Introduction

I started this project in October 2005, after reading an article about add-on hardware for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The starting point was the products available from Simkits, the original plan being to purchase three or four gauges and make some kind of panel from MDF to mount them.

After constructing the Altimeter, Air Speed, Tachometer and Fuel gauges, I decided to puchase the TRC472 painted panel from Simkits and then add guages as and when funds permitted.

In 2007 I went off at a bit of a tangent and started on building a hardware simulation of the Garmin GNS530 SatNav using the software from RealityXP. This has now expanded to building the complete Radio Stack using interface electronics from OpenCockpits. As of November 2009, I have completed the GNS530, a KMA 26 Audio Panel, two KX 155 Transceivers, a KN 62A DME and a KT 76C Transponder.