Project R

[Mr Latte]

No motion Im afraid, have little interest in it and with no support for consoles theirs not much point me adding it, also the costs are quite high. I think its a good idea for the hardcore sim racer, Im maybe more of a hardcore fun factor type guy. The triple screens and all the audio/tactile are not limited in the same way that adding motion would be.

Motion might only work on certain sim games that interest me but it cant work on other forms of games. With my own approach and ideas most types of games Console or PC should work really well with the audio and tactile investment made on this gaming setup/cockpit, so not just racing games will benefit. I guess thats the uniqness of this concept at the moment over other simulators/cockpits Ive seen.

Dirt 3 looks superb and graphically excellent particulary on PC.

Have a few early ideas for keyboard, it wont be hard to implement if/when needed and things like a handbrake may be implemented as a phase 2 after the main rig is completed. Need to concentrate on the main build now.

 

[Mr Latte]

Spent sometime tonight cutting the main 4"x2" timber for the base platform the cockpit will use. This will act as a plinth to visually set the cockpit off, having a nice chrome tubing underneath at the step on/off section. Lighting will also be added later along with a black plastic surface mounted over the wood. The underside will get covered over and the the idea is that this base will also help isolate the tactile and rumble from the subwoofers. Anti vibration feet will be attached in reducing unwanted vibrations spreading. Im not sure how much of a success this may be yet but feel confident.

It's funny even though the size was established very early on when you see it physically in front of yourself you realise this is quite a large amount of space for a cockpit. To give an idea this is approx the size in floorspace that 4x Gamepods or Playseats would require if lined beside each other.

If you guys remember the original idea was to have "Section A" as removable. This was for enabling the triple monitors to be removed from the front of the cockpit if wanting to use a projector for large single screen gaming. This no longer will be required for them to be removed and why will be detailed later. It was however a good thing to split the base up into two parts if it ever needs to be moved/transported so it can be dismantled into A & B.


Only quick photos of temporary positioning:

 

[the_greeze]

Ah, the foundations are laid! 👍 Keep going mate...

 

[nMd_pRo]

You're going to have such a cool rig, that should win a award.

keep up the good work

 

[blown540ci]

Good to see you are putting your plans into action.👍

 

[occasionalracer]

Hi Mr Latte,
just wanted to say that I've been following your setup for a while and like many have, I've just been holding back on any compliments on you audio/tactile experimentations, as you are toying in a league of your own and I'm looking very forward to the what this elegant monster will look and perform like. There's no doubt I'll take some general tactile component setup ideas to be implemented in my 3 monitor setup in the future.
I'm awaiting my T500 and can't wait to slowly put my cockpit together in a few months time. Of course I wan't to take as many basic ideas from from your extreme audio/tactile setups and connections/frequency settings, but it will never be as bling as your chromed out whip.
One question, with all this major amperage being drawn, do you have a dedicated power supply/breaker this "entertainment unit"is running off?
And with all that massive low frequency sound coming from the woofers, are you not concerned the monitors will vibrate, causing potential blurring? Not even vibrations transmitted through the chassis or ground (which can be dampened with rubber), but just the air movement from all those subs next to the monitors.
I'm sure you've done some testing, but I'd be worried about that, cause that could ruin the experience a bit..

All the best with your build!

 

[robulus]

Mr Latte, I've been dropping into this thread occassionally to see what's going down, but it always ends up looking like a recent purchases from ebay list.

Now we are getting somewhere. Congratulations on getting the base down, I'm looking forward to seeing how this thing comes together. Like about 50 thousand other people from what I can gather....

 

[Mr Latte]

Just to recap on some comments...

It feels good to actually do something towards building it, than having lots of materials etc sitting around waiting for something to happen. At the same time Ive got quite a challenge ahead of me and the speed of the build will likely be controlled by obtaining the funds in costs of further components/materials.

I think we are looking at several months here but at least now most updates should be focused on "Actual Building" and give you guys a more interesting thread than it has been for some time.

I laughed at your comment robulus, about the thread being like a shopping list.
Nothing wrong with good humour.

Im looking advice on a possible PC for the future:
Considering Eyefinity 3x1 on the triple 24" I have but also maybe HD3D on a single screen projector.
Anyone thats into PCs or has a setup using these please feel free to comment or PM me.

 

[Mr Latte]

Hi Mr Latte,
just wanted to say that I've been following your setup for a while and like many have, I've just been holding back on any compliments on you audio/tactile experimentations, as you are toying in a league of your own and I'm looking very forward to the what this elegant monster will look and perform like. There's no doubt I'll take some general tactile component setup ideas to be implemented in my 3 monitor setup in the future.
I'm awaiting my T500 and can't wait to slowly put my cockpit together in a few months time. Of course I wan't to take as many basic ideas from from your extreme audio/tactile setups and connections/frequency settings, but it will never be as bling as your chromed out whip.
One question, with all this major amperage being drawn, do you have a dedicated power supply/breaker this "entertainment unit"is running off?
And with all that massive low frequency sound coming from the woofers, are you not concerned the monitors will vibrate, causing potential blurring? Not even vibrations transmitted through the chassis or ground (which can be dampened with rubber), but just the air movement from all those subs next to the monitors.
I'm sure you've done some testing, but I'd be worried about that, cause that could ruin the experience a bit..

All the best with your build!

You make some very good points, so Im glad you have decided to comment.
I need people to be subjective and point out things they may see as possible issues.

The power issues all the hardware would require is a bit of a concern.
I dont know how many seperate plugs points, or the total wattage required. I would likely need multiple plug points and combined with multi/gang adapters. Perhaps surge protection should also be considered? It is a stupid, crazy, silly amount of devices all needing power and perhaps part oversight on practicality but then this isnt a practical cockpit. Yes advice here would be good but will require some research into what is a safe way to use all the hardware.

Regards the subwoofers and vibrations particulary to the monitors, yet again a very good observation in whats a very big possible issue.
I have had plans from the beginning which I wont know until the build is in process and if it is successful.

(*Photo and some info on what has so far been considered regards the subwoofers and main frame to be added later)

 

[Mr Latte]

Okay so here is a look at the "Chrome Alloy" tubing and some typical fittings that are being used...

Ive never seen others use this here before or even on other forums for a cockpit build. As mentioned before this is basically used in the "Retail Shop Fitting Sector". Very simplistic clamp/nut/bolt attachment.

Essientially it works in the same principle as PVC waste/pipe tubing often used in cockpit builds . Here in the UK this "Chrome Tubing" and importantly the many various fittings only seem available in two sizes, a very small 25mm and 32mm. The cockpit will use both but the main frame is all 32mm.

I would of wanted much bigger, closer to 60mm tubing as it looks much more substantial but doesnt seem to be available with required fittings. The main structure of the build will use a "Double Barrell" type effect of this tubing to give it added strength but also ensure it doesnt look puny.

Mock Setup:

The main frame will be raised up from the wooden base unit. Approx 4" with these uprights. This may help reduce the vibrations however additional rubber isolators may be required on the uprights for the monitor section. The *NEW monitor uprights will allow 12"-16" of travel in forward or back positioning. This should enable a nice close setup like the Rennsport for triple monitors but also push back and allow a 60" + projector screen to be used less than 4ft away from the seat position. Maximium visual impact in optimal FOV and size for both triple screen games and traditional single screens is the target achievement. The whole front end of the cockpit now is not needing to be removed as the projector screen will be deisgned to be easily added to the monitor section and simply removed when not needed.

Achieving various angles is simple and will come in useful for allowing the steering wheel angle and height to be adjusted.
For me I wanted something like this and not having multiple drilled holes method which requires removing with every change/alteration.

I wasnt that happy with seeing the bolts within the clamps and discovered last year the perfect solution.
Chrome end caps used in mirror screws with a bit of sticky office/putty type blu-tack or light glue will fix these over the bolts and give a nicer appearance. Just need to keep the "bolt fitting" to the facing side of the frame most seen. Ignore this clamp being all marked Ive been messing around for some time with different ideas for the frame.

Teaser photo, just giving an idea as to the front end of the cockpit.
Subaru WRX wing (inverted) and general position the chrome frame will be placed.

Hope thats enough for now, when more of the fittings ordered arrive I will show the "Double Barrell" effect.

 

[Timppaq]

Looks clean 👍 And as chrome as is only expected!

 

[trk29]

Can't wait to see what the wing is for!

 

[Mr Latte]

Can't wait to see what the wing is for!

Nothing other than styling mate.
See PAGE 2 for the really early ideas on the possible layout.

The cockpit will have a car theme from some car parts and even a hint of F1 styling using believe it or not, components from a vacum cleaner, lol. Some of the originality on this build might raise an eyebrow or two, who knows.

All will be shown within the coming month or so and looking to get a bit more work done tonight.

 

[Jav]

Nothing other than styling mate.
See PAGE 2 for the really early ideas on the possible layout.

The cockpit will have a car theme from some car parts and even a hint of F1 styling using believe it or not, components from a vacum cleaner, lol. Some of the originality on this build might raise an eyebrow or two, who knows.

All will be shown within the coming month or so and looking to get a bit more work done tonight.

Woohoo!! Looking forward to the new update man!

 

[Mr Latte]

Does anyone know of a UK/EU based company that specialise in rubber or plastic end caps?

 

[the_greeze]

Try these mate...

http://www.mocap.co.uk/?gclid=CJeu9cOV4qgCFYIKfAodSWFbDw

http://www.componentforce.co.uk/category/609/plastic-caps-round?gclid=COP8_92V4qgCFUdP4Qodvi5vDA

http://www.caplugs.co.uk/

 

[Mr Latte]

Cheers Mate

 

[Jav]

How's the project coming along Mr.Latte?

 

[Mr Latte]

Hi, well still waiting on some of the chrome accessories that were ordered to arrive. Cant do much till those arrive but a delay with one of the companies. Sorry I have nothing else to show at the moment.

I've been working on a few design trials for the seat mount. I have a set of seat runners to use for forward/back positioning, these will be easy to attach to rubber isolators and the Cobra mounts. My seat is quite heavy now having the Gamepod mounting plate and 4x Buttkickers and 3x Clarke TST 209 attached.

After a few brainstorming ideas and thinking as you do, lol I decided to come up with a way to allow the seat to be easily tilted in angle and also adjustable in height. It's not something I felt I really needed but is good in the sense of a design challenge and will use the same clamps shown earlier. Also I guess optimal adjustability should be incorporated if this is to be an accomplished cockpit too.

The idea is taken from "Timpaq's" own build although mine wont go right down to the floor. The monitor mounts will be adjustable in height as well to match the users preference. Ive seen some "Threaded Hand Wheel" fittings which should make tightening and loosening of the clamps very easy.

See Here
Loosen + Alter Height + Alter Angle + Tighten = SIMPLES!!!

 

[Mr Latte]

Okay so some of the parts arrived, still will need more funds/time to have all the metal components purchased. It worries me a little over how much more I still need to spend on this project to build it.

Here is the bracket to be used for the "Double Barrell" tubing effect I wanted. The side of the cockpit will have angled lengths of this from the wheel section raised at the back to the rear spoiler. Glad these triple hole brackets worked out costing almost £9 each. I thought they might be what I needed with a nice bit of spacing. However your never sure with some things till you have it in hand.

The side of the cockpit frame will have an angled almost zig/zag or lightening bolt shape.

It should be possible to have a mount for attaching the side surround speakers opposite the seat section.
The idea was always to have the speaker fit in between the "double barrell" tubing.

The beauty of using this is that its quite simple to move/adapt the attachments with most effort going to cutting to the appropiate lengths.


I should be able to do the seat attachment over the next week if I have the spare time available.
So will show testing of the seat positioning options.

 

[the_greeze]

They look very shiny!

I know what you mean about the costs involved, it's a slippery slope. On the one hand, we want to build our individual "dream cockpits" but on the other, it's the reality of just how much it's going to cost!

Half the problem is this forum as I'm spurred on (with little regard for my poor wallet and credit card) to constantly improve my build. A few months ago I thought I'd reached the end only to discover that I wanted to improve the tactile-feedback. That in turn is now leading me to accomodate triple screens (and triple screens will probably end up leading to a gaming PC)!

I'm blaming you! lol

But **** it, you only live once right?

 

[Mr Latte]

Yeah blame me...

I think when you start designing/building for yourself its more likely you keep moving the goalposts. Is it because it's more personal than just buying something? Your right that quite often implementing a new thing just leads to more and more and ....

Thats been my problem with the audio/tactile side on this. I never planned for things to get so OTT but felt drawn to wanting to experiment and push the boundaries, who knows the full reason but perhaps to answer my own what ifs or personal challege?

Part of me wants PC again but will I really use it or will I just get fed up with all the usual hassle again? Im not fully sure yet regards the PC gaming and my spare time is limited, so I cant get into several games and enjoy them all.

Consoles with triplescreen GT5/FM4 and the projector option may be more than enough for me.
I have to focus on materials an components to allow this build to be completed now rather than looking into more gadgets.

The black acrylic or whatever plastic is used is going to be over £200 to cover the wooden base.

 

[the_greeze]

I can relate to the 'personal challenge' and also to strive for perfection! I was never really happy with my audio/tactile setup; from the overall effects to just how it was all connected up inside the cabinet (cables everywhere, total rats-nest and you just couldn't get to the back of anything).

That's my problem really; I'll do something, then step back and realise that I can actually improve on it!

 

[Mr Latte]

I can relate to the 'personal challenge' and also to strive for perfection! I was never really happy with my audio/tactile setup; from the overall effects to just how it was all connected up inside the cabinet (cables everywhere, total rats-nest and you just couldn't get to the back of anything).

That's my problem really; I'll do something, then step back and realise that I can actually improve on it!

Thanks for the general chatting, its nice to discuss the passion or why we do this...

I wouldnt say I personally strive for perfection but from the start I wanted a high level of performance and a degree of tidy or professional looks. It was a goal I wanted to achieve. One that has turned out to be quite costly. In my case I want/have to reach my own goals/satisfaction its not really about wanting the ultimate levels of perfection.

Im generally running off having 2-3 ideas for each section of the cockpits frame from hand drawn plans. Often I find in the building process you sometimes get a "what if" moment or inspiration from the build in progress. For me it happens more when it is in front of you rather than having everything fully planned or finalised within fancy 3D modelling that others have shown on the forums here.

I have nothing against that 3D method or approach but for me I like being able to add new inspiration yet work from a general plan or range of similar ideas on how things will go together. I guess I like having options possible and go with plan 2 or 3 if plan 1 wasnt as hoped. Sometimes its combining elements from the different plans to create that new inspired idea. However for me that new "inspired idea" only comes from trying/seeing the others. Im lucky enough to be able to do this because of the tubing Im using and that was one of the reasons I choose that for the build.

Like you referred to improving things, I can relate to that also. Their are some components and things I have bought over the last 2 years that I thought would be used or ideal. Some of these now wont be used because like you say sometimes you step back and re-evaluate things.

Cables also, yeah I hate messy cables and will have my fair share of problems to overcome regards those. Thats another challenge...

 

[Mr Latte]

Right viewers, a few quick photos of a considered seat mount option.
I had in mind a X shaped tubing section with 4x upright posts. One for each corner of the seat. A small wooden platform can be bolted to the X frame.

Only one of the uprights shown here but just to give an idea..
I will test this properly with the seat next week to see if its suitable.

 

[the_greeze]

I too work off various hand-drawn sketches but also use 3D modelling (Sketchup). The 3D is very useful for me as my cockpit framework is steel and it's soooo much easier to pull a 'working copy' (i.e. something a fabricator can actually work to) from Sketchup than having to plough through hand-drawn stuff.

Plus, it's what I do for a living. I was a steel-fabricator (oil & gas industry; offshore and all that) but now work in office-based in a management role, so working with steel is what I know and naturally, I chose it as the material for the cockpit. 👍

And what with being at work full-time, I now sub-out any smaller fabrications (i.e. the improved monitor stands for triple-screen) to a local company. I don't like getting my hands dirty! lol

 

[the_greeze]

Looking at your first picture there Mr. L and I'm thinking that if you use that arrangement in all four corners (as planned?) you'll lose the ability to alter the angle. Essentially, once you bolt in that X cross-frame, you'll 'lock' those pivotable joints.

 

[Mr Latte]

You'd have to point out to me what you mean friend.

The X part wont be connected or fixed to anything which wasnt really explained, so should be free to be angled. It's just used to connect the 4x arms/supports together. The little nipple type clip will be drilled through the support arm and can be bolted to the wooden panel I need going across the X for the seat mounts and runners.

If the uprights are always paralell then wouldnt this be okay?

 

[the_greeze]

I'm not too sure how to explain what I mean! Probably easier for you to test it out. And besides, I could be wrong as I can't quite work out how you're going to fit the seat.

*edit*
Sod it; let's try!

First off: is it your intention to use the pivotable joint (marked 'Angle') in your photo to allow you to alter the angle of the seat? And you're going to have 4 of these assemblies? One in each corner?

 

[Mr Latte]

Yeah I think I get wot you mean with the front an back uprights connected with the X. The back would need to be lower as angled.

Think I'll have to revert to plan B.