Welcome back Warren,

Glad to see you kicking the tires again.  I am also happy for you and congratulations on your retirement.  Cant wait to see more of your progress and watch your project come together.

I am using MSFS2020 for my setup, which has it challenges, but I am working through them.

Thanks for checking in on us.

Trev

Hi Guys,

Having completed my full-scale 737-800 Sim with its Motion Platform, I found myself looking around for a new Sim Project.

Scott had introduced me to DCS and its F/A-18C aircraft, so I thought it would be fun to build up an F-18 Sim to sit along side my 737 Sim.  Well...  That's what I did.

I chose the Next-Level Military Boeing seat setup as the base structure.  I populated it with WinWing HOTAS Throttle and Stick.  I'm using the ThrustMaster TPR Rudders.  I decided to add WinWing's F-18 Instrument Display setup to add a bit more "tactile" immersion.  For the main Display/Switch Modules. I am using a triple screen monitor setup, with three LG 48" OLED Evo monitors in 4K mode @ 60 Hz. 

The Sim software is Digital Combat Simulator (DCS), which is free.  I purchased three aircraft...  The F/A-18C; the A-10 Warthog; and the AH-64A helicopter.

I'm running all this on a 11th Generation i9 11900K 3.5GHz PC with Windows 11.  My graphics GPU is an RTX 3090, talking to the monitors 60Hz via Display Port.  The speed of this setup allows for smooth display performance.

For moving around the cockpit, I use TrackIR-5.  I tried a VR Headset initially, but it instantly made me sick -- a common issue for some people with VR in a flight sim.  The TrackIR solution however is easy to use and is working fine.

I am using a Logitech Speakers/Woofer Gaming System fed by the computer's sound interface.  I also use a ButtKicker Gaming Plus to add cockpit vibrations.  The Transducer is mounted to the bottom of the seat.  This does a nice job of adding a bit to Sim immersion.

At this point, I am learning the basics of  flying the F-18C.  I have learned how to start from  cold & dark, and perform a proper shut-down.  I am learning the importance of AutoPilot functions.  I can successfully land the F-18 on a Field and on an Aircraft Carrier, catching the "third wire".  This requires strict attention to flying  "On Speed" during Approach operations.  In addition, I am having some fun getting familiar with Guns and Missiles in Air-to-Ground mode.  Overall...  I am just scratching the surface in understand the F/A-18C complex operations, and it is clear that I have a steep learning curve ahead of me.  That said, it's been a great deal of fun thus far.

I have ordered a VIRPIL Collective and Apache Grip for helicopter operations (currently backordered).  Years ago when I worked on assignment in Japan, I learned how to fly a Eurocopter AS-355 Jet helicopter (photo below).  After I returned to the USA, I got my Helicopter rating in an R-22.  After which, I built my own 2-Place Rotorway 162-F helicopter.  I'm now looking forward to flying the Apache helicopter when I get the Collective installed on the Combat Sim.

Anyway...  That's the setup for my new Sim.  Thus far, I have about $7K invested in this Sim Project.

Mike

Hey Warren...  Welcome back!   Best wishes getting resettled in Greece.  Beautiful country! Keep us posted on your Sim project.   

Hi Jack...   I forgot just how nice your Sim looks.  Great job on that project!  You are quite right about MSFS...  Why such a company puts out a product with so many issues. 

Although P3D is "old news", it is still quite robust and reliable.  I'm using P3D v5.4. As you pointed out -- It works!  Same with Sim-Avionics.  I have had no problems with my 737-800 Sim and 6dof Motion Platform after all these years.  It just keeps ticking and keeps on working...

I did upgrade to true 4K Laser projectors, which really helps the quality with my 220 degree projected display.

As a side note, I built a F/A-18C Combat Sim using DCS.  It's a typical setup, with WinWing displays and HOTAS Throttle, and ThrustMaster Rudders, and a Next Level Seat arrangement, with a triple 48" OLED monitor configuration.  It's a lot of fun flying the F-18 and learning its complex systems. 

Here's a photo of my 737-800 Sim.

Mike

Hi Warren..
Glad to see that you are still kicking!
Greece is certainly a good choice as canadian winters are less and less interesting (and bearable) as years go-by .

Forums are filled with frustration about FS2020/24
bugs and whatever crap MS and Windows can throw at cockpit builders.

I am still using P3D and SimAvionics. Runs like clockwork.Zero issues.
Glad to see you back
Jack

Hi.
My my name is Warren, and I'm Aviaholic.
I thought I got away, but I couldn't kick the habit.
I thought about you guys often.  Missed you all.

But seriously - After four more years in Germany, I have finally quit working, packed everything up (again) and retired for good to Greece.

I am finally getting around to unpacking and putting my sim back together for the sixth time!

This time I'm correcting some things, documenting everything, and making everything modular.  This will be the last time I'm putting this together so once I'm done, the next one to take it apart will be my kids when I die, and the next person to put it together will be whoever buys it from them...  so I'm making it easier.

Anyway, very happy to be back, and even happier to see this community still exists.  PLEEEEASE don't tell me we're MSFS focused now.

Your picture is blurred

I am working on the interior of my 737 and I noticed a module/panel on the sides of the cockpit. I believe they were done away with in the 700 and 800 versions of the 737. Anyone know what these are? If anyone has a picture I would appreciate you sending a picture with your response. Thank you

I am hoping someone out there can help me. At some point in the past, I purchased two functional FDS clocks for my Boeing 737NG FDS MIP. I am now in the process of installing them on the MIP. My problem is that over the course of 19 years I have accumulated a lot of components that I won't use anymore as I have updated a lot of components on my sim. Despite searching for days, I have not been unable to locate the cables that go with these clocks. I did a search on google and found some information about the FDS clock on a brochure from FDS. It mentions a power supply for the clock was included with the clock. However, after searching for days I can't find them after going through all of my power supplies. In addition, there is no connection that I can locate for a power cable on the clock. Instead, there are two ten pin connectors. I am assuming these connectors are to interface with SYS boards. I was also assuming that the LCD screen would be powered by the power supply. Am I correct or can the LCD receive its power from a sys board through a 10-pin connector? If so, my problem is solved. If not, then I need to know the type of power supply used with the clocks. If anyone here has used these clocks please send me the information on the clocks as well as pictures if possible. If you can also send me a picture of the back of the clock showing where the power supply connects to the clock, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Respectfully,

Tom Kellogg

Thanks Nat. Yes they're the first generation FDS VGA/USB

Tom

Tom!

Long time...do you mean they old PSOne conversions or the first gen of FDS VGA/USB CDU's?

I cant see why they wont work with ProSIM.
ProSIM doesnt care what display you have, and Im assuming the keyboard emulator will be OK too.

Nat