737 FMC v4
This page is split into three main sections:
Parts Guide
Print Guide
Build Guide
The ultimate printer I can recommend is the Bambu Labs X1 carbon with AMS or P1P if you have deep pockets. ($1200). It's a massive leap forward in 3D printing, with excellent quality and impressive speeds. It's pretty much press print and go as the software and hardware do the calibration before each print.
It is the most straightforward build I have ever created. After over two years of prototyping, this unit has it all: stunning looks, realistic button operation, and pre-programmed setups for Prosim, PMDG, and XP12.
This is not compatible with the previous versions of the FMC design. It has different buttons, utilising ALPs soft press buttons and custom resin-created parts to allow correct operation and backlight capability.
General Information:
Build Guide
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STEP:
1
To complete the PCB, you will need a USB A cable. Please click the LINK button for the exact cable. I recommend a 4-pin male cable. Select the cable of the required length for your needs. I went for the 1m version.
If you are wondering why there is no USB port, this has come about from experience. People are prone to ripping off the USB port from the PCB. This cable connection creates an easy and flexible connection that can now be routed to any position in a case.
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STEP:
2
Connect the USB cable by soldering the four coloured wires to the PCB. The four colours are:
Red = +5v
White = Data-
Green = Data+
Black = Gnd
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STEP:
3
Connect the 12v and ground wires to the backlighting pins. These are 2.56mm pins, and various connectors can be used if required. I connected the cables directly.
PLEASE NOTE: These boards do not have reverse polarity protection. If you connect them and misuse the power, you may damage all the LEDS on the board. Please be careful!
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STEP:
4
Download the MF config module file using the Link button and extract the mfmc file. In the mobiflight config page, use the open button to upload the config file. Make sure you upload the file to the Arduino using the upload button on the config page. This will add all the shift register data, less and button data.
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STEP:
6
The buttons can be purchased premade. These are resin-printed, painted and laser-etched. They have a clear satin coat to help protect them. They are available from the webshop here:
https://www.737diysim.com/product-page/737-fmc-v4
If you want to print them yourself to keep costs down, please use the link below to download the STL and 3MF versions.
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STEP:
6.1
Whatever version you print, ensure you have my buttons from the shop or your buttons printed. Print the 0.2mm button test piece from the link below. This way, you don't have to print the whole faceplate to find your button's binding. If the buttons are loose in this test piece, you can use the original size faceplates or the 0.2mm oversized faceplates. If the buttons are binding, try the larger 0.4OS test piece.
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STEP:
7
The Faceplates can be downloaded here using the link button. A slightly larger set of faceplates is available at 0.4mm Oversize (OS). These offer enlarged button clearances of 0.2mm over the standard faceplates. However, this may result in loose and wobbly buttons when the assembly is complete.
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STEP:
8
The CAD for adjusting any part and obtaining blank buttons can be found using the LINK button. This is particularly required if you have problems with print tolerances and the buttons are sticking. This download includes Blank buttons so the user can adjust them as needed!
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STEP:
9.1
Insert Qty 4, M3 brass inserts into the four orifices. Use superglue if using resin.
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STEP:
9.2
Insert Qty 4, M3 brass inserts into the four orifices. Use superglue if using resin.
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STEP:
9.3
Insert Qty 2, M3 brass inserts into the two handle orifices. Use superglue if using resin.
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STEP:
10
Place all the buttons/keys into the lower faceplate. Ensure they are all the correct way around, in the correct order, and, most importantly, are free to move. Check each one individually; there should be minimum friction between the buttons and the faceplate.
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STEP:
11
Insert the LCD and Line action buttons into the top faceplate. Once again, ensure the keys/buttons do not stick.
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STEP:
12
Attach the assembled faceplates to the PCB using M3 x 6mm screws.
