Well, I'd like to do something similar except I don't really care about logging time. I have an interest in putting something together in my basement that the kids could learn basics of airplane control on and perhaps I could use to practice raw data cross check (without spending more than renting a real plane).Originally Posted by Jim Rosenow
You'll spend more than it takes to rent a real plane for an hour, but..... :-)
A quick check on amazon.com.... FSX Gold Edition software $15.49 (EASILY the best bargain in the WORLD on anything aviation-related), Saitek yoke/throttle quad $127.48, Saitek pedals $119, assuming you have a fairly modern computer and decent monitor, you're ready to sim with something approaching realism. Can you fly FSX with just a keyboard?...Yup, but why would you? (Disclaimer...no connection to any of these providers, but the products work for me in my situation)
From there, you can get as crazy as you want...Want to turn your head and change the view on the sim?...it can be done. Want a full heavy-hauler cockpit?...just bring $$. Want better scenery, more realistic or real-time wx.....more $$. Want to use 6 monitors or a projector....$$ ditto. It becomes addictive. You can also choose to decide that 80% of the flying experience for $400 (to pick a number) is better than 90% for $2000 or 95% for $20K in your situation.
Oops....the OP leading us off-topic! Bad OP! Let's start an 'entry level' hardware thread if there's interest. Anyone?
I've found an EAA Webinar on simming! Haven't gotten thru it yet, but started....interesting.
http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=1526913944001
Last edited by Jim Rosenow; 12-20-2013 at 01:05 PM.
I'm holdin' out for one of these:
http://www.spitsim.co.uk/
Ron Wanttaja
I finally got out to the website you referenced, Ron. Wow!
Lesseee...$5500 for the control set, another two or three grand for the computer to run it at whiz-band top speed, throw in a used Spitfire cockpit (snicker)...seems it would get you a long ways on another Fly Baby! :-)
If I didn't spend so much $$ flying, I'd love to do something similar, only built around a 182 cockpit.
Some of that "simulator" looks very real like the landing gear lever or as the Brits say, the undercarriage lever as well as trim wheel and control stick or handle. Some are not authentic, like the throttle quadrant, and seat, as far as I can see.
I hope someone did not cut up a real Spitfire fuselage to make that cockpit section, the front window and door look real, the window behind the cockpit is definitely not.
It would be fun to sit in and experience that, especially if they have a realistic view out the front and the wonderful sound of a Merlin. I wonder if they can make the sim drip a little w120 out of the bottom?
Last edited by Bill Greenwood; 12-26-2013 at 08:48 PM.
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