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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: BadRad1 on May 12, 2002, 12:52:11 PM

Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: BadRad1 on May 12, 2002, 12:52:11 PM
Any Aces High Pilots out there building a home built cockpit? If so I'd be interested in seeing what you've got done. I'm thinking about building one. Nothing very elaberate or fancy. More like a desk top to put monitor then sides for throttle and stick controllers.:)
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Revvin on May 12, 2002, 01:53:41 PM
If you're looking for a design then I think this (http://www.62ndfightingfalcons.asn.au/62ndff/projects/projects.htm) one is worth looking at. Designed by an Australian LAN squadron to be easily taken down and transported easily its a very nice design. You can download the plans from the link above.

(http://www.62ndfightingfalcons.asn.au/62ndff/projects/cockpit/pra1.jpg)
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: MAC on May 12, 2002, 02:24:55 PM
I am currently in the process of building a cockpit of my favorite airplane, the Corsair (F4U-1D).  I dont have the original plans, but it's probably within 1" of specs for the real cockpit.  The Canopy even slides!  I dont have picture, but will take some soon and post.  Please feel free to email me personally.  (RRexach@aol.com)

The cockpit is 8' long, by 57" wide, by 77" tall  =).

I am currently working on the Rudder/Break structure.  It will work with troughs just like the real thing.  




:D
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: snafu on May 12, 2002, 02:58:31 PM
Runstang pilots look here......  http://www.xtremeairracing.com/p51/

TTFN
snafu
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: fdiron on May 12, 2002, 03:18:35 PM
There was a guy a few years back who made P51B cockpits for computer game enthusiasts.  They were about 1200 bucks.
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: BadRad1 on May 15, 2002, 06:48:38 PM
Wow !! Thanks for all the help guys ! Revvin... I think that is exactly what I was looking for !! :)
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: moose on May 15, 2002, 08:07:24 PM
thanks revvin, ive been planning on building mine but that link looks perfect.

maybe i can build it in time for the con!
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Sabre on May 15, 2002, 08:25:36 PM
Revvin: Thanks! That's a sweet design.  I'm gonna try to get one built before the Con!
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Ripsnort on May 15, 2002, 08:28:48 PM
Heh, gonna lay mine out all on some CADD/CAM, then modify it, doubt it'll be ready by con time, still searching the internet for surplus JATO bottles :D
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: SunKing on May 16, 2002, 12:08:55 AM
Got a quick question about those plans... How do I inlarge the part of the document that shows the measurements for individual pieices.. what application should I use?
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: brady on May 16, 2002, 01:18:16 AM
I have a lash up going now, I use an eazy chair with a table custom built with a tilt top so when I get in the chair the pedals are at the perfect height, on each side of the chair is a pedistal with a heavy base that holds the stick and throtel and perfect height, the keyboad sits on my lap and I use a prodjector instead of a monitor about a 4 foot by 5 foot 6 inch image. It is totaly comphy can spend hours in it and not get sore:) looks like sin but works great:)
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: aknimitz on May 16, 2002, 06:35:53 AM
RWY built a sweet one ... check out his at the following link...

RWY's Virtual Cockpit (http://home.midsouth.rr.com/rwysairwar/)
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: SunKing on May 17, 2002, 01:50:30 AM
bump.... still need help with my question.
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Charge on May 17, 2002, 02:51:05 AM
An idea:

Attach a "shaker" (sort of a subwoofer) to your chair and connect it to an audio amplifier. Q: Is there a way to take force feedback output from the gameport and drive this amplifier with it to create FF effects via this shaker?

U dig?

:eek:

-Charge+
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Dr Zhivago on May 17, 2002, 02:58:02 AM
Quote
Originally posted by SunKing
bump.... still need help with my question.


Copy and paste that image to Paint shop pro...
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Xjazz on May 17, 2002, 05:50:28 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Charge
An idea:

Q: Is there a way to take force feedback output from the gameport and drive this amplifier with it to create FF effects via this shaker?

U dig?

:eek:

-Charge+


I use Saitek X36 usb hotas with Logitech Wingman Formula FFB usb pedals (rudder).

Once I test FFB function in Aces high and logitech Wheel reponce :-)) Because wheel and stick was in same table I get somekind force feed back like stall vibrating etc. I dont know why but this ffb works on short period.

After that ffb test  my PC get sooo messup I need reinstall win98se again. Since that no more ffb test with logitech
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Sac1 on May 17, 2002, 02:30:48 PM
There are many ways to go about what you want to do.  You  can buy numerous fiberglass cockpits already made.
http://www.simhq.com/simhq3/hardware/reviews/aimsworth/
This link will take you to a company that was going to make a couple of WWii planes.  

If you build yourself there are also a few way you can go, a replica, or your own design.

A replica would be nice, but I would have to have several of them for all the different planes I would like.  Your own design gives you the chance to go generic and put in anything you want to make it hi-tech but most of all, comfortable for YOU. Remember one thig, everyting is completely different if you add a canopy, the sound the enjoyment, the having to raise the canopy fast to go take a leak...

Good luck
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: SKurj on May 17, 2002, 02:51:46 PM
eeek...

well i did consider nailing a chair to a sheet o plywood, angling a piece o wood to mount my pedals on and making a platform to mount a steering wheel on for when i was into racing more...

Lately the recliner idea keeps comin back... but would fallin asleep at the stick become a prob...


SKurj
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: SunKing on June 03, 2002, 05:59:27 PM
I just signed up for the con so I was thinking.... Will  HTC allow these at the con if we built one. I have the next week off and was considering putting one togehter if it was allowed.
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: funkedup on June 03, 2002, 06:11:43 PM
SOB has a sweet recliner rig IIRC.
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Fester' on June 03, 2002, 07:01:36 PM
Xjazz, Ive got the same set up but I didnt know you could use the pedals for a rudder.  How did you set it up?  Any conflicts?  Do you use the wheel for anything?

Do you have to wear silk underwear when flying? (Those pedals are close together!!

Thanks for the help
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Weave on June 04, 2002, 12:01:57 AM
It's not real hitech:)but this is what I built. It's also easy to move aside when using the PC for something other than flying (can't imagine what that could be)
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: SOB on June 04, 2002, 01:23:09 AM
The comfy chair...complete with 8" sub underneath in sealed box.

(http://www.matthoffman.cc/bb/front-sticks.jpg)
(http://www.matthoffman.cc/bb/bottom.jpg)


SOB

PS to Skurj...falling asleep at the stick is indeed a problem sometimes.  Especially late night flying.  
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: straffo on June 04, 2002, 02:41:52 AM
cheap and ingenious chair :
(http://www.xflight.de/f16/simulator/simlight/pictures/sml_01.jpg)

"Simlight" (http://www.xflight.de/f16/pe_sim_sml.htm)
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Revvin on June 04, 2002, 05:54:19 AM
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Sabre on June 04, 2002, 08:42:03 AM
Quote
Originally posted by SunKing
I just signed up for the con so I was thinking.... Will  HTC allow these at the con if we built one. I have the next week off and was considering putting one togehter if it was allowed.


Sunking, if you're planning to bring a cockpit to the Con, contact Yankee ASAP and giver her the dimensions.  Once they've got the room layout finalized, she'll let those wanting to bring them know if they can.  I'm bringing my newly built ABC Mk I, Lord willing (and HTC:)).
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Revvin on June 04, 2002, 08:45:00 AM
Sabre pls post some pics when its finished, look like the CON this year is going to be invaded by ABC pits :)
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Hortlund on June 04, 2002, 08:48:04 AM
If a girl ever saw this thread...
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Eagler on June 04, 2002, 08:58:38 AM
Am I the only one who flies with the monitor 2" from my nose?

These setups would not do :)
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: gofaster on June 05, 2002, 08:52:59 AM
I've been contemplating two design theories:

Design Theory A:  an enclosed cockpit based on the 109 for two chief reasons: 1. all those flat panes would be easy to duplicate with plexiglass from the local hardware store and
2. its small.

Design Theory B: a cockpit along the same design as the typical arcade cockpit.  I remember in the 1980's there was a Star Wars game where you flew your X-wing down through the Death Star canyon.  The videogame palace at the mall where I worked had the sit-down version of the game machine.  It was open on the sides for entry/exit, but had a built-in bench seat with speakers mounted behind the player and a dark-tinted clear plastic canopy overhead.  Sitting in that thing made me forget about the pushy customers back at the store.  

The biggest problem is finding the space inside the house to set it up ;)
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: gofaster on June 05, 2002, 08:54:10 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Charge
An idea:

Attach a "shaker" (sort of a subwoofer) to your chair and connect it to an audio amplifier.
-Charge+


That was done with the "Thunderseat" a few years back.  Not sure if its still sold.
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: hawk220 on June 05, 2002, 09:26:37 AM
have any of you guys been outdoors this year?
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Sabre on June 05, 2002, 09:35:57 AM
Quote
Originally posted by hawk220
have any of you guys been outdoors this year?


Outdoors?  Oooohhh...the big, wide open space.  We hateses the out of doorsies, yes we do my Precious.  Hateses it foreverses!
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: udet on June 05, 2002, 09:44:42 AM
lol hawk220... just my question.
how come you guys have so much spare time on your hands?
I'm in college, taking only 2 BS classes and working 17hrs/week, and I don't even have time for 1 hour of AH every day.
That's why I didn't sign up and I only play in h2h.
Oh well...
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Morgoth on June 05, 2002, 09:52:11 AM
Quote
Originally posted by hawk220
have any of you guys been outdoors this year?


Highly over-rated experience; walking model's porked.
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: gofaster on June 05, 2002, 10:24:25 AM
I found this over at Ball Racing Development's homepage of http://www.interactiveracing.com

Its designed for racing, but I don't see why it couldn't be adapted for flight sims by adding a small platform on one side for throttle control.  Features include genuine racing seat, mounting points for 4-point seatbelt harness, and it folds flat when not in use.  All this for $427 USD.
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: gofaster on June 05, 2002, 10:34:33 AM
Or you can try the one by Stimbox (http://www.stimbox.com).  Get the single-set version with no canopy for $6,000 USD or the single-seat with full canopy for $8,000.  Also comes in a 2-seat version built to resemble the 2-seat Hornet F-18B (or D).  Multi-colored lights powered by 12V electrical supply, complete surround sound system, Thrustmast Cougar HOTAS included, cockpit box mounted on wheels for moving when not in use, your name, rank, and callsign painted on the side, just to name a few of the features.
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: hawk220 on June 05, 2002, 11:30:39 AM
ok...does that stimbox come with an ejection seat?

seriously tho... I have to admit that does look pretty cool.
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Dux on June 05, 2002, 11:48:48 AM
The cockpits are pretty cool, but dontcha think the Nomex jumpsuits are a bit much? I mean, flying sims with clothes on is just... wrong.
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Sabre on June 05, 2002, 12:11:01 PM
Well, I'd wear the nomex suit with nothing on underneath, but the zipper chafes.

Sabre
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: hawk220 on June 05, 2002, 12:18:02 PM
ok...if they made a Panzer sim seat.. with an enclosed gunner...and a heater pumping up the heat to about 140 degrees.. now, I'd dig that..
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: Sabre on June 05, 2002, 12:21:43 PM
Well, I'd wear the nomex suit with nothing on underneath, but the zipper chafes.

Sabre
Title: Homebuilt Cockpits?
Post by: gofaster on June 05, 2002, 12:22:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by gofaster
I found this over at Ball Racing Development's homepage of http://www.interactiveracing.com

Its designed for racing, but I don't see why it couldn't be adapted for flight sims by adding a small platform on one side for throttle control.  Features include genuine racing seat, mounting points for 4-point seatbelt harness, and it folds flat when not in use.  All this for $427 USD.


By the way, you can get that frame without the seat for around $300, and I can tell you right now that you can get a used bucket seat from a salvage yard for under $100.  They didn't have a pic of just the frame, so I attached the schematics diagram to give an idea of how the thing fits together. If you have access to a metal shop and tools, you might consider building one to your own personal specs based on their illustrations.  They advertise something called the "Game Frame" but no picture is available.

The frame itself is powder-coated metal with square and round endcaps.