Shootingiron
Delay forever, or not at all.
TLDR: Two things, what do you guys think of my concept, and where can I go to learn how to build switches, etc for my simpit project?
Hello!
Well, it’s official, I’m going to build a simulator. Unfortunately it’s going to be a Cessna 172 and not a DG-IV. This is because I want to use it primarily as an actual technical/procedures trainer to support getting my private pilot’s license … and also because it’s cool. =)
Because I’m learning to fly, and because a garage airplane is actually quite a bit different than a real airplane, I –must- make this simulator as immersive as possible. Unfortunately that standard meant buying or building this: http://www.fspilotshop.com/vrinisght-prop-cockpit-trainer-p-2561.html. And 7k USD before I even get the monitors built is ... unreasonable.
However I had an epiphany a few weeks ago … an Oculus Rift would be an excellent solution for a number of reasons; a 3D headset is about as visually immersive as anyone can get, it might even be cheaper than a multiple monitor set up and even though the headset restricts my real-world view, a C172 cockpit is simple enough to be able to operate by feel.
So … I don’t need to make a perfectly immersive cockpit anymore, I only need to make a physically immersive cockpit (all the switches/control items, not the gauges/visual items) and rely on the Rift for visual immersion.
I’m an electronics beginner, so the plan is to buy as much off the shelf as I can and build the rest.
I have: Saitek Pro Flight Yoke/rudder pedals and 3 lever throttle cluster, old but serviceable
Just bought: Saitek Pro Flight switch panel, throttle/prop/mixture panel and trim wheel.
Will buy: Occulus Rift and new computer to run it.
Might buy: Radio stack
Will build: obviously the cockpit framework, but also the important switches; Wing flap switch (a lever), Fuel Selector valve handle (dial), carb heat control knob (push/pull switch) and multiple rotary switches for altimeter, ADF, VOR, gyro, etc.
Might build: less important switches, static pressure alt. source valve (push/pull), panel and radio light dimming switches (rheostats), A/C, heat controls (for a cold garage), etc, etc …
So, the real bottle neck here is the long list of switches and dials that I have to build from scratch and the fact that I really don’t know where to start … any advice?
George
Hello!
Well, it’s official, I’m going to build a simulator. Unfortunately it’s going to be a Cessna 172 and not a DG-IV. This is because I want to use it primarily as an actual technical/procedures trainer to support getting my private pilot’s license … and also because it’s cool. =)
Because I’m learning to fly, and because a garage airplane is actually quite a bit different than a real airplane, I –must- make this simulator as immersive as possible. Unfortunately that standard meant buying or building this: http://www.fspilotshop.com/vrinisght-prop-cockpit-trainer-p-2561.html. And 7k USD before I even get the monitors built is ... unreasonable.
However I had an epiphany a few weeks ago … an Oculus Rift would be an excellent solution for a number of reasons; a 3D headset is about as visually immersive as anyone can get, it might even be cheaper than a multiple monitor set up and even though the headset restricts my real-world view, a C172 cockpit is simple enough to be able to operate by feel.
So … I don’t need to make a perfectly immersive cockpit anymore, I only need to make a physically immersive cockpit (all the switches/control items, not the gauges/visual items) and rely on the Rift for visual immersion.
I’m an electronics beginner, so the plan is to buy as much off the shelf as I can and build the rest.
I have: Saitek Pro Flight Yoke/rudder pedals and 3 lever throttle cluster, old but serviceable
Just bought: Saitek Pro Flight switch panel, throttle/prop/mixture panel and trim wheel.
Will buy: Occulus Rift and new computer to run it.
Might buy: Radio stack
Will build: obviously the cockpit framework, but also the important switches; Wing flap switch (a lever), Fuel Selector valve handle (dial), carb heat control knob (push/pull switch) and multiple rotary switches for altimeter, ADF, VOR, gyro, etc.
Might build: less important switches, static pressure alt. source valve (push/pull), panel and radio light dimming switches (rheostats), A/C, heat controls (for a cold garage), etc, etc …
So, the real bottle neck here is the long list of switches and dials that I have to build from scratch and the fact that I really don’t know where to start … any advice?
George