Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Baumer on May 07, 2010, 03:44:16 PM
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I just wanted to share some photo's of my new simpit setup. I've wanted a center mounted stick for some time and since the hat switch was starting to give me problems (after 2 1/2 years) I decided to bite the bullet and attempt to modify it.
Overall I am very pleased with the final configuration, I've only got about 2 hours flying with between last night and this morning, but I can tell that aircraft control is much better. Here's a shot of my setup.
(http://332nd.org/dogs/baumer/BBS%20Stuff/x52ProMod/center1.jpg)
I originally wanted the stick to be mounted flat on the bottom but the throw was a bit excessive for my taste. It would have accurately reproduced the stick range in an F6F or Corsair but it would have meant much more upper body movement (and I'm just to lazy!). So I raised up the base just a bit (by the edge of a 2x4) and extended the shaft 8 1/4 inches. This produces a 12" throw from lock to lock, or 6" from center.
http://332nd.org/dogs/baumer/BBS%20Stuff/x52ProMod/center2.jpg (http://332nd.org/dogs/baumer/BBS%20Stuff/x52ProMod/center2.jpg)
At the base of the extension I used 2 shaft collars to provide a means for adjustable centering spring tension and it works great!
(http://332nd.org/dogs/baumer/BBS%20Stuff/x52ProMod/center3.jpg)
Here's a shot of my new radio and trim set-up and it works very well. It's nice to have each flight mapped to a separate button in Ventrillo makes FSO a snap for squad comms.
(http://332nd.org/dogs/baumer/BBS%20Stuff/x52ProMod/center6.jpg)
Well I can't wait to get back flying again, working on this the past 2 weeks I've developed a bad case of AH withdrawals!
:salute Baumer
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Cool. Does the keyboard retract or something? Seems like it's kind of crowding your stick movements.
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Hey Baumer, I live very close to ya! I'm also in the US. You should invite me over some time...
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The stick moves freely underneath the keyboard. I designed it so it's as close as possible to the bottom of the keyboard tray, but as tall as practical, the whole design was directed by sliding this under my desk so the monitor was at eye level.
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Very Nice Baum :aok
I like the collar to adjust the spring tension,I might have to look into something like that myself.
I sure do envy you electronix guys,I have to ask the wife to change a fuze....... electricity scares me! :o
:salute
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whoops, my humor needs work...as i live in california.
great work baumer, very inspiring.
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Can't really see, but did you modify the stick much? x52, right? Were I to modify it, since I already was, I might cut off the fingerguard that goes around the front. Never liked that design on joysticks.
Or, am I thinking of the guard on the x45?
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I think your correct Krusty, and I believe he left that off.
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Being center mounted, you should strongly think about rotating your stick slightly to the left for optimal comfort.
(http://www.diggerhistory.info/images/air-recent/hornet-cockpit.jpg)
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What's with the rotary azimuth plotter, Baumer? :D
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The setup looks amazing, very clean and simple.
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What's with the rotary azimuth plotter, Baumer? :D
LOL...I thought that was how he signaled to his wife whether need wanted a drink, food or a "hummer"... :lol
Baumer, when are you going to put a 32 inch monitor on there?
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Actually he has a big TV on the wall not 10 feet away. Been after him to rearrange his basement so that he can use it to fly with.
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Krusty,
Not really modified other than removing the the guard around the front that you're taking about. I did have to repair my hat switch which is what prompted this in the first place. I had a micro switch finally fail and while I was working on it I also noticed that I had actually warn down the hat switch knob. There were flat spots in the shaft where the micro switches made contact. I built up those areas with epoxy and used a Dremel to shape it properly. It works as good as new, now. you can see the slots where the guard was on the grip here.
(http://332nd.org/dogs/baumer/BBS%20Stuff/x52ProMod/center4.jpg)
Kazaa,
It's hard to see in the photo's but it is rotated about 10 degrees and the grip is also canted about 5 degrees to the left of vertical.
Denholm,
I use that to check course and heading info when lining up on bomb runs or using the cruisers 8" guns.
Gyrene,
Actually the plan is to build a 3 screen projector system using the triple head to go. LOL I just need a PC that can handle it and 3 projectors and I'll be all set. When my wife's out of town on business I've flown a couple of times on my 42" LCD and it look great, it just sits up a little to high on my desk.
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That makes sense.... Thanks for the info.
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That an old car seat? Looks nice Baumer :salute
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Krusty,
There were flat spots in the shaft where the micro switches made contact. I built up those areas with epoxy and used a Dremel to shape it properly.
Ooooh... Excellent tidbit there! I'll have to remember to keep an eye out for that in the future (I'm a heavy hat user, prefer it for views)
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Nice shoes :old:
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Nice work :aok you are so close do you plan to continue with the build ? it's pretty addictive isn't it :lol
I wont post a pic in your thread but take a look at mine http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,284150.30.html (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,284150.30.html) I plan on extending my center stick from the floor but haven't got that far yet.
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Very Cool! Love the seat, I have the same seats in my CJ5.. Honda Prelude GT with rally interior.. You can tell by the stripe pattern on the seat cover... Firm but still cushy, nice side bolsters keeps your butt planted, not that it matters in front of a computer screen, lol!
Great rig, and great seat choice too! :aok
Q; Have you thought about using a bigscreen(I see yes), but moving it so the onscreen inst panel is in the correct place, just in front of your knees? And then the Canopy hoop spans your simpit fully from left to right, as it should.. Then integrate your simpit directly into the big monitor? After all, with a simpit, you are really trying to "blur" the real world, into the virtual world, right?
Some ppl dont care to have the screen that close, but it looks like your pit would be ROCKIN with that 1 to 1 scale view added!
I use my 47in that way, it is major league immersion! Sucks you right into the game! For your rig, It would be PERFECT :rock
:salute great work!
RC