londo-cat Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 I was just looking at the new EPIC USB. As usual, the EPIC board is pretty much the gold standard and costs the most. Just to get the EPIC USB, Expansion Module, 32 Digit Display Controller, and possible the Gauge / Meter module will set you back $1000 for just those 4 boards. Link: http://www.flightlink.com/epic/epicusb.html While I used the older EPIC ISA card on my F-16 Viper, I'm not going to go rip the card out to use it on the KA-50 and was thinking of going with either the EPIC USB or a combo of Phidgets and other interface boards. Anyone have any experience with the EPIC USB so far? :pilotfly: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triggerhappy69 Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 WAY To pricy mate..! Are they really THAT much better that the alternatives? "But (504)Brewber said they were'nt friendly.. So I took'em out.!" [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schwinn Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 They are the standard over here in North America for simpit building...but I agree way to over priced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triggerhappy69 Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 I have noticed that when reading the Viperpits.org forum (which everyone should read just because the builders there are out of this world good.!).! But there's such an immense gap in the price difference from EPIC cards to, say Opencockpits cards.? A PCB is a PCB in general, and the software doesn't seem to be THAT much better? So there must be another reason why they are expensive? .. I can't belive they are the standard just because? Or is it really so? "But (504)Brewber said they were'nt friendly.. So I took'em out.!" [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HitchHikingFlatlander Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 I think cheap myself which is why my projects are always old controllers that turn out looking like Frankenstein! http://dcs-mercenaries.com/ USA Squad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaman Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 Add FAA TAG to that, and the price will rocket sky high ~10x times :) Yes, aviation parts are pricey... even for us, home-simmers. 51PVO Founding member (DEC2007-) 100KIAP Founding member (DEC2018-) :: Shaman aka [100☭] Shamansky tail# 44 or 444 [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] 100KIAP Regiment Early Warning & Control officer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JG14_Smil Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 yes, they have always cost that much. I bought mine when they first came out and am lucky to have stocked up over the years on parts to spread out the cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
talisman Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Something strange is happening in the simulator world. More people are getting into Flight Simming and as a direct result there are more and more people buying Hardware. Now instead of this reducing prices - they seem to be going up as more simmers dig deeper and deeper into their pockets. Look at the Humble TripleHead2Go. this is now a full £100 ($175) More than it was 2 years ago, and thats not just the digital version - the analogue is only £30 (£50) less. Wait untill saitek start making IO cards. :) [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No - Its a Stinger - Damn....... My Pit - http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=42253 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leafer Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 (edited) More people are getting into Flight Simming and as a direct result there are more and more people buying Hardware. Now instead of this reducing prices - they seem to be going up as more simmers dig deeper and deeper into their pockets. I read the other day, I think huffingtonpost, that the opposite is happening. Gaming industry is taking a big hit because of the economical crunch though not as bad as other form of entertainment industries. The article mentioned that the hardware industry taking the blunt of it all -- sales are at the all time low. Back on topic... I don't have any experience with EPIC but I seriously doubt you need to spend that kind of money to build a simple pit. Even if you are building a full blown 777 pit with working gauges etc, I'm sure you can find less expensive alternatives out there. I have several of them bookmarked, I'll post them as soon as I get home in about a week. Edited July 20, 2009 by leafer ED have been taking my money since 1995. :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londo-cat Posted July 23, 2009 Author Share Posted July 23, 2009 I don't have any experience with EPIC but I seriously doubt you need to spend that kind of money to build a simple pit. Even if you are building a full blown 777 pit with working gauges etc, I'm sure you can find less expensive alternatives out there. I have several of them bookmarked, I'll post them as soon as I get home in about a week. Yes - the EPIC USB is expensive, but with about 100+ switches that need to be emulated, I was looking for a cheap alternative. On another thread someone posted this (http://www.hagstromelectronics.com/products/ke_usb108.html) and it looks like it's a good alternative with 108 programable inputs. Right now I'm looking to just get it up and running, but I am still just in the pit building phase and still looking for a viable pit board. I was also looking at the Leo Bodnar board, but it looks like his site went off-line and is no longer in business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schwinn Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 I was also looking at the Leo Bodnar board, but it looks like his site went off-line and is no longer in business. His support forums are still up. Here are some other links to similar cards. http://www.u-hid.com/ The distribution point for these cards. Might be a viable solution if in fact Leo is gone. http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=3 http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=2 www.codemercs.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triggerhappy69 Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 His support forums are still up. Here are some other links to similar cards. http://www.u-hid.com/ The distribution point for these cards. Might be a viable solution if in fact Leo is gone. http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=3 http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=2 www.codemercs.com GOOD FIND..! I couldn't help but let out a little "hooray" when I read this: " KeyWarrior20 KeyWarrior20 Chips support keyboards with up to 20x12 keys. USB, PS/2, and ADB interfaces USB 1.1/2.0 compliant, Low Speed All three PS/2 codesets supported Power Key on separate input Customer specific key layout, either factory programmed or in-system Programming options: Flex, Operator, and Commander Direct outputs for Caps, Num, and Scroll LEDs Diodes in matrix possible Available in SSOP48 package" 20+12 keys..! That's a grand total of 240 switches that can be connected to each card..! "But (504)Brewber said they were'nt friendly.. So I took'em out.!" [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schwinn Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 20+12 keys..! That's a grand total of 240 switches that can be connected to each card..! Wow. LoL I didn't see that one =) If you build one...build two and i will buy one off you ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londo-cat Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share Posted July 24, 2009 His support forums are still up. Here are some other links to similar cards. http://www.u-hid.com/ The distribution point for these cards. Might be a viable solution if in fact Leo is gone. http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=3 http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=2 www.codemercs.com This is *EXCELLENT* and exactly the reason why we gather on this forum, to exchange ideas and information which makes our hobbies more interesting and fun! Thank you Schwinn for that information! :thumbup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schwinn Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 Saw these on Hagstroms site. Never saw them there before =) Yet another alternative to Leo's cards. http://www.hagstromelectronics.com/products/kead6.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex_rcpilot Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 (edited) I wish I wasn't where I'm at - I don't have access to some of those links coz commies banned them. They don't even know what the pages are about. Seriously, I won't buy a bunch of overpriced cards which are even more expensive than a decent computer. Edited July 30, 2009 by Alex_rcpilot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triggerhappy69 Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 I wish I wasn't where I'm at - I don't have access to some of those links coz commies banned them. They don't even know what the pages are about. Seriously, I won't buy a bunch of overpriced cards which are even more expensive than a decent computer. LoL.. But Alex, you forget.. We don't know how to make the bl**dy things from scratch like you do..? I've seen the stuff your working on, and a keyboard card is just one nights work for you..:smartass: "But (504)Brewber said they were'nt friendly.. So I took'em out.!" [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sokol1_br Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 (edited) iBoard = 128 devices http://www.simmeters.com/iboard.html Alex_rcpilot, You know Mjoy16 DIY? Up to 112 inputs per card, plus HAT. Sokol1 Edited July 30, 2009 by Sokol1_br Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex_rcpilot Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 LoL.. But Alex, you forget.. We don't know how to make the bl**dy things from scratch like you do..? I've seen the stuff your working on, and a keyboard card is just one nights work for you..:smartass: Well in that way of speaking....patience dude, be patient. I'm trying my best to present you something good.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londo-cat Posted July 31, 2009 Author Share Posted July 31, 2009 iBoard = 128 devices http://www.simmeters.com/iboard.html Alex_rcpilot, You know Mjoy16 DIY? Up to 112 inputs per card, plus HAT. Sokol1 Now THATS what I am talking about! Yes - good price too! :thumbup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex_rcpilot Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 iBoard = 128 devices http://www.simmeters.com/iboard.html Alex_rcpilot, You know Mjoy16 DIY? Up to 112 inputs per card, plus HAT. Sokol1 Yes I've seen people working on Mjoy16 with ATmega16L. iBoard looks cool! Another fine product based on PIC. As a candidate of Microchip FAE interview, I'd say these guys are real good!:thumbup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deadman Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 A must read for the Sim builder Mikes second book is out.If its half as good as the first you will be able to build what ever you want. http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/ https://www.shapeways.com/shops/a-10c-warthog-supplies CNCs and Laser engravers are great but they can't do squat with out a precise set of plans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triggerhappy69 Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 I'm sticking with Opencockpits. I know that they might seem complicated but with one mastercard being capable of 64 digital outputs, 72 digital inputs and still have a spare bus for 7-segment displays. And the USB expansion card it's the most versatile and adaptable system for the price.? 2 mastercards ( 144 inputs of your own choise. Rotaty encoder, switch, push-buttons, proximity sensor, whatever) (128 outputs. LEDs, relays, whatever) 1 USB expansion card (holds up to 4 mastercards and has 4 analouge axis for HOCAS) Price: 200USD And with these you can hook up servos , stepper motors through add on cards. "But (504)Brewber said they were'nt friendly.. So I took'em out.!" [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triggerhappy69 Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 ... allthough the IBoard does look awfully tempting to... Aaargh..! "But (504)Brewber said they were'nt friendly.. So I took'em out.!" [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triggerhappy69 Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Well in that way of speaking....patience dude, be patient. I'm trying my best to present you something good.:D I know mate.. I know.. But I also know you..! And knowing you I know it will be GOOD..! And I know I should be patient, but I don't know how I'm supposed to know how to be? Because as you said you know you will be presenting something GODD..! If you know what I mean...:music_whistling: "But (504)Brewber said they were'nt friendly.. So I took'em out.!" [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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