New project - MSFS C++ USB interface

[Demon]

Wow! Those are exactly what I am aiming to get.

Only one question, is that fee just for the designing on Panel Creator, and then a separate fee from Precision Graphics?




I've made contact with a manufacturer in China for something like these, but I haven't sent any models yet for pricing.

[Demon]

I just got 2 sample LCDs from a manufacturer. Holy crapenslaque! They're even nicer than my aging Acer displays (22in and 19in at top of pic).




This is FHD 15.6in 1920x1080. It has HDMI and VGA inputs, and runs on ordinary 12V 2A power supply. If you get a USB-display adapter (maybe $25 on amazon), you don't even waste graphic card outputs.

It's freaking awesome, way better than I hoped, viewing angle is super. Way better than the crap I got on aliexpress:




Now I just have to make a case for it.

[Ioannis]

That is great! Nice choice.

What enclosure are thinking to make?

Ioannis

[Demon]

That part is still up in the air. My 3D printer only goes to 300mm x 300mm x 300mm, so that's not an option for a 15.6in display.

I might print it in 2 parts, then glue them together to make a prototype, then make a mold using Smooth-On silicon.

That might be my only option at this point.

[Ioannis]

At this size, maybe wood is an option for the prototype?

I saw Smooth-On silicon which is very exciting! But for an enclosure too much of work I guess.

Ioannis

[Demon]

I like wood, but it's a bit too bulky for what I had in mind. The prototype has to be thin, or else it's going to cost a lot of liquid plastic to pour each enclosure. I could use other medium, like plexiglass and superglue; that's my backup plan. I'd have relatively thin walls and a smooth surface, with a minimal strength. I'm just not keen on using superglue.

I'm looking at making the prototype on the 3D printer; most likely in 2 parts. That way I can have thin walls but keep a relatively high level of precision in dimensions. The other nice thing, is that modifying and restarting is just a matter of editing in FreeCad. With wood, you have to start again, same with all other "manual medium".

[Demon]

I drew up a basic frame, just to get an idea of what I'm facing; 15 hours, and there's no fasteners or anything.




The panel with all the holes was just a temporary support, since I have to print it an at angle on the printer. I'm still missing screws around the perimeter, and braces to hold it at an angle (I make my own, less waste, and they're signed specifically for the print). So I might be facing about 25 hours at regular speed on my printer for a complete front frame.

Then I have to print a honeycomb spacer for rigidity (maybe 10mm thick), and a backside with all the screws and required connector openings. I'm guesstimating at least 50 hours of printing for an enclosure prototype.

And this is why I'm considering a multi-part design. I could print it flat and wouldn't need to print all those supports. I'd have an annoying joint down the center, but I could live with that if I had to.