How in the world do you start out?

[Barry_Diller]

I love your home built cockpits! The innovation is incredible, but how do you start? I'm a complete dummy in electronics(besides building my own pc and very simple code)

 

Are their any guide floating around how you build one? Doesn't need to be a specific Ka 50,A-10 etc. I would like to see if it's anything I can even hope to accomplish

[Kaiser78]

Having just started myself I didn't even know of this site. I first found viperpits to see what people were doing. From there my buddy started talking about dcs a10 and I decided to make an a10 pit. Google found me stranded ducklings web page. Then I found out what was possible with my own skills compared to his. Figuring out what I couldn't do was easier than what I could. Enter gadrock Helios. That is my interface software. Then since I traveled for work I started looking at all kinds of planes at the Pima air museum in Tucson. Took lots of pictures of various cockpits and then started sizing up the pit with my size at 6 foot 3. I will see if I can upload some of the pictures that may help you. Be sure to check out lindens pis and deadman. Those are really impressive.

[Hobo]

The beginning points to start with is the sticky thread in this Forum. It shows how yo build a little pit box with switches. Going beyond that you unfortunately would need to look through individual builds. If you're looking for an A10C setup, there's a bunch of good info on Deadman's A10 thread. Be prepared to sift through pages and pages though :)

[Mr_Burns]

I love your home built cockpits! The innovation is incredible, but how do you start? I'm a complete dummy in electronics(besides building my own pc and very simple code)

 

Are their any guide floating around how you build one? Doesn't need to be a specific Ka 50,A-10 etc. I would like to see if it's anything I can even hope to accomplish

 

Listen son, you think you like it now, little box here, few switches there, just a bit of immersion? Is that what you are after?? Nothing can go wrong can it??

 

Well 3 years down the line and I visit this site every day, I look at the world differently, could that be a panel, could that be a switch cap...I built a CNC machine, spent a fortune on fasteners and still dont have a pit, my kids ask me why I keep making panels and then putting them in the garage and start building another....MY CHILDREN MOCK ME.....

 

I will be cutting a UFC panel this weekend, still cant get the lettering right, learning how to program a CNC and design in Sketchup, boxes of switches, collection of monitors, plastic and wood....just a few switches in a box I thought......

 

Walk away now, no run as fast as you can, knitting mate, take up knitting...

 

:helpsmilie:

Edited March 7, 2014 by Mr_Burns

[Mewle]

Listen son, you think you like it now, little box here, few switches there, just a bit of immersion? Is that what you are after?? Nothing can go wrong can it??

 

Well 3 years down the line and I visit this site every day, I look at the world differently, could that be a panel, could that be a switch cap...I built a CNC machine, spent a fortune on fasteners and still dont have a pit, my kids ask me why I keep making panels and then putting them in the garage and start building another....MY CHILDREN MOCK ME.....

 

I will be cutting a UFC panel this weekend, still cant get the lettering right, learning how to program a CNC and design in Sketchup, boxes of switches, collection of monitors, plastic and wood....just a few switches in a box I thought......

 

Walk away now, no run as fast as you can, knitting mate, take up knitting...

 

I just started with a basic setup and you're right every last object in the world around you gets evaluated for its usefulness, ergonomics, reliability etc etc. I'm only about six weeks in and I've spent half a hotas warthog on tools and wood and components. If my phone signal is just enough there should be an early photo of my rig attached

[Mewle]

[TigersharkBAS]

As suggested. Start small with the stick thread in this forum. It will teach some basic electronics and your imagination will run wild from there.

[Jimbo]

Listen son, you think you like it now, little box here, few switches there, just a bit of immersion? Is that what you are after?? Nothing can go wrong can it??

 

Well 3 years down the line and I visit this site every day, I look at the world differently, could that be a panel, could that be a switch cap...I built a CNC machine, spent a fortune on fasteners and still dont have a pit, my kids ask me why I keep making panels and then putting them in the garage and start building another....MY CHILDREN MOCK ME.....

 

I will be cutting a UFC panel this weekend, still cant get the lettering right, learning how to program a CNC and design in Sketchup, boxes of switches, collection of monitors, plastic and wood....just a few switches in a box I thought......

 

Walk away now, no run as fast as you can, knitting mate, take up knitting...

 

:helpsmilie:

 

 

LOL - so so true! :lol:

[A229th Reaper]

How old are you? (rhetorical question) I only mention it to give you an idea of how long you're going to be at this. You will NEVER be done, there will always be something new you think of or want to change or do different or upgrade.

 

I started some 30+ years ago... it was simple I only wanted a joystick to make it easier on me. (wish I knew then what I know now). Then I needed more controls, maybe some switches...how about a few lights...you know what lets build a pit. Started with simple Cessna...built, dismantled rebuild multi engine pit... dismantled, rebuild Jetliner pit... dismantled, Currently rebuilding into UH-1H pit.

 

So as you see once you start, you're never done, only temporary satisfaction until the next idea to make it better.

 

Welcome to our world of flight simming, don't forget to kiss the wife once and a while and tuck the kids in...oh wait my kids are married, when did that happen!

[Stevos758]

Everyone is vey wise in this thread.... Listen to them!

 

I just finally took my first steps.

 

Its a dangerous and expensive road! Well worth it though!

[cichlidfan]

....just a few switches in a box I thought......

 

Walk away now, no run as fast as you can, knitting mate, take up knitting...

 

:helpsmilie:

 

:lol:

 

Oh, and I recommend a decent FIrst Aid kit, too!

[WildBillKelsoe]

What is the most important step in home pit building?

 

Its not the materials.. Not the wiring..

 

It is the design.

 

Sit down after waking up on a Sunday (after drinking that hot coco), grab a piece of A4 paper, then start out drawing that design you think is adequate or you want to accomplish..

 

Then, do some online research on the components required (PVC, plywood, oakwood,etc..) find out the cost of one sheet or tubing, or joint..

 

Then stop for a minute. Ask yourself

 

"how much did that guy/gal presenting their pit pay for the entire setup?"

AND

"Can I do it? Do I have time to do it? Do I have the money to do it?"

AND

"I'm not experienced, maybe I should look for ready-made/custom built setups"

AND

then go up the ladder and walk through the first questions again..

 

When the answers start to veer towards a YES, YES, YES, YES..

 

 

THAT is when you start to look for an engineer friend (or do it yourself on paintDOTnet)...

 

When comfy with the design layout, venture into the housing components first...

 

Then constantly check your cash..

 

Run the flow above each time.

 

 

Once secured the housing components ask yourself:

 

"Do I need a floor-mounted stick? A chair-mounted throttle? A playseat? A car seat with wooden boards hanging on the sides? or do I need a simple desk with not so shabby looks and limited function?

 

"Do I need to combine all controllers to a framework and permanently? Do I need mobility in my house?"

 

And that is just some workflow questions.

 

Remember, its easy to do it. Just find the time and money needed. That is the rough equation.

[donbinator]

Ask yourself what you want out of building a cockpit. Is it to have a fly or to also satisfy a need to build and design for fun. If it's to have and fly and you want to get to a point where you can sit and fly as quickly as possible, check out y2kiah's thread for plans on the frame, Flim sells plans for an ACES-II seat, and search around for plans to most of the panels along with what IO modules to use with Helios for switches etc. I started that route then kind of regretted being impatient as now I'm considering what it would take to take my hobby to the next level and rent out cockpit/simulators to others by the hour. In this case you have to consider copyright infringement / ethics of using stuff you copied to make a profit. If I were to move forward with my idea I would either have to redesign several parts from scratch or enter agreements with the various folks who put in the work that I did not (even if I just used something as a reference, I'm a software/firmware engineer by trade and as such deal with copyright/pollution issues regularly). In any case, definitely do some personal soul searching on what it is you really think you will enjoy out of the process and have fun!!!! I know I am.

[Swaty]

Not updated lately but I am trying to gather stuff here:

 

 

http://hogpits.net/

[Cali]

Some good parts here http://www.desktopaviator.com/

 

I'm a noob at this kind of stuff but this site makes it easy. Do you know how to solder?

[Devon Custard]

Just enjoy the journey :) You will probably find building the pit is more satisfying than actuallly flying it.

 

I deliberately chose to do this as i wanted a long term hobby project and wanted to learn electronics. Oh boy i opened pandoras box!!

 

Dont be put off by being new to this, dive in, ask , learn, enjoy. We as a community are just a little better off by having you here. Welcome :)

[Thick8]

Personally I enjoy flying more than building a pit. I immersed myself in the Sim first to see if it was what I wanted. There is a pretty steep learning curve. Once I gained familiarity with the flight and weapon systems and determined that I was going to be flying this sim is when I started to think about making it more realistic.

Start simple with a realistic flight control system. For me it was the Thrustmaster Warthog and Saitek pedals. Then you might want to consider a touchscreen monitor for better interactive control of your aircraft. And of course you need a head-tracking system. At this point you can make a more informed decision as whether or not to continue with a build. If you decide to continue then read every pit building thread here and at the other sites that are referenced in those threads.

As has been mentioned, this is an expensive endeavor so be prepared to dig deep. Not including my computer, I have about $2000 invested in my setup and haven't built the first panel; and I found deals on everything I have.

Good luck,

John

[BHawthorne]

I love your home built cockpits! The innovation is incredible, but how do you start? I'm a complete dummy in electronics(besides building my own pc and very simple code)

 

Are their any guide floating around how you build one? Doesn't need to be a specific Ka 50,A-10 etc. I would like to see if it's anything I can even hope to accomplish

 

Simpit building isn't like cooking. There is no recipe -- no singular right way to got about it. Everyone approaches builds differently. Most people play on their strengths though and start out with what they know -- be it wood working, electronics, computer building, etc. The rest of the stuff is why internet forums exist. We fill in all the rest by prodding all of us for knowledge. :thumbup:

[Mewle]

:lol:

 

Oh, and I recommend a decent FIrst Aid kit, too!

 

This!!!! Now... I'm not new to using tools having worked in the automotive industry and building. But, holy mother of school boy errors batman!

 

Most recently I have trapped my thumbs on the outside of the fulcrum of a pair of pliers as they snapped open(trying to pry open a PSU for a router, to use as a button box on the end of my collective....it worked by the way) and I also managed to briefly balance my soldering iron on my right ring finger tip whilst trying to solder said box's internals, with thumbs absolutely pissing blood.

[Mewle]

Just enjoy the journey :) You will probably find building the pit is more satisfying than actuallly flying it.

 

 

It's a close call I think. But you can get so sucked into the journey the destination doesn't really live up to the effort.

 

That's when you scrap it and start again ;)