270 replies to this topic

[Propnut]

Want some custom made panels Foust?

[Foust]

The temptation is great. What format do you need the files in again?

[ApheX]

F***! This is an outstanding effort Marine! I'm Impressed. I've never seen someone put in so much effort into a project like this. You've really captured the whole feeling of climing into the cockpit. The controls, screens, panels, everything looks Like it fits onto MWO.

Good f***ing work chap!

I don't suppose once you have built this one, that you would make one for me would ya?

[Propnut]

Foust, on 01 November 2012 - 09:51 AM, said:

The temptation is great. What format do you need the files in again?

CAD DXF or DWF files would be perfect. Vector files such as EPS or IA would also work but CAD is best.

ApheX, on 01 November 2012 - 09:54 AM, said:

I don't suppose once you have built this one, that you would make one for me would ya?

Thanks Aphex, I would be happy to build you one...if the sticker shock doesnt kill you PM me..shipping across the pond would probably be just as expensive as building one though.

[Loc Nar]

Everything looking sharp, love those panels. One day, I will have functioning panels in addition to my current scheme in my pit, in which case I will likely be in need of your services.

Sailplane cockpit? Did you make the one with the vacuum cleaner motors and 6DOF? That thing is amazing....

I didn't want to contribute to thread drift, but nope, not mine. That incredible little pit was made by a fellow named Douwe Jippes in the Netherlands, and he just posted an update for the first time in a long time to the cockpit builder's section of the Condor forum. He iis now using E-bike motors instead of vacuum parts in addition to other news: http://jippes.home.x...6sim/index.html The 6DoF software it runs on was however derived from Ian's 3DoF Condor project I fostered. Small world...

[NightlyReaper]

Everytime I get to feeling good about my little mech simulator (http://mwomercs.com/...mech-simulator/) , I run across another of these stupendous builds which SHAMES mine.

Bravo sir.

NightlyReaper, Out.

[Propnut]

The other day I started to cut out the text on my switch panels, starting with generic engine controls (for IL-2, etc). The nice thing about this pit is there is plenty of room for as many switch panels as my little heart desires. Unfortunately I made a mistake and set the plunge depth on the CNC for the initial passes (lines around the different positions) to 1/16" deep when they should have been set for 1/32" deep. This means the bit plunged in past the cutting length and made 1/8" melted grooves. ICK. Fortunately it was only one panel but I put that aside for a few days so I could finish these:

Picture Update:

I added the air purifiers for the life support system. They are mounted to either side of the pilots head to ensure clean, if hot, air during combat.

[Ghostrider0067]

Pax Bellum, on 22 September 2012 - 07:34 AM, said:

Have you referenced the mech simulator that came out in the 90's for inspiration? There was a set in Chicago that allowed the public for $7 a piece to climb in and duke it out in a variety of mechs..(Timber Wolf as by far the fav.), you even recieved a paper battlerom when you were done. I do love what you have done though !!

(sorry didn't see the previous post)

The place that Pax is referring to was called Virtual World, I had the opportunity to play many a battle in those pods at the location that was once in San Diego. It's a damn shame it closed down. If I had the room, I sure wouldn't mind getting my hands on one today. From what I recall, they ran up to 16 pods at a time off a Mac based system. Here's a forum I found that shows a number of pics of the pods as well as some other sites I found that relate to them:

http://www.neogaf.co...ad.php?t=459618

http://mechjock.com/

http://en.wikipedia....tleTech_Centers

OT: Love the mech gaming environment. Major kudos to you, sir.

Edited by Ghostrider0067, 22 November 2012 - 01:11 PM.

[ORIGINAL SteelWolf]

Any chance you can post some fresh photos showing over all progress ? Like full external view, A shot of the internal from a close angle looking in? Things like that. Thanks. The inside shot you have posted above seems so dark. Might need some added external lighting.

Happy Turkey day. That reminds me. Cup holder just got added to my check list.

Edited by ORIGINAL SteelWolf, 23 November 2012 - 12:50 AM.

[Propnut]

Sorry OS, I missed your post. I will try to put together a better lighting solution and work on getting some pictures posted.

[repete]

Need a status update. :-(

[Propnut]

Status:

Moved from the north side of the shop to the south-east side of the shop to make room for a paying customer's cabinets.

Kind of stalled on the pit for now, need more inspiration (come on Meta-game!)

[Loc Nar]

Bump you go! ^_^

Inspiration Deficiency Syndrome... it gets us all from time to time. Hows the pit going though, get much chance to play in it these days? I keep leaning closer and closer towards making an enclosure for my pit, mostly owing to that my computer setup I have my controls attached for 'bench testing' is on a desk built into my loft bed, so I've grown very much now accustomed to being in a cubby, and for a long time I've been a little claustroholic anyhow. If I do make one, it will be lightweight/tent like, maybe even just cloth covered frame, since my cockpit is already a self-contained structure/tub. Really need to get updated pics of mine, it's looking much better these days...

[Propnut]

Important News!

We have accepted an offer on our home and will soon (spring) be starting work on our new house (and shop).

This means that the enclosed Mechpit will have to go.

I am willing to sell it as is without the electronics for 500.00 if you want to pick it up in the vicinity of Grand Rapids MI.

What stays in: Anything made of wood, the seat, the controllers (joystick, throttle, rudder pedals and the Teensy++2.0), the trackball, AC light and switch, and AC fans.

If you want the entire pit as it sits I will take 1200.00 as is.

Thanks everyone for following along.

[Foust]

Preview of a conversation Im about to have:

Me: Honey propnut is selling his sim!
Wife: Prop what?
Me: Propnut. A guy that's also building a mech pit.
Wife: He is doing what now?
Me: Selling his-
Wife: No.
Me: but I didn't even tell you how much-
Wife: Nope. No. Not a chance. You tore yours down.
Me: To rebuild it! I could start again with his design and-
Wife: What did I just say?

Such a quality project, I truly hope it gets into the hands of an aspiring builder. Ill miss the updates Propnut, and congrats on the home!

[Ulric Kell]

Bummer man. We had some good conversations over on the Simpit forums as well. Best of luck finding an interested party!

[Propnut]

Thanks Kell,and foust.

No luck at all so far, which actually very surprising but oh well.

Don't worry, I will be back. After the new house and shop is built I plan on starting a Viper pit in the basement man cave (complete mini shop in the basement) So by fall I should have something new to post on SimHQ.

[Ulric Kell]

Propnut, on 19 February 2013 - 08:19 AM, said:

Thanks Kell,and foust.

No luck at all so far, which actually very surprising but oh well.

Don't worry, I will be back. After the new house and shop is built I plan on starting a Viper pit in the basement man cave (complete mini shop in the basement) So by fall I should have something new to post on SimHQ.

Ught oh, shop in the basement means it's time for Rapid Prototyping!! Get yourself a 3D printer, 3D scanner, CNC machine and now you're cooking!!

TBH everyone under the sun loves pods/simpits and loves seeing them built but once the rubber hits the road it's not applicable for 98% of the people out there. Space constraints/wife/kids/financials all add up to make it very difficult for others to invest/grab one.

[Propnut]

I have the CNC machine already. I have looked into building a DIY 3D printer but I really do not see a need for one at this time. (although building it would be fun). My CNC machine can do 3D plotting "Cloud scanning" I think it is called.

On the other issue, I completely agree. Real life first...good thing I have no life, lol.

[Ulric Kell]

Propnut, on 19 February 2013 - 09:10 AM, said:

I have the CNC machine already. I have looked into building a DIY 3D printer but I really do not see a need for one at this time. (although building it would be fun). My CNC machine can do 3D plotting "Cloud scanning" I think it is called.

On the other issue, I completely agree. Real life first...good thing I have no life, lol.

I use my 3D printer to print parts for my pod! For Immersion and science!