Using A Real Artificial Horizon

[Guest Woof]

Quick question,I seem to have 'acquired' a real artificial horizon. My assumption is that these work via a gyro, and that any deflection shown is by actual movement of the airframe. As my Sim is very much fixed, I'm assuming that it is not possible to have this gyro showing the output from FS2004?Or am I wrong?Thanks a million.Chris

[Guest allistah]

I decided on using the IOCards system for controlling all of my cockpit. If you use one of their servo controller boards, you can do this.They have a couple of videos on their site that show this exact thing. Pretty neato stuff.Main site: http://www.opencockpits.comVideo1: http://www.opencockpits.com/uploads/Servos_3_L.wmvVideo2: http://www.opencockpits.com/uploads/Servo_0001.wmvLet me know what you think. When I saw the videos I thought it was pretty damn cool. :-)-Jaime

[Guest Woof]

Ahaa, thanks Jaime. This does look good. I'm using EPIC so I'm going to have to see if it can do the same thing (I'm sure it can, I HOPE IT CAN!).Thanks again,Chris

[Guest MikePowell]

Chris,It depends on what you have.If you have a GA style artificial horizon, then you are correct. The gyro stays put and the airframe moves around it. I have seen pictures of a conversion of such an instrument to use a pair of RC servos. The site with the pictures seems to be off line, but at least they demonstrate that conversion is possible.If you have a remote indicating ADI (attitude deviation indicator), you might possibly be able to build the electronics to make it work. This type instrument works with a separate gyro mounted in an equipment rack somewhere away from the instrument panel. The remote indicator contains motors and selsyns. The indicator can be driven with simulated control signals, but is part of a feedback system. This makes for a rather challenging project. Some information about this option is available here: http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/instrument_panel_4.htmIt's also possible to build a simulated artificial horizon from scratch. Info here: http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/DIY_servo_instruments.htmIf you're interested in building simulated instruments, there is a soon to be published book that may be of value: http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/upcoming_book.htmMikewww.mikesflightdeck.com

[Guest Woof]

Mike,Thanks for the extremely informative post. I had my hands on the AH yesterday but it's not at home yet. All I can say is that it's about 12cm square and about 30cm long, so no idea what type it is!Anyway, back to wiring the overhead...Chris