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Super Pod For Mw5


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#1 9erRed

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Posted 02 December 2019 - 03:50 PM

Greetings all,

Has anyone seen any detail of these Super Pods?

- What's included in the builds.
- Can the spec's be downloaded...to build.

I've seen the images of the start of the frame construction for the unit, but not the complete assembly in bright light. Any images around of the finished build?

Thanks,
9erRed

#2 Mr D One

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Posted 05 December 2019 - 02:30 AM

Yeah bud

I just built mine

It rocks!

(Literally it rocks, have to tighten some nuts)

#3 BoRgReX

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Posted 19 December 2019 - 02:19 PM

lol @ all the work going into playing a co-op game

#4 LordNothing

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Posted 19 December 2019 - 06:13 PM

the problem with building sim pits is when you play multiple games. hard to make a cockpit look as good on a battlemech as it does on a kerbal rocket, a 737 or an x-wing. little $2 oled displays are great for labeling buttons.

Edited by LordNothing, 19 December 2019 - 06:13 PM.


#5 Alreech

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Posted 23 December 2019 - 01:50 PM

View PostLordNothing, on 19 December 2019 - 06:13 PM, said:

the problem with building sim pits is when you play multiple games. hard to make a cockpit look as good on a battlemech as it does on a kerbal rocket, a 737 or an x-wing. little $2 oled displays are great for labeling buttons.

For Displays: use small Android Tables and Roccat Power Grid.
https://play.google....powergrid&hl=de
Roccat Power Grid is not longer supported, but you can get a lot of fixed profiles for many games and tutorials on Youtube.

Alternative to Power Grid:
Thrustmaster MFD Cougar Pack. You can add small displays (TFT Picture Frames) or just a printed plastic screen.
http://www.thrustmas...mfd-cougar-pack

Thrustmaster has also some low cost Joysticks and Throttles or one expensive Joystick, using the same mapping software as the MFDs.
http://www.thrustmas...s-space-sim-duo
http://www.thrustmas...6000m-fcs-hotas
The T16000m Stick works well in the left hand for movement control in MWO / (maybe even Mechwarrior 5) and you can use a mouse for aiming.
Should work in Star Citizen and Elite Dangerous too.

the expensive option:
http://www.thrustmas...e/hotas-warthog
Personally i would mount a Hotas on a small console in U-Shape or W-Shape (sick in the middle) what can be quickly removed after playing. Having the stick around during working is a little bit unhandy.

Edited by Alreech, 23 December 2019 - 01:54 PM.


#6 LordNothing

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Posted 23 December 2019 - 06:21 PM

View PostAlreech, on 23 December 2019 - 01:50 PM, said:

For Displays: use small Android Tables and Roccat Power Grid.
https://play.google....powergrid&hl=de
Roccat Power Grid is not longer supported, but you can get a lot of fixed profiles for many games and tutorials on Youtube.

Alternative to Power Grid:
Thrustmaster MFD Cougar Pack. You can add small displays (TFT Picture Frames) or just a printed plastic screen.
http://www.thrustmas...mfd-cougar-pack

Thrustmaster has also some low cost Joysticks and Throttles or one expensive Joystick, using the same mapping software as the MFDs.
http://www.thrustmas...s-space-sim-duo
http://www.thrustmas...6000m-fcs-hotas
The T16000m Stick works well in the left hand for movement control in MWO / (maybe even Mechwarrior 5) and you can use a mouse for aiming.
Should work in Star Citizen and Elite Dangerous too.

the expensive option:
http://www.thrustmas...e/hotas-warthog
Personally i would mount a Hotas on a small console in U-Shape or W-Shape (sick in the middle) what can be quickly removed after playing. Having the stick around during working is a little bit unhandy.


i usually do my own electronics. i order usb capable arduinos (leos, pro micros, a due) and high resolution adcs, hall sensors, various panel mount joysticks and buttons.

also military surplus stores are your friend. i got me some cast aluminium joystick gimbals. the electronics were trash but the mechanical parts were in good shape. some modding and a few 3d printed hall sensors and i got a nice stick integrated into my upstairs desk. of course i still use my ch gear on my main rig. stuff is immortal. if you can get some actual old skool aircraft panels that's also good.

Edited by LordNothing, 23 December 2019 - 06:29 PM.


#7 9erRed

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Posted 25 December 2019 - 09:42 PM

Greetings all,

Thanks for the reply's and info.

I'm still looking for what the MW5 system lay-out consists of.
- what exactly is included in the set-up and if there is a build plan somewhere.

Again, thanks for the suggestions and links. (great stuff there)


Update: Having done some additional searching of info and pictures of the Super Pods, it appears that the system is simply a Hotas rig with lit keyboard and a mouse side area. There is that rather large monitor filling the entire front area of the pod.
The exterior of the Pod also appears to have a more cleaner and finished look than the interior. But they were built to show for the WM5 opening and may go through some updates and improvements as time progress's.

I was somewhat disappointed to not see 3 monitors being used in the Pods, for that "look out your side windows" while viewing ahead. Added situational awareness and immersion. (and what I run) But that's a preference I like and not the common users set-up.
I'll keep looking for more exact spec's.

9erRed

Edited by 9erRed, 29 December 2019 - 02:36 PM.


#8 9erRed

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Posted 06 January 2020 - 03:22 PM

Greetings all,

Some updates on the SuperPods.

They where constructed by a BC company, Hopewell Works.
This company has also completed some set work for a few local Tv shows; Stargate, Lost in Space (the new one) and others.

From their site:

1. The MechWarrior Superpod was a potent design-build project. Piranha Games handed us a 3D sketch of the overall form they wanted, and we detailed all the layers, hardware, and sub-assemblies for manufacturing, transportation, and an immersive gaming user experience.

2. The chassis for the Superpods was built out of 1" square tube stock, cut and welded in-house. Likewise, the floor is steel treadplate for that real Mech feeling. The shape of the pod was broken down into a series of 2D frames, and each one required a separate custom welding jig.
The Superpods split into 3 segments which latch and lock together, each narrow enough to fit through a standard door.

3. The focal point of any battlestation is, of course, the chair. We used a combination of Jeep hardware and our own custom construction to create a seat that's not only beautiful, comfortable and ventilated, it's also fully adjustable for height and arm length. BattleMechs aren't known to be roomy: the control arms swing out to the side for entry/exit, but lock in place for gameplay.
Thanks to a Buttkicker Gamer 2, supplied by Piranha Games, the sub-bass audio is amplified and rocks the seatframe. Every step and every shot brings the MechWarrior world to life.

4. It was critical that the look and feel of the superpods stayed true to BattleTech lore. We used two layers of MDF panelling to create the faceted, industrial style of the 'Mechs. Using two layers also allowed us to hide all the joints and fasteners.

5. Once you're inside the Superpod, it's all about the gear. Piranha Games supplied the latest and greatest, and we made it all fit together. Included: a 55" curved 4K monitor, a colour-changing Razor Blackwidow Chroma 2 keyboard, joystick and thruster controllers, and a 5.1 surround sound system.

There are pictures of the build at their site, see here:
http://www.hopewellw...aming-superpod/

So, if your were inclined to build a similar pod, the exploded view could be helpful. Although 1" square tube stock welding may be a bit much for a home build!

All for now.
9erRed

Edited by 9erRed, 06 January 2020 - 03:28 PM.


#9 LordNothing

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Posted 10 January 2020 - 07:40 AM

View PostBORGReX, on 19 December 2019 - 02:19 PM, said:

lol @ all the work going into playing a co-op game


i dont really see competitive games as simpit worthy. for one a realistic cockpit might actually slow you down from the kb/mouse crowd. if i have to reach up to flip a switch to override my auto shutdown, that puts me at a disadvantage to someone who just has to hit o a few inches from their hand. throw in a joystick and you are sol.





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