Best 80/20 rig for Sim Racing & Flight Simulation?

[kestrel79]

Hi all,

I've had my Obutto Ozone cockpit since 2008 and it has served me well as a great rig for both flight sims and racing sims. Over the years after getting more and more gear...button boxes, shifters, triple screens, VR, wheels, pedals, joysticks, Buttkickers, throttle quads you name it each time I want to switch between flying mode and racing mode it's a pain. It would be so nice to leave everything setup for both and be able to switch seamlessly.

 

What brand of the current 80/20 rigs offers the most options for us flight simmers and sim racers out there? I'm sure there's a few of us out there that are passionate about both like myself. Thanks for the help!

 

[kissTheSky]

I keep hearing/reading good mentions of Simlabs’ P1X, but the issue (I think) becomes the pedals/rudders placement more than anything else..

 

I keep wanting to separate the two together since VR makes it much more easier to do so, but haven’t been able to spend well enough seat time with just the one that I can’t justify going into all that expense in time to start building the “flight rig”

[Hoss]

Monstertech's is much nicer and Flight sim designed. 

[kissTheSky]

@kestrel79, if you haven’t done so, also check sim racing garage’s rig reviews on his u-tube channel. Those may also give you some ideas on inter useability. 

[Capt_Hook]

You might consider upgrading to the Revolution.  I've been using it since the first batch nearly 10 years ago for both racing and flight.  The only thing I have to do to switch is to slide the Simpedals back and drop the Slaw's in front.  It's not perfectly seamless due to that, but it's a 5 minute switch.  Pic from today with pit in racing mode and updating the IL2 client.  I'll try and grab another later once I've slid the simpedals to the back of the frame and dropped in the Slaw.  You can see the space, though.  Everything else stays exactly the same, though I've also got a stick shift module mounted to an extra Obutto post in the closet I can swap the Gunfighter for if I want to race that godawful MX5 again.  

 

The button box and CH Quadrant are mounted with RAM mounts attached to the Rev frame - these work great.  The windsim vents are mounted to the glass tables that come with the Rev.  The big red emergency on-off on the lower frame runs the DD wheel, windsim, and shaker amp.  

 

It's hard to beat the Revolution with an 80/20 in terms of flexibility, especially the swing out keyboard design.  I actually spend 90% of my time in this pit doing work from home.  I'm on my third sparco seat... spend 8-10 hours a day in it and the cushioning wears out fast.  

 

 

Edited December 30, 2021 by Capt_Hook

[kissTheSky]

I spotted your cushions problem @Capt_Hook! No wonder they wear out that quick, they’re too soft! (And adorable, now that my setup is firmly stuck in the furnace room, my kitties can’t come in and slouch on my seat.

 

Not that I’m in need of one, but kestrel’s search triggered my GAS and I’m semi-seriously looking into P1X, which means given enough time I’ll find a way to justify the purchase ?. One thing I did not take into account is the fact that base is a 160mm high and there might be just enough room to put the rudder pedals down on the floor between the seat base and the pedal base. Of course at some point I’d like to upgrade to the MFG rudders, and I’m not sure if they’d fit in that space. ? 

[DD_Crash]

This guy made his own. Awesome doesnt begin to describe it!

https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/zee-sim-rig.18893357/

[kissTheSky]

I’m liking what that Watts guy posted on the other forum @kestrel79. Still would have to make sure mfg crosswinds would fit in the pit below. Where I have the rudder pedals is too high right now and gets a bit too cramped after a while. 

[J2_Seya]

I have the revolution also. I enjoy it. I use the center stick mount for flying. I have my crosswind mounted permanently now. I used to always switch them out between my pedals for driving. But I haven't been driving much. I have the yaw two coming and I'll set that up just for flying and keep the revolution for just driving

[Donik]

16 hours ago, J2_Seya said:

I have my crosswind mounted permanently now.

Safe to say the MFG Crosswinds fit in the R3volution pit without any clearance issues? 

 

Anyone using a R3volution pit with Virpil gear?  Does it mount OK?

 

@kestrel79 I'd be interested in seeing more photos of your current setup.  I'm at the beginning stages of thinking about a sim pit right now.

[J2_Seya]

The crosswind just fits. The only thing I don't like about the cockpit is you can't really play normal games in it. I have the swinging tray and I just don't like playing in that. So I have a desk for normal computer gaming and stuff. I would love to try out the monster chair. But I do like the leaned back cockpit seating.

[WWCraven]

@Capt_Hookwould you share the model number of the RAM mounts that you are using?  I also have a revolution and am always interested in ways to improve my setup, these mounts look like they would work perfectly for setting up my Cougar MFD's.

[Capt_Hook]

On 1/1/2022 at 8:16 PM, J2_Seya said:

The crosswind just fits. The only thing I don't like about the cockpit is you can't really play normal games in it. I have the swinging tray and I just don't like playing in that. So I have a desk for normal computer gaming and stuff. I would love to try out the monster chair. But I do like the leaned back cockpit seating.

 

It may not be for everyone but I'd counterpoint this by saying I spend far, far more time on my swing-tray keyboard in the R3v than I do simming.  Both for work and games - probably 80% of my gaming is non-sims.  FPS like Overwatch and Battlefield, RPGs, etc.  Works great for me.  You do have to decide how you want the tray to hit (height, angle, distance, etc.), and the side opposite the arm can be a bit wobbly if not braced.  

 

57 minutes ago, WWCraven said:

@Capt_Hookwould you share the model number of the RAM mounts that you are using?  I also have a revolution and am always interested in ways to improve my setup, these mounts look like they would work perfectly for setting up my Cougar MFD's.

 

For both the button box and the CH Quadrant I used the:

RAM Handlebar U-Bolt Base for Rails 0.5" to 1.25" in Diameter to attach to the R3v frame

RAM Double Socket Arm for positioning

 

For the Quadrant attachment to the arm I used the:

RAM Offset Reservoir Cover Ball Base - that seems a bit weird, but it worked perfectly for the specific spot I needed the quadrant at - the arm comes up to the side, so I needed an attachment base that would extend out to one side to screw into the bottom of the Quadrant.

 

For the button box attachment I used the more typical square base:

RAM Ball Adapter with AMPS Plate 

 

The key to all of these are of course the first one above - the handlebar U-bolt base to attach to the Revolution frame tubes wherever you want to stick something.  The arms and end-plates can all be changed to fit whatever you're attaching into the space you want to attach it.  You can do multiple arms connected by ball adapters to really place something exactly where you want it - if I hadn't found that reservoir cover base I'd have done that for the CH Quadrant.  The pieces are expensive but they're ROCK SOLID, as they're meant to hold fairly expensive things to motorcycles and boats.  

 

[J2_Seya]

@Capt_HookThanks for telling me about the RAM mounts. They look really cool. I really like the swing keyboard I just find I wish I could make a rest for my elbows when using it. I'd really like to see close up pictures of the RAM stuff.

Edited January 5, 2022 by J2_Seya

[kestrel79]

I use similar RAM mounts in my Ozone. I’ll post some photos of my current setup once I’m out of quarantine. 

[kissTheSky]

Well, I got the P1X yesterday from my local Microcenter. Looked at TrakRacer 160, but added shipping plus the additional 2-3 weeks of processing made the choice easier since P1X was locally available and comparable in price.
 

Looking at the Ram handlebar mount, it seems it might also be useable for aluminum profile, though it might be marginal for 40x40, and probably not suitable anything larger. 

[kestrel79]

Is the Monstertech cockpit really that expensive? After I added a couple things to it, it was over $1500. What comes in the "base" price?

[kissTheSky]

36 minutes ago, kestrel79 said:

Is the Monstertech cockpit really that expensive? After I added a couple things to it, it was over $1500. What comes in the "base" price?

 

Which one are you looking at? MTS rigs look like they’re starting from $599 (silver and universal rudder plate)
 

I’m looking to add a VKB center mount from Obutto as soon as I can figure out if it comes apart as easy as their universal stick/throttle mount. If it does, it looks like one can have a center mounted stick with a 20 cm extension that could be moved very easily. 
 

Don’t know what I’ll do for throttle, but I think it’s the easier of the two to mounts. With the space in the center, I’m thinking I’ll have enough room to put the rudder paddles and wont have them in the way that’s to the 160mm base profile. 
 

well that’s the plan anyway, if I end up getting the mfg crosswinds as I intend to, it will be tight. 497 mm wide crosswinds in a 500 mm opening ?

[kissTheSky]

On 1/30/2022 at 11:24 AM, kissTheSky said:

Well, I got the P1X yesterday from my local Microcenter. Looked at TrakRacer 160, but added shipping plus the additional 2-3 weeks of processing made the choice easier since P1X was locally available and comparable in price.
 

Looking at the Ram handlebar mount, it seems it might also be useable for aluminum profile, though it might be marginal for 40x40, and probably not suitable anything larger. 

I was having the usual second thoughts and buyer’s remorse, on the P1X thinking perhaps it was a purchase I didn’t need to make and all that. Then yesterday I went to check something on SimLab web site (the announced P1X and some other items were expected to be in stock on Feb 7th). They’ve increased their prices about 10+%. Cockpit alone had increased by €130! Now I’m glad I’ve made the purchase when I did. I hope to upgrade to a direct drive wheel in the future and there was little chance that my home made wooden rig would have sufficed. 
 

Dang! I’ve just had enough of the last two years. ?

 

If you have a microcenter nearby, and they have it in stock, you may want to get it if you were on the fence. 

[Donik]

On 2/11/2022 at 2:42 PM, kestrel79 said:

Is the Monstertech cockpit really that expensive? After I added a couple things to it, it was over $1500. What comes in the "base" price?

 

You really don't get anything useful at the base price.  You get this:

 

I don't know about you, but that's not going to be very useful for me personally.

Adding all the options I want, which includes throttle on the left, mouse pad on the right, center stick mount, monitor mount and pilot seat brings my total up to $2394 with an additional $344 for shipping.  For an eye watering $2738.

And that's just for flight simming exclusively. Tack on another ~200 to get the keyboard tray for normal computer activities.

 

I have no doubt it would be awesome.  But it's a hard pill to swallow.

[J2_Seya]

1 hour ago, Donik said:

 

You really don't get anything useful at the base price.  You get this:

 

I don't know about you, but that's not going to be very useful for me personally.

Adding all the options I want, which includes throttle on the left, mouse pad on the right, center stick mount, monitor mount and pilot seat brings my total up to $2394 with an additional $344 for shipping.  For an eye watering $2738.

And that's just for flight simming exclusively. Tack on another ~200 to get the keyboard tray for normal computer activities.

 

I have no doubt it would be awesome.  But it's a hard pill to swallow.

Build your own out of wood. Then paint it black. The Monster is nice but very expensive If you want metal you can buy aluminum strut and brackets to build your own just like the monster

Edited February 16, 2022 by J2_Seya

[Panzerlang]

 Build your own for a fraction of the cost, with the added benefit of it fitting you perfectly. The seat can be an issue but if you have a wrecker's yard in reach an old car seat is perfect.

This assumes you're handy with wood and already have the tools.

[Monty_Thrud]

Who is going to be the first here?...

 

 

[Donik]

On 2/16/2022 at 1:18 PM, J2_Seya said:

Build your own out of wood. Then paint it black. The Monster is nice but very expensive If you want metal you can buy aluminum strut and brackets to build your own just like the monster

 

12 hours ago, Hetzer-JG51 said:

 Build your own for a fraction of the cost, with the added benefit of it fitting you perfectly. The seat can be an issue but if you have a wrecker's yard in reach an old car seat is perfect.

This assumes you're handy with wood and already have the tools.

 

I am sadly not handy at all.  Any time I try to undertake a home project it usually involves 10+ trips to the store, a lot of time, and a lot of wasted money spent in error.  I'm just not good at that type of thing.

[kissTheSky]

Building it out of wood is fine and dandy if you’re flight simming and are on low force feedback wheels. Once you start getting wheel bases with heavy forces, rigidity becomes a problem. 
 

I built and used my 2x4 and plywood cockpit since 2008 (it’s in the “show us your cockpit” thread as well). While it has served me well, it was time to move on.
 

Right now, time is my most expensive commodity and instead of getting aluminum profile and hardware from tnutz.com and getting pedal trays, wheel decks from TrackRacer and/or Sim-Lab to get a good rigid system, getting the whole setup at once serves me better. 

[WIS-Redcoat]

How do you mount a butkicker gamer 2 on that MTS cockpit?  They don’t see to offer anything that would work.

[Donik]

5 hours ago, WIS-Redcoat said:

How do you mount a butkicker gamer 2 on that MTS cockpit?  They don’t see to offer anything that would work.

 

You're not going to want to use a buttkicker gamer 2 on a simpit.. those are designed for chairs.  use one of the other buttkicker modules instead and buy this plate from monstertech. https://www.monstertechusa.com/product/bass-shaker-plate/

[Panzerlang]

On 2/18/2022 at 11:13 PM, Donik said:

 

 

I am sadly not handy at all.  Any time I try to undertake a home project it usually involves 10+ trips to the store, a lot of time, and a lot of wasted money spent in error.  I'm just not good at that type of thing.

I can't be arsed anymore, I'm too old and lazy. Lol. We've moved house and I'm currently in a proper lash-up so I've ordered the below. It'll also fit straight onto their motion platform thingy, should I choose to go that route (and if they can a) make it Japanese lekkie and b) ship it to Japan. Future move, still in the UK right now). 

I figure I'll be able to use the monitor/keyboard bit for a central joystick base.

 

[kestrel79]

That's what I figured too Donik. The base is $600...but after adding a couple things I want and boom I'm at $2000. I thought maybe I was doing something wrong on their site. I thought maybe you got one or two of the accessories for "free" when you pick if you want a flight or racing one...but I don't think that's how it works. Other brands seem to be more completed for around the price of $1000-$1200.

 

Maybe I'll take a look at the Revolution and sell my Ozone.

[kissTheSky]

5 hours ago, kestrel79 said:

That's what I figured too Donik. The base is $600...but after adding a couple things I want and boom I'm at $2000. I thought maybe I was doing something wrong on their site. I thought maybe you got one or two of the accessories for "free" when you pick if you want a flight or racing one...but I don't think that's how it works. Other brands seem to be more completed for around the price of $1000-$1200.

 

Maybe I'll take a look at the Revolution and sell my Ozone.

I don’t know where you are in WI, but Microcenter stores at/near Chicago have these.

 

https://www.microcenter.com/product/642626/tk-racing-pro-rig-tony-kanaan-edition?storeid=025

 

I’m planning to add Obutto VKB mount (https://obutto.com/product/vkb-gunfighter-flight-stick-mount/) for the stick, and the TrakRacer mouse shelf (https://trakracer.com/collections/accessories/products/computer-mouse-shelf-inc-40x40mm-profile-brackets) for the throttle to the P1X, which is similar to the TK I linked above.

 

my CH rudder pedals fit very comfortably to the open area between the seat and the pedal tray, and I think your TFRP pedals would as well. Most probably you can reuse the seat on your current rig, so you wouldn’t have to get a seat.

 

Also GT omega seems to have stuck to their sale pricing of $599 with the caveat being it ships in a couple of weeks.

[kestrel79]

Not gonna lie this setup looks pretty cool with olive drab seat and straps...but I think I need more mounts and rails than this cockpit offers to all my button boxes, and no wheel mount for my steering wheel when doing racing sims.

 

https://nextlevelracing.com/products/boeing-combat-flight-simulator/

[kissTheSky]

I can’t say enough good things about the Simlab P1X. If you still want it for racing/flying dual purpose, that is.

 

Obutto front mount takes about 20 seconds to put on/off. Steering wheel, doesn’t need to be removed in “flight” mode.

[Hoss]

Next Level Flight Simulator, Boeing Edition.

$799.00

 

[Dusty_Steppes]

I use a GT Omega Prime cockpit with a little bit of MonsterTech and Trak Racer thrown in. It's a work in progress. They have a distribution center in the US and free shipping. Sorry about the low-quality cellphone pic.

GT Omega Racing Ltd | Office Chairs | Gaming Chairs | Racing Cockpits

 

Edited December 24, 2022 by Dusty_Steppes

[RAAF492SQNOz_Steve]

2 hours ago, Hoss said:

Next Level Flight Simulator, Boeing Edition.

$799.00

 

I have the Next Level  Racing GT Track cockpit and.....

1. Built for their Seat Mover Motion platform - Tick
2. Foot Pedal Base too small for MFG pedals in width - Bummer

3. Vinyl on the seat is very cheap and is peeling in several places after less than two years - Not Happy Jan!

[Donik]

On 12/23/2022 at 1:27 PM, kestrel79 said:

Not gonna lie this setup looks pretty cool with olive drab seat and straps...but I think I need more mounts and rails than this cockpit offers to all my button boxes, and no wheel mount for my steering wheel when doing racing sims.

 

https://nextlevelracing.com/products/boeing-combat-flight-simulator/

 

I was looking at this too.  I'm having a hard time deciding from the picture if it's capable of supporting a joystick + extension.  If I mounted my VKB stick on it as pictured, I'd hit myself in the chin when trying to climb!

 

Edit: From the website - "the Hotas center pole allows a 30mm range of height adjustment to ensure the right positioning for different size users."

 

Not sure 30mm is gonna be enough! (?)

Edit: Found a YT video that talks about it: https://youtu.be/2cKncphcU_8?t=350

 

Edited December 27, 2022 by Donik