Greetings friends!If you are looking for info on the motion simulator specifically, visit my build thread over on Thanos forums here:I have decided it is finally time for me to start a cockpit build thread. Some of you may know that I did a lot of asking questions/research to build various cockpits for DCS.
Originally I intended to do a Warbird cockpit, but plans change. I do still intend to build modular cockpit modules in the future including a WWII plane, Ka-50, and several other planes, as well as my racing and space sim setups.A couple months ago I finally settled on doing the Gazelle cockpit because I thought it would be really cool to be able to fly multi-crew on the motion sim. Unfortunately as I worked on the Gazelle and spent some time flying it I became less and less satisfied with the flight model compared to the other DCS helicopters.A few weeks ago I finally decided to stop working on the Gazelle and build a different helicopter instead. I deliberated for several days, deciding on whether to build the Ka-50 or the Huey. The Huey really appeals to me because of its lack of advanced technology. I really prefer not to have automated systems and guided weapons.
I also absolutely love the Huey flight model, and it's the only Western helicopter.Without further ado, here we go!This is what I started with. This setup is really minimal, without even a full floor because when I originally built my motion sim I was under the impression that lower weight meant higher performance. I later decided that was not the case for me. More weight actually smooths things out a bit and feels better in my opinion. My motion sim capacity is theoretically over 300KG, and I've tested it with over 600 pounds on it without any negative impact.My new seat is from a 1970's Rotorway kit built helicopter.
I made the cushions from scratch, and they contain a secret! I integrated my JetSeat vibration cushion into these cushions. It's basically invisible but works at least as well as it did when it was in it's original condition.My Cyclic (joystick) is from microhelis.de and it is excellent! It's got basically no centering force and hydraulic damping, along with a proper asymmetrical gimbal. Excellent quality and feel.
I will be building a tube to attach my Warthog stick grip to it for the Huey, in place of my original Gazelle grip. I'm going to stick with this instead of getting a B8 style grip because it will be very beneficial to have the extra Hat buttons etc. For binding functions that don't exist in the RL Huey, things like centering the Rift camera. Also the metal Warthog grip just feels amazing, and a natural mate to my metal collective.
More on that later.Note that the floor in my new setup is basically a four foot wide grid for attaching modular components for different cockpits. The seat can be located in any of three positions, in this case it's on the right hand side to match the Huey layout.
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The pedestal console will be occupying most of the left side, and the collective is almost dead on the center.This past week I mostly completed my main instrument panel. I suppose this requires explanation since I fly entirely in VR:What I'm going for is Mixed Reality, where every switch etc. I use in VR has a real life counterpart in as near as possible to the same position.The big problem with this of course is that there is no support for mixed reality so you generally wind up blindly fumbling for a switch you are looking straight at which breaks immersion.My solution is that I cut the bottom portion of my Rift's foam surround assembly (including the frame) off, and made an opening at the bottom.I can look down, almost like bifocals, and I can see my hands and any control that is in about the angle range you would normally find your keyboard.
I can still see what is going on in the simulation a bit in my peripheral vision, things like the rotor beginning to spin up for example.When I'm done operating the switches etc. I look straight ahead and I'm 100% back in VR. I don't even notice the opening at the bottom unless there is VERY bright light outside the headset or I'm intentionally looking down at that area. The opening is only slightly larger than the Rift DK2 had out of the box.It did make the headset just a touch less comfortable as there is a little bit more pressure on my cheeks but so far I don't even notice after a few minutes.
I do have a replacement foam surround too, so it's not like I wrecked the Rift if it turns out to be a bad idea. My original one was starting to get a bit beat up from many many hours of use.I think it's going to work great, but we'll see!Here is my main panel, non-functional instruments but functional switches and rotaries:And last, the star of the show! I'm incredibly excited to (for my Birthday) have got my hands on a 100% genuine real life Huey collective! I think it's going to be pretty easy to get it wired up and fully functional.
Tonight I got it mounted, this mount is the beginnings of the permanent mount but it will be beefed up a lot mechanically and cosmetically finished. I matched the angle and position up almost perfectly to what I see in VR when seated in the Huey:That's all for now. Hopefully next week I'll be making progress on the pedestal console and overhead console. I'm trying to get ready to fly as fast as I can manage, given other family responsibilities etc.Thanks for looking,Trip. 'Yeah, and though I work in the valley of Death, I will fear no Evil. For where there is one, there is always three. I preparest my aircraft to receive the Iron that will be delivered in the presence of my enemies.
Thy ALCM and JDAM they comfort me. Power was given unto the aircrew to make peace upon the world by way of the sword. And when the call went out, Behold the 'Sword of Stealth'. And his name was Death. And Hell followed him.
For the day of wrath has come and no mercy shall be given.' Update for May 19th:Minimum work required to start flying:. Cyclic warthog tube not done. Collective not functional.
New Motion Sim electronics need to be wired upI'm working on building the Warthog grip compatible tube for my microhelis.de Cyclic, hopefully I'll have that together in the next couple days.I've got the right half of the overhead console panel made, but haven't installed the switches etc. I also just finished prototyping out the mount for the overhead console. I placed it very close to the proper height above my head (within an inch) which is great but I am definitely worried about clearance to the ceiling of the room.I'm really wishing I had sunken the motion sim into the raised floor now, at the time I had no intention of doing full cockpits like this because I thought it was going to be important to keep it light. I can still go back and sink it into the floor but that's going to take probably at least a couple weeks by itself as well as requiring materials etc. I can't currently afford so for now I'm going to keep it where it is and reduce motion travel if need be.No pics right now, hopefully I'll have some with the next update which should be Monday or Tuesday.
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TheNext Level Racing Flight Simulator Cockpit is used not only by professionalpilots from around the world but also militaries and universities as a trainingtool. Users include Bristol University Department of Aerospace Engineering,Australian & British Air Force Cadets, Hong Kong University, Oshkosh air show &many more.Completely compatible with all major flight simulator products including,and.is NOT included.Your Flight Simulator Cockpit can even be upgraded to be a motion simulator withthe optional.The unique design allows you to position your throttle and joystick on eitherside of your seat or if preferred it also allows you to move your joystick inbetween your legs for helicopter mode. Subscribe to our Specials Newsletter Keep up-to-date on the latest pilot and aircraft supplies to hit the market and find out about our great monthly specials by subscribing to our newsletter.
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