...while still retaining the feel of a "simulator", at least somewhat.

I'm glad I haven't really done any "real" construction on a simpit, because I keep rethinking how I want to approach the whole concept. Unfortunately, I do not have the finances or the space at this point in time to pursue a full enclosed pit, so I am instead going to be going for a "deskpit" of some sort.

My biggest problem is that I like to do all sorts of flying, everything from low and slow VFR flying to high speed jet work. So what I am now thinking of (translated: BTilson's Simpit Concept Idea # 772) is going completely generic for things that apply to all types of flying, like flaps, trim, radios, etc, and going "slightly" more specific for things that only apply to GA flying or to jet flying. Jet starter switches on one side, and a Cessna style magneto switches on the other, for instance.

My overall concept is a desk with two LCD monitors, a 22" widescreen will be for the main front view, occasionally displaying the 2d panel view when necessary, and a 17" widescreen will likely run the FreeFD PFD/ND/EICAS. The 22" will be "above" the 17" therefore at least somewhat simulating looking out of the front of the plane over the instruments.

On either side of the monitors will be panel racks where I will be mounting all the various panels I have made/will make. These will house radios, autopilot, engine controls (starter, etc)

For the time being, the pit will be ran off of one computer, so controls for the external programs like the FreeFD suite will result in me having to pause the simulator to give focus to those programs so that any panels (EFIS mainly) will send the keystrokes to that program instead of the sim. Slightly annoying, but nothing major, and I see no real way around that with only one computer.

As far as hardware interfacing, I am likely going to go with Opencockpits IOCards setup. The price is right, the functionality is awesome, and the support from them seems to be excellent.

I am looking for suggestions from all you friendly folks on how to go generic, and yet still at least retain SOME of the look/feel of a simulator. Suggestions on layout, interfacing ideas, panel suggestions, etc would all be very welcome. Any links to articles/pictures/etc of anything related to such a venture would also be nice.

Muchas Gracias mis amigos!

Hey, I really REALLY like that. Very nice work, and that GoFlight console looks like a pretty nice piece of hardware. I've made all my panels so far to GoFlight panel dimensions, because I figured I'd eventually want to use some of their racks. From the looks of your setup, that jet console would serve as a wonderful starting point.

Thanks for the input!

BTilson wrote on Jun 10^th, 2008 at 5:49pm:


If you have not done so already, you might want to see the series on the building of my pit.  It is totally "generic".  Yet if you look at the pictures, you may not recognize the specific aircraft (ideas "stolen" from many planes).... but there is no question that it is a commercial air transport aircraft cockpit.

It is MY aircraft. 

I think making a combined GA  and AT sircraft cockpit however is a REAL challenge.  Two completely different beasts.

best,

.....................john

Spend some time on Airliners Net and look at the cockpit photos.  Try to decide what elements make a cockpit LOOK like a cockpit. Not the specifice of a panel but the visual "feel" of the panels.

Then try to capture that feel.

BTilson wrote on Jun 11^th, 2008 at 12:16pm:




It's a serious challenge... I started out wanting to do exactly that: just a few simple boxes that would sit on a desk and emulate a sort of "all purpose" cockpit.

But that idea didn't last long...

Whatever you decide, if you really want to stop short of an enclosure, I'd advise you to focus less on what sort of plane it looks like, and more on the ergonomics. That is, after all, what drives most of us into this zone beyond a joystick and keyboard: the desire to have everything where it should be, as in a real aircraft.

I'm enjoying building my fairly ridiculous 'pit, but so far, the thing that's gotten me most excited is not how it looks, or the fact that it's enclosed, but having it partially mocked up to the point where I can sit in the seat, move the rudder pedals, and manipulate the throttle quadrant levers. 
It's gonna be even better when I don't have to touch a keyboard at all, except to enter text for a saved flight.

On the other hand, although I am pretty pleased with the appearance of my enclosure, I've had moments where I regret having gone that route...so far it's been mostly a furniture project that's taken a lot of hours.

But on the other other hand, if you do get into some sort of aesthetic concept, keeping it generic, although it forces you to do a lot of design as opposed to copying something, definitely liberates your creativity. I am awestruck by the full-scale reproductions I've seen: that is a serious commitment for a craftsman. too much for me, for a first 'pit anyway. And despite the crazy turns the design has taken as I try to decide what I want to make, it's been a lot of fun so far coming up with things on my own and really making something unique.
  Mine really doesn't resemble any aircraft, it merely suggests aircraft in general... which was a critical design criteria.

And of course, you won't find yourself flying a Cub while sitting in an airliner seat, or vice-versa.

Must toot my own horn, of course, in case you haven't looked already:

http://www.rottydaddy.com/

Glad I could help.
Just remember one thing: if you build it outside the room you plan to park it in, make sure the biggest piece of it will fit through the door.

And I was serious about getting side-tracked with the enclosure: I got excited about finding free aluminum and got suckered into a rigid aesthetic that demanded lots of fussy fabrication.

On the other hand, if it's going to live in the bedroom, it had better look good there... maybe your wife should design the enclosure!

Haha, yeah I am quite sure that one of the main requirements will be that the outside is "pretty" in some sense. Maybe make it look like a huge dresser or something, and she can put pictures frames and stuff on top of it. Haha.

That is the biggest problem i have with mine.  the fact that I now have all these sub panels strewn all around my desk, with cables and stuff hanging from everywhere.  An enclosure is a good way to go, because "it is never done".  Especially building a generic pit, it will never be complete. 

I haven't finished my autopilot completely and already am starting on a transponder that I was given.  Another box to sit on my desk. 

I seriously need to start putting together an enclosure.