It has been a goal of mine for the last two decades or so (since Falcon GOLD) to create a simpit. I built a really rudimentary one for Flaming Cliffs about five years ago, but my own technical abilities and budget really limited my design. Since then, I've built a few Lemons racecars and have a lot more money to play with, and man has simpit technology blossomed!
So far, this is my design. This is about the fifth iteration I've gone through. The thing will be largely constructed of MDF, acrylic and plywood with possibly a 1" square tubular frame to mount the seat (most likely a reclining car bucket) and casters on.
I built it predominantly with Flaming Cliffs 2 in mind, which has now been thrown into question with the FC3 announcement.
The graphical portion of the pit is being controlled by a 14.5" bare laptop display being controlled by a LCD control board so it acts a monitor. The setup only cost 60 bucks and has a higher refresh then a USB monitor, and has almost no extraneous casing, so it can fit flush with the rest of the panel and does not take up any unnecessary real estate. Thrustmaster MFD surrounds, Saitek X65F and CH Pro-pedals make up the bulk of the control inputs. I'm using a pair of "desktopaviator.com" control boards to control the switches. I might have to incorporate a third if it looks like Flaming Cliffs 3 will incorporate additional avionic control.
The pit will sit in front of a large LCD television, perhaps a 42-46"er, and will obviously incorporate Track IR.
Why am I building such a complicated piece of hardware for a relatively uncomplicated sim like Flaming Cliff? I was contemplating building a pit for Falcon BMS, but realized what a slippery slope that would be. I'd have to incorporate another three dozen switches, rotaries, pots, and probably another monitor or two, and it would end up just being a 1:1 Falcon pit. Nothing wrong with that, but I just don't have the time, money and resources to deal with that.
This pit will be largely CNC router constructed, while the panels will be back-lit acrylic that will have been laser cut.
I want something that has enough workload and immersion to make it worth building, but not have such an insane learning curve that friends can't jump in it and at least have somewhat of a good time. I also like air combat more then a/g, which is why I'm not building this for A-10C.
I'm now growing concerned that I'll have a harder time integrating the MFD's and gauge "pods" with the new architecture of DCS:world, as LEAVU2 is no longer upgraded. I imagine I'll be able to use the in-game MFD export feature that is used by DCS:world, but I'm still curious to see if it will add MFD export to the Russian aircraft... I'd love to get the SU-27's FCR exported as well.
If everything goes well, I should have at least all the pieces cut by the end of this year. I have already purchased all the hardware needed save the Track IR (I can't find my old Track IR 4).
Let me know if you have any suggestions.
Also, I have rendered a great deal of common switch gear and a decent representation of the Saitek X65F in Solidworks 2011. If you want any of my files, let me know and I'll e-mail them to you.
Thanks,
Steve Ryan
