GrogHeads Forum

Digital Gaming => Computer Gaming => Topic started by: Jarhead0331 on January 10, 2019, 11:11:35 AM

Title: Building a pit
Post by: Jarhead0331 on January 10, 2019, 11:11:35 AM
As mentioned in the DCS thread, I've started to build a cockpit since I have been devoting more and more time to high fidelity flight simming. So far, I've set up the Next Level Stand with the Flight and desk-top add-on kits.

I'm getting used to it, and for flying its great. The problem is more the impact on all of my other gaming. Even the stand takes up a lot of space and if I just want to use the PC for traditional gaming, work, or anything else, the stand and associated equipment is definitely in the way. Additionally, forget about room scale VR gaming. The thing takes up most of the space where I stand and move around.

Now, the arms of the stand can slide down so I can push the thing under my desk. This takes only a minute or two.

I think I'm going to stick with this set up for awhile and see how it works out. Anything more and the impact on my other gaming, work activities, etc. will be more permanent.

FYI - Before anyone says anything...my daughter picks the desktop pictures...   :-\

(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49698556_10205564503108110_3417386966394601472_o.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=99537849747b72ec9b0e99e21060f13f&oe=5CB8623D)

(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/50049683_10205564503148111_2473642992011837440_o.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=20fa746121f50fa81bf75874a22eb815&oe=5CC1D6D1)
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Skoop on January 10, 2019, 12:10:23 PM
Great, keep it simple like that.  When you first mentioned it, I thought you were going to spend a bunch of money on some premade consumer model.  A simple stand DIY is just as good.  If your going to spend money, I'd spend it on new sticks or rudder peddals.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Gusington on January 10, 2019, 12:53:42 PM
Before you said your daughter picks the desktop pictures I thought the image was a reflection.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Tpek on January 10, 2019, 01:57:56 PM
Is that the helmet you wore during your Marine days on your PC case? :P
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Jarhead0331 on January 10, 2019, 02:54:46 PM
Quote from: Tpek on January 10, 2019, 01:57:56 PM
Is that the helmet you wore during your Marine days on your PC case? :P

Negative. its the helmet I wore during my Mandalorian Bounty Hunting days.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Tpek on January 10, 2019, 03:09:16 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on January 10, 2019, 02:54:46 PM
Quote from: Tpek on January 10, 2019, 01:57:56 PM
Is that the helmet you wore during your Marine days on your PC case? :P

Negative. its the helmet I wore during my Mandalorian Bounty Hunting days.

How would you compare that job to your current one, being a lawyer?
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Yskonyn on January 10, 2019, 03:46:06 PM
Nice one JH! It seems quite practical. I also thought you were going for a full on pit.

Here my setup:

(https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1L6LNTUyY9f2mQJVhxb-3ursSJokmgmKX)

The monitor on the right is 22" by the way, for reference.😜
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Skoop on January 10, 2019, 03:50:56 PM
^ Whats that switch pad above your keyboard ?
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: DoctorQuest on January 10, 2019, 04:01:43 PM
My set up looks a lot like Yskonyn's. I have one desk set up for simming and another one for everything else. The joystick and throttle "holders" look nice.

Nice, practical pit, JH. It looks like it would fit the bill very well.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Yskonyn on January 10, 2019, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Skoop on January 10, 2019, 03:50:56 PM
^ Whats that switch pad above your keyboard ?

That's a DSD Flight series buttonbox.
I use it to control radio volume in DCS and several other functions like course and heading pointer control, altimeter setting, lights and pitot switching, etc.

http://derekspearedesigns.com/dsd-flight---flt1flt2.html

The rotaries for volume, course and altimeter especially are a great quality of life improvement in multiplayer when trying to stay in formation or execute certain procedural maneuvers.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Toonces on January 10, 2019, 06:55:41 PM
I have the same challenge using my sim pit for any other gaming other than flight simming.  Thus, I actually end up doing most of my gaming on a laptop and just leave the pit for the sim stuff.

If you've got the disposable cash, that might be an option.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: DoctorQuest on January 10, 2019, 07:52:43 PM
I use a single desktop for both simming and regular gaming. I just have two monitors, keyboards and mice. My video card has no problem with two monitors and the magic of USB takes care of the keyboards and mice. I didn't spend any money on the joystick stand, only a few dollars on my throttle stand and my pilot's seat is a good quality office chair I got when my former company remodeled.

Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Gusington on January 10, 2019, 10:01:05 PM
Holy mother of God, Yassy...
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: MikeGER on January 11, 2019, 04:43:27 AM
Yskonyn's  O0


WOW those stick und throttle mounts at the table look sturdy ...i bet you can pull a lot of Gs with that when someone on your 6 ;)

it looks like frame parts i knew from lab equipment or for a pilot plant setup?
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: FlickJax on January 11, 2019, 04:50:02 AM
Lots of cables :)
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Tamas on January 11, 2019, 06:10:19 AM
Yskonyn, those joystick and throttle holder thingies are your DIY constructions, or can be purchased somewhere? 
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Jarhead0331 on January 11, 2019, 06:41:40 AM
Quote from: Tamas on January 11, 2019, 06:10:19 AM
Yskonyn, those joystick and throttle holder thingies are your DIY constructions, or can be purchased somewhere?

They can be purchased. Google "HOTAS desk mounts"
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Tamas on January 11, 2019, 06:50:20 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on January 11, 2019, 06:41:40 AM
Quote from: Tamas on January 11, 2019, 06:10:19 AM
Yskonyn, those joystick and throttle holder thingies are your DIY constructions, or can be purchased somewhere?

They can be purchased. Google "HOTAS desk mounts"

Cheers.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: joram on January 11, 2019, 08:30:30 AM
No cockpit setup is complete without the emergency box of tissues!
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Kushan on January 11, 2019, 08:37:30 AM
I'm disappointed, I was expecting pictures of Jarhead cutting off the nose section of a retired fighter and moving it into his living room.

I've been thinking over the last few months about building a home cockpit in the next few years. Given that I tend to fly multiple different aircraft I'll probably build generically rather then doing say a dedicated 737 flight deck.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: acctingman on January 11, 2019, 10:12:09 AM
nerds......
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Gusington on January 11, 2019, 10:16:43 AM
'Nerds...nerds never change...'
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Phantom on January 11, 2019, 02:46:53 PM
I've done something similar for playing my WW1 sim "Verdun" - its just a normal PC desk but I stand up in about a foot of freezing cold water, only eat biscuits & rancid water, and get my wife to subject me to mock "gas attacks" by spraying me with mace when I'm least expecting it.
It really adds to the atmosphere, though I did lose 2 toes recently.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Gusington on January 11, 2019, 02:57:55 PM
Hardcore.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Father Ted on January 11, 2019, 06:30:23 PM
Quote from: joram on January 11, 2019, 08:30:30 AM
No cockpit setup is complete without the emergency box of tissues!

i assumed that was there for when the PC was being used for "other" purposes.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Gusington on January 11, 2019, 06:47:15 PM
  :-"
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Yskonyn on January 11, 2019, 07:27:09 PM
Quote from: Tamas on January 11, 2019, 06:10:19 AM
Yskonyn, those joystick and throttle holder thingies are your DIY constructions, or can be purchased somewhere?

They are these:
https://www.monstertech.de/en/product/joystick-hotas-table-mount/
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Yskonyn on January 15, 2019, 11:28:18 AM
Oh and I'd like to add the Jetseat as a great pit part!
If a game isnt supported as a profile in USB mode you can still get force feedback in Sound Intercept mode (like Elite Dangerous).
Especially in VR a superb increaser of immersion!
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Kushan on January 16, 2019, 11:57:49 PM
Little off topic but didn't feel like starting a new thread.

My TrackIR Pro clip broke, again. Was looking at getting a Delanclip as a replacement for the flimsy pro clip that I've broken multiple times now and came across the Delanclip Fusion (https://delanengineering.com/shop/DELANCLiP-Fusion-30th-January-Batch-p117180412), a wireless tracking clip. Anyone have one these? I've seen the normal Delanclip is highly recommended as a TrackIR Pro clip replacement but I'm always down for cutting out wires if possible.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Killjoy12 on January 17, 2019, 12:16:15 AM
I had the same issue with my TrackIR Pro clip, so I picked up a LukeClip.   I have been quite happy with it.   https://www.facebook.com/lukeclip/ (https://www.facebook.com/lukeclip/) 

Quote from: Kushan on January 16, 2019, 11:57:49 PM


My TrackIR Pro clip broke, again. Was looking at getting a Delanclip as a replacement for the flimsy pro clip that I've broken multiple times now and came across the Delanclip Fusion (https://delanengineering.com/shop/DELANCLiP-Fusion-30th-January-Batch-p117180412), a wireless tracking clip. Anyone have one these? I've seen the normal Delanclip is highly recommended as a TrackIR Pro clip replacement but I'm always down for cutting out wires if possible.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Tamas on January 17, 2019, 06:30:30 AM
Quote from: Yskonyn on January 11, 2019, 07:27:09 PM
Quote from: Tamas on January 11, 2019, 06:10:19 AM
Yskonyn, those joystick and throttle holder thingies are your DIY constructions, or can be purchased somewhere?

They are these:
https://www.monstertech.de/en/product/joystick-hotas-table-mount/

Great, thanks!
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Toonces on March 01, 2021, 12:04:38 AM
'sup fellas.

I'm bumping this thread because my silly wife has scotched any chance of me reassembling my Obutto cockpit in our shared home office.  Sigh.  So, I'm in the position where I "can buy a new desk" and will need to build a new flight sim setup, but still use the desk for work.  My new job requires me to work from home, so the cockpit has to be subordinate to being able to use the desk for work.   Sigh (again).

Question: I've been thinking of using the main part of a table/desk for the work part, and then the part at the head of the desk/table (like 90 degrees from the main part) as the flight sim part.  I could set up two monitors 90 degrees to one another, but I'm wondering if it might be better to go full-in on the VR thing.  That way I'd have the main monitor for work, and the VR headset on the flight sim side of the table.  How well are you VR guys making out with VR for things like Falcon 4/DCS?  For something like War Over Flanders Fields I think VR would work fine; biplanes don't need too much keyboard pressing.  I'm worried about flying and fighting a jet, though, without being able to see a "real" keyboard.

I've never done VR BTW.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Jarhead0331 on March 01, 2021, 12:27:54 AM
Quote from: Toonces on March 01, 2021, 12:04:38 AM
'sup fellas.

I'm bumping this thread because my silly wife has scotched any chance of me reassembling my Obutto cockpit in our shared home office.  Sigh.  So, I'm in the position where I "can buy a new desk" and will need to build a new flight sim setup, but still use the desk for work.  My new job requires me to work from home, so the cockpit has to be subordinate to being able to use the desk for work.   Sigh (again).

Question: I've been thinking of using the main part of a table/desk for the work part, and then the part at the head of the desk/table (like 90 degrees from the main part) as the flight sim part.  I could set up two monitors 90 degrees to one another, but I'm wondering if it might be better to go full-in on the VR thing.  That way I'd have the main monitor for work, and the VR headset on the flight sim side of the table.  How well are you VR guys making out with VR for things like Falcon 4/DCS?  For something like War Over Flanders Fields I think VR would work fine; biplanes don't need too much keyboard pressing.  I'm worried about flying and fighting a jet, though, without being able to see a "real" keyboard.

I've never done VR BTW.

Just for the record, there is no VR in Falcon or WOFF. You'll need to stick with DCS, Flying Circus, IL-2 BOX and a few other supported titles.

As far as keyboards go, you'll map most everything to your HOTAS. As you get more comfortable, you'll start eliminating more keys until eventually you never use it all. I no longer touch my keyboard in DCS. I've eliminated through a combination devices, which you've seen in the pics I posted in the DCS thread. I forgot I had started this one!

I have two desks in my office. One for simming and the other for work and standard gaming. Not sure if you have room in your office (or more than one gaming rig) to accomplish that.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Toonces on March 01, 2021, 12:38:42 AM
OK, that's exactly what I needed to know.  A second desk is, unfortunately, not an option.  And, it sounds like dual monitors are the way to go (for now).  I already have two monitors, so that's an easy kill.

I guess a new desk that is mount-friendly is the way to go.  Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, my CH Throttle is glued onto my Obutto side mount and I can't remove it without breaking the controller.  Soooo....I gotta upgrade my HOTAS.  So the good news is that I can kind of build all this setup from scratch, do it once and do it right.  I've had my current HOTAS rig for at least 15 years, so I feel like I got my money's worth out of it.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: jamus34 on March 01, 2021, 06:42:56 AM
Not sure if this is what you are looking for Toonces but Monstertech also makes chair mountable Hotas rigs. They seem pretty customizable too. So you could arguably buy a new gaming chair, install all your stuff, including a USB hub if necessary, and just wheel it over and plug in when you want to fly.

I have a dxracer chair that I no longer use as a primary as I found from working fully remote it is too hard / not supportive enough on the posterior for 40+ hours at a time but it's fine for 2 -3 hour sessions. I plan to pick up monstertech gear and get to modding when the VKB throttle is finally available and I have some extra scratch.

Just throwing this out there as an option versus a whole new rig and or desk.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Jarhead0331 on March 01, 2021, 08:01:21 AM
Good idea Jamus...I agree that mounting to the chair may be a more cost effective and simpler option in the short term.

Speaking of costs, it's apparently a really bad time to be in the HOTAS market. Supply is very low and demand is very high. Prices of the more popular brands, like the warthog have skyrocketed.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Dammit Carl! on March 01, 2021, 11:33:03 AM
Could always go nuts with PVC piping; seen more than one rig (albeit for auto racing) crafted from stuff like that.

Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Skoop on March 01, 2021, 02:30:39 PM
I have the monster tech chair mounts and they work great, just a little pricey.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Hot lead and dirty talk! on March 01, 2021, 02:38:28 PM
If you are going to abbreviate it, why not be honest and say you are building a cock?
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Hot lead and dirty talk! on March 01, 2021, 02:47:01 PM
Next, people will be asking to see pictures of your cock.

Ohhh, look at that cock! It's unbelievable!

They will all come to this thread and bow down and worship JH's cock.

Some may even begin to post pictures of their owns cocks.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Gusington on March 01, 2021, 03:00:12 PM
 :-[
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Dammit Carl! on March 01, 2021, 03:30:36 PM
Lol, that took a bit of a turn.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Jarhead0331 on March 01, 2021, 03:31:20 PM
Quote from: Hot lead and dirty talk! on March 01, 2021, 02:47:01 PM
Next, people will be asking to see pictures of your cock.

Ohhh, look at that cock! It's unbelievable!

They will all come to this thread and bow down and worship JH's cock.

Some may even begin to post pictures of their owns cocks.

Is this supposed to be humor, or is there something you are trying to get off of your chest?
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Toonces on March 01, 2021, 05:21:44 PM
You know, the chair option might be the way to go the more I think on this.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Skoop on March 01, 2021, 09:48:27 PM
They work great from an ergonomic standpoint toonces.  Plus there's pads you can add for your mouse to be right next to the stick.

You can also get the desk mounts from monster tech from an Amazon reseller which is great from a logistical stand point.
Title: Re: Building a pit
Post by: Yskonyn on March 02, 2021, 01:14:47 AM
Another monstertech user. I use two deskclamps for the stick and throttle unit and can attest they work very well, are pretty moddable too and are made of solid alu and steel.
They are easy to mount and dismount; I have the same issue as you in that my desk needs to be used for non sim tasks as well.

My current setup:
Warthog HOTAS
MFG Crosswind pedals
Track IR5 / HP Reverb G2 VR
43" Philips 4K monitor (for non VR simming)
Elgato Streamdeck XL (wonderful for all kinds of rebinding en function organisation)