11 replies to this topic

[Mason Grimm]

Ok, so I've decided to build an Apartment Level SimPit for those of us that don't live in a house.

What have other guys used to map out, mock up, plan out their SimPit? I asked Corvair if he had plans but so far haven't heard anything back so I'm checking to see what others did.

I'm guessing it'll be 3' to 4' (width) x 6' (length) x 5' (height) but I wanna plan something out.

1x 23" monitor so I don't need to do the triple threat.

This thread will change as we work through the stuff.

I figure 300.00$ worth of wood and screws/parts etc. should do nicely for a budget and I will map every step of this to make plans available for others to download.

[Mason Grimm]

So none of you geniuses out there have a program? I guess GoogleSketch is something I'm gonna have to learn. Probably take as long, or longer, to learn this program than build something itself LOL

[Charles Martel]

Sorry, I'm using Paper 1.0, Pencil 1.0, and Hand 1.0 to make my simpit plans.

Though like your's I'm opting for the single large screen, but that's more practical since I'm going to opt for 3D.

Edited by Charles Martel, 30 April 2012 - 04:39 AM.

[Mason Grimm]

I'm going with a single 23" in the center of the pit and then off to right (on a slight angle) I'm gonna go with a 19" for "Comms" (internet, TS3, MechSpecs readouts so I can play with the mechlab without switching or minimizing etc). I'm unsure of my control interfaces yet but I'm gonna start spacing out the exterior of the pod today with the Mk1 Hand.

[Vincent Vascaul]

Google Sketchup is a great program, it takes a little time to learn but once you do it is a incredibly powerful tool, just make sure to check out the Sketchup warehouse theres tons of pre made models there. Also if you need help, hit me up on TS3 and I can give you some pointers.

[Mason Grimm]

There is a guy who did a Vulture Simpit build a little while ago and has Sketchup plans for it. While I don't like his internal setup the shape of it itself looks like it would cover everything I need and by removing the missile thing from his plans would probably be the width that I need.

[Charles Martel]

I'm going for more of a Marauder-style cockpit.

[Mason Grimm]

Charles Martel, on 30 April 2012 - 12:01 PM, said:

I'm going for more of a Marauder-style cockpit.

I have no intention of building a Vulture. But the dimensions of his SimPit are about what would fit in to my apartment and still be able to be moved out the door without being disassembled (I think). I guess I'll have to wait to see what FD comes up with or IF we comes up with something for the Marauder and then build to suit as well.

[Mason Grimm]

So far I'm looking at about...

3.2' wide
5.5' long
4.5' tall

It'll have to be modular so I can take it apart if I move from this apartment.

31" wide will fit through the door but I'm a big dude and 31" is too cramped.

[The Smith]

I had an idea to build a transportable sim pit made of square steel tubing. Some sections welded, with others bolted. then covered in a light weight nylon on some other form of fabric. I think it would be a lot easier to move and store if the system could be taken down into sub sections.

Edited by The Smith, 01 May 2012 - 04:24 AM.

[CyBerkut]

Mason, you might want to get the control device question answered, or at least severly narrowed down before you get very far into your design...

While you may not have settled on a particular brand, have you at least decided on HOTAS / Joystick alone / Keyboard & mouse / etc.?

If you include rudder pedals, you definitely want to get that settled as to which brand/model. There are some significant dimensional differences on those.

Good luck with the build! I'll definitely be interested to see what you come up with.

[Mason Grimm]

Yeah I'll probably go HOTAS with pedals and I have factored that into the design space. The control scheme on the inside will be one after control information is released. Basically I am looking at taking what Corvair did, slimming it down (1 monitor in the middle versus three) and then cramming it all in to the Vulture like build. Not because I like the vulture mech but because that style pod will fit easily into an apartment.