34 replies to this topic

[Endless Ike]

I'm just thinking of all the Gran Turismo dorks who build a giant metal cockpit....Seems like MW has more than its fair share of die-hards enthusiasts.



I think my girlfriend would probably **** a brick if I built this thing in front of the computer...but it sure is tempting!

[Z0MBIE Y0SHI]

I remember seeing people post pictures of similar things back in the day.

I'd do it if I had that kind of will power and free time.

[skamage]

It would be awesome to do but I just don't have the room for something like that.

[Simex]

If you did, you'd obviously need to add this: http://www.razerzone.com/artemis

[Tminus]

I have very limited desk space so I most likely wont be getting the Artemis or building a cockpit . That may change though.

[ORIGINAL SteelWolf]

I already started a thread on this topic a couple weeks ago. Asked the same question.

[Endless Ike]

ORIGINAL SteelWolf, on 29 June 2012 - 08:40 AM, said:

I already started a thread on this topic a couple weeks ago. Asked the same question.

Cool, link?

[BloodAngel3rdD]

If you have the time and the money to build one why not. Make your MWO experience the best you can.

[Donovan Jenks]

Simex, on 29 June 2012 - 07:52 AM, said:

If you did, you'd obviously need to add this: http://www.razerzone.com/artemis

I hope it is interchangable for leftys like me. That thing is geektastic!!

[Project_Mercy]

I have a generic simpit that i use for basically all my games. It's not so great for FPS, but it's good for anything where you're using something other than a K+M. The controls bolt on to the control rail via drum clamps. It has a buttkicker underneath the seat. Since I'm generally using a headset, the headset and sound/voice mixture is controlled by the Astro Gaming mixamp below the monitor. This picture is pretty old. I forgot to bolt on the plate that goes over the nasty-looking seat support on the side. It looks flush normally, with the same hammered-black paint the rest is.



I'm going to ditch it shortly though. I learned a lot from building it. I think I'm going to build something similar to the Emperor 1510 next, but with a bit more adjustability and adjustable controls.

Edited by Wraeththix Constantine, 29 June 2012 - 11:34 AM.

[Endless Ike]

Wraeththix Constantine, on 29 June 2012 - 11:30 AM, said:

I have a generic simpit that i use for basically all my games. It's not so great for FPS, but it's good for anything where you're using something other than a K+M. The controls bolt on to the control rail via drum clamps. It has a buttkicker underneath the seat. Since I'm generally using a headset, the headset and sound/voice mixture is controlled by the Astro Gaming mixamp below the monitor. This picture is pretty old. I forgot to bolt on the plate that goes over the nasty-looking seat support on the side. It looks flush normally, with the same hammered-black paint the rest is.



I'm going to ditch it shortly though. I learned a lot from building it. I think I'm going to build something similar to the Emperor 1510 next, but with a bit more adjustability and adjustable controls.

Did you have plans for that, or did you design it yourself? It's very impressive. I would totally want pedals though

Edited by Endless Ike, 29 June 2012 - 11:38 AM.

[Brunhin Graywind]

If you really wanted to make something like that it wouldnt be too hard...your best bet would be to build your own case/desk in a corner so you only have to build 1 sidewall. The hardest part (or at least the part that would make me flinch the most) would be buying all the appropriate gear, including some sort of conforming seat and the bass shaker to make it realistic, unless you buy some cheap POS those two items should be at least half your budget for the project...

I could probably build the frame and walls of the "cockpit" for less than $100-$150, fitting it out is when it gets expensive

[ORIGINAL SteelWolf]

Endless Ike, on 29 June 2012 - 11:20 AM, said:

Cool, link?

http://mwomercs.com/...uild-a-cockpit/

[Project_Mercy]

Endless Ike, on 29 June 2012 - 11:36 AM, said:

Did you have plans for that, or did you design it yourself? It's very impressive.

I designed it myself. I wanted a system where I could keep all my controls locked into place in various odd angles (whatever was comfortable), but at the same time the cords wouldn't have to be moved or caught or anything. So I thought it would be easier to make the seat to back and forth in and out of them. I actually have real people over to my place, so the basement-dweller's plywood simpit just wasn't going to cut it.

So I looked at the 3 control surfaces I generally use

• Keyboard, Mouse, G13/Nostromo (for MMO/RTS/FPS)
  
• HOTAS, Keyboard, Mouse (possibly with rudder pedals and Track IR)
  
• Driving wheel, pedals, and shifter (never got to building a parking brake. maybe one day).

So I said "i need a way to mount these, and get a seat in and out". So I took the seat out of an RSX a friend was parting out, built a gantry to bolt it too and put it on garage door rollers and track. Then I had drum rack and a monitor arm sitting around, so I went with that. It was more a combination of things I had and things I thought would work well.


Thanks for the compliment.

[Evedro Solais]

I will. Once I get a Job. I plan on making a pod complete with 3 Monitors, Surround Sound, a racing bucket seat, AC for myself and the computer and a HOTAS+Rudder setup. Maybe a 4th monitor with a second computer for browsing the net in between matches or looking up statistics. Should only cost about $3k USD

[Z0MBIE Y0SHI]

Wraeththix Constantine, on 29 June 2012 - 11:30 AM, said:

I have a generic simpit that i use for basically all my games. It's not so great for FPS, but it's good for anything where you're using something other than a K+M. The controls bolt on to the control rail via drum clamps. It has a buttkicker underneath the seat. Since I'm generally using a headset, the headset and sound/voice mixture is controlled by the Astro Gaming mixamp below the monitor. This picture is pretty old. I forgot to bolt on the plate that goes over the nasty-looking seat support on the side. It looks flush normally, with the same hammered-black paint the rest is.



I'm going to ditch it shortly though. I learned a lot from building it. I think I'm going to build something similar to the Emperor 1510 next, but with a bit more adjustability and adjustable controls.

...would you consider selling it?
Not so much the PC and such, but the frame.

Honest question.

[Project_Mercy]

Evedro Solais, on 29 June 2012 - 11:43 AM, said:

I will. Once I get a Job. I plan on making a pod complete with 3 Monitors, Surround Sound, a racing bucket seat,

I will offer a suggestion then. Racing car seats generally have high bolsters around the shoulders. They're designed to support your shoulders, hips, and thighs. Your body wants to be in the "car driving" position. if you put your controls like they are in my picture (or a lot of simpits), it ends up being uncomfortable on your shoulders and thighs. You either need to angle the seat backwards, Or get one that's more conventional. This is an example of a good seat (unfortunately this one specifically is a $2200 recaro, but there are others). You'll note that there's a foot rest on this. This is to keep your legs up in the "car driving" position (even if you don't have pedals to use). Otherwise, your legs will angle down, it will put extra strain on the bottom of your legs, and your lower back.

I know, it sounds stupid, but if you game for long periods of time it causes issues.

[Project_Mercy]

Z0MBIE Y0SHI, on 29 June 2012 - 11:46 AM, said:

...would you consider selling it?
Not so much the PC and such, but the frame.

Honest question.

I appreciate your interest, but there's some design issues in that; not the least of which is it doesn't come apart that easy and is extremely heavy (I got a deal on some hefty steel). I will probably cut it apart to build my next desk. If you live in the area (SE Wisconsin) we could talk. I may have other options.

That said, the best looking pit I've seen that can be had at a reasonable cost is the Ubutto seat.

http://www.obutto.com/flightsim.html

It's configurable. Price isn't too bad. It's steel. Your SO probably won't cringe.

Edit: That said, avoid the center-mounted stick. Put the keyboard there. It causes issues. One, it isn't comfortable over extended periods. Two, it makes you use your upper arm to aim, as opposed to just your wrist, and three it puts the keyboard in an awkward position. Just put the joystick on the right, then mount the mouse next to it, and put the keyboard in the center. I haven't seen the Ubutto mount, it may require a little... adjustment.

You don't have to worry about bolting most of your controls down. 3m Dual Lock will hold it plenty steady as long as the base is secure. ( http://www.3m.com/pr...e-Fastener.html ). I used to make custom mounts for all my controls with little locking hold-down corners. Total waste. The dual lock is easier, cheaper, and works just as well.

Edited by Wraeththix Constantine, 29 June 2012 - 12:03 PM.

[Omicron Omega]

I am making a cockpit just for the sake of doing it. It's been on my mind for some time. MWO just gave me a great excuse to pursue it.

[Brunhin Graywind]

Evedro Solais, on 29 June 2012 - 11:43 AM, said:

I will. Once I get a Job. I plan on making a pod complete with 3 Monitors, Surround Sound, a racing bucket seat, AC for myself and the computer and a HOTAS+Rudder setup. Maybe a 4th monitor with a second computer for browsing the net in between matches or looking up statistics. Should only cost about $3k USD

It might actually be a bit cheaper depending on what racing seat you get...but ya, it is that kind of thing that is making my wallet cringe...spending as much as my last semester's registration fee on a gaming platform (not the comp, the platform) is causing my credit card to go into hysterics...

Wraeththix Constantine, on 29 June 2012 - 11:53 AM, said:

I appreciate your interest, but there's some design issues in that; not the least of which is it doesn't come apart that easy and is extremely heavy (I got a deal on some hefty steel). I will probably cut it apart to build my next desk. If you live in the area (SE Wisconsin) we could talk. I may have other options.

That said, the best looking pit I've seen that can be had at a reasonable cost is the Ubutto seat.

http://www.obutto.com/flightsim.html

It's configurable. Price isn't too bad. It's steel. Your SO probably won't cringe.

Edit: That said, avoid the center-mounted stick. Put the keyboard there. It causes issues. One, it isn't comfortable over extended periods. Two, it makes you use your upper arm to aim, as opposed to just your wrist, and three it puts the keyboard in an awkward position. Just put the joystick on the right, then mount the mouse next to it, and put the keyboard in the center. I haven't seen the Ubutto mount, it may require a little... adjustment.

That is a decent price for a frame setup with seat, but it would actually be closer to $600 to get as pictured, not $400