Author Topic: Flying Furniture (Read 854 times)

Apar · « **Reply #15 on:** September 17, 2002, 08:17:41 AM »

Rip, nice mock-up cockpit setup, congrats!!

I can't resist asking you (and other players that have build mock-up cockpits) though.

Mind you, this is not mend as negative comment, I'm just curious....

The distance between the head rest on the chair and the monitor seems rather large (considering the small dots in AH and other flight sims in general). In my case this would result in flying bend over with my head about 50 centimeters from the monitor and not using the relaxed seat (sitting against the back of the chair). I know it looks great to place the monitor where the wind shield front would be, but their is a huge difference in conception between looking out a real cockpit and looking at a monitor.

Can you actually fly (and see what your fighting against on the monitor) sitting with your back against the seat?

I won't even bother asking how your son fits in that setup.

Masherbrum · « **Reply #16 on:** September 17, 2002, 08:20:56 AM »

I'm wondering what that bottle is on top of the computer desk. Cognac, brandy or a scotch?

K2

Apar · « **Reply #17 on:** September 17, 2002, 08:23:00 AM »

Rip,

I see your using the Saitek X45 too.
What is your experience with this cup-spring set on the main stick?

I used to have the X36, and it took me quit a while to get used to the much stiffer X45 spring system (man it takes Arnold Schwartznegger to get it moving initially)

Ripsnort · « **Reply #18 on:** September 17, 2002, 08:32:40 AM »

Apar, the monitor is exactly the same distance to my eyes as it was on the desk show in the 3rd picture, I use a lumbar back support, and the cockpit is two pieces, so you can draw the front half in closer. I do tend to "lean" forward when tanking to get a better look at the little pixels!
I do not actually rest my head against the head rest.

No problems with the springs on the X45, this coming from someone who used to use (20 lbs springs) a TM F22 stick! I like the stiffness, the X36 was not stiff enough, and the CH was like nothing was even there...

Its Cognac, Mash, next to a WW2 B17 pilots photo album. Both very old, but of course, the Cognac bottle is empty!

Apar · « **Reply #19 on:** September 17, 2002, 08:38:07 AM »

Thx for the info. You're obviously have much better eye sight then me and you're much stronger,

Thinking about building a semi cock pit setup myself, something that'll alow me to sit back while flying. My current setup makes me fly leaning forward, which is not so good for multiple ours online flying (for me anyway)

Cheers,

Apar

Ripsnort · « **Reply #20 on:** September 17, 2002, 08:41:16 AM »

One note: The cockpit was originally designed to hold the keyboard up at a 45 deg angle, that way, you could bring that front half with the monitor almost up to face...I chose to rest in a traditional manner so I could type!(It is hinged, so I can flip it up to get in and out.)

You could also make adjustment in the way the seat sits in too.

Apar · « **Reply #21 on:** September 17, 2002, 08:42:14 AM »

I'm still happy that my eye sight is not as bad as GLASSESS. He's flying with his nose pressed against the monitor and has me fly lead to point out the way for him.

During dusk, dawn and night he's flying with a open canopy sticking his arms out and 'feeling the way clear'. Makes ya kind of wonder why he's still a good stick in AH!!

May the 'Force' be with you.

LePaul · « **Reply #22 on:** September 17, 2002, 09:04:44 AM »

Rip

Noting the position of the X45 stick and the wall outlet, you are one hard right bank away from a 110 volt "surprise"

Wlfgng · « **Reply #23 on:** September 17, 2002, 09:10:36 AM »

simulates electrical failure/fire

Ripsnort · « **Reply #24 on:** September 17, 2002, 09:13:59 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by LePaul
Rip

Noting the position of the X45 stick and the wall outlet, you are one hard right bank away from a 110 volt "surprise"

Hehe, actually, it doesn't hit the outlet when swung to max deflection. I do look forward to the day we have electrical impulse seats that give you a "shock" when your taking hits!

LePaul · « **Reply #25 on:** September 17, 2002, 10:04:25 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Ripsnort

Hehe, actually, it doesn't hit the outlet when swung to max deflection. I do look forward to the day we have electrical impulse seats that give you a "shock" when your taking hits!

Electric hits?

Ah...memories of my old Psychology 101 labs come to mind...

Puck · « **Reply #26 on:** September 17, 2002, 11:33:31 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Apar
The distance between the head rest on the chair and the monitor seems rather large (considering the small dots in AH and other flight sims in general). In my case this would result in flying bend over with my head about 50 centimeters from the monitor and not using the relaxed seat (sitting against the back of the chair). I know it looks great to place the monitor where the wind shield front would be, but their is a huge difference in conception between looking out a real cockpit and looking at a monitor.

Can you actually fly (and see what your fighting against on the monitor) sitting with your back against the seat?

I won't even bother asking how your son fits in that setup.

This, amazingly enough, is the prime motivator in designing my cockpit. I sat in Sac1's cockpit and Saber's Flying Furnature at the con, and the first thing I noticed was the nose to screen distance. I did some playing at my desk and actually paid some attention to how far I sit from my (21") monitor. The cockpit layout is designed to match that distance fairly closely.

The other design consideration is stick layout. Saber's flying Furnature put the controls too far forward to suit me; you get better leverage if they're in closer. Sac1 put his stick in the middle, which I didn't care for. I prefer the side-stick arrangement.

This is not to disparage the Flying Furnature or Sac1's design, just some personal preference.

Hope to get the shell for my cockpit built over Christmas while I'm visiting my folks (my shop is OOC). I have a source and a design for my panels, and 98% of the guts sitting in the corner of my spare bedroom. My Cougar is being worked on, and I should have that back in a couple weeks. Climate controled, adjustable, and comfy. Pity that won't make the pilot suck less...

Apar · « **Reply #27 on:** September 18, 2002, 02:41:06 AM »

Quote

The other design consideration is stick layout. Saber's flying Furnature put the controls too far forward to suit me; you get better leverage if they're in closer. Sac1 put his stick in the middle, which I didn't care for. I prefer the side-stick arrangement.

Puck, now that is THE reason for me to plan to build some form of 'flightsim furniture'. I won't call it a cockpit set up, because it prolly won't look like one. Main reason is to be able to fly more relaxed, sitting in a comfi chair without having to lean forward to have a good view at the monitor and to be able to control the combo stick and rudder pedals wthout my arms being stretched out and unsupported.
It should support my elbows while flying, and the rudder pedals should have the right angle relative to the leg position.

batdog · « **Reply #28 on:** September 18, 2002, 06:32:21 AM »

Awesome Rip! Now make me one and I'll send my CPP secret recipe from the ol'grandma bat.

xBAT

snafu · « **Reply #29 on:** September 18, 2002, 12:42:51 PM »

Fantastic Rip, My wife just glanced over my shoulder and muttered

"Don't even think about it"

Of course not dear.... (Now... Wheres that drill).

TTFN
snafu