#3369746 - 08/18/11 03:55 PM
Re: Planning on a build..... Feedback?
[Re: jangeisler]
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,619
CyBerkut
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,619
Florida
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I found a place where I can order some 50mm PVC pipe here in Denmark. And I plan on using plywood boards to mount the things on to. Would a frame of PVC pipes be strong enough to support: 24" monitor 32" monitor Complete HOTAS with rudderpedals Wheel with pedals Keyboard and mouse Computer ? That is going to depend on: What schedule (thickness) of pipe is used. (Higher schedule numbers are thicker, and therefor stiffer) The number and placement of frame connection points, etc. Keep in mind that triangles are structurally stronger than rectangles.
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#3369844 - 08/18/11 05:20 PM
Re: Planning on a build..... Feedback?
[Re: jangeisler]
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 79
jangeisler
Junior Member
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 79
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Here, I've added a 15 cm block underneath the mousepad. Not sure if it will interfere with the handling of the joystick. I guess i could smooth the edge near the joystick a bit. Or maybe it would be even better, if I turned the block 45' out. But that would make it take more space.. decisions decisions..... Also, I've added the keyboard, so that you can see what I mean with the drawer like pull-out. I added where the screen approx should be.
Last edited by jangeisler; 08/18/11 05:22 PM.
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#3370813 - 08/19/11 09:47 PM
Re: Planning on a build..... Feedback?
[Re: jangeisler]
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 79
jangeisler
Junior Member
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 79
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Got a bit further with the drawing. Here you can see an overview. Throttle, with dudleys idea for a lock. :-) Keyboard on drawer-thingies. Throttles, now angled, on rails. Dudleys locking mechanism again :-) A wire going to a handle near the seat will be appropriate (dudleys idea again) ..At last, getting it all sorted out. Now i just need to set it up temporarily on chairs etc, to see if all the distances and heights are okay. (and figure out what to do with the chair-lock)
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#3371344 - 08/20/11 10:20 PM
Re: Planning on a build..... Feedback?
[Re: JAMF]
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 79
jangeisler
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Posts: 79
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Hi. Great idea, thanks. :-) In the plan, I can actually reach both the HOTAS and the wheel from the same relaxed position. But now you mention it, it could be nice with a laid back racing position. I will consider it, and see if it would be too complicated to build. The original plan was to keep it as simple as possible, and to make it possible and comfortable to reach ALL the controls from the same position. I think that I need to set everything up temporarily, setting the right distances and heights, even if that means that I have to lay the controls on stacked books etc. If the racing position is awkward, I will try to plan something like the idea you mentioned
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#3371708 - 08/21/11 03:39 PM
Re: Planning on a build..... Feedback?
[Re: jangeisler]
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 951
NamelessPFG
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I think I might have figured out how to place the mouse.
Notice that the mouse is higher now that originally, and the mouse / stick slides forward 25cm / 10". Heh, I can't believe I didn't think of that earlier... ...oh wait, I might have, but ruled it out because my Cougar has a force-sensing mod installed, and those work best when the stick is mounted as securely as possible. I wonder how that's going to work if it's on a sliding platform. One of my ideas to get around this with a fixed stick would actually require me to buy a new keyboard...a split one. Then place each half somewhere near the stick and throttle in a comfortable position. The middle platform that would normally hold the keyboard instead becomes home to the mouse and my 3Dconnexion SpacePilot. Perhaps my MS SWFFB2 too, for the prop sims (but it won't always be mounted there, just brought out when needed like it currently is). Only thing is, I'm kind of fond of the keyboards I already have now, and a split mechanical keyboard would be even more expensive than usual.
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#3375112 - 08/26/11 04:42 AM
Re: Planning on a build..... Feedback?
[Re: jangeisler]
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 172
DudleyAz
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Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 172
Phoenix, AZ
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Jangeisler, I used 'full extension' heavy duty drawer glides for my wheel to slide in my pit. They are strong enough to support the weight of the wheel, plus the much heavier stress of me yanking on the thing when I am racing... especially when things aren't going my way! You can also look for server racking gear. It is generally heavy duty stuff. I had promised a while back some info on the sprung load latches I was using... well, I finally remembered to swing by the hardware store and snap a pic for you. I have seen them called chain bolts and spring bolts. Just make sure it has a spring that keeps it in the closed position unless you pull the chain. I replace the chain with braided metal cable. In reference to your question about using PVC for your framework. I just recently finished building a setup for a friend of mine based on some plans he found on the internet. I think it came out as good as it could, but we both agree it is a bit... wiggly... especially when doing agressive flying. He doesn't have a wheel set up, but I don't think I would relish bolting a wheel on to it as well. The PVC just flexes too much and doesn't have enough mass to it to make it feel solid. We have discussed filling the piping with sand or expanding foam insulation, but we're not sure it would help much. We may end up using it as a framework to start attaching an MDF skin to, but if we were starting from scratch, we would skip the PVC all together. By the way, he is using Velcro to strap the chair to the rig whenever he flys. It keeps him from sliding away from the controls, but he forgot to unstrap himself once and almost broke one of the supports when he went to slide away and stand up. The Velcro holds nice and tight though! Hope all this helps! Dud
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