – and get the satisfaction out of designing and making it yourself. Then you can have EXACTLY what you want, and possibly be able to modify it in the future.
If you just want to throw money at it – get one form the USA, and throw money at the shipping as well.
Unfortunately I don’t have all the tools to do it myself, otherwise I would. It would probably end up costing more doing it myself after I have brought everything I needed.
Yes I was debating to use plywood but would prefer metal or abs plastic. I think it may need a bit more than a drill and metal file. What about cutting the holes out where the instruments go?
Can be done, – just drill a series of touching holes around the inside of the large hole you want to make. Remove that center piece, and file the jagged hole to the outline of the big hole you want. Just needs a little work, but fora one off panel, you do not need a Laser Cutter !!
What is your buget? How craftsy are you? How much cockpit do you want?
I bought a used Snapmaker 3in1 machine for $500 so I could build a collective. There are only a couple companies that make collectives, and they were prohibitively expensive ($1500+). Material cost for the collective was less than $100. So for $600 I built my own collective and learned how to laser engrave, CNC cut, and 3D print. I posted my collective on the DCS forum to show it off because I thought it was cool. I ended up making several more for other people till I got bored doing it. Needless to say, this little venture paid for my collective and bought a Snapmaker 2.0 so I could make bigger stuff.
Once MSFS VR came out I needed a button box. So off to the drawing board once again and I have a great box that covers everything I touch in a 172. I also designed modifications for existing flight hardware that I have to make it better. Not to mention all of the "stuff I make around the house. All kinds of functional stuff and repair parts for broken stuff.
Maybe the question shouldn’t be can you afford the panels and such of your chosen cockpit, but can you afford to make your own. It’s a much more fulfilling adventure.
I was actually considering buying a Flight Velocity panel which is bad plastic and then modifying it to suit. All the ones they sell are not really exactly what I want. I will have to make some measurements to see if that would be possible. That way I get a professional finish and a base to work around.
Have you checked PropWash Simulation - Flight Sim Radios
They have DIY solutions that may suit your needs. You can cut a dashboard out a piece of MDF and add components and such as your budget allows. They ship to the UK.
Hi Tearless, PM me I will help you out. UK based, I know some great suppliers for laser cutting, engraving etc. Happy to give you some help to get started. Not trying to sell you products. Having someone to give you advice at the start is going to save you a lot of time/expense. Based in Peterborough
There are places in the USA that are called “Makerspaces” see: https://www.makerspaces.com/what-is-a-makerspace/ where for a small fee you can use their equipment to construct what you need. I don’t know if they are also in the UK but worth a look. Also lots of colleges have facilities to do what you want to do and some offer night courses. With the rise of home based businesses there are a lot of people who have the necessary equipment in their homes and also maybe able to help you out. In my town there are a lot of craftsmen who have AMAZING shops in their garages or basements that can do professional level work but for a more reasonable price. I would do some checking around locally you maybe amazed at what is now available…FWIW
I just saw a post from our library they were going to have a Makerspace this summer. Is this 3D printing? I see so much stuff 3D printed on here that would be cool to use.
3D printing is just one of their services. See What is a Makerspace? Is it a Hackerspace or a Makerspace? for more information. A lot depends on where it is located and what services they choose to provide. Some offer machining some do not. Best to ask you library what services they will provide.
