Project R

[Mr Latte]

So any pics of the build yet?

No sorry Ive had a busy week at work.
However Ive been measuring for the triple monitors and should have a temp build of the monitor stand soon.

Still some materials to arrive (guess I can blame the volcanic ash) and some tools I need to purchase yet.
More small issues like, what nuts, bolts, screws are needed so I have been buying various samples for a trial build of this part of the cockpit.

I need to be certain the monitor supports will fit onto the base section and their positioning is very imortant.
Its a bit complicated as they also cannot be hampered by the position of the front WRX spoiler yet fit in the area of the chrome surround.

Checking for left monitor position


Got to do size/position checks ensuring the triple monitors can be easily positioned with a degree of adjustment to allow accurate alignment.
Temp build of this will be needed before actually building the base platform from the wood already delivered. Just want to be sure its all going to be okay before building the base.






Have also ordered some samples of different plastics this week.

 

[Dan_]

Hi Mr Latte,

I've been reading this thread since a week ago and I'm very pleased to see such fine art of work. Will you issue some patent requests for this masterpiece you're building? I would like to build one similar cockpit, at least the basic structure of triple monitors and changeable steering wheels, so when you have all the patents pending for the structure I can calculate costs and of course include your reward for such great project.

I'm eagerly waiting to see it finished. 👍

Regards,
Dan

 

[Mr Latte]

Hi Mr Latte,

I've been reading this thread since a week ago and I'm very pleased to see such fine art of work. Will you issue some patent requests for this masterpiece you're building? I would like to build one similar cockpit, at least the basic structure of triple monitors and changeable steering wheels, so when you have all the patents pending for the structure I can calculate costs and of course include your reward for such great project.

I'm eagerly waiting to see it finished. 👍

Regards,
Dan

Appreciate the fun comments and interest Dan. Part of sharing the project is to help inspire others. Some progress will be made this week to actually getting something done...
Their are lots of nice touches coming trust me...

Looks stunning so far, I apologise if you have already been asked this a million times, but when do you think it will be finished and running by?

Sorry for not replying sooner Ollie. If being honest I dont know. I would say that if GT5 was announced for a release date that would be a factor to try to get it ready in time assuming a summer release is possible. If GT5 is much later than summer then it gives me more time to save the extra funds needed to get this finished. Overtime the project has become more influenced by GT to a point I guess for me this has now become a celbration of the game. Lets hope its good eh?

The plastic, spray painting of car parts and lighting is likely to cost around £400-£500 which is more than I want to spend based on just how it looks but then again looks are part of this whole project.


I need some help. Does anyone know of a good guide to get GT4 working via 3xscreens 3xPS3?

 

[Delphic Reason]

I need some help. Does anyone know of a good guide to get GT4 working via 3xscreens 3xPS3?

I believe it only works in arcade mode. It's not the full game, playable, as it is with F3.

 

[Mr Latte]

I believe it only works in arcade mode. It's not the full game, playable, as it is with F3.

Yes I know that mate, still would like to experience it to compare to FM3.Trailers are also on youtube with it working with in game races using "GT Concept"

 

[Delphic Reason]

Yes I know that mate, still would like to experience it to compare to FM3.Trailers are also on youtube with it working with in game races using "GT Concept"

It's easy enough with 3 PS2's. I can't imagine it would be any different with 3 PS3's, so long as they are backwards compatible (60gb's).

 

[Mr Latte]

It's easy enough with 3 PS2's. I can't imagine it would be any different with 3 PS3's, so long as they are backwards compatible (60gb's).

Been trying with 2 consoles, on one I get a message when trying to enter a lan race.
"Network Adapter (for playstation 2) is not connected."

Both PS3 are connected to a wired network and the same network works with my X360s so doubt the problem is their.

Will maybe have to research into it all, not to worry...

EDIT:
I think its related to the 80GB USA console Im using and its software not hardware emulation having an issue with GT4.

I guess that sorts that...

 

[Delphic Reason]

Been trying with 2 consoles, on one I get a message when trying to enter a lan race.
"Network Adapter (for playstation 2) is not connected."

Both PS3 are connected to a wired network and the same network works with my X360s so doubt the problem is their.

Will maybe have to research into it all, not to worry...

EDIT:
I think its related to the 80GB USA console Im using and its software not hardware emulation having an issue with GT4.

I guess that sorts that...

Yep, you would need 3 60gigs...

 

[Mr Latte]

Decided to give up on GT4 Multiscreen.
I could go out and buy cheap 2nd hand PS2s but just thought Id try it on PS3.


Anyways tonight I done some actual building work regards the monitor support.
This is only the first build which isnt even complete yet so it will still go through a few changes yet.

These uprights will be positionable with a degree of movement to allow perfect alignment of the triple monitors.
Each monitor will attach to the front centre upright using a VESA mount and the PS3 will be supported on the shelf but on a new not yet shown raised platform so its centred at the back of the monitor.

I find no matter how much planning you do when it comes to actually having something physically in front of you then you can get new ideas or decide to do something a little different.
When I complete it I will update again. Three of these stands will be built with 1 for each monitor and PS3.

 

[Dan_]

Hey dude,

Do you mind in showing us the progress you did in the last days?

I can't wait to see the the final product.

Cheers,

 

[Mr Latte]

Hey dude,

Do you mind in showing us the progress you did in the last days?

I can't wait to see the the final product.

Cheers,

Ive got more done yeah but waiting on more plastic to arrive to continue further with these monitor uprights. Also some tools needed. To be honest though theirs not much point in posting images of every little change and I dont post this stuff just to show off the progress for the sake of it.

If anything I was recently looking and noticed the thread had 300+ views since that image above was posted several days ago and your the first to say anything so well done to you. When we have a situation like that then I dont feel any real desire to bother in uploading further images as often if people cant be bothered to discuss, question, criticise or acknowledge those updates. It may not be but its easy to get a feeling its just a waste of my time.

Basically if more discussion happens then more will get shown from here on. If people continue to come in droves and say nothing then I feel updates arnt as important when most just want it seems to keep an eye on how things are going. So really its upto you guys...

The polypropylene is a nice product. 👍
At 3mm thick, it seems a waste of product and cost if it's for covering the MDF.
I would have thought 1mm would be plenty.

The plastic samples arrived last week and they look almost identical. So yeah maybe the polypropylene being cheaper to buy is the best thing for me to use.
It has however raised a new concern for me, that this could get easily marked and scratched particulary for the foot area so might have to consider something like a car matt area or something like that which prevents the area close to the pedals in getting badly marked over time.

3mm thickness is the thinnest they sell, not sure if anyone knows where in the UK 1mm gloss black polypropylene is available?

 

[Timppaq]

Well, the parts look great but you already know that. I'd guess most of the people just want to see more of those parts together to have an idea of the final look.

Personally I'm very interested of the frame & base etc, how are you going to keep the same level of quality you have in the parts in the parts that will be "built" 👍 Looking forward to see some of that.

 

[Mr Latte]

Well, the parts look great but you already know that. I'd guess most of the people just want to see more of those parts together to have an idea of the final look.

Personally I'm very interested of the frame & base etc, how are you going to keep the same level of quality you have in the parts in the parts that will be "built" 👍 Looking forward to see some of that.

Hi Tim,
Most of the metal components for the project will require just little building work. Well I mean nothing over difficult. Id say its going to be 80% cut/join/bolt together. Hardest part will come in getting proper positioning and alignment in certain areas and drilling/cutting out holes in the base accurately.

Update:
Ive recently ordered the plastic to the sizes for all 3 monitor uprights.
This plastic will arrive cut to the sizes needed.

Their will be some changes compared to the above picture. This batch will be used to create two shelves and support the monitor upright. A smaller bottom shelf for a PS3 controller and a larger shelf for the PS3 itself to stand on behind the monitor. When this arrives I should finally be able to complete the first monitor stand. Then its only a matter of making up the other two. Maybe then it will start to look like something.....

Other recent purchases:

Some drill bits, small items and tools have proven to be more additional cost.
They are needed to ensure the work is done right.

Went for this below more for "decor" than usage.
Keeping in with the GT colours.

2x Seat runners were finally purchased.
Got 1 for the seat and the other for the pedal platform section.
Went for the full bar type rather than just a handle.

Heres a picture taken a few weeks ago that will give an idea of the area above the pedals and thats in between the wheel and monitor sections.
Effectively its the bonnet. I wanted something a bit like the "Renn Sport Cockpit" having a frame look but openness.
Again the same metal tubing is being used along with the previously purchased "Escourt Cosworth" vents.

This frame will be angled at approx 45 degrees and will attach to the main upright for the wheel support.

 

[snazzyles]

I have been following with interest but never registered until now. I dont have a PS3 yet and Forza seems to get a bit of a bashing here. Will get a PS3 or 3 when GT5 is out.

I am interested to see how you put your dash together. Will there be any dials in it or just the buttons?

 

[Mr Latte]

I have been following with interest but never registered until now. I dont have a PS3 yet and Forza seems to get a bit of a bashing here. Will get a PS3 or 3 when GT5 is out.

I am interested to see how you put your dash together. Will there be any dials in it or just the buttons?

With my sim being used mainly for console games, stuff like these switches, lights and the Lotus Elise rev counter will not function. I understand some d.i.y projects have such incorporated into PC sim games. The provision would be their to add that in if ever desired. Im not even bothered in having the switches/lights etc even light up

These are really just for styling purposes.
I want to avoid a boxy dash and something that houses the wheel is no good neither as changing wheels. Again the finished look is to be simple, stylish but car/arcade themed.
I had at one stage considered a dash like the "Virtual GT" sim cockpits that are built around the wheel but that idea was dropped with the decision to use the Fanatec clamp and allow easy changing/positioning of wheels.

• Wheel (Turbo S & modded G25 swapable)
• Chrome tubing (shown above) could be used as a handle getting in out of seat.
• Switches to one side of wheel
• Emergency lights to other side
• Lotus Elise speedo on some form of bracket above wheel body

The biggest problem may be trying to add a keyboard tray below the wheel area and im not sure its going to be possible in how the Fanatec wheel mount attaches.
I tend to get more ideas when Im actually doing the building and see it before me.

Id like to use the triple monitors and cockpit for general PC stuff as well.
Might have to devise a different idea for keyboard and mouse or have it below wheel clamp and remove the clamp/wheel when wanting to use for PC usage.

 

[No46_TheDoctor]

I had one of those switch sets, like the one with the big "missile button" on my rig, wired up to trigger 12/240 volt relays which I used to swith on Amps, Earthquake LFE, sSub, monitor etc ,etc.

I didn't use it for the cockpit I have now, and to be honest I miss it, it was very usefull, I use the radio controlled sockets now but they aren't the same, I might re-fit them sometime.

So even if you only use your rig for consoles you can still use the switches to good effect.

 

[Mr Latte]

I had one of those switch sets, like the one with the big "missile button" on my rig, wired up to trigger 12/240 volt relays which I used to swith on Amps, Earthquake LFE, sSub, monitor etc ,etc.

I didn't use it for the cockpit I have now, and to be honest I miss it, it was very usefull, I use the radio controlled sockets now but they aren't the same, I might re-fit them sometime.

So even if you only use your rig for consoles you can still use the switches to good effect.

I have no idea regards electronics, be great if you could give a hand on how to connect such relays. It could be a nice touch actually for turning off the smaller planned buttkickers for the wheel and pedals.

 

[No46_TheDoctor]

Here's a basic schematic, all you have to do is basically make sure your earth's are connected through and put the relay's in a plastic enclosure and your good to go.

For instance you can have two 3 core flex cables supplying the mains to the relay box, then you cut off the 3 pin plugs from the leads that connect to your equipment and wire them straight into the relays.

I would reccomend Octal Power relay's as they are probably the safest to use, you do need to buy the base seperately though. You also could need more than one 12 Volt PSU to power the relays depending on how many you use.

 

[Timppaq]

Doc, can I ask what program you used to draw that pic? My mate would need a good & cheap program (legally) to draw some electricity drawings..

sorry ot.

 

[No46_TheDoctor]

Sorry Timppaq, I used AutoCad and plotted to PDF, not the best way of doing this type of drawing. I know of a program called Smart Draw which will create "proper" schematic drawings, where you can move components about and the connections automaticaly update, for instance you could drag that relay to another position and the connections would move with it, quite cool, not sure of cost though.

 

[Mr Latte]

Well thanks for that...

Seems rather simple and I guess "Maplin" would be a good place for those components?

I gave it more thought and hit a snag kinda with the Buttkickers.
Bit worried in using a switch to kill the juice so to speak to the amp that would power these. It may damage it rather than powering the amplifer off manually with its power button.

Appreciate the help as it could come in handy for the lights in the base.

Now if your good with electronics is their a simple device like a motion detector that could detect movement in the brake pedal to allow brake lights to turn on? I have a brake pedal sensor but with the idea of changing pedal sets would make that more complicated.

Does anyone know of a suitable motion detection device that could be used to trigger a 12V set of lights?

 

[nick09]

All you need to do is make a switch type circuit(you know like a light switch). Though it will be a bit hard but not impossible to make it work with your switchable pedals. What I'm thinking you could do to complete the circuit is to take a regular door hinge and a spring. The pressure from the pedal would push the hinge down and complete the circuit.

That's all I really know since I only read a little about this stuff since I was in middle school. Though you could always ask a professional about this to make sure you don't short anything out.

 

[Mr Latte]

Okay will continue to look into ideas...

 

[Zer0]

Very cool project.

No wheel mods?



http://www.f1driving.it/english/modg25e.htm

 

[Mr Latte]

Very cool project.

No wheel mods?

Hi again Zero
Thanks for comments btw
Looking to add a full size wheel and AP electrix or Perfect Pedal for the G25 but not bothered with those other specialist wheel mods.

 

[grog]

Now if your good with electronics is their a simple device like a motion detector that could detect movement in the brake pedal to allow brake lights to turn on? I have a brake pedal sensor but with the idea of changing pedal sets would make that more complicated.

Does anyone know of a suitable motion detection device that could be used to trigger a 12V set of lights?

You could use 2 brake light switches, one for each pedal set. then set it up so that you just unplug the brake light switch when you change pedals. if access is too difficult you could extend some wires to make access better (find some 2 wire male and female connectors so you can just swap plugs).

 

[Mr Latte]

Yeah I had considered maybe having to do seperate brake switches for each set of pedals.




Monitor Supports Update

Tonight almost a year since first having this chrome tubing as a monitor support idea. I've finally got to see it built up in this first beta build.
You can see the influence I borrowed from the "VR3" sim frames having a PS3 behind the monitor.

This wont be the finished version as I have two more beta build ideas that have some differences in supporting the monitor and these will improve upon some issues with this first build Im not happy with.

Changes to be done to:

* Bottom Support Shelf (changes to support)
* Monitor Bracket (strengthen monitor upright to ensure it stays level)


Okay so for the first time you guys can get a better idea of how the triple monitors will be supported.
Keep in mind this is only the "Centre" screen so two identical supports will be done for Left/Right screens.

 

[JackoAus]

You sir are genious, ive seen the progress keep it up mate !

 

[nfamas]

that looks awesome mate, keep up the good work!

 

[Mr Latte]

Ta for the kind words, though we are only getting started lads...

As nice as it was to see the chrome with the monitor and PS3 I don't like how the black shelf turned out.
Its too cramped with the PS3 shelf only above it. This was also going to hold a controller but theirs not enough room.
I can raise the PS3 but then its not centred with the monitor, doh!

Oh well, beta 2 will use a new mounting solution at the centre of the monitor support that will attach to the dual upright poles. This should be stronger and keep the monitor in place better. It also means the bottom black shelf will not be required and if anything should look tidier too.


Camera phone pics of new support bracket in progress

To be continued.....