72 replies to this topic

[S3dition]

So, I'm 99.9999% certain I'll be making a simpit for MWO. For those who don't know what a simpit is, see here:



EDIT: A good tutorial on making a simpit controller can be found here.

Yes, all of the buttons, *****, dials, and screens work (well, screens depend a lot of PGI and community involvement).

While I'm not quite ready to begin building just yet, preplanning is a great thing (5 p's of life). My current design involves wood paneling and 1/4" laser cut acrylic sheets for framing and build out. The electronics will be 1 or more GP-Wiz40 USB input controllers and a number of toggle switches, temporary on switches, and push buttons.

The electronics are actually very straight forward and easy, with the exception of displays. I'll wait on those until PGI releases any info on a display our output API. Though it IS possible to grab info out of memory and display it through flash, so we'll see.

Who else has started their design?

NOTE: I'll update as I get a parts list sorted out, and maybe some sketches.

Edited by S3dition, 28 December 2011 - 10:18 PM.

[Barantor]

I have a design in my head, though we will see if it comes to fruition or not. A lot of it depends on what types of controllers/sticks/etc will be supported as well as access to the API.

[Hayden]

Been playing with that notion myself since 2009

EDIT: I'm waiting to see if they have plans to include a Marauder, and relevant cockpit info

EDIT: Aaaaaaand for better or worse, you just inspired me. More on that soon!

Edited by Hayden, 11 December 2011 - 10:04 AM.

[S3dition]

Hayden, on 11 December 2011 - 10:00 AM, said:

Been playing with that notion myself since 2009

EDIT: I'm waiting to see if they have plans to include a Marauder, and relevant cockpit info

Well, my mech is a bushwacker and it wasn't production ready until 3055, so I think I'm just going to make a general design

[Red Beard]

Good Lord! That is off the hook. If only I had the room for such a thing. Hats off to anyone who can put together a rig like that.

[S3dition]

An example of just how easy it is to build a good simpit is here. Watch the tutorials through to the end, and you'll know how to build them (minus displays). It really is super easy, and requires no programming or electrical skills at all.

[Marxman]

A decent Playingseeat, preferably with buttkicker and a good stereo System is a good start, Then Add a good Hotas Joystick System. I recomment the G940 because it has Force Feedback, looks realistic , has loads of Funktions and considering it comes with pedals the price isnt too high. Then add TrackIR to be able to look araound in the cockpit. If you can display Infor on a second Screen frame it with the mfdframes available from thrustmaster. If not you might want to display teamspeak info on the another screen. When it comes to buttons and switches there is a lot of prefabricated stuff available from saitek like the throttle quadrant wich gives you 3 levers and 3 rockerswitches. Add a backlit gamekeyboard so you can use chat when needed. and leave some place for a mouse or a touchpad. Speaking of touchpads one could also use a touchscreen and a program called touchbuddy. Be sure you use a big screen for your mainviewport or if you can use multiple screens or a projector.
Then put it all on a frame that looks like a cockpit, add a coat of paint and your pretty much set. Since mechcockpits are fictional you can make it look like you want too. But be sure to put everything in reach. Spoils the fun when something hinders your actions in the heat of battle.

[Mchawkeye]

Baring in mind I have never, ever made a simpit before in my puff...

I have been thinking about it for years.

As far as switches/buttons go, it's easy enough to buy either a keyboard, rip the circuit out it and resolder them to switches (I did something similar when I made a fightstick for Mortal Kombat, I pulled apart a joypad and wired up arcade buttons. dead easy. if I can do it...) or if you fancy something a bit more...refined...drop fifty bucks on a 'keyboard encoder' which is basically a usb circuit board that makes it very easy to wire up switches to and encode them as either simple keyboard strokes or even macros, depending on the board.

after that, it;s a matter of CNC/lasering some funky switch boards. which I can do. and if you guys want to design your own, I'll cut them for you for a very reasonable price....


In the mean time, I think I'm going to be designing maybe a Nova cockpit? hopefully get a flat TV (32-36"?) as they are reasonably cheap for the size, and my vid card has an HDMI out. fire in some 5.1, hidden speakers. Already have a spare saitek hotas stick I thieved of my dear old dad which I might rip up into something more built in...

After that, the main cockpit 'bathtub' will probably be designing in CAD and CNC'd out of 12mm MDF. lasered acrylic details and switch units, MFD style wit light up 'screens' (dry rub transfers over 3mm acrylic, possibly. or printed acetate. back lit with LED rigs) probably 5-six feet long, about the same high and maybe three and a bit wide.

I can probably do the whole thing for £200. maybe. Haven't put anything to paper yet, and have yet to discuss my partner doing some sewing for the seat...so that budget may be well off....

[S3dition]

I'm also going to be laser cutting switch panels from 1/4" acrylic. I'll probably build the frame from wood and bolt the panels on, then attach switches behind it and close it up with access panels.

One of my big decisions at this point is whether to use LED toggle switches or standard/mil-spec. I also currently have an x58, but I don't really need all the extra buttons if I make a cockpit, so I might buy a better quality HOTAS with fewer buttons on it.

Also, I've been researching designs for pedals. They're a little more complicated, but still doable.

I think the cost you estimated is about right - $200 - $250 USD I'll see what my parts list spits out.

[Mason Grimm]

This is definitely interesting! If they do have a Marauder in game (and I sincerely hope they do) I am looking at something like this myself. The third bedroom of my apartment is my office and pseudo man-cave so why not turn it in to something REALLY fun!!!

It would be depended upon several factors.

- What type of cockpit details for specific mechs (ie: my beloved Marauder)
- How necessary it would be to make switches to control all these different things
- The potential lifespan of the game. Wouldn't wanna build all this and then a year later go "What do I do now" LOL

Mchawkeye, on 11 December 2011 - 11:22 AM, said:

In the mean time, I think I'm going to be designing maybe a Nova cockpit? hopefully get a flat TV (32-36"?) as they are reasonably cheap for the size, and my vid card has an HDMI out.

Here in Canada I saw that 32" flat screen TVs are on sale for about 299.00 something like that. I also have an old Recaro racing seat at my moms place that I haven't used since I ripped it out of my old blender (Honda Civic) 10 years ago LOL. Perfect for the seat!!!

Edited by Mason Grimm, 11 December 2011 - 11:57 AM.

[S3dition]

What I'm playing with so far: https://docs.google....&hl=en_US#gid=0

[Mchawkeye]

Mason Grimm, on 11 December 2011 - 11:54 AM, said:

Here in Canada I saw that 32" flat screen TVs are on sale for about 299.00 something like that. I also have an old Recaro racing seat at my moms place that I haven't used since I ripped it out of my old blender (Honda Civic) 10 years ago LOL. Perfect for the seat!!!

the flat screen i was looking at was on ebay for about 100 squid. I'll probably design a seat myself. maybe. depends how lazy I am...

S3dition, on 11 December 2011 - 11:49 AM, said:

I'm also going to be laser cutting switch panels from 1/4" acrylic. I'll probably build the frame from wood and bolt the panels on, then attach switches behind it and close it up with access panels.

One of my big decisions at this point is whether to use LED toggle switches or standard/mil-spec. I also currently have an x58, but I don't really need all the extra buttons if I make a cockpit, so I might buy a better quality HOTAS with fewer buttons on it.

.

LED toggles every time. they would looks the mutts nuts. I'm all for military stylings (can't decide between a olive drab or a mid ocean grey..or crazy Russian cockpit blue...) but sometimes you just have to go with the shiney shiney. after all, it is science fiction...That said there will be a minimal amount of black/yellow striped warning tape. if any at all...

Obviously dumping this amount of cash into a project is something to consider. but thankfully I like flight sims too. and you know what? you can;t take it with you when you die. Though I might want to buried in it...

Edited by Mchawkeye, 11 December 2011 - 12:10 PM.

[Mchawkeye]

That was the other thing, I don;t think I'll do any detail work until we get the demo and I know just what buttons I'll need...Though I think you've made some fairly safe assumptions on your spreadsheet S3dition.

[S3dition]

Yeah, there are a lot of things we just don't know, like active/passive switches for information warfare, masc, thermal/light amplification, HTAL, etc.

But I want to make certain I have enough potential switch options for the basics.

I'm hoping we'll be able to control just about every single factor of the mech. Other switches I'm building in to control the tub itself, such as vent fans, interior lighting, power, etc.

EDIT: I should probably mention that I'm considering building a computer just for the simpit, so it's going to boot straight into the game when it's turned on. No need for a keyboard

Edited by S3dition, 11 December 2011 - 12:22 PM.

[Mchawkeye]

S3dition, on 11 December 2011 - 12:21 PM, said:

I'm hoping we'll be able to control just about every single factor of the mech. Other switches I'm building in to control the tub itself, such as vent fans, interior lighting, power, etc.

EDIT: I should probably mention that I'm considering building a computer just for the simpit, so it's going to boot straight into the game when it's turned on. No need for a keyboard

Those are very good ideas.

[S3dition]

Here is a complete diary of a Mechwarrior 3 simpit based off a Vulture/Mad Dog. The guy did the entire exterior of the cockpit to look like a mech.http://simhq.com/for...or_Cockpit.html

[Mchawkeye]

That is an awesome link. brilliant project. love the little details and I even liked his little model he made first.

I'd be happy if mine ended up even half that cool.

[S3dition]

Yeah, I just don't have that kind of woodworking skill. I'll probably still make the exterior look like a bushwacker though. All those angles will be easier

[Xake]

I'll be starting with a custom desk and a barbers chair. Lots of LEDs and some neons to spice it up. Then I'll start by attaching joysticks/keyboards to the chair and kind of go from there.

[Iron Horse]

I will "like" this thread if you consider adding a high-BTU space heater that turns on behind you every time you overheat!