Building the 737 Pedestal

It took over 4 weeks in the making and is over 40 minutes long. This video documents the building of the 737 Pedestal structure so far and the first 6 radio panels. I went through so many prototypes until I found a good and viable working solution. The next step after the 737 cockpit is complete will be to come back and revisit these panels and create PCBs which will make things very easy for people to follow along.
PATREON
A couple of people have asked if I have a Patreon account, I finally got around to creating one. If you fancy showing support for the videos and build, and I have switched off advertising for videos now:
/ 737diysim
The plans are available at WWW.737DIYSIM.COM.
Facebook: Boeing738v2
Instagram: 737DIYSIM

[@sircompo]

Some great tips here like the strain relief loop on the shielded cable, marking and hole cutting perfboard and 3D printing mountings to keep things looking tidy. Really wish I'd gone into avionics when I left school instead of IT!

[@helimech8152]

Hi Dave, thank you. Some of the things i really struggled with was getting the networks to talk and especially open cockpits FMC on one machine to use the other machines data. I bet you wouldn't even have to think about it!

[@AstroHAM]

Big Thumbs up You are doing an amzing job there

[@helimech8152]

Wow and Thank you for the great comment!

[@ironjawtrader]

Great video and fantastic work. Enjoyed the detail and explanations, even though I have little knowledge of electronics other than soldiering and one term at engineering school before I shifted to law. Now you've got me missing this.

[@helimech8152]

Hello and thank you. Its great having a job and hobby which I both enjoy!

[@ironjawtrader]

@@helimech8152 I just saw this amazing guy from Mikey's Flightdeck. You might be interested as he is also making a 737 cockpit and builds his own PCP using CNC: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpKbZ4SriJdspKs

[@MrGreyfoxut]

Thank you so much for the great videos :) Wonderful to watch, and good work Josh hope he gets into flight simming too!

[@helimech8152]

Thank you for the great comment!

[@keemoosabi8350]

Another cracking video 👍🏻 I wish I had your knowledge and ability. Inspiring but I’m not really tool savvy 😂😂 keep them coming as they’re great to watch and I can’t wait to see the full cockpit up and running 👍🏻👍🏻 stay safe 😷😷 cheers 🍻

[@helimech8152]

Hi Daren, Thank you. Great motivation for me and that i'm hopefully heading in the right direction with the videos. I too am looking forward to getting it all up and working!

[@XFlight69]

You just made my day with this video 😃

[@helimech8152]

Thanks Zeke!

[@blacknass1943]

Solche dinge hätte ich mir von meinem Vatter gewünscht aber die Welt wurde leider zu einem Grausamen Ort gemacht wo die Eltern lieber dem Befehlen aus dem Fehrnseher befolgen als auf sein Herz zu hören. Ein sehr schönes Bild wie Vater und Sohn zusammen lernen

[@helimech8152]

Danke, mein Sohn macht gerne Teile in kleinen Dosen, da er sich ein wenig langweilt, wenn sie sich hinziehen!

[@simulatorpapua2498]

Cool

[@Helldriver1964]

how do you connect the 6 Digit tubes to the Max7219 board (wiring scheme)? I can't figure out, how to connect them. a short discription is highly apprecciated ;) thanks a lot:)

[@helimech8152]

Hello Helldriver, that is not an easy thing to explain in a short description. You may need to ask in Discord!

[@Helldriver1964]

@@helimech8152what is the name of the Discord?

[@ismailsurek9547]

Amazing works and congratulatory you again.. You are really doyen simulator maker. Thanks a lot for this video But i want t ask about something this pedestal 1- ADF panel = it must be 3 shaft encoder but really hard to find also if can you find must be expensive... so need to 3D mechanism model for it . 2- SELCAL panel = this button and related led indicators are inside of VHF panel new version 737NG but i didnt find ofset and eventID's ... if can you find please share .... Should you make it later _? 3-MISC panel = Should you make it later _? 4-WXR panel = is possible to analog input changes wxr antenna position when stormy weather on simulation .. Can you make a simple video furthermore about WXR ? 5- Rudder trim screen = i think to make LCD but i need to work about it .. So if will you make it soon what is your plan _? 6-Tcas , cargo-fire . maybe you will make it soon not question for that :) thanks more again and Greeting

[@josefzammit3059]

Hi Karl, there are two types of Digital LED Display; Common Anode and Common Cathode, which ones are you using?

[@helimech8152]

Hello Josef! I use common cathode as they are compatible with the MAX7219 boards. Great to hear from you and i hope this helps.

[@josefzammit3059]

thanks Karl! As usual great work! After I messaged you, I saw that on your MCP guide. Re Max 7219, Do you use any resistors when you connect them to the 5V supply? In another video on another channel I also saw that some simmers use a multiplexer when connecting more than one Max7219 what is your view?

[@johnnewton7893]

Hello Karl, Beautiful work here. I was would like to know how you removed the or desoldered the displays from the blue board? So I can do the same. Thank You

[@WackyBroProductions]

I want to find some real heavy feeling rotary encoders like real planes.

[@simonbaxter8001]

Encoders for real avionics are made by Grayhill. Element14 (Farnell) stock them ... but they are'nt cheap! You need an encoder with a strong detent to get that authentic feel.

[@WackyBroProductions]

I used the Elma E37s. The click is probably a little too sharp compared to my buddy's OEM radio but it still feels believable.

[@simulatorpapua2498]

Hallo sir, is possible CHANGE the ADF TO NAF ?

[@SantoshJena]

People who disliked this video are heartless

[@helimech8152]

Haha, You can't please everyone! Kind Regards Karl

[@DavidDavidson-tristar500]

Shielded twisted pair? It's been 20 years since I've touched that stuff (man I'm getting old 😀). Love this work you're doing.

[@helimech8152]

Hello David, I have so much of the stuff from recycled aircraft I need to find a use for it! But it's much bulkier, as you know, than standard 22 or 24 AWG wire. However, for seven-segment displays, it helps. Kind Regards Karl

[@XFlight69]

I would appreciate a video on how you get the CNC files processed as well

[@Mickeys_Flightdeck]

What a huge video. I can just guess how much footage you had to edit. And by the way - a great explanation.

[@helimech8152]

Hi Mickey, how's you and I hope this finds well back home. Thank you, I never meant for the video to be that long, and as you guessed the footage amount over 4 weeks was huge. Especially when using two cameras. I didn't think this video would do that well, (watching somebody wire manage isn't really the most captivating process) but thought I'd give it a go. From the video stats, it actually seems people do skip through to the parts that are relevant to them. Which is ideal. Especially when I remember starting out and thinking I wonder how you go about this. How are you getting on with the overhead panels? Keep safe and kind regards karl

[@Mickeys_Flightdeck]

@@helimech8152 To help the people find faster what they are interested in you could add some timestamps in the video description. So they can directly jump to parts. This works if your video can be devided into some logical chapters. I'm doing some filming for explaining the cable management in the cockpit at the moment. And I try to produce my first pcb on my cnc router. For an electronic noob like me this is a very big topic. We will see if this will come to a good end. During these times we're not allowed to go out much so there is always a bit of time for working on the cockpit.

[@pizman82]

Hi Karl. Maybe i just not see it..... Can you tell me what "prototyp Shield" you use on the Megas (Exactly at 28.58 in your Hands) ? Ebay Link ?? Thanks !

[@helimech8152]

Hello, i think you mean these: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10Pcs-Prototype-ProtoShield-Circuit-PCB-Board-Shield-for-Arduino-MEGA-EU/163679792783?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item261c136e8f:g:EP8AAOSwxXZcye37&enc=AQAEAAACcIQvEcHUrT7nmUC3yY5qbPyaBN1nJEDYW8MyypsJPgXKym2Jdff8P6pcVkPslsrmD1lRasf%2BlMjyUSY5nYIO3YkuMdMNx%2BC1DsgcQQsBKlDn7bYYqlAhSCHDDUvXBA2SQyafLyeemA5RQ9v%2Bdmt%2BPui9ualYKLHCg%2Bc4cd%2BaAHPuUS6PvswU%2Bcap3uJ6Oz5ZDIIF%2B0ILsozkV1RNMMz9m%2Balhgd4OqQHo%2BYZ3T6IFtM070VxySLSJ1HKQ3unK9YokUK3bDa9E1Fse5MMs5EQTQf%2BHTRO2ybH25akYnoKyQ8Z3K0heUQ4YdQforKrcl95wr437IomKsjGyCrAGwUduoUeGYc07xfHgqTnZAPXHgvX%2B9iPdhZKNhSkbt8etW1Yg3XfDeCbk%2Baa%2F1JJSQTvWTdmv9p32ZzQAJJLsUSvzVXX8IYdRyUzM6pwPmuWYx82CdnPop8wtcMbhh1jDO4z0IUJnlpeKBXKy5oQJ4VwkRDeBUcZNrXu41c9gaPIoMLZosLw7xIw8%2BvwsasgL3OvYkagPoks5DnBCcZIbvduPcG5e78EnEUjgv48Ctu9StqhtPX5ukc%2B1h9p5A9iWSlIxstSF%2BmUc0lajwucRnP%2BorzhDJ2EDK%2FSG%2FFcYJEEK7oqSHYxfmgbQ3hEtbQXEc6a0zalCIOiACxCOzbcoyosZI%2FqXJOQNPKE7Yd86H%2FkdEL9Q6r%2BX5u9x%2FSpvLqh8kUs0uWdilGnfSf0NpSMyDRxek9vIBA7eHbFLoMGQUZwCkvHHV3UllmHZ5N%2F0vzRcVm14oS7Wx46SMmuxLiSiHEue8QRJCvxVI82iZG13sJRs4J5WQ%3D%3D&checksum=16367979278363a39a6c0b754b91b4019ff1f2fd6c4f

[@helimech8152]

Definitely highly recommend them for any build, cheap and very versatile. You might have to but the male headers separately! Kind Regards Karl

[@lewb100]

Hi mate I love these videos I’m going to be starting my sim soon and was wondering if your cockpit plans included panels for the over head and such for me to cut them on a CNC. Also would you be able to do a tutorial on how you send files from fusion to the cnc and how you set the cutter where to cut on the material. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

[@helimech8152]

Hi Lewis, great to hear from you. When i go back and re-create the map panels, i will take all this into consideration and try to cover as much as i can. Its very simple once the design is in fusion, I normally click the manufacture tab, select the outlines i want to cut and export the file to mach 3. But looking back, actually, i do remember that was quite a lot to learn! Thank you and consider it done in the near future. Kind Regards Karl

[@lewb100]

@@helimech8152 Hi Karl, thanks for that and I look forward to seeing that sometime. Thanks

[@hansruck5133]

Your son..

[@d.breederveld3578]

Thanks for this excellent video. I am looking for the dual radioknobs. Is it possible to put the stl files on the website please? I am starting the build of my pedestal soon.

[@helimech8152]

Hi, This knobs came with the encoders from propwashsim. A neat little package, so there are no STL files as such. Kind Regards Karl

[@d.breederveld3578]

@@helimech8152 Thank for your reaction, Found it on propwashsim. Great. Kind regards Dolf

[@deeadam1649]

You've referred to the radio panels displays as six and seven segments...eeek.. is there a link for the boards you use for these panels?

[@hananshmerling9326]

It's looks very professional good job

[@helimech8152]

Thank you

[@kenjideboutte1484]

Where did you get the small TRANSFER switch for the radio panel?

[@idj4]

Hi Karl. Are you using the Pedestal with Prosim? I don't see you enter any offsets into Prosim. When I enter an offset into comm 1 active (testing things at the moment), Prosim keeps restarting itself when I load a P3D flight. Thanks.. Ian

[@helimech8152]

Hi Ian, That really doesn't seem right. Never had prosim restart. I don't think I have listed my pedestal offsets as i'm still building it at the mo. But you should be able to use the default comm1 offsets in MF or FSUIPC.

[@blacknass1943]

27:13 glitschi beast :)

[@helimech8152]

Indeed!

[@VLOGS-skyun]

reat Flight simulation is a life. enjoy life. You need a force feedback yoke. All small aircraft yoke positions are wrong. This is caused by trim. Using force feedback yoke trim is easier and more realistic.

[@WackyBroProductions]

The 737 has the same elevator neutral position regardless of the stabilizer trim position. The forces are artificially generated by a hydraulic feel and centering unit, the aileron uses a spring loaded cam. The only time you get real force in a 737 is with all the hydraulics failed.

[@jawadedan6696]

Hello dear. Is there a map that includes the actual measurements and dimensions of the Boeing 737 cockpit with the method of obtaining the required equipment for the cockpit, including the FMC system and the throttle system? Thank you so much

[@helimech8152]

Hi Jawad, no not that i know of, but i think that a good idea to create one!

[@kenjideboutte1484]

Hai, where did you find the COM1 fsuipc offsets, seems that they are not included in the pmdg 737 document..

[@helimech8152]

Hello Kenji, They may be the using the standard FSUIPC offsets. I would suggest checking that documentation/list or use Mobiflight preset com1 offset. Kind Regards Karl

[@simonbaxter8001]

Nice work, but I'm not a fan of the big latency between the encoder selection and the corresponding values on the 7 segments!

[@helimech8152]

Hi Simon, I think that is because the software was in debug mode. I haven't noticed any lag for a while, especially with Sebastian's new updates in MF. Kind Regards Karl

[@seedosip]

Thank you so much for the video! Love the Tiger in the background :) Thanks to your designs in thingiverse I have finally completed the eyebrow windows! I am busy with throttle now, but radios are on my to do list as well, thanks to this video I can plan the work carefully. Keep up the great work you are doing!

[@helimech8152]

Hello Sergej, great to hear from you and thank you for the kind words. Kind Regards Karl

[@hectorcastaneda9797]

Eres muy bueno para hacer el trabajo saludos desde mexico quiero saber si vendes los productos y el precio si es posible felicidades espero respuesta saludos

[@helimech8152]

Hola desde Brunei: No podemos vender productos físicos debido a mi ubicación. Solo diseños y planos. Gracias por sus amables palabras. Karl

[@mick-tf7xj]

Once again yet another easy Work of art to follow .Thanks keep em coming Karl brilliant ! !.

[@helimech8152]

Many thanks Mick!

[@budgetsim7051]

fantastic sir. spotted the heli too :) 43 min vid. what a treat!! excellent work !!

[@helimech8152]

hello and thank you, i think i put the heli in several shots, just a reminder from when i used to maintain on them.

[@VLOGS-skyun]

Great video. Take care of yourself and your family during this period.

[@helimech8152]

Thank you, and of course the same in return.

[@hamdiraouf1]

hello,i built a pedestal 737 and all my panels like NAV VHF ATC works correctly,to know that i use mobiflight the latest version except that i could not configure ADF because of offset which i do not have.for this i ask you to kindly send me these offset.i am a subscriber to your channel and i have seen amost all of your videos.thank you sir in advance.

[@helimech8152]

Hello Raouf, You can find my offsets on the website: www.737DIYSIM.com under the menu heading/getting started/offsets. Ctrl+F and search ADF. all details are there. Kind Regards Karl

[@hamdiraouf1]

@@helimech8152 thank you for your help

[@bobidderis3880]

Hello sir. Im Bob from Johore Malaysia. Heard you live in Brunei. Got lots of questions in building a home cockpit. But how can I get in touch with you?

[@helimech8152]

Hello Mubarek, I do live in Brunei and my contact detail can be found on the website; www.737diysim.com. Kind Regards Karl & looking forward to hearing from you.

[@bobidderis3880]

@@helimech8152 Thanks. Nice to meet you. I'll check on your site later. Thanks

[@gemale]

I need some help while making those PCB’s

[@helimech8152]

Hi Ge Male, Contact me via the website/watsapp and i will try to help. Kind Regards Karl

[@crnjola]

As always the video was fantastic. Thank you for share.

[@helimech8152]

Glad you enjoyed it and great to hear from you again!

[@WackyBroProductions]

Where did you source the 6 digit 7 segment displays?

[@helimech8152]

I Have several sources over the years depending on colour. Ebay, Aliexpress and Open cockpits.

[@WackyBroProductions]

@@helimech8152 I ended up using the 4 digit ones off the boards and adding matching 2 digit ones at the end. They are the same product line so you cant even tell through the tinted glass.

[@superconnie5003]

Looking fwd to the PCB boards..have them made in Singapore very cheap.

[@helimech8152]

Hello! As soon as everything is fully operational, i will go back and produce PCB's. This will simplify the whole process for everyone including myself. But for the time being, im still finding things where i need to add something, something doesn't quite work anymore. Its coming Though!

[@superconnie5003]

@@helimech8152 absolutely inspirational..

[@THE320CREW]

So neat!

[@helimech8152]

Thank You!

[@karlheinzmrazek830]

Thank you for the great videos

[@helimech8152]

Thanks for watching!

[@hansruck5133]

Great work of your soon. He is really a Pro !

[@helimech8152]

Hi Hans, thank you. We are trying to get him more involved.

[@MsKmshow]

Amazing great job 👌

[@helimech8152]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@TheFlyingSPR]

brilliant mate as usual

[@helimech8152]

Thank you!

[@amorealex]

Artistic work!

[@helimech8152]

Thank you

[@hashimiqbal6822]

Hi, Could you tell me please how do you wire up everything on the board please, I dont understand this.

[@helimech8152]

Hi Hashim, Please visit the website and look for the pedestal blog post. On there is a wiring diagram showing how its all connected. I hope that helps.