Sheperds SIM PIT

[SIK1]

I second the "once you start". I've been working on mine for well over a year, and it's still not close to being finished.

Joe that's why I made mine so that I don't have to climb in.

[sheperd]

well I quit drinking when my daughter was born but the ash tray sits next to the pit and the radar screen is the drink holder...its the one item that fake in the pit

Funny thing...mine you still have to climb into , not as much as yours but my new pit will resemble yours but i need the exercise anyways...may build a step into it though

ok this has started alot of sim pit discussions I will start a thread tomorrow about simpits!  

[rvflyer]

  My sim pit and the structure I built around it.  At least I sim flying a real fighter plane  I built this RV-6 20 years ago and still fly it every chance i get.
Over 12 thousand rivets in it and I put each one in  1 at a time. Just like the pits you guys are building it seems that it is never finished, always something to change or work on.
I know probably OT but couldn't resist. 

[cactuskooler]

Looks great!

What are you using to interface the switches to the computer? Leo Bodnar's controllers?

[sheperd]

I would love an EPIC but I plan on getting the hangstrom unit. Currently it is interfaced with a (hacked) Belkin Nostromo N52 and a couple other hacked items. The Nostromo is nice due to its UI and macro capability. I know most interfaces are cheap but I had the old controllers laying around and I was using the little cash I actually get to keep for flatpannels, TH2Go, Track IR.....( I support a family of 4 by myself )

I read in the forums that its possible to set up 2 sticks at once, so I  tried connecting a EVO joystick, I planned on hacking it and using the pots for breaks, flaps , RPM control and the buttons are just an added bonus I may not need the Hangstrom afterall. So far the game will see it and I can program the functions ok, but for some reason it disables all my other controls? I haven't had much time to work with it, but if I can't get it I may try to set it up via network on a 2nd PC using some software. 

[The Fugitive]

A friend of mine used a second keyboard. XP will recognize more than one. He wired the switches to the "keys" in the opened second keyboard. A little imagination can get you a long way. .... a rotary dial with indents with all switches wired to the "+" key can be used to "dial-up" more RPMs. He made all his own controllers.... I'll see if I still have a few pics..... found some!

[sheperd]

good news I got the issue with the second stick worked out! this will give me my analog RPM and the 3 analog trims using the 4 pots from the EVO stick. With the rudder pedals I plan on adding (2) 100K ohm pots to the existing circuit and this will add the differential breaking.
I would like to see more photo's of his gauges they look good. I never wanted to add fake gauges to a pit before or anything fake for that matter, but as AH2 doesn't support real ones or even glass ones. I think I will add some just for looks.

[Reschke]

In your other thread did I see a car radio/CD player in there in the early stages? That must have been a nice sound as I am sure you put some good power to it.

[sheperd]

yeah, I plan on putting it back in the pit but not sure where yet. I just recently started flying props so I'm still working on the redesign of the pit, having to change it up quite a bit and am planning on reproducing the F4U interior "fairly" close.

Reschke  you have a PM!

[Lusche]

I wish I had any talent for building things. The pictures here are making me jealous 

[The Fugitive]

This is the only picture I have of the gauges....



All are real. He picked them up on Ebay and a local "military" shop. I think he was going to get some kind of interface board for them, not sure now, it was a while ago. I haven't talk to him in years.

[cactuskooler]

Alright, here's what I've been working on.

It's supposed to be a replica P38 cockpit. Most likely will end up as a pre-J-25 J model so I can omit the dive flap switch and the aileron booster pump valve. Haven't worked on it much lately and would be surprised if it ever gets finished.

Luckily I know people who can lend a hand with this or I'd still be looking at a pile of gauges. I have no experience that would help with the electronic aspect of the build so that will be a learning process.





Those are all real gauges. Of course they won't work in their current state. I've been looking at http://www.flightillusion.com/ to see about getting them functional. It's awfully expensive and I'd only be able to use it in FSX, so who knows if it will ever happen.

But the my words of wisdom are: Ebay's a wonderful place. 

[sheperd]

http://www.viperpits.org/smf/index.php?topic=4832.0
can help with that. the ppl there all work together and share what the know the knowledge those ppl have as a collective is amazing!
unfortunately AH2 wont support it but it would work in IL2 (off line only I think) and a few others

[maddafinga]

That is awesome Cactus, really blown away by it man!!

[Reschke]

SWEET MOTHER MARY!!!!


That is a cool looking setup there Cactus!