Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: 68valu on February 21, 2009, 07:25:10 PM
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OK,
I built this strictly for something to do other than work and for the challenge.
Here are pictures of my ACES HIGH ONLY flight simulator:
(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/IMG_0280.jpg)
The components except the computer, ready to place in a location. All steel and aluminum diamond plate except for the desktop and drawer.
(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/IMG_0283.jpg)
Assembled and ready for the computer system. About 20 minutes assembly time with one crescent wrench and footprint of 60"x32" Weight under 100 lbs.
(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/IMG_0289.jpg)
Computer system and joystick/rudder pedals installed.
(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/IMG_0300.jpg)
Inside it with the unfinished cover
(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/IMG_0316.jpg)
The completed cover adds to the effect of flying as no outside visual or audio(with headset) stimulus to distract you.
I have since raised the center pedestal to place the keyboard on but other than that, its as built.
the three pedestals allow for joystick in center or side and mouse/keyboard on one.
I built this one to also be used as a computer work station for those that feel a need to actually work with their computer. Strictly
that is why the desktop is their. The next one will be a dedicated simulator and have the monitor/monitors mounted on brackets.
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Very well done. I love ingenuity. Still though where did the seat come from? Also, you don't set the computer directly on the metal plate do you?
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Very well done. I love ingenuity. Still though where did the seat come from? Also, you don't set the computer directly on the metal plate do you?
I replied on the seat question in the other post.
You make a good point on the computer on metal.
I will remedy that with a piece of rubber.
Thanks for the insight and keen observation.
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Ah rgr on the seat. Yes the computer sitting on metal makes me nervous for you.
Did you do all the welding?
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Ah rgr on the seat. Yes the computer sitting on metal makes me nervous for you.
Did you do all the welding?
yes all work from conception through completion including building the computer.
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If the case has no rubber feet or is not plastic on the bottom, then yeah, I wouldn't recommend setting the computer on the metal. If it is plastic or has rubber feet, then there should be no problem.
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Appears to be the true definition of "Hardware and Software". ;)
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You know they have a new form of audio called directed audio (I think) that only the user can hear? It produces the sound right next to your ear so no one outside of you can hear it. I would love to see it go mainstream for gaming applications.
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Only trouble I would have is the distance from monitor. My eyes are so bad I have to be within 1-2 feet to see anything on the monitor. :D
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Only trouble I would have is the distance from monitor. My eyes are so bad I have to be within 1-2 feet to see anything on the monitor. :D
I used to do that on my old 19" CRT. I was always leaned into it about a foot away from the screen. Now I've got my 22" LCD set back so far I can't do that (I don't need to either) but I was so used to it I was still leaning into my mike and overmodulating it. I set that back too. Now i have several feet (4-5) between me and my mike and monitor and both are clearer than ever.
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Doesn't it get hot in there? :O
Stay away from the baked beans :devil
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very nice 68valu ! There are a number of us lunatics/creative types out there. I did mine in wood, because those are the tools I had laying around. I think having a welder might have made things a bit easier to make, but it was fun building it all the same. Mines a few years old and holding up well. I can post more pictures if you would like to see them.
Its too bad most of these people won't know the thrill of building one of these let alone fly the game in it! Well done !! :aok
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One more question. Do you play in your shoes? I always play in my socks. Where's your beer holder? :lol :lol Okay make that two questions.
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Looks great. the adjustable car seat is a nice touch.
Im hoping Im sounding more constructive then critical as that is my intent.
The only think I question the wisdom on is in placing the computer in front of the pedals. If your foot slips off you may hurt more then your toes.
I personally would have put it behind the seat and placed the subwoofer where the machine is
Might make a couple of suggestions.
A piece of think Plexiglas between the pedals and the machine as a kind of kick plate. Or, it looks at though you may have enough room to simply raise it.
That would solve your machine on metal problem
Run all the wires inside the tubing.
Overall though. Great idea.
With some refinements I think you could actually sell those things.
If you know someone who is handy with a sewing machine you could even offer different themed canopies, (Race car, Space ship, Jets ect)
Too bad you couldnt find and old Fierro seat. they had speakers in the headrest :P
(http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/graphics/roadtest/daly/daly_seat.jpg)
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This is the contraption I built to fly Aces High II
(http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m22/notchman777/shot6.jpg)
(http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m22/notchman777/shot3.jpg)
(http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m22/notchman777/shot2.jpg)
It's not much to look at but it is so functional. Man I gotta clean up :rofl
I like the Fiero idea but I don't think the wife would go for it. :devil
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That computer will need to breathe.
Getting in/out of that thing looks a little complicated.
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Notch, thats genius! I never thought of a front entry.... how do you keep the ch pedals from sliding away?
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Notch,
We have the exact same type of floor. I'm referring to the type of wood. Well, mine could use some cleaning as well.
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Notch, thats genius! I never thought of a front entry.... how do you keep the ch pedals from sliding away?
I put extra rubber feet on the bottom. It is not perfect , but it works most of the time :rock
It's funny what us evil-genius's will do to play this game MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
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I put extra rubber feet on the bottom. It is not perfect , but it works most of the time :rock
It's funny what us evilness's will do to play this game MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I admire the ingenuity.
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With the shape that floor is in. Just nail a 2X4 in front of the pedals LOL
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You must be a good person, you're flying a spitfire. :aok
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very nice 68valu ! There are a number of us lunatics/creative types out there. I did mine in wood, because those are the tools I had laying around. I think having a welder might have made things a bit easier to make, but it was fun building it all the same. Mines a few years old and holding up well. I can post more pictures if you would like to see them.
Its too bad most of these people won't know the thrill of building one of these let alone fly the game in it! Well done !! :aok
I would love to see your setup. I'm going to build another and one thing I've learned is you can always learn from others.
Certainly please post photos.
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Looks great. the adjustable car seat is a nice touch.
Im hoping Im sounding more constructive then critical as that is my intent.
The only think I question the wisdom on is in placing the computer in front of the pedals. If your foot slips off you may hurt more then your toes.
I personally would have put it behind the seat and placed the subwoofer where the machine is
Might make a couple of suggestions.
A piece of think Plexiglas between the pedals and the machine as a kind of kick plate. Or, it looks at though you may have enough room to simply raise it.
That would solve your machine on metal problem
Run all the wires inside the tubing.
Overall though. Great idea.
With some refinements I think you could actually sell those things.
If you know someone who is handy with a sewing machine you could even offer different themed canopies, (Race car, Space ship, Jets ect)
Too bad you couldnt find and old Fierro seat. they had speakers in the headrest :P
(http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/graphics/roadtest/daly/daly_seat.jpg)
Ive been flying this for about a year and have never slipped off the pedals. It is a solid recommendation though and I will probably move the case up on the desktop to solve that problem as well as the metal contact issue. Originally I placed a printer up there to use as a work station but I only use for aces high so I removed the printer. I thought about running the wires in the existing tubing but I was building and designing at the same time and wasnt sure where everything would end up.next one may have dedicated conduit for wires.
My wife does the sewing and can use any fabric.
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OK, heres a few more. While I was pulling the pictures out I noticed that my buggy is about 5 years old :O
Tray assembly, was motorized activated by flip up handle, but easier now to just slide it in and out by hand.
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii253/maddogjoe_photos/desk_tray.jpg)
Door open, I'm not getting any younger, nor and smaller :D
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii253/maddogjoe_photos/door_open_dash.jpg)
Good view showing the sweet curves I got into it. A "kickboard" was added before my computer went in :D
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii253/maddogjoe_photos/front.jpg)
Did this first mock up out of cardboard, first ribs cut by eye, then other made to match.
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii253/maddogjoe_photos/strappin.jpg)
Adding the skin. straping was recessed so the skin layed flat, drywall screws look kinda like rivets :cool:
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii253/maddogjoe_photos/door_skinned.jpg)
Its gone through a few changes over the years.
Added a beer can holder
Got rid of the CRT and put in the 22 flat screen, in extra space added the printer made door in windshield.
Changed out rear speakers for a better set (12 speakers and a sub woofer wired to surround sound 5.1)
Added video camera.... scary shots from that thing :O
Updated computer when ever the wife isn't looking :D
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Looks like you're building a Mossy there. :)
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OK, heres a few more. While I was pulling the pictures out I noticed that my buggy is about 5 years old :O
Tray assembly, was motorized activated by flip up handle, but easier now to just slide it in and out by hand.
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii253/maddogjoe_photos/desk_tray.jpg)
Door open, I'm not getting any younger, nor and smaller :D
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii253/maddogjoe_photos/door_open_dash.jpg)
Good view showing the sweet curves I got into it. A "kickboard" was added before my computer went in :D
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii253/maddogjoe_photos/front.jpg)
Did this first mock up out of cardboard, first ribs cut by eye, then other made to match.
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii253/maddogjoe_photos/strappin.jpg)
Adding the skin. straping was recessed so the skin layed flat, drywall screws look kinda like rivets :cool:
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii253/maddogjoe_photos/door_skinned.jpg)
Its gone through a few changes over the years.
Added a beer can holder
Got rid of the CRT and put in the 22 flat screen, in extra space added the printer made door in windshield.
Changed out rear speakers for a better set (12 speakers and a sub woofer wired to surround sound 5.1)
Added video camera.... scary shots from that thing :O
Updated computer when ever the wife isn't looking :D
Very impressive!!
You seem to have some serious woodworking skills
More speakers in mine would be nice, however I usually use a headset.
Exceptional workmanship on your setup WTG
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68valu,
If you answered this earlier I missed it. How do you get in and out without removing one of the stands on either side or the middle? Do you just slide into it? I have been planning and am getting ready to build mine this summer but I am now extremely limited in space so I will just be building a movable seat with the controllers already mounted and all I will have to do is slide the seat into place and plug in my USB hub and away I will go.
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68valu,
If you answered this earlier I missed it. How do you get in and out without removing one of the stands on either side or the middle? Do you just slide into it? I have been planning and am getting ready to build mine this summer but I am now extremely limited in space so I will just be building a movable seat with the controllers already mounted and all I will have to do is slide the seat into place and plug in my USB hub and away I will go.
The pedestals for the joystick/throttle/keyboard just lift out with the loosening/tightening of one setscrew using finger pressure only. You can see the setscrew in the pedestal mount in the photo below.
(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/IMG_0283.jpg)
I dont remove it for my use, but when I let other people try it I take it out for them. Its about a 10 second project.
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Looks like you're building a Mossy there. :)
Actually the finished product kinda looks like an F4
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii253/maddogjoe_photos/simpit001.jpg)
Very impressive!!
You seem to have some serious woodworking skills
More speakers in mine would be nice, however I usually use a headset.
Exceptional workmanship on your setup WTG
Thanks, I only use the speakers when nobody is home :devil I have a set of 5.1 surround sound headset with 8 speakers in them for the rest of the time.
I'm one of those guys that if I can see it in my head, I can build it, wood metal, plastics it doesn't really matter. I'll be willing to bet yours is much easier to move around !
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Thanks, I only use the speakers when nobody is home :devil I have a set of 5.1 surround sound headset with 8 speakers in them for the rest of the time.
I'm one of those guys that if I can see it in my head, I can build it, wood metal, plastics it doesn't really matter. I'll be willing to bet yours is much easier to move around !
I'd like a headset like that if it includes a mike. What brand?
Building metal things are a serious hobby of mine. Decks, Railings, restroom stalls ETC.
I built a 100 boat slip marina out of steel. Designed and constructed it in one winter 17 years ago and it still is in use and virtually the same condition as built with the exception of a couple of sections that were damaged during a storm.
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This my headset, Turtle Beach (http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/efhpa2/home.aspx). I found a set for $50 on ebay. I use the the set with the 1/8 inch jacks. I don't know how well a USB set works.