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Post by MarkH on Dec 21, 2017 19:37:43 GMT
Actually that is an older photo. I now have a three screen set-up. Just need to shoot photo. Good stuff! Mind you, chasing performance seems a constant with 3-screen setup or better. Well mine, anyway. It's fine in clear conditions with with weather it gets marginal
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Post by windsock on Apr 18, 2018 3:20:15 GMT
Hi Mark and All,
Just ran across your forum after greatly enjoying your YouTube videos for quite a while.
I am a 67 year old recent SW engineering retiree from a large aerospace firm. Have degrees in SW and Electrical engineering.
Started out taking lessons in a 1948 Piper Clipper with the Civil Air Patrol in High School, but did not get to solo.
Finally got my PPL at an Army airfield in 1972, and flew Cessna 152s and 172s until 1983 at which time started a family.
Have run all of the MS FSs from the beginning on a PC.
Currently running FSX on an old laptop using an MS FFB joystick and rudder pedals with TrackIR.
My main goal is to build a flight sim that actually gives some idea of what a real airplane is like to fly, since there is so much visual, audio and haptic feedback with a real aircraft.
After reading Sim Samurai's Ultimate Guide To Advanced Flight Simulation (U.G.T.A.F.S.), and looking at the Sim Samurai cockpit choices (both off the shelf and build your own cockpit from plans) and reading Mike Powell's Building Rec Flight Sims, I am in a state of analysis paralysis.
I am kind of leaning toward a Visual Blind cockpit, maybe like the Sim Samurai DK-1, as generic as possible cockpit with a touch screen "glass cockpit" monitor and 3 external scenery monitors, maybe running P3D.
Has anyone else had experience with a Sim Samurai cockpit?
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Post by MarkH on Apr 18, 2018 6:39:36 GMT
I am kind of leaning toward a Visual Blind cockpit, maybe like the Sim Samurai DK-1, as generic as possible cockpit with a touch screen "glass cockpit" monitor and 3 external scenery monitors, maybe running P3D. Has anyone else had experience with a Sim Samurai cockpit? I have no actual experience of these but the design is pretty much what I am converging on. In my latest experiments I am trying without the VC, which also means I can dump TrackIR and EZCA. I have my side screens angled down so I get to be able to look downwards at the sides and it's fantastic so far. I have built side 'windows' for the cockpit so the odd screen layout disappears and it's just like looking out the windows (assuming you sit in the right place and don't move about too much!) I just need to box in the screens to prevent the outside world intruding if you move around, then I'll be ready to start flying properly. Ha ha, maybe (P.S. Have a look at Russ Barlow's YouTube channel. His cockpit is a good example and getting better by the month.)
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Post by windsock on Apr 19, 2018 2:26:47 GMT
Mark, thank you for your suggestion about the side windows. I have seen a few designs using side windows, and it seems like they would add a significant amount of realism compared to TrackIR, which, although it is an interesting concept, still isn't the same as just turning one's head and looking out of them. I will definitely look into adding side windows to any flight sim cockpit that I build.
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Post by fairwinds47 on May 6, 2018 17:51:49 GMT
Hi all.
Since my last post of 08Sep17, I have added a VF TQ6 (before your video Mark, so not your fault ;=}) and have "upgraded" to P3D4. I have also downloaded FSUIPC5 and have added a couple more ORBX sceneries. Funny how after adding P3D, I am starting to notice way more X-Plane stuff!
My goal remains to build a generic GA cockpit for flying single and dual engine. I like your "modular" concept, Mark, as it seems to be adaptable to change. ;-}
As far as cockpit layout, I have looked at SimSamurai's plans, Rodger Dodger Aviation, Mark's layout and the more desk-centric designs that some use. I have seen a brief glimse of Russ Barlow's latest in his Ruddo video, and will probably go in that general direction. I have also gotten some ideas looking at PFC and other commercial offerings to hone my ideas.
Mark, a question I have for you is, if you had it to do all over again, would you consider using Air Manager with one or two touch screen monitors, to replace some of your switching? I like the idea (tactile feel) of using physical switches for engines, lights, gear, brakes, etc, and Air Manager for radios, GPS and the like for more adaptability. If I'm not wrong, I believe using Air Manager this way could be done without having a second copy of P3D on the second PC. Can you confirm this for me?
Lastly, Mark would you consider posting pictures (or a video) of your all cockpit panels (panel fronts only) in order to give new builders an idea of what you have. I have watched almost all of your videos, but can't keep them all fresh in my mind.
Thanks for all your videos and posts.
/Len
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Post by MarkH on May 6, 2018 22:57:19 GMT
(1) "modular" ... (2) would you consider using Air Manager with one or two touch screen monitors, to replace some of your switching? ... (3) I believe using Air Manager this way could be done without having a second copy of P3D on the second PC. Can you confirm this for me? ... (4) would you consider posting pictures (or a video) of your all cockpit panels (panel fronts only) in order to give new builders an idea of what you have (1) Ha, the modular approach. It's fine in principle, but in practice I always seem to revert to the original layout! But if you're going to make some panels, you might as well make them configurable. (2) Yes, I like Russ's new 'knobster' control. I think you could make it work with a touchscreen and a couple of knobsters! What I'd really like is to find a 21:9 touchscreen, but they don't seem to exist (3) Air Manager doesn't need more than one copy of P3D. (4) I think I did this already? Have look at this.
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Post by fairwinds47 on May 7, 2018 16:28:18 GMT
Thanks for the memory jog Mark. I watched the video when you made it, but it somehow got lost in my "memory files".
I was considering two monitors for Air Manager, each around 20 inches. I think larger screens would probably get in the way. Do you find your 19.5" screens adequate, or would you recommend something a bit larger?
Mark, I find your videos more informative than most of the others I watch, because of the way you walk through your builds and your detailed explanations. Keep up the good work and thanks for the reply!
Cheers, Len
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Post by MarkH on May 7, 2018 20:53:13 GMT
Do you find your 19.5" screens adequate, or would you recommend something a bit larger? Actually they're a bit small, or at least they are too low-res. I would probably look for 1080p monitors if I was doing it again, and maybe up to 22". The limiting factor is for the main panel you need to mount it high enough to clear the yoke, so bigger becomes a handicap. Those 21:9 monitors are probably a good idea for a panel. Thanks for the encouragement, BTW
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Post by fairwinds47 on Aug 23, 2018 21:30:30 GMT
Crickets here, so I thought I'd drop in for a visit.
Mark, I am in the process of building my first panel, based on your cockpit build videos. I don't recall coming across this situation in your build videos. I want to use three position (SP3T) toggle switches for fuel pumps and light switches, set up as follows: Hi - Lo - Off - All the switches I've seen, in stores and on-line, have the following layout: On - Off - On - I've modified my panel layout so these switches are configured for Lo - Off - Hi. While this should work, I would like it to mimic the original 0ff - Lo - Hi settings. My question to you is this. In your experience, or in your cockpit, do Linda or FSUIPC make previsions to use the middle toggle (no contact) switch position to be programmed for what would be the LO positon of my switches?
BTW, I had a chance to visit Russ Barlow's booth at FlightSimExpo 2018 in Las Vegas this summer, so I am interested to see how you make out with your touch screen. I would comment on YouTube, but Google is giving me fits at the moment. /Len
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Post by MarkH on Aug 25, 2018 8:10:19 GMT
In your experience, or in your cockpit, do Linda or FSUIPC make previsions to use the middle toggle (no contact) switch position to be programmed for what would be the LO positon of my switches? Hi Len. I'm not sure I see the problem. LINDA just performs an action when a switch is moved to a particular position. It knows not what that action is. So assuming you have a 1-OFF-2 switch, you program things so that moving the switch to position 1 triggers your 'off' action, moving it to position OFF (centre) triggers your 'Lo' action and moving it to position 2 triggers your 'Hi' action. You can bind functions to switch ON and OFF events in LINDA just the same.
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Post by fairwinds47 on Aug 26, 2018 17:03:10 GMT
Thanks Mark. This is how I thought it might work. I have limited experience with FSUIPC (keyboard commands) and none with Linda, although I have done some reading on Linda and watched a video or two. Just wanted to make sure before I make the final edit and head to the print shop down the road.
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Post by fairwinds47 on Mar 5, 2019 21:29:22 GMT
Mark, I've just finished your Twin Otter build video #51 and am following with much interest. You may like this video I found at the warthog project: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWwiDnhjQlo". It certainly bumps things up to another level. My cockpit is on hold again due to other demands around the house and yard, but I will be picking up lumber next week to resume building.
Regards/Len
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Post by MarkH on Mar 5, 2019 21:45:01 GMT
You may like this video I found at the warthog project. It certainly bumps things up to another level. Holy cow, I want one of those laser things! Maybe for my cockpit v2
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Post by fairwinds47 on Mar 7, 2019 0:56:29 GMT
That laser sure got my juices flowing, but then I realized I'd have to learn CAD or some such drawing program, and that would be a lot of learning on my part, if my learning curve for Paint is any indication. Your build methods are more suited to my talent levels. He says he bought the 40W Chinese laser for around $300(US) and then added an upgrade kit for another $800. You can find his build here: forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=160233Regards/Len
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Post by MarkH on Mar 7, 2019 7:21:18 GMT
Thanks. I did check out eBay after your last message and there seem to be similar machines clustered around two different price points, which are about £350 and £1500+. I suspect this is what he has discovered! I will check out the new link though, it would definitely simplify be a step up to make the panels that way.
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