Soul's Pit

[AhSoul]

Thought I'd start a thread on my own 'pit.

 

Basically it's an ABC, but I've modified it to fit a 20" LCD in the main panel along with mounting for TM MFDs. Also modified to get a centre stick using my TM HOTAS.

 

Painted the front section grey and the panel is covered in carbon fibre vinyl which I think looks quite nice :)

 

Now need to work on the rear section and make proper seat cushions!

[AhSoul]

Worth noting that I'm not going for realism with the layout (obvious from the Helios layout and the low MFDs) I guess. I put the MFDs down there as it was easier to run the cables away :)

[Mike Powell]

The pursuit of realism is a goal in itself, important to some and not to others.

 

I think you've got a really good set up. It puts the important stuff where you need it and lets you get into the game.

[agrasyuk]

indeed a sound setup. and a good start when you decide you want to get a bit more into it

[Feed]

indeed a sound setup. and a good start when you decide you want to get a bit more into it

 

That's a builder, there ... "when", no "if". Great pit - clean, functional, ready for more.

[Deadman]

Very cool setup :thumbup:

[lxsapper]

I like it.

[AhSoul]

Thanks guys! Spent a couple of hours re-doing my Helios layout last night to be more useful. So now have the CDU keypad on screen and some other stuff.

 

I've had to replace that 30" TV screen with a 22" monitor for the time being though as I need more resolution. Will replace with bigger monitor(s) later.

 

More photos to come as I work on the seat area as well :)

[lxsapper]

Is it a HDReady TV? I'm Using a 32'' FullHD led myself (on my desk), plus a 21" touchsceen, in a similar configuration, it's freaking awesome. I sure wish I had the space to build a cockpit though.

[AhSoul]

No the 30" was a 720p TV I had lying around. Thought it would give a nice FOV. But after you remove overscan the resolution left was something like 1280x650, which is terrible. The main menu of the game didn't even work properly.

 

My 22" has 1650x1050 so while being smaller everything is much, much clearer in the cockpit. I want to put 3 screens up at some point but need to save up for that :)

[lxsapper]

Why do you have to remove overscan?

[AhSoul]

So lots of the screen isn't hidden under the TV bezel.... If you don't resize to cope you can't see radio messages etc.

 

Now I'm on a proper computer monitor with a decent resolution it's not an issue anyway.

[lxsapper]

In my TV i adjust the overscan to fit the screen size but the resolution does not change. Make sure also change the TV to "Just Scan" on the aspect ratio selection, this should be done before, because you are likely to have to adjust the overscan after. Also are you using HDMI connection? I have to use a DVI to HDMI in order to be able to use both screens.

[AhSoul]

Don't think my TV had settings to do that stuff - it's a pretty naff tv :)

 

Even if I sorted it out I'd still only have 1360x720 which isn't enough anyway!

[Hansolo]

Looking good. There is room for applying switches around the LCD if you should ever get the bug :music_whistling:but be careful about getting it :lol:

 

Cheers

Hans

[AhSoul]

Yes there is plenty of room for switches ;)

 

I'm trying very hard to resist the temptation believe me!

 

My problem with switches is doing it in a way that would work for multiple A/C though.

[lxsapper]

Interchangeble panels....

 

I didn't say anything... :)

 

(Resistance is Futile!)

[AhSoul]

Stop it! :D

[cichlidfan]

Stop it! :D

 

On the bright side, there is a support group, albeit, not a very effective one, full of people with the same affliction. ;)

[AhSoul]

Hehe :)

 

I think I need to finish the pit itself off first before working on switch panels - half is naked ugly MDF atm and I need to make a proper seat out of foam (I'm using garden chair cushions atm).

 

I've also got a cunning plan to mount the rear section on rollers so I can slide it back to get in then slide it all the way forward to be near the switchpanel ;)

[nobrot]

The pursuit of realism is a goal in itself, important to some and not to others.

 

I think you've got a really good set up. It puts the important stuff where you need it and lets you get into the game.

 

Totally agree with Mike, it looks great and I bet its a lot of fun to fly!

[AhSoul]

Thanks nobrot :)

 

I need to spend some building rather than playing, but really enjoying the game ATM!

[nobrot]

Thanks nobrot :)

 

I need to spend some building rather than playing, but really enjoying the game ATM!

 

I have not even figured out how to deploy weapons yet!, so I only fly now and again at the moment, I just cant get on with keyboards and flight sims, I will save all the flying and learning until the sim in state one!!

[AhSoul]

TBH mate you can most things with just the TM MFDs and the WH HOTAS. I rarely use the keyboard for anything other than external views etc.