Show us your cockpit!

[Paranoid_Android 8]

Hi guys!

 

I know, wrong wallpaper but i play almost exclusively il2GB. Warthog is in my line of work though so sometimes i do a little DCS ont he side, 

I fly GB in VR and with this setup its easy to find all controls blind. The trackball mouse in front of the stick is the latest addition so i can use the mouse in the map while still holding the stick with my right hand.

 

[jaygee485 71]

On 6/27/2019 at 9:45 AM, jaygee485 said:

Some of the functions on my new throttle, eg oil and water radiator controls and eject switch, aren't recognised by settings.

 

After more time spent calibrating and mapping controls, I'm pleased to report that my first impressions were incorrect.

While a few of the many switches, knobs and buttons aren't recognised in Windows Control Panel settings, most of them, including covered eject switch, oil and water radiator axes and switches, and inlet/outlet cowls,  are recognised in the game settings.

The more I use this throttle, the more I like it.  

Edited July 2, 2019 by jaygee485

[Sokol1 1718]

18 hours ago, jaygee485 said:

While a few of the many switches, knobs and buttons aren't recognised in Windows Control Panel settings, most of them, including covered eject switch, oil and water radiator axes and switches, and inlet/outlet cowls,  are recognised in the game settings.

 

Yes, is not issue with hardware, but because Windows Game Controllers is the same since last century,  was not updated for follow latest version of DirectX controllers support: up to 128 buttons (plus 8 axes, 4 POV HAT).

 

Anyway  is not issue if game follow more recent DirectX controller support: IL-2 GB recognize up to 64 buttons (DCS up to 128).

Old games, e.g. IL-2:1946, CloD follow the old limit of 32 buttons, then for use buttons above #32 of controllers like Kanttorini, GVL224, Virpil...is need keymapper software.

Edited July 3, 2019 by Sokol1

[von_Michelstamm 186]

She’s coming along!

fun fact, that green desk is from the Livermore labs, where they developed the H-Bomb.

[LukeFF 5498]

On 7/10/2019 at 5:12 PM, von_Michelstamm said:

She’s coming along!

fun fact, that green desk is from the Livermore labs, where they developed the H-Bomb.

 

Love that retro desk!  

[TrueGrey 53]

Not mine but "quite" nice.

 

 

 

[Alonzo 1658]

Not as good as the last guy, but I knocked up a simple wooden rig for my VR setup. This allows me to permanently mount my stuff rather than using desk mounts. Equipment list:

• Virpil T-50 stick and throttle
• Saitek throttle quadrant
• MFG Crosswind Pedals
• 4 x Dayton audio puck tactile transducers (bass shakers)
• Lepy amplifier with built-in low pass filter
• Powered 7-port USB 2.0 hub

The build is from 2x3 wood rather than the usual 2x4. I'm a bit challenged with the cuts because we only have a cheapo saw and mitre box at home, so I got Home Depot to do most of the cuts. I'm sure someone with a decent tool room or garage could do it easier and faster than me (I think I probably sunk 15-20 hours into it, plus multiple trips to Home Depot to get more stuff). But anyway, it's done, and it's mine! Needs more cable management, though.

 

 

[rowdyb00t 681]

So here’s my hiding spot from the kids and wife haha

[s8n 31]

[von_Michelstamm 186]

14 hours ago, rowdyb00t said:

So here’s my hiding spot from the kids and wife haha

 

Is that a custom vkb stick extension?

[Uufflakke 1322]

2 hours ago, s8n said:

 

At first glance it looked like you have already acces to the beta version of the WWI Arras map.

 

[rowdyb00t 681]

@von_Michelstamm 

 

yes it sure is. It’s a gladiator that I took apart and made an extension for. It actually works quite well. I custom made a spring under the rubber boot and tightened the internal springs. Also I got rid of the twist

[WWChunk 109]

Top notch setup @Alonzo!!!

[-332FG-Buddy 82]

On 4/13/2019 at 9:44 PM, JG7_X-Man said:

Here is where I do my thing:

 

Loving the red tail and the butcher bird!!!

 

[Norman 11]

 

My collection of flight sim paraphernalia I have collected over the years, which has allowed me to fly all kinds of planes with greater immersion. There is also provision to attach a collective to fly helicopters - something that I'm increasingly falling in love with.

 

 

 

And the whole room in context

 

 

[Rhino-1938 11]

My Cave ; modified playseat, Warthog, buttkicker, VKB rudder pedals (added) TWCS throttle, Dodge charger seat with T-110 parachute deployment bag stuffed with pillow

And the rest of the story a RL C-47 pilots seat for my next project

[Brendo 8]

On 7/30/2019 at 2:18 AM, s8n said:

The crimson ghost.... nice

[LukeFF 5498]

Can't believe I forgot to post this here after posting it at Reddit. Monstertech mount; throttle and button box made by @GVL224 (the lights next to the Bomber Call switch illuminate when the switch is toggled, kind of like in the real planes). The recognition light control box (originally made for the P-47N) has a Leo Bodnar board (shoehorned) inside. Much credit to my electrical engineer friend for helping me with that one - for the most part, it functions much like the device originally would have (save for the LED light and the fact that it's illuminated all of the time when powered on). The red button on the box is used for toggling the altimeter reading, and then the left three toggle switches are used for flares. The Amber switch is then used for (tada!) the recognition lights and pausing / unpausing the game. 

 

[=362nd_FS=Hiromachi 1153]

Upgraded 3440X1440p AOC AG352UCG to Philips Momentum 43" Qled panel with HDR1000 and Freesync. While still tweaking, I am amazed by the quality of this upgrade:

 

 

[Piekarz 11]

Hello Hiro. The invisible stick base...this is CM or CM2 with new gimbal mechanics?

[=362nd_FS=Hiromachi 1153]

CM. Thats an older model. I didnt bother with updating, this one is good enough for me. 

[Arthur-A 358]

A year ago I've made myself a new version. A wooden construction, simpler compared to the previous PVC one. I've used pine boards and 3x2s. I took these pics before I've wrapped it in grey vinyl film. Again, not the best solution, but I didn't spend too much time thinking on the design. I kinda made it on the fly.

[J2_Trupobaw 823]

My Pfalzbatros is 95% complete and ready to be shown to the world !

 

[JG51_Beazil 481]

14 minutes ago, J2_Trupobaw said:

My Pfalzbatros is 95% complete and ready to be shown to the world !

 

That's a sweet setup even if it is unpainted.  Clearly a labor of love.

[J2_Trupobaw 823]

Well, it started as Albatros replica project, these are supposed to be unpainted wood.

[-332FG-Buddy 82]

you guys make it look so easy, any of you have any ideas I can do for this project??

[JG51_Beazil 481]

On 9/7/2019 at 12:41 PM, J2_Trupobaw said:

Well, it started as Albatros replica project, these are supposed to be unpainted wood.

 I really like it.  I like the use and arrangement of the peripherals.

This is my setup.

[Alonzo 1658]

4 hours ago, -332FG-Buddy said:

you guys make it look so easy, any of you have any ideas I can do for this project??

 

A lot of these rigs (mine included) are a bit easier to think about because they're dedicated to flight simming. You can't really use the PC or the space for anything else. Are you looking for a dedicated space or a 'convertible' desk where you can use the PC for other stuff?

 

If you're going dedicated, I'd consider pulling the legs off the chair and using a wooden frame to position it statically against all the other peripherals. That one change made a massive difference for me, the chair being fixed vs rolling around. I'll PM you a shot of mine ready for painting, you might be able to see a bit more how I constructed it.

[LLv34_Flanker 1395]

S! 

 

Nowhere as fancy as others have, but functional for a first try I think. Cost next to nothing basically. Here is mine.. 

[-332FG-Buddy 82]

Well here is part 1...

Well here is part 1...

[Alonzo 1658]

An update to my rig. I painted and improved cable management. If you haven't painted anything in a while, you will be amazed. Modern paints don't smell, dry overnight, and wash off your hands with plain water. Witchcraft, I tell you, witchcraft. This thing is built from 2x3 wood, and is reasonably sturdy, but I am 150 pounds sopping wet.

 

Overall rig (click images for bigger version):

 

 

 

Pedals and powered USB hub:

 

 

 

Amp for bass shakers which are mounted by pedals and under seat (I used Dayton audio transducer pucks, which I actually would not recommend -- they are too small, go for the larger 50W ones instead if you're doing a shaker setup). Also left-handed trackball mouse.

 

 

VR headset cable management. Highly recommended, gets the cable off the back of the chair and gives total freedom, 100% improvement in VR experience:

 

 

Overall pilot's view:

 

 

Building tips:

• Get the chair height and pedal arrangement 100% correct before locking everything down. I had the chair too low and the pedals too close and had to faff about to recover from that. Some people will prefer a "low and long" setup, others a "high and short." Depends on your preference but it's hard to change after.
• Next most important positioning is stick and throttle. The stick here is resting on the hardwood 'bottom' of the chair, in a cut-out. This is a Virpil T-50 with a 10cm extension. Stick and throttle placement are critical for comfort, so get that right too.
• Powered USB hub helps a ton with cable hell, but there's obviously still cable hell going on here. If you were feeling extra fancy you could raise the whole thing up a few inches and then mount all the electronics connectors, power supplies etc underneath. Or maybe under the seat or something.
• You don't need 14 gauge wire like I used for the bass shakers. Total overkill and actually harder to work with. 16 or 18 gauge is fine.
• If you want it more sturdy, consider a square frame going all the way across the top of the pilot's knees (basically make it symmetrical rather than the way I have just the throttles on a vertical bar). My rig has a bit of left/right flex if you really yank the throttle or stick; I don't notice it in flight but a heavier pilot might want a more robust rig.
• Painting this has made it 100% more awesome. I've been using it for a month unpainted and although nothing has really changed about it, having it looking cool somehow adds to my wanting to take it out for a flight!

Good luck.

Edited September 15, 2019 by Alonzo

[Tapi 163]

Very nice setup!

VR cable hanging on the pulley looks like a good idea. But is not the force made by pulley too strong to overcome while looking around with headset on?

[Alonzo 1658]

5 minutes ago, Tapi said:

Very nice setup!

VR cable hanging on the pulley looks like a good idea. But is not the force made by pulley too strong to overcome while looking around with headset on?

 

No it's fine, because the pulley is basically just taking the weight off the cable, the left/right movement isn't really affected. It's quite a long way to the ceiling so the pulley cable can move left and right a few inches easily. The full pulley kit can be used to make a room-scale VR setup where the cable is up in the air, and with that you have like 5-6 pulleys all cooperating to keep the cable up in the air but still give you free movement.

 

I guess it's not 100% free movement but it's so much better than a dangling cable that can get caught on the chair, sat on, etc. I really like it.

[BP_Lizard 178]

Awesome pit, @Alonzo.

[Niiranen-VR 111]

I have tried google , but couldn't find it ....

 

But one who have dimensions for a bf109 or another cockpit as a working plan ??

 

Thanx 

[ITAF_Rani 625]

1 hour ago, H_Steinbaur-VR said:

I have tried google , but couldn't find it ....

 

But one who have dimensions for a bf109 or another cockpit as a working plan ??

 

Thanx 

https://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3534109/BF_109_G_6_Replica_Cockpit.html

[Niiranen-VR 111]

Itaf_rani 

Thanx , was great too see ...... But'eeee I'm a VR man , so I have the cockpit in my head .... Was more the dimensions the chair to pedals and were joystick and how high .... 

[Krisu 42]

On ‎9‎/‎15‎/‎2019 at 1:38 PM, Alonzo said:

An update to my rig. I painted and improved cable management. If you haven't painted anything in a while, you will be amazed. Modern paints don't smell, dry overnight, and wash off your hands with plain water. Witchcraft, I tell you, witchcraft. This thing is built from 2x3 wood, and is reasonably sturdy, but I am 150 pounds sopping wet.

 

Overall rig (click images for bigger version):

 

 

 

Pedals and powered USB hub:

 

 

 

Amp for bass shakers which are mounted by pedals and under seat (I used Dayton audio transducer pucks, which I actually would not recommend -- they are too small, go for the larger 50W ones instead if you're doing a shaker setup). Also left-handed trackball mouse.

 

 

VR headset cable management. Highly recommended, gets the cable off the back of the chair and gives total freedom, 100% improvement in VR experience:

 

 

Overall pilot's view:

 

 

Building tips:

• Get the chair height and pedal arrangement 100% correct before locking everything down. I had the chair too low and the pedals too close and had to faff about to recover from that. Some people will prefer a "low and long" setup, others a "high and short." Depends on your preference but it's hard to change after.
• Next most important positioning is stick and throttle. The stick here is resting on the hardwood 'bottom' of the chair, in a cut-out. This is a Virpil T-50 with a 10cm extension. Stick and throttle placement are critical for comfort, so get that right too.
• Powered USB hub helps a ton with cable hell, but there's obviously still cable hell going on here. If you were feeling extra fancy you could raise the whole thing up a few inches and then mount all the electronics connectors, power supplies etc underneath. Or maybe under the seat or something.
• You don't need 14 gauge wire like I used for the bass shakers. Total overkill and actually harder to work with. 16 or 18 gauge is fine.
• If you want it more sturdy, consider a square frame going all the way across the top of the pilot's knees (basically make it symmetrical rather than the way I have just the throttles on a vertical bar). My rig has a bit of left/right flex if you really yank the throttle or stick; I don't notice it in flight but a heavier pilot might want a more robust rig.
• Painting this has made it 100% more awesome. I've been using it for a month unpainted and although nothing has really changed about it, having it looking cool somehow adds to my wanting to take it out for a flight!

Good luck.

 

congrats on the new setup

On ‎7‎/‎10‎/‎2019 at 8:12 PM, von_Michelstamm said:

She’s coming along!

fun fact, that green desk is from the Livermore labs, where they developed the H-Bomb.

 

Love the toy 109 : / , is it a big deal to say that?

On ‎9‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 4:08 PM, H_Steinbaur-VR said:

Itaf_rani 

Thanx , was great too see ...... But'eeee I'm a VR man , so I have the cockpit in my head .... Was more the dimensions the chair to pedals and were joystick and how high .... 

 

Yeah I get it ...

[SCG_motoadve 1631]

I know desk is untidy🙄

 

HP Reverb

GVL custom controllers , oil cooler, water cooler, trim wheel, mixture, throttle, RPMs, and buttons

Buttkicker x 2

Virpil with extensions

Crosswind pedals

Saitek TPM

Warthog Throttle

Cessna trim wheel

 

 

[SharpeXB 995]

Here’s the new Man Cave. The goal here was to make a desk that could convert easily from normal comport use / FPS gaming to flight and racing sims use. Each requires a different chair and monitor position. So the solution was to use an articulating monitor arm and a variety of desk mounts for flight controls.

Chair: X-Chair X3

Desk Mounts: Monstertech

Monitor Mount: Humanscale

Edited November 10, 2019 by SharpeXB