Flying vs Fixing Time

[Jimboflight]

Still just looking around the edges of flight simulation, awfully afraid the technical computer stuff is way beyond me.  Then I read that Maurice has his cockpit up for sale.  As I understand it he is tired of all the time he spends working on his system rather  than flying.  If that is the case then it makes me wonder.  How much time does the average person spend building & trouble shooting rather than flying? Anyone got any numbers on what to expect?
Appreciate any  insight.
Jim

[jskibo]

A lot will depend on what way you go.

Buy a pre wired FDS sim, less time

Build something from scratch suing parts from many suppliers, homemade and do all the integration yourself, probably lots of time.

Do something in between those two......maybe some time, but you'll learn a lot along the way.

[Trevor Hale]

Hi Jim,

For everyone the complexity of their simulators varies.  Obviously those who have the technical abilities always "tinker" for more realism..  Those that tinker break things LOL.

There are also those with limited technical ability that opt for the "plug-n-play" cockpit parts which can cost more money but are much more stable and easy to setup.

It really all depends on where you want to take your project.

Each and everyone of us has started small, and worked their way up!  I would suggest you start slow, with just adding a few usb devices to make your desktop setup more realistic, and see how you get on.

We are here to help guide you and also the forum search has a lot of great information in it.

Best of Luck.

Trev

[Bob Reed]

I like what Trevor says. This will also slowly bring your technical skills up to snuff slowly. Take small bites they are much easer to chew!

[sagrada737]

Hi Jim,

Your concern is not without merit.  Building up a full-scale flight Sim is not for someone that is easily deterred. 

Fortunately, there are solutions available right now, that can take much of the pain out of getting started with a Sim Project, without the major considerations of building up a full blown flight deck from scratch.  From how you posed the question, I would suggest that you seriously consider purchasing Flight Deck Solutions' JetMax simulator, which is essentially ready to go, right out of the box - all at a reasonable  price that won't break the bank.

The FDS JetMax solution is for folks perhaps like yourself that are not totally sure they want to spend the time, money and effort to build up a full-scale simulator project, yet desire a complete simulator package that is essentially plug and play.   Check it out - it might be what you are looking for.

The other road is filled with lots of technical hurdles related to the complexities of software and hardware systems integration that are required to build up a full-scale simulator - including the commitment and dedication needed to bring such a big project to fruition.  And did I mention the time involved in doing all this...  and the expense involved that sucks the life out of your wallet :-)  Yep... You're right to think twice about all this. 

That said, which ever way you decide to go...  Building up your own Sim or fast-tracking a Sim solution like the JetMax, can be an exciting and rewarding experience.  Weight the considerations, count the cost, make a decision - and join in the fun!

Mike

[tennyson]

I started out with grand illusions and am now entering my second year.

Not because I want to, but because I have changed my design along the way. You have to consider that there are new manufacturers starting up every day, with shiny new modules and better manufactured parts.

It's hard not to change your ideas when forum like this are presenting the new ideas every day. Also, the sharing of ideas by fellow builders can be of tremendous help and can help complete your project quicker.

Loss of interest during times of building can be a major drawback, but the continuing emergence of new ideas and products normally keeps you on track. And the fact that you have significant investment usually means you want to finish it.

Unfortunately, I've discovered that one of the things that plagues builders the most, is their IT skills and knowledge.
The underlying avionics systems rely on current PC technology and hardware.
FSX, which is the current choice of sim base, is very dated and requires a lot of resources and tweaking and maintenance, to become a stable platform for sim use.

And of course, some builders cannot afford to have 3 + high end systems just dedicated to their sim project, so they improvise and share them as their day to day machines.

It's a learning curve, just like many other hobbies, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I love this hobby, appreciate the men and women who pass on their hard earned info and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.




Frank Cooper

[Maurice]

Jim,


Since you mentioned me above, I'll also add my 2 cents for all their worth, which these days are worth nothing now that Canada has dumped the penny

I fully agree with Trev...the more complex a system and the more you tinker with it, the less you will fly.

But also keep in mind that I started many, many moons ago when very little help & pre-built components were available and that has taken its toll on me as all I wanted was to fly and building a sim was just a necessary evil for me since I was not happy with just a desktop setup.

So, don't let my experience influence you. Building a sim these days is much less daunting than it was just a few years ago assuming of course that you have the financial means to buy prefabricated assemblies.

But if finances are a big issue and you still want more than a desktop setup, then something like a JetMax is ideal if you like flying complex jets. But there are also many simpler options if you would like a generic setup.

My plans are not definite yet, but I'm leaning towards building a simple generic setup of some sort or a JetMax if I miss flying a 737. Will I miss my flight deck? For sure, but I also know that I will certainly fly more often than I have in the last 5 years.

Everything in life has a price and you are the only one who can decide what is most important to you and how quickly you want to get there. I'm definitely not a good example for you to follow or be influenced by, so don't let my decision steer you away from your dreams.

Maurice

[Jimboflight]

Thanks everyone.  Firmly believe I want to play the sim game.  Problem is that realism is very very important. As a former private pilot I dream of coming as close as possible to my memories.  Guess that could mean the visuals are very important and the flyability/response of controls is important.  Jetmax could be the answer but wonder how close anyone has come to making the environment around the jetmax feel like a real cockpit with damn good visuals.
Still playing with FSX  on a woefully inadequate computer with saitek yoke, rudders and prop controls.  Got it flying nicely but can't land without bending metal
Again, appreciate your words
Jim

[Jetcos]

Hi Jim,

Nat set this up in Kuala Lumpur with us and a FDS B737 Singleseater with an HD projector.

[AVIATor-Olav]

Keep it simple is my advice. I've built my rig using real equipment interfaced for use with FS as well as some home made stuff. It may sound complex, but my build really is quite simple. The only P & P units in my sim are the radios. Ok, I've spent lots of hours building and setting everything up, but at this stage it's all about starting up and go flying. The danger of sim building is once you get started you allways strive for more realism, better visuals more hard ware etc. I think it's safe to say you never stop building a home cockpit, there's allways something you'd like to add to it no matter how elaborate your build is. I've decided not to let minor deviations from the real thing bother me. I flip a switch and the back lighting of my OH panel turns on. There are no rheostats and dimming and the likes. I'm fine with it and it doesn't take anything away from the flying experience. Having said this, I think you must have some sort of interest in engineering and trouble shooting to start a sim build. If you don't, it may be a long way to get flying.

Good luck, and have fun with it!

[Nat Crea]

Jim

Steve makes a good point.
That FDS Single Seater visual system was
simple yet a real blast...one computer, one projector.

I Think the customer was more excited with that over the massive
Airbus  200 degree system I installed. (ok not quite, but close!)
They originally planned to use 3 plasmas TV's for the SSTD until I convinced
them otherwise.

Here's another shot of the legendary SCos  preparing for a flight.

Nat

[XOrionFE]

That's ugly Nat!!  They really should have gone with 3 large LED TVs! 

Scott

[Nat Crea]

That's ugly Nat!!  They really should have gone with 3 large LED TVs!

I know...sorry to inflict such pain on you guys 

Nat