2.2 Mounting Modules
All of your EPIC modules need to be mounted to something (or in something).
Whether you choose to mount them in a PC-like cabinet together, or mount them
free in your cockpit or in separate boxes, you need to do some planning before
you start wiring things up.
2.2.1 Open Mounting
I’ve read some forum postings on the advantages of mounting your EPIC
Modules against the walls of the simulator. This has the advantage of free
access to all connectors, good airflow and it makes it easier to find a location
since EPIC Modules can be placed wherever free space can be found. The
major disadvantage for me would be the danger of accidental damage and
the need to feed power to Modules located all around the simulator. My fear
with this mounting concept is that something would come lose and fall on a
Module or a liquid would spill and short something out.
2.2.2 Central Mounting
Central mounting involves mounting all of your EPIC Modules in a single
case, like a computer case. One of the advantages to central mounting is it
is easier to connect all of your Modules since they are all in one case and
you’ll have access to a 12vdc power supply. Another advantage is your
Modules have protection for damage and probably have a ventilating fan to
help cool them. The main disadvantage with Central mounting is all of your
panel wiring must come to one enclosed location to feed all of your Modules.
Unless you plan wisely, this could become very cumbersome during
construction, maintenance and troubleshooting.
2.2.3 Modular Mounting
I chose modular mounting of
my Modules. I placed one or
two Modules in a case (I used
Radio Shack plastic cases)
and cut holes for the wires or
connectors. I also mounted
connectors to the cases for
my panels to plug into. This
mounting concept allows me
to remove my modules for
testing or repair, without
removing any of my simulator
wiring. I also plan to mount most of my Module cases centrally (under my
pilot seat) to allow easy connection of the power. Mounting my modules
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under my seat is ideal since most of my panels are located to the left or right
of the seat anyway. For my lights, I’m mounting my EMDA PRO34 Modules
on boards and mount the boards in cases. I’ll place the PRO34 cases on the
left, right, and front walls of my simulator, using ribbon cable running back to
the Output Modules located under the pilot seat. The major disadvantage of
this mounting concept is, it provides the worse air flow of the three discussed
because all the Modules are in small enclosed cases with poor circulation.
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2.3 Wiring to Modules
2.3.1 Distributing Power
The main consideration here is how you plan to run your wiring around your
simulator. If all of your wiring is simply laying on the floor, it may be difficult
to troubleshoot or make repairs down the road. By using some form of
conduits, you can keep your wiring organized and protect it from damage.
You also need to decide how you will distribute the power to your EPIC, and
it’s Modules.
2.3.1.1 If you’re using a distributed power architecture, you’ll need to
supply 120vac (US) power throughout your cockpit to power all of your
individual power supplies. Running 120vac is probably easier since you can
buy as many wall-style power supplies as you need and use a power strip in
a central location to power them.
2.3.1.2 If you’re using a central power architecture, you’ll need to design a
power box that has the connections for all of your EPIC Modules. My power
box has a small circuit card mounted inside with 2-pin connectors for +12vdc
and ground. The 2-pin connectors allow me to connect a cable that has the
EPIC power plug (center negative) on the other end and I run these cables to
each of my EPIC modules.
2.3.2 Wiring modules
I plan to locate all of my EPIC modules in one place so connecting them to
my power box won’t require very long cables. Also, since all of the EPIC
Modules come with pre-made 1-foot cables, centralizing their location makes
connecting them easier. You’ll need to decide where you will place your
EPIC Modules so you can determine if the ribbon cable length will cause
problems for your EPIC hardware.
2.3.2.1 In my simulator, any wiring that goes to any module, but not to one
of the Module’s connectors, goes to a small circuit card that has an attached
to a connector. This way, all connections to every one of my EPIC Modules
has a physical connector. This wiring system makes my EPIC Modules
(mounted in their cases) more like the line replaceable units (LRUs) in a real
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