If you got room, you can still get a CRT I got my 24" at a bargain price... It has one significant flaw, beside the space needed: it weighs forty kilograms

Yes, 21 CRT's are 89.00 here, with 65.00 shipping. And a big footprint.

Thanks again for the info. I'm halfway thinking of trying your same fresnel lens with my 21" crt. I'm wondering if brightness is an issue. I noticed their setups include lcd monitors. My crt gets a little washed out when you crank up the brightness during the day. I'll probably bug you again when you get it working.

Craig, notice the first pic... they are getting popular. Interesting light control too. Nice and cheap

http://www.simhq.com/simhq3/sims/boards/bbs/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=137;t=000076

If ground targets are much easier to pick out in IL2 that's a good endorsement. I keep thinking I would lose some brightness. I think you have the right idea with the inexpensive and bright LCD.

Kimchoc, do you see the rings of the fresnel if you change position, I mean do you have to sit "just right" so as not to notice the rings or is there some leeway?

Gotcha, I havnt really set it up for viewing yet. Mostly just measuring and checking viewpoint distances..
I'm working with only the one monitor right now. Next, I'll take the same monitor and start working on the upper section that will have the Fresnel.
After its all built, i'll order another monitor. They should come down a few dollars anyway.
Thats the next phase.
If I'm not happy with the Fresnel, I'm only out 60.00. I can simply put a 19" monitor in the top similar to what I've done on the bottom.
I went ahead and purchased the fresnel without ever seeing it in an actual game setting. I've seen a bunch of the guys use them in the forums and havnt heard really anything negative as long as you remember that you are compromising. You're trading large size and cheap price for resolution. I think it worth the try anyway.
guages not real, just print-outs from computer for future thinking..

Heres the whole unit with the frenel lens mounted. Its ready for a test flight.

looks cool. Keep us posted! I've almost finished a new texture pack for Taiwan to go with that...

Looks great Kimchoc. Let us know how the test flight goes.