Project One Begins

[NASSAC]

Hello all, just thought I would give an update on Project One.  

Project One is a project to build a totally portable simulator that we can use in an educational program. The program
is called NASSAC.

1. On February 3rd we traveld 150 miles pick up our new Utility trailer. The trailer cost $3000.  It measures about 7ft.
wide, 14ft. long and 6ft. 1in. high and is a heavy duty quality, Care Mate trailer.

2. Today we worked to determine what kind of video system we were going to use for the main view of the simulator.
We want to make it so that the pilot can get as many visual cues as possible. This means views that range from 120
to 180 degrees ideally. We want the video to be as large as possible. DLP projection is the way that we are leaning
utilizing two projectors for a 2560 x 1040 resolutionn screen which will project an image that is about 6ft. wide and 2
ft high.  The problem is the location of the projectors high and off to the sides allows only one seat for the cockpit.
This is fine for the DGIII but we want to preserve the ability to utilize a dual cockpit in the future. The cost of the
projectors are 850 dollars each.
      The other idea is to use 3 19" LCDs or HDTV type displays. With this we could SPAN across three monitors for a
single view. To do this would require a Matrox Quad card so that we can span the three displays. The fourth would
be used for GPS or something else. We are looking at purchasing a PCI express PC to take advantage of the latest
technology in graphics. The cost here are about $1,300  for the LCD's,  $850.00 for the Matrox card and $2,500 for
the new computer system.

    Once we decide which system we will use we will then build the front section of the cockpit with the windshiled
system and instrument panel. We have started a web site, and we have put a picture up of the design. We will add
pictures as we progress for those that are interested in the project. (Please understand this is a new site with a lot
of work yet to be accomplished)  

We are also working to secure a federal grant and local sponsorships to help pay for the project. We invite your
questions and you suggestions on this project.  The web site is www.NASSAC.faithweb.com

John Abent
NASSAC Director



Post Edited ( 04-12-06 02:49 )

[NASSAC]

Today we installed the support system for the projection screen, and welded the frame for the instrument panel. See
pictures at http://www.nassac.faithweb.com/photo.html.

[NASSAC]

If the above link does not work to take you directly to the photos try this one,  http://www.nassac.faithweb.com and
then select photos from the menu page.

[NASSAC]

We have posted more pictures on our web site NASSAC.faithweb.com of our Simulator project. We built a 30x40 inch
frame for the secondary mirror after testing indicated that this would be the optimum size for the width of the screen
and the limited depth that we are dealing with. We are trying to keep the cockpit as far forward as we can so we can
fit, with some comfort, four more seats in the crew compartment. The pictures show the frame work for the
instrument panel installed with the steel frame for the mirror in front. We are going to lower the instrument panel and
move it forward. The trick here is to keep the screen to mirror angels at a minimum. This will reduce the keystone
effect. In the future we want to use two projectors. This why we built an 80 inch screen. Right now we are projecting
just under 70 inches across and 42 inches high. We are using a Sharp DLP 2000 lumens projector. The screen does
not have its finish coat on it yet so the pictures appear to be dark and grainy. When we are sure of the height and
location of the panel, projector and mirrors we will proceed to build the flight deck and locate the placement of the
rudder pedals. After that we will concentrate on the instrument panel.
Our plan is to keep the panel flexable for future changes. We are planning to use four different pieces of software for
flight simulation. For Space flight we will of course use Orbiter. For Celstial or astronomy classes we will use Celestia.
For flight training we will use X-Plane and MS FS9. For the flight sims we are using Project Magenta glass cockpit
software for the gagues and flight instruments. For the switches we are using Goflight programable hard switches.

Today we received our first touch screen addon from Magic Touch. We installed it on a 15 inch LCD and it worked
flawlessly. It was neat to pull up the DGIII instrument panel and just reach out and touch the switches to activate
them. We are working on some problems with multi monitors and the touch screen but believe that all the issues can
be worked out. The idea we are pursuing for Orbiter is to have the two side displays in the coskpit clone the main
projection image for Orbiter. They will be 17 or 19 inch LCD's. These LCD's will also have touch screen capabilities.
One crew member will work the screens or we will program the Goflight switches to replace the keyboard so pilots
can navigate the MFD's with as little keyboard input as possible. There is a lot to think about, but we know we can do
most of what we hope because of the prototype we built three years ago.
Well that's it for now. Our target finish date is May 25th.  We also made some video's of the projection system using
a laptop. I will try to load them to an FTP site so those interested can see the system as it evolves.

John Abent

NASSAC Director

[NASSAC]

Another Monday has passed and "Project One" slowly progresses closer to completion. We still have a long way to
go. We built the flight deck, located the rudder pedals, yoke, seats and finished off much of the instrument panel
frame. We set the frames for the three LCD in the instrument panel that will provide a glass cockpit environment. The
center screen will be a touch screen. Eventually all three LCD's will be touch screen eliminating the need for a mouse.
We put some new PICTURES on the web site for those that are interested.

John

NASSAC Director

[NASSAC]

We have put up some new pictures of the LCD glass cockpit software. With Orbiter we are using VCM addon with a
touch screen. The rest of the screens show the Project Magenta glass cockpit software, FSMoving maps and FS
Commander GPS all of these will be used with FS9. We have tested the Goflight QuickKeys with both Orbiter and FS9.
The switches with the touch screen combination will help to elliminate the use of a keyboard and mouse about 95%
of the time. For those interested please go to www.NASSAC.FaithWeb.com. Navigate to the photograph page and
enjoy. Comments, questions and suggestions are welcome.  

By way have you heard about the GRB from a Supper Nova in Aries? It is only expected to be a about a Mag. 16, by
March 5th so you will need a good size scope or a CCD Camera to resolve the Super Nova.

[NASSAC]

We have updated our webs site, NASSAC.faithweb.com with some new pictures.  Go to the photo page for the
pictures. We are about two weeks away from assemblying the computer network and interface equipment for our
first full system checkout.

[NASSAC]

Another Monday is in the bag. It was a 12 hour work day and today we fabricated and installed the 12 volt control
panels. The panels will control the low voltage lighting system for the cockpit and the aft section. We also installed
120 volt florescent lights in the aft section over the crew work area. All systems can be dimmed or switched on or off
from the cockpit area. We also installed switches for the no smoking and seat belt signs. We expect to have a full
systems check in two weeks.

Now that most of the hard wiring is completed we can begin to paint and install most of the ceiling panels that will
give head area a rounded aircraft like contour. We still must purchase and install the 13,500 BTU Carrier roof top air
conditioning. This must be done before we can finish off the ceilings. The walls will be covered with a wall vinyl and
will be hand painted with side window murals to give it some aircraft aesthetics. We are planning to install at least
one aft side window and in the future a ceiling window using 15 inch LCDs. This will allow the passengers or crew to
view right and up.

A lot has been happening in the future events department. The Simulator is scheduled for a Youth Bible camp that is
a running a program with a space theme. The simulator will allow kids to compete against each other. In September
we may be taking the simulator to the AVSIM conference in Washington D.C. We are working out the details. And In
January I will be using the simulator at a local Christian High School while teaching an Aviation Science and Orbital
Mechanics class. We will probably do a simulated docking to the ISS. The course is 16 days long and will include
several field trips.

I have some new pictures of the simulators low voltage system but because of maintenance on my website I am
unable to up load them to the server until Tuesday evening.


John
NASSAC Director

[NASSAC]

I have uploaded the latest pictures to www.nassac.faithweb.com. Check out the photo page and the what's new
page to see what is happening with NASSAC. The photos are not listed in date order.

[NASSAC]

O40706 Udate. Project One is near completion of the construction phase. I uploaded more pictures to the photo
section of WWW.NASSAC.FAITHWEB.com. Today we fabricated the glare shield and and windshield and will install
them on Saturday 040806. We have also upgraded the main computers with a 160 GB ATA drive and increased the
RAM to 2 GB. A new computer system is being donated and will replace the main simulator computer in September.
This new system will have Microsofts new operating system,SLI graphics and a DVD drive which will ready the system
for FS-X's arrival.

The Simlator will have a total of five computers four wll run the main simulator with all it's avioncs. A total of 8 LCD's
and one Video projector are being utilized. (A second projector is planned). The system is very flexible and we will
detail it'sdifferent configurations in the future.

A full systems check is scheduled for Monday April 24th. We will be making a video but I am not sure where or how
we will post it on the web. I will need a ftp site to upload it.

[Daniel76]

 WOW!! i emailed you guys asking where you are located and how a person could join.

[NASSAC]

We are located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland near Ocean City. Email j.abent@mchsi.com.

[NASSAC]

We updated the pics again today. The side view for the crew is coming along nicely. We did some photoshop art work
to project the final look. Of all the things we have done, most seemed to be amazed with the side window view idea.

We have completed about 90% of the wiring and are on target for our April 24th systems check. Next we will mount
the vinyl wall covering then proceed with the interior art work. Once we are sure everything is working as it should
we will install the A/C and then the carpeting. We are planning on some really detailed art work on the door. We
want it to look and feel like a real aircraft/spacecraft once the doors are shut and the systems are running. We will
also install seatbelt signs and yes even the seatbelts themselves will be installed. Check out
www.nassac.faithweb.com for more info.

[NASSAC]

Another picture update has been made to our website, www.nassac.fatihweb.com. The flight deck is about 95%
complete. We are about ready to bgin detailing the interior. We hope to begin testing on Monday April 24th of all
systems. We still need to purchase and install the A/C, finish the vinyl covering on the ceiling and some walls. Detail
the door, windows,switches, overhead and side panels and install the swivel seats, carpet and 19 inch LCD's in the
aft section. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH i'm tiredddddddddd.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[NASSAC]

Project One has taken its first flight and the video system is awesome. It has been a lot of work, planning, testing and praying
wondering if the effort would pay off. After some tweaking, and after some graphics problem were resolved the system came to life.
The immersion effect was great. Final approach was so realistic. Also today $650.00 was donated  for the air conditioning system.
This was the final obstacle we needed to satisfy to make the simulator a workable system. One problem that we noted however, is
the shadowing effect of the mirrors we are using. We knew this would happen from our testing. The cost to overcome this with
projection grade mirrors is just too much of a budget buster at this point. Once we get the simulator fully operational it is hoped that
its potential for education will convince others to dontate to the cause and replace  the mirrors.
  As much as I love flying the simulator, it alone is not the real motivating factor in building it. Ultimatley we want to use the simulator
to teach kids about aviation science, space science, physics and more. teaching is what I love to do and the simulator is simply a tool
to teach others about the world of aviation science which I love.

[NASSAC]

We are nearing completion of the simulator. We have fired up all five computers. We are going to make some modifications to the interconnection of keyboards
and mouse vis the KVM and we think we have a flakey mother board in one of the systems. Other than that the system is working great. The main simulator
runs off of three computers. One for the graphics and flight controls, the second for the Fligh Systems Display and the third displays the backup displays and
engine, hydaulics, flap and electrical data on one display and the GPS on the other touch screen display.

We have not run Orbiter yet because the system demands for Orbiter are minor compared to FS9. This is because Orbiter has no multiplayer or monitor
capability. We know it will work as long as the network is functioning. Check out pictures at www.nassac.faithweb.com for more up todate information.

[NASSAC]

Project One's major Construction is complete. We had to change out the mother board and the graphics card on
one of the avionics computers. We have complted work on the doors inner locking system and await deliver of
some of the Goflight modules to complete both the main cockpit and the two rear substation cockpits.
Today 051106, we will install Orbiter 2006 which arrived just in time for Project Ones completion. We will make
some changes so we can utilize multi-monitirs for the  MFD remote capability. We can't wait to experience Orbiter
in the new simulator. We will update our web site with some final pictures of the project after which we will
close out this thread on the forum.

[NASSAC]

Tomorrow we will finish the installing and cleaning up the drives in the Project One simulator as we get ready to take it on the raod.

All next week we will be testing and tweaking to make sure all systems are a go. We have yet to receive the second set of the PFC yoke and
Cirus pedals for the second officers side of the cockpit. Once we do we will be able to test the USB switches that we installed whereby we
can select from four different joystick imputs without having to unplug or replug a USB cable. In a chosen simulation however, we will
probably only switch between two joystck/yokes depending on the simulation. The configuration for the space shuttle will switch between
three joysticks. Two in front for piloting and one in the aft section for operation of the Canada arm. We may also use the thrid aft position
joystick and monitor for space walk EVA control. In theory it should all work, but we won't know until we actually test .

Tomorrow we will also test out FS9 running on the network with Wide View. On the second system we want to diplay a wing view on dual 15
inch monitors utilizing the Matox dual view system. The dual view systems treats the two 15 inch lcds as one large screen. We have some
doubts about the graphics in this setup that will have to be addressed if they prove disapointing.

We have started a new thread called Project One & 2006 and will update that thread with Orbiter only topics and pictures. We have
some video that we  are woking on uploading to a sight but we have run into a tempoary snag with final verification of the video for posting
on the Google web site.  When this video is available it will show the simulator in orbit over Mars using the level 10 graphics of Orbiter 2006.
We found ourselves gazing through the windshield and looking down on MArs. It will be as close as anyone with my limitied ability will ever
get to the real thing in my life time. Kids and adults are going to experience the challenge and the vistas of space flight thanks to Martin and
the new NASSAC simulator.

Once we get the kinks worked out we plan on making many video's of our NASSAC space travels. We have incorporated a system to record
directly from the main system both by video camera and by direct computer output. The new recording feature of Orbiter will help us in this
area.  The biggest problem right now is uploading them to a web site that we can then set links.