[Project Log] - A10c Cockpit *updated 30/5/2014*

SuB

SuB

The Webmaster
Wow, well if you've opened this, good on ya. Bit of an unusual one for the likes of you lot, but I'm nerding out and I fully intend to build a sim-pit for the DCS-A10c game :)

Why?

Well I was in need of a new Joystick a year or so ago, and got into playing DCS-A10c via keyboard and got to realising it was just not massively feasible. I was good at it, but I wanted a new stick, so I went out on a limb and bought the Thrustmaster, Hotas Warthog ..

Thrustmaster+Launches+the+HOTAS+WARTHOG+Realistic+Joystick.jpg


'they cost a lot' you might think... And I agree, they are expensive, but you only need to lay your hands on one, and fly the game with one, to realise just how freakin' amazing these are..

Anyway fast forward 3 months from then, and I'm now perusing the net and start coming across these cockpits people build, I snort in my anti-nerd but actually a nerd way, pfft they must cost a fortune to build.. And then I found some free plans for the panels, and the pit, and a bunch of other stuff. And fast forward again some months and I've done LOADS of research and now I'm looking to build one :P

What's involved?

- Building the main framework out of wood, aluminium and probably some steel.
- Getting the panels cut and etched for each of the instruments
- Learning how Arduino's work and wiring each switch/button/led to the computer as well
- programming screens/displays to show the various instruments
- Finding/designing a seat
- Extension of the flight stick for more precision and because it'l work better/look cooler :P

Who's involved?

Myself, my wallet (ouch) and probably the other half when she slaps me for spending loads of money

Nate from E22, I contacted him and got chatty via email and noticed he does custom work and when I asked him about this project as an idea, the emails just kept on rolling!! I was very encouraged, and he didn't run away from my long nerdy-werdy emails so it's on!

Why now?

I've found someone who can/will/is quoting me on the cuts I need, I was originally talking to Parvum but those guys are so freakin' busy they're hard to get hold of. Instead I'm speaking with someone else who has access to a laser cutter, cnc machine, 3d printer and a whooole bunch of other stuff :)

More to come.. but wanted to get the opening post out of the way ;)

Note: I have no doubt some of you will snort at this (as I did initially) as an ultra-nerd project, not worth your time, or better yet, worth a snooty comment.
To you I say, find another thread to be in :P
 
You see a lot of build logs, mainly rigs. But this is different and I like the idea. I will keep an eye on this and see how you get on with it.

I hope it works out really well for you :)
 
I can't explain how much I'm looking forward to this project, it's going to be uber epic!

Consider me subbed SuB :lol:
 
ahh this could be of interest to me and sounds like awesome project

id been toying with the idea of doing the same thing for a race car cockpit

so ill be keeping an eye out for updates
 
Note: I have no doubt some of you will snort at this (as I did initially) as an ultra-nerd project, not worth your time, or better yet, worth a snooty comment.
To you I say, find another thread to be in :P
Click to expand...
You'd be crazy to think anyone here wouldn't be following this like a hawk :)
 
An update for you!

I didn't bother putting any of the gathered docs up on here, but just to give you an impression of what's to come..

The left console, main frame construction, showing the throttle placement
Cm6WMiG.png


The right console, main frame construction
uhE29jk.png


The centre area with pedals and joystick mocked in to show the extension fitting
5LUSl8v.png


The centre console frame
436NWgj.png


Part of the outer flancs framework
oEKR6WQ.png

xkBFzip.png


And finally, an example of the layers that will go into one of the panels
hopefully, the first one I get working :)
xra5zN3.png


I did not create these graphics they've come from the free to use documents I've managed to find :) so credit goes to their creators!
 
I remember buying that on steam thinking it was a combat sim. After spending 45 minutes just on pre-flight checks, I realized I had made a mistake. The HOTAS setup should easily beat doing all that on the keyboard.
 
pogitangkad said:
I remember buying that on steam thinking it was a combat sim. After spending 45 minutes just on pre-flight checks, I realized I had made a mistake. The HOTAS setup should easily beat doing all that on the keyboard.
Click to expand...

Yeah I did *exactly* the same thing when it was on sale for like £6.99 way back when. Saw the A-10 and went WANT. Tried it and was like DO NOT WANT... lol

Then went back and tried it again after seeing some videos and stuff and utterly fell in love with it. Flew keyboard for ages, and then decided on the Hotas Warthog and some pedals. Best decision I ever made :) The game just straight up *works* with them, no muss, no fuss, the button/switch/dial on the setup does exactly what it's supposed to in the game.. it's amazing. Only have to touch the keyboard to raise and lower my landing gear :)

Just got a pair of the MFD's as well so looking forward to trying those :)

Which reminds me, I now have a pair of these:

pic_02_02.JPG


(not my image, shamelessly googled it for now)
 
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