DIY ICP Module
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(Almost) Finished module pictures posted to thirst post
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By the way, I have a MK1 module that I would trade for a good working Cougar HOTAS.
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PM enroute…
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Added more pictures of finished ICP modules to post #3.
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This is probably the last post on this project. I am going to make several other runs for those who asked for them but I doubt there is anything to add to this design (as far as I am concerned).
My next project will be a full set of panels for the F-16 cockpit, I am working on the CAD files now.
I made some enclosures to make sure the ICP modules are not damaged in the post. I am fairly sure they will have to drive over these things to damage them…course with the USPS you never can tell…
They are also packed into a medium sized USPS Priority shipping box with plenty of wadded newspaper.
The enclosures can also be used to mount the ICP module to your desk (just some sanding, paint and non-skid rubber feet).
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looking good
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Thanks Wolfstone,
For those of you waiting on the next run of ICP modules here is an update:
I have cut out 12 front panels, and am now working on the finger guards. I have a large cabinet job in the shop so that is taking up most of my time. I plan on starting a for sale thread to advertise and post updates.
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I would have had one from ‘Mike’ of viperpits by now but what with his personal problems and the fact that (as far as I can understand it ) the electronics need to be acquired elsewhere its just not happening.
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I would have had one from ‘Mike’ of viperpits by now but what with his personal problems and the fact that (as far as I can understand it ) the electronics need to be acquired elsewhere its just not happening.
Considering the same, now how can I get one of these? any one send me a PM I will purchase. Thanks!
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I need to start a for sale thread but right now I have all eight of the ICP modules that I am currently working on spoken for. It is slow going considering other projects that I am working on as well.
Over the next couple of days I will start a for sale thread and start taking pre-orders for the next run.
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Working on redesigning these now that I have finished building my new house.
Stay tuned for MKIII
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Working on redesigning these now that I have finished building my new house.
Stay tuned for MKIII
Good to hear. Keep us informed.
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Waiting for the next MKIII
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I understand that this may not mean much to you coming from a noob to this forum, but I just happened onto this thread and had to tell you that you have done a great job. The attention to detail is remarkable. Fantastic job Propnut. I would love to have some of the tools used to craft these (CNC). Keep up the good work and thanks for posting the pictures. It’s folks like you that keep the sim world alive and interesting. Have you thought about using one of those 3D printers for some of your parts? Kudos-
Dakota
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Hi Dakota,
It is funny that you should comment about the 3D printer. I completed another MK2 ICP a few weeks ago so I could buy a cheap 3D printer in order to expidite the creation of my MK3 ICP module. Unfortunately making buttons with has not worked out. I had hoped that I could print all the buttons as the process on the CNC is very time consuming. My 3D printer (PRUSA i3) cannot print the text fine enough though. The bottons themselves are excellent, it is just the text on top that does not work out. 1/4" text looks great but 1/8" is a little blurry. I have tried PLA, ABS and PETG (PETG is great stuff) and consulted online gurus to no avail.
On a better note it did an excellent job making the thumb wheels. I am very happy with that aspect.
I have seven more face plates ready to go and I have redesigned the PCB to make things a bit easier for me but I am still stuck on buttons.
This is a hobby for me so I have not really spent that much time getting it all worked out. Over the last year we sold our farm and my wife and I built our dream house ourselves so I have been a bit busy.
As to attention to detail; I appreciate your comment but there are far better examples of ICP modules out there. Mine are at the low end but I am ok with that. My intent was to help fellow pilots with an affordable (I know, that word is contentious) option for an ICP. I think so far I have managed that and I am happy with the results.
Thanks again for the comment
By the way, I too use a 43" 4K monitor and I am loving it. BMS looks absolutely awesome in 4k.
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Buying an ICP panel from Hispanels and then using a 3D printer to make the finger guard part for it seems like a very good way to go to build up a good looking panel/buttons set.
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Im wondering how Im going to approach the ICP when I have money. Mine is presently just a numpad with stickers. I had been thinking Mike from Viperpanels originally, because those panels do look pretty good… but this is not the first time I hear inklings that maybe there would be better alternatives.
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Always more ways than one way to skin the cat…
I have Mike’s kit and it’s not a bad way to go…the only thing missing on the Hispanels one is the finger guard, and I think that someone over on VP has even already done a 3D model for that. I recall reading/seeing on VP that the AIC PCB (which I also have) will also fit nicely to the Hispanels panel - you’ll need to make a back plate and add thumb wheels.
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Interesting. I actually have the PCB. Ill check out hispanels, cheers!
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The panel and raised finger guard (as well as the round button raised panel) are pretty easy for me, as is the PCB and potentiometers. I did hope that the buttons would have been easier with the 3D printer. And I am not really happy with my LED lighting system.