Allaire, I first bought the components, then measured my 45 year old body, developed some ideas from these dimensions on a napkin as to what would be ergonomically comfortable. Other than the napkin, I didn't make any plans. If you wish I can PM you with ideas, but it is pretty much all in the picture.
The critical dimensions are: butt to feet so you can get full travel on your rudder pedals. Seat angle...I wanted semi-reclined (F-16 style). Height of your monitors from the bottom of the seat so your not straining your neck for a good view. Throttle position and key board position after you scope out the seat position. Build the monitor support box first. Place the pedals and then produce the correct side lengths to place the seat correctly (based on your inseam). I used washers to shim up the front of the seat for a resultant inclination. I forgot to design in a cup holder....crap!!
The room I painted in Panther camo to keep my wifes decorative medling out.
The chair is straight office depot mail-order minus the bottom spinning base part.
The frame is 1 1/2 inch schedule 40 PVC which has the largest selection of shapes at home depot/lowes and is light, strong (I weigh 165 lbs), relatively cheap and easy to work with. 22 degree PVC elbows are your friend !!!
The PVC glue dries in 5 - 10 seconds so you'd better get the angles correct; (read... measure twice, assemble dry first, matchmark first before glueing).
It took me two tries to get the throttle quadrant correct (left side of rig), which is barely visible in the picture. That was the hardest part.
I recommend a mitre saw to save time hacking and maintain the 90 degree cuts for PVC; but it isn't a requirement. This isn't a fluid transfer system.
The cross members are those wardrobe moving box coat hanger metal bar things fastened W/ 1/4 - 20 fasteners. Home depot sells them too.
I bolted the cross members vice glue because I wanted to be able to take it apart without a saw! Only the port and stbd sides are glued.
The key board is on bearings so it swings out of the way when needed.
The two green studs sticking out from under the monitors hold the X52 when not in use. I have the stick mounted on a I-beam shaped slab of mahogany between my legs while in game for stability.
The rig doesn't lower your death per sortie ratio...LOL
R/ LTARjink
