hello from Germany

[Vampirefox]

Hi,

I´ve finally decided to start building my own simpit and wanted to ask some questions.

I´ve already got a normal 3d printer, but wanted to get myself a resign printer and wanted to ask if someone could recommend one.

I also am currently looking for some laser for engraving instrument parts and cockpit panels.

The last thing I wanted to ask here today is what sort of things I need to learn to build instruments and cockpit panels, like, how do I connect everything from switches or the backlighting to my PC and all that. I never did anything like that before and don´t even know where to start.

[Jay]

Hello there and welcome to the forum.

I cannot enter on every subject you mentioned (they are huge topics). But I can give you this advice to get started the right way: head to Viper Pit Progress Reports sub forum and start reading the threads. You'll find an invaluable amount of great tips (about the topics you mentioned and much, much more!) and tons of inspiration.

Have fun 

[Moon]

Welcome to the forum!

@Jay is right, these are huge topics, but you'll find the information you need on this forum.  You have a huge learning curve ahead, but that's why we're all here .

A few tips to get you started...

Don't buy all the tools you think you might need straight away.  Start with a the basics and add new tools as you learn.  Every new tool has it's own learning curve.

A 'normal' 3D printer will meet most of your needs.  A resin printer is perfect for small parts that require high accuracy or clarity (e.g. clear resin knobs), but I rarely use mine.  My Bambu A1 has almost 1000 hours on it and has printed everything from a tiny 2-colour needle for the altimeter to a complete HUD.  Get a good FDM printer (Bambu A1, P2S or equivalent) and if you want resin, get a cheap Anycubic or Elegoo to start with.

Apart from a 3D printer, you'll need hand tools (screwdrivers, drill), and tools for soldering and fault finding -  a good temperature controlled soldering iron and a basic multimeter are essential.

There are two types of laser, CO2 and UV.  A '40W' CO2 is my preference as it will cut 3mm clear acrylic and also engrave.  Lasers can be dangerous, so spend a bit more to prevent being killed or blinded by your new hobby.  I bought a cheap 'K40' CO2 laser and modified it.  If I was buying again, the OMTech K40+ looks pretty good for the price, but I'd still get a local electrician to check it for safety.

To build instruments and cockpit panels you'll need to learn basic electronics.  There a thread for that! https://www.viperpits.org/smf/index.php?topic=13140.msg203756#msg203756

[Nigel]

You will need a big pile of money and a really understanding wife too.

[Nigel]

Oops I left out hello and welcome. As was said, pick out a few of the biggest build threads a read them all. When I first was accepted on VP, I read every single word on this forum. I’m not exaggerating. It took me months, but I soaked in so much that I was very confident when I started to build that I could go in the right direction. That didn’t work though ha ha but Seeing what everyone has done before you and not having to reinvent, the wheel will make your goal much more attainable. I started by reading, Creaseguard, Rayman, Kukki, Red Dog, Albert J, Blaze, JJ’s and lots and lots of others. The newer ones like Moon’s have a lot of 3-D printing techniques that didn’t exist before. One big problem now is a lot of pictures are wiped out but don’t let that put you off. There’s plenty to see here. You can always ask questions and please post pictures.

[Moon]

A small pile of money and a patient wife also works, it just takes a lot longer!

Make sure you check out @Nigel's amazing thread.  It's like looking at houses you can't afford to get inspiration for your own DIY project

[Moonstalker]

Servus Vampirefox!

Welcome to VP !

Very good decition 

[tiger-31]

Welcome to VP.

Lots of reading to do. And as someone already mentioned do not re-invent the wheel

If you enjoy making things yourself, that is great, but sometimes it is cheaper to buy stuff.

As for electronics, read the followig thread started by @Moon

https://www.viperpits.org/smf/index.php?topic=13140.0

Have fun and as they said post pictures

[mihi4]

Söawus aus Graz

Read, read, read - at least all progress reports with at least 10-15 pages

And if you think, you've read enough - read more!
After the progress reports, check out the "Cockpit Interface" section - lots to read!

I second Moon's opinion about a resin printer. I print all things on my P1S and I got down to 0.08mm layer height for the switch knobs without any problems.

To Nigel's comment about the money: it's a clear JEIN
You either have enough money to buy things ready made or you have enough time to make them yourself.

Since building things is one of my main hobbies, I decided to make most of the stuff myself (maybe that's why I'm not done after 28 years  )

greetings
michi

[Woz]

My advice is to look for local makerspaces. For example, my local library has free access to a large CO2 laser and one further away has access to a CNC.

[salaxi54]

Welcome aboard!

[Guinness6782]

Herzlich willkommen!

like all others said, read, safe all pictures you find, sort em right into folders for left, right console, seat and so on. i made many parts more than 2 times because i found better pictures or measurements.

i am going to start to rebuild my pit. so i will drop many parts soon.

what part of germany are you from?

best regards

Pascal