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| L-1011 Trainer - Interbus Installation |
The Lockheed L-1011 cockpit has literally hundreds of switch positions and an even larger number of annunciator lights. For the computers receiving switch data and driving the annunciator lights we use Interbus components. Interbus is a relatively old bus format but is perfect for the use on the simulator since this is a field bus system that readily works in the 24VDC domain. In a few previous postings we talked about installing Interbus Terminal stations in the Flight Engineer's (SO Station), the Overhead and the Main Instrument Panel. All the Interbus components we selected for the simulator mount onto DIN rails and will be fully field replaceable.
In order to get the DIN rails added to the simulator we are blessed to have the master of all hardware mounting, Mr. Jim Blassco, create custom mounts for the simulator.
First we had to find a good position in the simulator's Flight Engineer station to mount the devices. We picked a spot towards the top of the station for two reasons: a) there was really a lot of space there and b) we would get good airflow over the components for cooling.
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| L-1011 Flight Engineer Station - Digital I/O Bracket |
Then the fun started, Jim made some custom designed brackets and introduced me to the use of an angle drill ... an amazing piece of hardware that looks like a gigantic dentist tool.
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| Jim Manufacturing Brackets for the L-1011 Trainer |
With the brackets in place we installed the steel DIN rail (they flex a lot less than aluminum rails) and mounted the Interbus modules right onto it.
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| L-1011 Trainer - Digital I/O Bracket |
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| L-1011 Trainer - Digital I/O Buildout |
Every day is a step towards the finishing of this project. However, as Kevin pointed out ... in sim building a lot of the fun is actually in the journey of putting such a complex machine together. Thanks to everyone for their awesome support!
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