4 replies to this topic

[Pht]

This one should be fairly short!

Basically, if it's at all possible without really compromising the game security, it would ROCK to see the devs have the game output all the various controls (foot pedals, jumpjets, joysticks, etc) and 'Mech status data down a USB line so that custom cockpit builders could whip up some 'uber cockpits.

IE, output a control line for all of the controls, seperately; and output a data feed for things like 'mech heat levels; along with possibly control for multiple different angle video feeds (hook up for three monitors or projectors)...

I've seen a few seriously trick home made setups, but I can't find the bookmark atm.


How awesome would it be to have an output on the 'mechs 3d positional data and leg movement positions output to a cockpit mounted on steppers!

[Mchawkeye]

I tried to start a thread like this...because I REALLY want to build my own cockpit. Custom controls, instruments the whole she-bang.
though stepper motor movement....Hmmmm....

I have so many freaking ideas for this it make me hurt when I pee.

I'm not sure how inspiration and my urinary tract are intertwined, but, well...there you go. huh.

[S3dition]

A lot of the controls can be done using a USB controller and mechanical switches that are mapped inside the game. Output to displays is what is really limited because it relies on data being parsed inside the game.

That being said, there are a number of hacks to get it to working, such as pulling data directly from memory. You could make an ammo counter by pulling remaining ammo directly from memory, as an example, and displaying it on an LCD.

But I'd really love to see native multi-monitor support, especially with an API that enables a touchscreen interface.

If you're interested in building yourself a cockpit, I recommend starting here. It's actually pretty easy to do. I'm already contemplating designs and getting ready to diagram it. Maybe I'll make a thread for USB devices and switches.

[Mchawkeye]

You can shift instruments to a separate display on FSX...is there any reason why that couldn't be done here?

[S3dition]

Time and Money. The devs can only do so much in the time before release. Some things will have to be added later or not at all, depending on the cost to implement vs how many new customers it will bring in.