Well i think im going to do it...

[RitterKreuz]

I think i have decided to go ahead and build a cockpit.

i found several interesting sites with instruments that connect to your computer via USB and so on and so forth. I have even drawn up several "plans" for making the cockpit, but the problem i am having is simple enough - do i spring for the big stuff and build an airliner type flight deck, or do i keep it simple and build a replica of a cessna 172 or a baron or something small like that?

BTW here are some of the pages im looking at

http://www.flightillusion.com/FORMgallery.htm   (more instruments to choos from in the tabs on top of the page)

http://www.simkits.com/product.php?prodid=614# (tons of instruments)

appears that most of this stuff connects to your computer pretty easily... it is all connected to a central control unit of some type, then by USB cable the central control unit is connected to your PC... fire up FSX or FS2004 etc and the instruments work based on what you do in the sim.  :D


now... if i can only squirrel away $140 bucks a month for the next 12 - 18 months i could have a very respectable king air 350 cockpit

[JBaymore]

Ritterkruez,

Welcome to the insanity of simpit building!

[RitterKreuz]

thanks - im thinking of a simple wood frame and wood panel - painted of course, probably a gull grey color. nothing too fancy, just something i can enjoy, using my soon to be old computer.

im bounding around ideas on basing the sim on either a single or twin engine layout. im not sure which i will do, but whatever i go with i want it to be dedicated to whichever path i choose.

I have decided i probably dont want to go with the airliner type layout because i get enough of that every week.

i will probably purchase the basic 6 instruments from either flight illusion or simkits since they will plug into the computer via USB ports.

only a few basic scetches of what i want to do, but we will see

[beaky]

Turn back... before it's too late!!! Don't end up like us... simpit-wraiths... wretched creatures, indeed.  :D

I know you can't be talked out of it... sigh... so I'd like to suggest two things:
1) Consider a generic layout. I was tempted to try to create a replica of some real cockpit- easier, in some ways, and a little more exciting- but then realized I'd be unhappy flying a Tiger Moth from a DC3 cockpit or vice-versa.
Can't imagine limiting myself to one sim model...

I'm pretty confident my "Simula Generica"  will provide the immersion I'm looking for without inhibiting my imagination... should be appropriate for anything from the Fly Baby to a 747.
But I could be wrong... so do what you like.

2) If at all possible, design as much of it as you can before picking up any tools. This part is easy if you're planning to duplicate an existing design, and very important. I thought I'd figured out all the important bits before starting mine, but partly due to the generic nature of the design and partly because one solution seems to present another problem, especially with found parts, I've been back-tracking a lot... may have to toss out several hours' worth of carpentry now because I'm not happy with how the throttle quadrant is shaping up (as just one example).


Good luck, share pix and ideas... and enjoy!!

Here's another link, BTW, for some inexpensive switches, pots, etc... just ordered some slider pots from them; I'll let everybody know soon if they're worth using. Great prices, but we'll see.


http://www.smcelectronics.com/smcad1.htm

[RitterKreuz]

i think i will go with a generic mutli engine platform... im thinking about how often i actually fly single engine aircraft in the sim - rarely if ever. good point about keeping it generic. i was planning on going with the basic "six pack instruments" and not chasing duplication of an existing  cockpit. something based on the seneca or baron maybe.

[beaky]

i think i will go with a generic mutli engine platform... im thinking about how often i actually fly single engine aircraft in the sim - rarely if ever. good point about keeping it generic. i was planning on going with the basic "six pack instruments" and not chasing duplication of an existing  cockpit. something based on the seneca or baron maybe.

Very sensible.
I'm planning on using a cheap 12" LCD to display the "six pack" for a while, then replace it eventually with USB instruments. Should be able to build a tray for the final instruments that will fit in the opening left by the LCD.
Not sure what I'll do with the LCD after that... maybe mount it on the overhead for viewing charts or something.