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 ..
'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
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
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

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 ..

'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

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

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
