I started building my home cockpit in 2017, after I started training for my ATPL license. I had been collecting Saitek equipment for a while, and I wanted to build a full-scale 737-800 cockpit.
The first step was to choose the right software. I tested Mobiflight, ArdsimX, and Opencockpits. Mobiflight was promising, but it was too complicated to implement, and I couldn't connect all of my hardware. ArdsimX was a more mature system, and I was excited to hear that the developers were working on a new, simpler software.
I started building the cockpit shell, and I was able to find some parts on eBay. Then, I started shopping for hardware. I wanted to find the perfect components that were both - affordable and durable. I ordered samples from a variety of online shops, and I learned a lot about what to look for. That was a hell of a search.
Once I had all of the hardware, I started wiring everything up. This was a time-consuming process, and I made a few mistakes along the way. But I eventually got everything working and I was amazed at how much work I had saved by designing my own circuit boards.
I'm now offering these boards for sale, so that other people can save time and money when building their own home cockpits. I've tested these boards extensively and I'm confident that they will work for you and help you as well on your journey of building a home cockpit.
As time went by I began to icrease the project by buying 3D printers and a laser cutter and engraver, so I could design and print my own knobs and produce panels myself. So now it's kind of a never ending project, but a beloved hobby also. It turned into a small business and even my cousin joined me on that path.
I hope this story inspires you to build your own home cockpit. It's a challenging but rewarding project, and I'm happy to help you get started.