AurelTristen Posted October 2, 2014 Posted October 2, 2014 I absolutly love seeing people's set-ups, especially picture heavy threads of folks creating amazing cockpits out of gum and chicken wire. I decided to post about my cockpit in order to share some information about the rout I've taken (so far) and why. First, here is where I'm at right now: Out of sight are Saitek flight pedals (the metal versions). Displays: I'm running a VG248 24 inch 1920x1080 at 144hz flanked by two 22 inch LG Flattrons running at 60hz. Originally I planned to pick up two more VG248's, but not only does DCS play nice with the LG's slightly lower resolution, I find that I don't look directly at the side screens enough to warrant it. Additionally, I'm of the mind that screens will be so 2014 soon (more on that below). I have discovered that DCS does just fine running my high refresh rate screen with the lower ones, so for anyone who might be wary of mixing screen types, don't be. It might even mean you can spend less on your side screens and more on your middle one! The bottom screen is some old Westinghouse 19" from the dawn of HD. It is something like 1280x900, but it works great for my MFDs. If you're wondering, yes I have set up HELIOS before, but I find it is more trouble than it is worth. With TrackIR, I can just look back at my virtual instruments. Input: Clearly everyone knows about the Thrusmaster Warthog. For anyone who is on the fence because of how mindbogglingly expensive it is, I'll join in and say it is totally worth it. Consider the fact that you could spend $400 on a video card that will be out of date in a year or two, where as this thing, built like a rock, is going to be around for a while. And if you're finding DCS A-10 to be a bit overwhelming, this stick and throttle helps. I came from the X52, and trying to remember what modifier to hold to turn one of my hats into the DMS or TMS was just too much on top of everything else. With this stick, it is 1 to 1. I really like the TM MFDs too, though I could live without them. If you don't have a screen to go behind them, I don't think they're worth it until you've got nothing else to update. Obutto: I have the old model Obutto cockpit. It was way cheaper (even with the tripple monitor mounts!) but has one great flaw: You don't have enough foot space to fit your pedals in! I managed to get mine in there, but the fit is so tight that they lose about an inch of travel. This is a quick fix with a deadzone in DCS, but may be a deal breaker for some. Additionally, the seat goes a bit flat after a year or so. I'm not heavy by any means, but the padding went to shit recently (which is why I have an old-people cushion on there). The back of the chair is far from soft, but it is good enough so far. Obutto offers a special mount for the TM Hog. As you can see, I don't have it. Instead, I ordered the standard flight stick and throttle kit (Bought the Obutto before I had the TM Hog) and clamped the stick down using C-clamps. The throttle is screwed into an old sub I had sitting around, but it works great this way. Any wooden box would do, but this one is heavy enough that it doesn't move, and yet I can reposition the throttle easily. (Sadly, the sub is not functioning.) If you are only going to be playing DCS in your rig, buying the Obutto kit for your TM Hog might be a good idea, but since I play BF4, ARMA and the like on here too, I didn't want a huge chunk of metal jammed between my legs at all times. DK 2 and VR: I have both the DK1 and 2, and have used both extensively for DCS. It is because of the Oculus Rift that I've decided against building a full on switch-for-switch cockpit. I love the tactile response of using real switches, and if one of you guys with a sweet cockpit built happened to live in Iowa, I'd be at your door to try it, but I'm convinced that once the Rift hits the right resolution, it'll out date any cockpit I can build. Simply being able to look over your shoulder to admire your recent gun-run as you climb and turn is unbelivably satisfying. With that said, I fly with the setup you see here 90% of the time. Until the Rift is high res enough to allow me to read my HUD, I can't replace the screens. While I have my start-up flow good enough to get into the air in the Rift, reading my speed and delivering weapons is still not easy. And to those of you who have all the switches, buttons and knobs, I truly admire your work! If VR falls through, I may build a pit after all. Sorry for the length, and thanks for reading. Entropy Squadron Possibly the least serious group of pilots on Earth [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]
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