u/gfh110

Hey all. In my first post I mentioned that I had ambitions to expand my little rig into something more elaborate and accurate for approximating a Cessna 172. This week I started moving forward on the 2.0 version.

With the help of Ron at Altimeter Motives, I was able to exchange my six pack instrument panel for one of his full sized Gen2 panels. Unlike the six pack which had its own integrated screen, this panel attaches to a regular 24" monitor. I also picked up a more accurate throttle quadrant from FlightSimStuff. And I had to relocate the yoke to under the desk. Everything is still clamped down at the moment, but will be getting more permanently mounted once some more items get here. The cable clutter is largely contained for right now. I doubt it will stay that way!

I'm shooting for as close to 1:1 of the 172 in MSFS as I can reasonably get, including the Garmin avionics. I have my Logitech radio panel set up to control them right now, but the functionality is limited and I still have to sometimes use the mouse, and obviously look at the screen instead of actual hardware. Fortunately I can buy "real" GNS430/530's from RealSimGear. Unfortunately... they're expensive. All of the stuff I'm planning is expensive, which is why this project is going to take some time. As much as I'd love to buy everything all at once and get down to it, also need to pay rent and feed myself.

The rest of the components are going to be from Desktop Pilot and Prop Wash Simulations as well as some 3D printed mounting brackets and miscellaneous odds and ends that I found on Etsy. I also had a friend of mine 3D print a pair of Cessna-style rudder pedals for me which will directly replace the pedals on my Logitech rudder. A much cheaper option than trying to hunt down the old Saitek pedals on eBay for a couple hundred bucks.

The last pic is my extremely professional and scale accurate mock-up of what it will eventually look like. 🤣 Wish me luck!