Forming pit building group in Calfornia

[rocketeer]

Hi all, I'm quite new to pit building, just finished building a simple pit with several toggle switches, push buttons, slide pots etc.

Recently my friend and I began discussing about pit building for BlackShark, which is a highly detailed and realistic helo sim by the makers of Lock On. It'd be released sometime this year. We are looking for others to join in discussion about pit building. You may not be into military sims, or care about Lock On or Blackshark. As long as you like to talk about pit building, and are roughly around PST time zone, we'd like you on our team. We're not sharing money to build a super pit, just get together physically or through MSN or teamspeak to brainstorm ideas about pit building and learn from each other.

If possible, we'd like to meet up sometimes physically, to look at each other's work and analyze problems that we are facing. But usually we'd chat through teamspeak, MSN or yahoo messenger. So even if you are not near the Bay Area, you are still welcome to join us through teamspeak. We just want to share ideas and learn from it other and ride the synergy of a team than do it alone.

Hope some of you will join us! Anyone interested please contact me.

[epaton]

Hi,
I saw your post and wondered if maybe we could help you out. I am involved in a start-up sim software and hardware company located in the Bay area (San Jose, CA). Our website is www.flythissim.com.

We may be able to help you out, or listen in on your progress.

Our company is currently targeting the general aviation flight simulators. Basically, we are targeting Cirrus SR20/SR22 fight training and technically advanced aircraft introduction.

Regards
Eric

[rocketeer]

Thanks for your offer to help or advice. I checked out your website. So besides glass cockpit, you guys can do traditional analog gauges as well?

How will they interface to the PC? I know it's through USB, but I mean will your software talk to any sim, or is it limited to MSFS series and FSUIPC?

There are currently five of us in my group. Most of us are building the KA-50 cockpit, for the russinan helo sim that DCS will be launching this summer. Some of us are building generic/multipurpose cockpit to fly more than one aircraft or sim. Will your software have problem interfacing to non cirrus/military cockpits?

I am using FDT cards, the others Hagstrom or Opencockpits. Each of these interface solutions will have its own challenge to talk to DCS' lua script. I just wonder what kind of interfaces you guys handle.

Well, as a pit builder, can I tell you a thing or two about what simmers or pit builders would like to have to enhance the immersion factor.

[airdemon]

i am in northern California and i would like to join your group i am a profecional sim builder and would be glad to help out

regards
Eric

ps i also know epaton

[dlowey]

Hello Rocketeer.
I have recently developed a software program that will directly connect Phidgets to FSX through Simconnect.
Install the software... purchase your phidget components (www.phidgets.com) and build your servo and/or stepper motor guages.
I am currently flying an moc-up of my Citabria Panel including Altimeter, Airspeed, VS, G-meter, Turn Coord, and RPM all run through steppers or hitec servos. Other controls include sliders for throttle and mixture, switches for lights and com/nav1, an LCD display for Com1 act/sby Nav1 act/sby, and a small joystick for aileron and elevator trim.

The program can be custom written to your specifications.

I can be contacted through http://www.livingskyaerobatics.com

[rocketeer]

Thanks for the heads up about this program. However, I don't use Phidgets. It seems impressive though. Do you have pictures to show your setup?

[ssugar]

I would love to see some pictures as well.
Great posts and keep on flyin!

S.S.Ugar
California Vacations

[dlowey]

A demo has been uploaded in FSX misc. files section. feel free to have a look. It has been tested with Vista and windows 7 but should work well with previous versions as well.