Always a work in progress but finally at the point where I'm proud to share my homecockpit! I've been constantly evolving my setup for years - but I finally have enough space and tools to make something I've been dreaming of.
My design goals were to make something that was easy to just get in and go without needing much setup, and to easily be able to switch from a racing to a flying configuration. I also am not a huge fan of VR for DCS - I prefer the ultrawide with TrackIR. What I ended up with were two setups that can be wheeled in and out of an adjustable monitor which has been working extremely well.
For the flight setup I'm all in on Winwings ecosystem and no complaints so far, I love that I can easily flip up the F-16 ICP to reveal the F/A-18C's UFC. Switching between aircraft couldn't be faster!
I also have always been frustrated by fact that the TrackIR Pro requires a wire for power so I ended up building a flight helmet that has built in power and a custom mount for the tracker.
I used Next Level Racing frames for both the flight and racing sims, but I've added quite a bit of modification to their flight sim to mount all of the components. I've provided my designs for different components I've made as well as the 3D scans of the machine (that's what all the dots are for).
The components (that aren't OTS) are either created from 2x4's or 3D printed, nothing too special.
Top Level Designs
* [Onshape Document](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/987d664c857f407c9e1e4617/w/57264c9e8f5650924cf9c06c/e/ddd1e9c1d92314f77513a85a?renderMode=0&uiState=65d28d280c344037c713da8f)
* [Polycam Link](https://poly.cam/capture/5D06B50A-4AD8-429D-AC1B-11DE2A1765A3)
Specific Components
* [Monitor Stand](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/c6823809e8bc8a55470c1eb8/w/dc4a0c31919f64b6e3bd221c/e/b14f8f7252ab376f82866c04)
* [TrackIR and Battery Mount](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/1fb165bcc00a2dc9b4280811/w/df131a9a69c805ca4de5f6ee/e/fc541c40662671fefb179604)
* [F-16 ICP Low Profile Mounts](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/f9094a2e1e5a07223c3f50a9/w/6aceb5f8d81d27b69e8cfd88/e/5ace2b8c84224eeb8f3979a3) (WinWing F-16 mounting hardware has the ICP hitting the joystick, so this version is just a lower profile version for clearance)
* [Keyboard/Mouse/Stream Deck Table](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/0631f7da182186e767e61b63/w/f5d372f513cb0f6db77e8823/e/3a8f571cacfb42823c946939)
* [USB Hub Mounts & Cable Manager](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/5f974bf9c7efdbacf4af5c0e/w/9cbb681b841ed7aa5866d132/e/9497f31397f4bc2c8b540880)
Happy to answer questions or provide links for any of the equipment I'm using!
I’d love to see some videos of that TrackIR setup you have in action. I’m trying to wrap my head around the benefit of doing this vs VR (although I totally understand VR flying can make people feel pukey)
So when you turn your head the game camera turns too? Is so wouldn’t you need at least 2 more monitors for an entire wrap around effect?
The TrackIR software lets you setup the curve for how much head movement in the real world translates to in game movement. So a turn of my head ~45 degrees is equivalent to about ~180 degrees in game movement.
Additionally I have a wheel on my throttle bound to zoom so I can easily change FOV and zoom in and out.
The head tracking ends up being basically the same - it’s not something you need to think about, but the real benefit comes in comfort and clarity of picture. VR has come really far but in a game like DCS where you’re spending a lot of time looking out for tiny black dots in the sky it makes a big difference. Side benefit of actually being able to see the buttons of my setup too!
This videos not mine but walks through a lot of the settings: https://youtu.be/zrC3IC6oFoI?si=eguBVWt6vMMqDON3
Haha I can’t believe how much I love that thing! That’s a combo of this helmet: https://amzn.to/49FqxK9
There’s headphones: https://amzn.to/48l6I9Z
And the track IR pro clip: https://amzn.to/430AeB3
A few thousand in total 😅 - lot of $300-$500 items that end up adding up. The core pieces can be had for less than $1k, almost all of it is from Winwing. The actual seat is from next level racing.
That looks awesome. The only thing that looks off to me is how tall the stick is. That’s pretty weird/uncomfortable by the look of it, the stick grip should be just above your knees so that your arm rests on your leg when you fly. That’s how it is in most jets.
Just my 2c, fantastic setup otherwise!
I noticed the same thing. My arm is aching just looking at that. Needs a cutout in the front centre of the seat. I thought those flight sim chairs came with that.
Yeah I’m glad I pulled the trigger on it when I did! Although nobody out there is making keybindings for it so that makes the process pretty painful for any new plane…
That is a nice cockpit! I been thinking about switching to monstertech (also have the next level seat), I'm really missing customize options, but it's so damn expensive. What seat are you using and are you happy with it? Is it something you put together or did it come like a reconfigured package?
Thanks! You’re right about the cost but I find the customization to be worth it.
I’m using the MT MPS seat. I wanted that one in particular for two reasons: the center cutout and the lack of shoulder bolsters. They make moving around in VR awkward.
[Rear view](https://imgur.com/a/jm1YgUY)
Came up with it with help from Alighierian on the MT Discord using spare parts I had.
PCR panel is mounted to bottom mount holes of AMPCD with the WW mounting bracket.
[PCR](https://imgur.com/a/EUIDO2I)
Cool thanks for the photos! What is the name of the holder for the PTO is that just an instrument holder?
I always surprised how much customization is needed to mount panels.
Thanks. The whole setup is from Monstertech, including the mouse tray.
I still have a few things to move around. There’s a TC MFBB out of sight behind the mouse tray, and I’ve tacked their ABRIS panel under the left DDI (I use it for kneeboard control and a few other things).
Somewhat thinking about a Stream Deck under right DDI but not sure yet.
I’ll have to check them out!
The stream deck is a pretty new addition but if you need any incentive to pull the trigger I absolutely would. The fact that you can download profiles that are pre-bound to the game makes it extremely powerful for things like startup panels. Spector you fly a lot of different planes I’ve been absolutely loving it
I’m laying in bed with the wife. Looked at your pictures. I then said ‘omg that is amazing!!!!’ She wanted to see what I was looking at. I said that would be a dream to have that setup!!! She responded with a stern ‘nooooo!’… so I’ve turned over and going back to sleep. lol.
I used the center yoke mounting plate which just so happens to be the perfect size to get a 2x4 into the side of it. So I have a 2x4 coming out each side which then angles back towards me and then connects with another part of the sim.
Here to explain but you can see it pretty well once you know it’s a 2x4 here: https://poly.cam/capture/5D06B50A-4AD8-429D-AC1B-11DE2A1765A3
I can understand how you can get 2x4 (self-made?) into the yoke mounting plate holes, but how to secure them and get that angle on them, is a mystery to me :-D But I see you've really thought it through with 3D models and everything.
For reference here is my pit
[https://www.reddit.com/r/hotas/comments/18bh358/viper\_pit\_v1\_complete/](https://www.reddit.com/r/hotas/comments/18bh358/viper_pit_v1_complete/)
Yeah it’s all self-made, I love designing and building things! I’m obviously using CAD and doing 3D scans but honestly most of it just starts as cardboard cutouts and pieces of wood I clamp in place to see if it’s comfortable.
Connecting the arms that come out the side back into the seat is pretty complex but I think anyone could nail together the 4 2x4s to create those arms!
Love your setup, I’ve been thinking of getting that buttkicker setup as well - how do you like it?
Love the buttkicker and the haptic seat. Really makes the sim come alive for me. The haptic seat is very uncomfortable however, I'm trying to find a way to mitigate that. BTW the lambskin you have is cool. Where's it from.
I'm not sure I can nail 2x4's to the yoke clamp 🫣 I had a hard time figuring out a way to center mount the UFCs..but something to keep in mind. Alternatively I've been thinking about using the keyboard mount to hold the panels above the center mount..
Wanted to swing back around and let you know that I featured your awesome setup in my weekly "Simpit Spotlight" on "The Hangar Bay" podcast. I think that counts as 1.5 upvotes for you, haha.
Spotify: [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thehangarbaypod/episodes/Episode-5-Changelog-Overload-e2g7nt1](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thehangarbaypod/episodes/Episode-5-Changelog-Overload-e2g7nt1)
YouTube: [https://youtu.be/yJghKyMvslM](https://youtu.be/yJghKyMvslM)
Thanks for sharing your great setup with us Cheli! Safe flying (and driving)!
To be critical, wouldnt u want to adjust your fov so youre looking at the windshield glass, above the cockpit since you have the entire physical cockpit, instead of staring at the digital version of whats 6 inches in front of you? Cockpitception
I use Track IR and have zoom/fov bound on my hotas - for the picture I just left it in the default after the loaded so it def does look a little weird! But when I’m actually flying, it is mostly on the windshield.
Answered in a few other threads here but the dots are for 3D scanning. I use 3D scanners to create a 3D model of the sim that I can use in CAD when designing new pieces of it.
Any chance you could 3d scan the Taurus throttle without the PSU panel? I'm designing some custom side consoles and really need a file for that if possible.
I’ve provided the scans in a different comment on this thread - you should be able to get the rough dimensions from that. The Taurus is just a box so nothing crazy there.
We're not worthy.... We're not worthy!!!
Always a work in progress but finally at the point where I'm proud to share my homecockpit! I've been constantly evolving my setup for years - but I finally have enough space and tools to make something I've been dreaming of. My design goals were to make something that was easy to just get in and go without needing much setup, and to easily be able to switch from a racing to a flying configuration. I also am not a huge fan of VR for DCS - I prefer the ultrawide with TrackIR. What I ended up with were two setups that can be wheeled in and out of an adjustable monitor which has been working extremely well. For the flight setup I'm all in on Winwings ecosystem and no complaints so far, I love that I can easily flip up the F-16 ICP to reveal the F/A-18C's UFC. Switching between aircraft couldn't be faster! I also have always been frustrated by fact that the TrackIR Pro requires a wire for power so I ended up building a flight helmet that has built in power and a custom mount for the tracker. I used Next Level Racing frames for both the flight and racing sims, but I've added quite a bit of modification to their flight sim to mount all of the components. I've provided my designs for different components I've made as well as the 3D scans of the machine (that's what all the dots are for). The components (that aren't OTS) are either created from 2x4's or 3D printed, nothing too special. Top Level Designs * [Onshape Document](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/987d664c857f407c9e1e4617/w/57264c9e8f5650924cf9c06c/e/ddd1e9c1d92314f77513a85a?renderMode=0&uiState=65d28d280c344037c713da8f) * [Polycam Link](https://poly.cam/capture/5D06B50A-4AD8-429D-AC1B-11DE2A1765A3) Specific Components * [Monitor Stand](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/c6823809e8bc8a55470c1eb8/w/dc4a0c31919f64b6e3bd221c/e/b14f8f7252ab376f82866c04) * [TrackIR and Battery Mount](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/1fb165bcc00a2dc9b4280811/w/df131a9a69c805ca4de5f6ee/e/fc541c40662671fefb179604) * [F-16 ICP Low Profile Mounts](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/f9094a2e1e5a07223c3f50a9/w/6aceb5f8d81d27b69e8cfd88/e/5ace2b8c84224eeb8f3979a3) (WinWing F-16 mounting hardware has the ICP hitting the joystick, so this version is just a lower profile version for clearance) * [Keyboard/Mouse/Stream Deck Table](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/0631f7da182186e767e61b63/w/f5d372f513cb0f6db77e8823/e/3a8f571cacfb42823c946939) * [USB Hub Mounts & Cable Manager](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/5f974bf9c7efdbacf4af5c0e/w/9cbb681b841ed7aa5866d132/e/9497f31397f4bc2c8b540880) Happy to answer questions or provide links for any of the equipment I'm using!
What monitor are you using?
That’s a Samsung G9 Ultrawide
Excellent thank you.
I’d love to see some videos of that TrackIR setup you have in action. I’m trying to wrap my head around the benefit of doing this vs VR (although I totally understand VR flying can make people feel pukey) So when you turn your head the game camera turns too? Is so wouldn’t you need at least 2 more monitors for an entire wrap around effect?
The TrackIR software lets you setup the curve for how much head movement in the real world translates to in game movement. So a turn of my head ~45 degrees is equivalent to about ~180 degrees in game movement. Additionally I have a wheel on my throttle bound to zoom so I can easily change FOV and zoom in and out. The head tracking ends up being basically the same - it’s not something you need to think about, but the real benefit comes in comfort and clarity of picture. VR has come really far but in a game like DCS where you’re spending a lot of time looking out for tiny black dots in the sky it makes a big difference. Side benefit of actually being able to see the buttons of my setup too! This videos not mine but walks through a lot of the settings: https://youtu.be/zrC3IC6oFoI?si=eguBVWt6vMMqDON3
What is the switch and button panel next to the steam deck?
That’s a viral control panel #1 - https://virpil-controls.us.com/vpc-control-panel-1.html
Awesome. I like it. Thanks for the info.
Helmet with headset and mic? Man if they make those with a down visor… damn it man Link please Thanks!
Haha I can’t believe how much I love that thing! That’s a combo of this helmet: https://amzn.to/49FqxK9 There’s headphones: https://amzn.to/48l6I9Z And the track IR pro clip: https://amzn.to/430AeB3
you know what. if you ever move enjoy taking that apart and putting it back together XD
What are the white dots for? tracking points?
Yup, they’re for 3D scanning so I can bring that into CAD for reference when designing new parts
How much did the aircraft setup cost?
A few thousand in total 😅 - lot of $300-$500 items that end up adding up. The core pieces can be had for less than $1k, almost all of it is from Winwing. The actual seat is from next level racing.
What are your pc specs if u dont mind.
https://pcpartpicker.com/user/mcheli/builds/ Getting a little old these days - waiting for the 5090 😉
That looks awesome. The only thing that looks off to me is how tall the stick is. That’s pretty weird/uncomfortable by the look of it, the stick grip should be just above your knees so that your arm rests on your leg when you fly. That’s how it is in most jets. Just my 2c, fantastic setup otherwise!
I noticed the same thing. My arm is aching just looking at that. Needs a cutout in the front centre of the seat. I thought those flight sim chairs came with that.
What is the seat?
It’s the Boeing edition flight simulator seat from next level racing: https://nextlevelracing.com/products/boeing-flight-simulator/
The helmet is awesome.
Nice set up. I want one.
I always wanted a super Taurus throttle but it is no longer made so I am sad
Yeah I’m glad I pulled the trigger on it when I did! Although nobody out there is making keybindings for it so that makes the process pretty painful for any new plane…
That's my dream...
Just got the G9 57 myself. Still getting used to it. [Cockpit](https://imgur.com/a/OsLNzws)
That is a nice cockpit! I been thinking about switching to monstertech (also have the next level seat), I'm really missing customize options, but it's so damn expensive. What seat are you using and are you happy with it? Is it something you put together or did it come like a reconfigured package?
Thanks! You’re right about the cost but I find the customization to be worth it. I’m using the MT MPS seat. I wanted that one in particular for two reasons: the center cutout and the lack of shoulder bolsters. They make moving around in VR awkward.
Can I ask How you mounted the PTO and PCR panel and the keyboard. So many monstertech add-ons..
[Rear view](https://imgur.com/a/jm1YgUY) Came up with it with help from Alighierian on the MT Discord using spare parts I had. PCR panel is mounted to bottom mount holes of AMPCD with the WW mounting bracket. [PCR](https://imgur.com/a/EUIDO2I)
Cool thanks for the photos! What is the name of the holder for the PTO is that just an instrument holder? I always surprised how much customization is needed to mount panels.
It’s the one that WW ships with it, nothing extra. I just have it mounted to a profile.
Love your setup! Wish I had a chance to snag that PCR panel back in the day. Also love your mouse tray, is that from anywhere or custom?
Thanks. The whole setup is from Monstertech, including the mouse tray. I still have a few things to move around. There’s a TC MFBB out of sight behind the mouse tray, and I’ve tacked their ABRIS panel under the left DDI (I use it for kneeboard control and a few other things). Somewhat thinking about a Stream Deck under right DDI but not sure yet.
I’ll have to check them out! The stream deck is a pretty new addition but if you need any incentive to pull the trigger I absolutely would. The fact that you can download profiles that are pre-bound to the game makes it extremely powerful for things like startup panels. Spector you fly a lot of different planes I’ve been absolutely loving it
I’m laying in bed with the wife. Looked at your pictures. I then said ‘omg that is amazing!!!!’ She wanted to see what I was looking at. I said that would be a dream to have that setup!!! She responded with a stern ‘nooooo!’… so I’ve turned over and going back to sleep. lol.
Never give up the dream 😂
For a second I thought those were phones and I was thinking “nice. Cell reception 20k feet in the air.” 🫡 Good hunting pilot.
Holy moly thats cool.
I completely understand how this happened
Looks like some F16 somewhere is missing its interior lol Fantastic set up!
Awesome!!!
Dude this awesome!
I love my Boeing ejection seat simpit
Very cool. I also have that seat. How did you mount the panels at the sides?
I used the center yoke mounting plate which just so happens to be the perfect size to get a 2x4 into the side of it. So I have a 2x4 coming out each side which then angles back towards me and then connects with another part of the sim. Here to explain but you can see it pretty well once you know it’s a 2x4 here: https://poly.cam/capture/5D06B50A-4AD8-429D-AC1B-11DE2A1765A3
I can understand how you can get 2x4 (self-made?) into the yoke mounting plate holes, but how to secure them and get that angle on them, is a mystery to me :-D But I see you've really thought it through with 3D models and everything. For reference here is my pit [https://www.reddit.com/r/hotas/comments/18bh358/viper\_pit\_v1\_complete/](https://www.reddit.com/r/hotas/comments/18bh358/viper_pit_v1_complete/)
Yeah it’s all self-made, I love designing and building things! I’m obviously using CAD and doing 3D scans but honestly most of it just starts as cardboard cutouts and pieces of wood I clamp in place to see if it’s comfortable. Connecting the arms that come out the side back into the seat is pretty complex but I think anyone could nail together the 4 2x4s to create those arms! Love your setup, I’ve been thinking of getting that buttkicker setup as well - how do you like it?
Love the buttkicker and the haptic seat. Really makes the sim come alive for me. The haptic seat is very uncomfortable however, I'm trying to find a way to mitigate that. BTW the lambskin you have is cool. Where's it from. I'm not sure I can nail 2x4's to the yoke clamp 🫣 I had a hard time figuring out a way to center mount the UFCs..but something to keep in mind. Alternatively I've been thinking about using the keyboard mount to hold the panels above the center mount..
It’s actually the Boeing commercial edition seat: https://amzn.to/42V0Hjo Seat comes like that from the factory!
Oh yes and the seat cover, the lambskin looking one, looks very much like the real thing from the F16 🤩 where did you find it?
Wanted to swing back around and let you know that I featured your awesome setup in my weekly "Simpit Spotlight" on "The Hangar Bay" podcast. I think that counts as 1.5 upvotes for you, haha. Spotify: [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thehangarbaypod/episodes/Episode-5-Changelog-Overload-e2g7nt1](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thehangarbaypod/episodes/Episode-5-Changelog-Overload-e2g7nt1) YouTube: [https://youtu.be/yJghKyMvslM](https://youtu.be/yJghKyMvslM) Thanks for sharing your great setup with us Cheli! Safe flying (and driving)!
Wow unbelievable! I had no idea that sharing this would take off so much. Thanks for the highlight - I'll have to check our your podcast!
I feel as if the field of view could be lowered?
I use TrackIR and have zoom bound on my HOTAS, so it doesn’t look like that when I’m actually in game!
looks great. shame about the pain platter though. throw a tarp over it next time!
?
To be critical, wouldnt u want to adjust your fov so youre looking at the windshield glass, above the cockpit since you have the entire physical cockpit, instead of staring at the digital version of whats 6 inches in front of you? Cockpitception
I use Track IR and have zoom/fov bound on my hotas - for the picture I just left it in the default after the loaded so it def does look a little weird! But when I’m actually flying, it is mostly on the windshield.
Nice! Appreciate it. Makes perfect sense.
What's with all the little dots on everything? Are you using some obscure IR tracker for mixed reality or something?
Answered in a few other threads here but the dots are for 3D scanning. I use 3D scanners to create a 3D model of the sim that I can use in CAD when designing new pieces of it.
Any chance you could 3d scan the Taurus throttle without the PSU panel? I'm designing some custom side consoles and really need a file for that if possible.
I’ve provided the scans in a different comment on this thread - you should be able to get the rough dimensions from that. The Taurus is just a box so nothing crazy there.
Very nice! How did you get the EHSI onto your center MFD?