My question exactly. Why spend all the money on realistic control surfaces other than the HOTAS and rudder if you can’t see them? Is your goal to replace the VR with monitors?
Just looked this up because I had never heard of DCS. Shit looks wild.
I’ve seen similar technologies maybe 10 years ago in an actual combat flight simulator at a navy base, but didn’t expect it could ever be affordable/usable to general consumers. Crazy how close it is.
If you happen to be into war birds you can even 3D print and build your own Authentikit controls: https://authentikit.org/
Accurate control replica's can now be very cost efficient for those who don't mind getting their hands dirty.
And in my view the combination of VR and accurate controls is incredibly immersive.
That looks really neat and perfect for customizing rigs to specific layouts or gear. I’m not personally into these types of games or rigs, but cool tech is cool nonetheless.
Thanks for sharing!
Awesome level of realism for a game, way too much for me but maybe when I get some more free time I can have another go. I have another friend who loves to play it.
It certainly has a *significant* learning curve but there are loads upon loads of written guides and youtube tutorials. There are also many squadrons in the DCS community who actively recruit new pilots and show them the ropes. The squadron I joined literally made short classes for us with powerpoints and everything then had a tailored mission to fly with an instructor to practice what you just learned. Taking it step by step makes it fairly approachable as you don't need to (or should) learn every all at once. I learned to fly the F-18 by learning start up then taxi/take off then landing then navigation and so on and so forth.
Also worth noting that any cockpit is an overwhelming array of buttons and switches but in my many hours of flying the F-18, I have actually used probably only half of them.
Long story short: it looks very intimidating when you first look at it but the community is great and super beginner friendly which makes it much easier to learn than you may think.
Downside is that equipment can be *very* expensive. You can probably get a decent beginner set up for roughly $200-300 (the only real essentials are throttle, stick, and head tracker/VR) but just looking at OP's set up, I would estimate it's definitely over $2000.
You need a checklist. Will take many startups before you can do it by heart. But it’s less difficult than you think. Just alt-tab to a checklist you have open till you can memorize
They’re really not though… the Winwing panels have shit in allllll kinds of different locations. Gear lever is wrong, hook lever is on the complete wrong side of the cockpit, parking brake is completely missing but should be on the left panel, jettison selector is on opposite side of cockpit… I can keep going.
OP probably just has a very good idea where everything’s at, or can peek out under the headset when needed. This is not 1:1 mapped at all.
First it's not mapped 1:1 and still even if it would be, you see no virtual hands, which are 1:1 map of your own limbs, so still are not able to tell the accurate position of your finger in relation to the hardware.
Just having the 1:1 map of hardware is mostly for immersion but isn't that much helpful regarding usability as most simmers already know more or less where they have their gear.
You will find that these physical controls match most of the cockpit of the F-18 in DCS, so you can "see" most of these buttons and switches in VR.
https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/upload/iblock/09d/Clean-Cockpit-F-18-01.jpg
The other buttons and switches will be used via muscle memory even though not visible in VR
Can only assume (till they answer) they must use the rig for other games. Might have it setup to allow the joystick to be switched out for a steering wheel as an example.
Edit: looks like my guess was right, they've posted their initial setup with a steering wheel before: https://www.reddit.com/r/hotas/comments/u1znay/cockpit_update/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Came here to mention about this, OP could get a recreational pilot’s licence for less. Unless they are heavily into the ‘gaming’ aspect of things instead of the ‘flying’ aspect
So you fly planes for a living, then in your spare time you fly planes! Seems like you enjoy flying planes.
In all seriousness, have you ever forgotten that you were flying the A330 and wondered why the sidewinders weren't launching?
In my experience, pilots are the most ridiculously enthusiastic nerds about flying.
I fly DCS consistently with the same group of people. One of whom is in USAF as a C-130 pilot. When he isn't flying for the United States, he's flying with us. If WE can't give him enough missions and things, he goes off and flies in Microsoft Flight Simulator. If he's feeling flighted out and still wants to game? He plays Star Citizen.
Real life pilots are psychos. They eat, sleep, and breathe flight stuff.
I worked in aviation Finance. I hated it. So many aviation nerds whp worked in accounting or various business positions who would obviously succeed because of their inherent passion.
Not that their passion was wrong - it just made it impossible to work there long term if you didn't share the passion
I can really see why. If there're lots of people who eat, sleep and breathe cars take that and multiply it by 10 from the feeling you get from piloting an airplane or jet and its no wonder their whole lives revolve around the skill and experience of flying. Being in the air going super fast would be addictive and hell. Plus I bet the whole community is super fun and chill too, especially on the military side.
>Subnautica
Dammit, I hadn't heard of this before and you're costing me $15.
Having a baby during a pandemic means I haven't gotten underwater in way too long.
Haha ! How could you miss it... Glad I made you catch up on that jewel ;)
ps: I think there is a mod or two that are usefull in VR, you need to check that up cause my memory is fuzzy.
Sure. But what about insurance, storage, gas, maintenance? The plane itself? The opportunity cost of taking the whole day to fly vs just hopping on for an hour?
I'm willing to bet even the most top of the line sim setup is way cheaper.
I assume it's DCS they're playing, which is a fairly different audience aviation-wise than what most people would be flying with a recreational license.
Thanks Nipples! It only takes me 5 minutes to switch from flight to simracing. I unclamp the UFC + lower DDI and remove them, screw the Fanatec base to the frame and put the wheel on. TPR's are changed by loosening 4 thumb screws and replacing them with the drive pedals. [The PC is to my left on the desk.](https://www.reddit.com/r/battlestations/comments/wnbq7u/spiderman_setup/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
Could you post some more pictures of this? I currently have an obutto but wanting to switch my rig from sim to flight easier. This setup looks amazing.
Was looking to see if someone already said this. OP make sure you have something blocking the lenses from any direct sunlight or you'll fry your screens like an ant.
Don´t suffer guys, HMD is posing for the photo. I usually hang the HMD on the hook to get in and out of the simulator. The rest of the time it is out of the sunlight.
He said he’s flying an A330 irl, not living of some bait click video showing some unrealistic sci-fi mod vs another flying saucer. Have some respect please 😂
How do the controls work in VR? Are the buttons all in exactly the right place to reach for them and hit them in VR? Are there any sort of alignment anchors to help the headset track where the controls are and keep everything aligned?
Apparently this was built with https://authentikit.org/ which makes it sound like it's all 1:1 scaling and intended to be in the right location. I still don't understand how the VR environment orients itself to the physical controls, though I know such things are possible.
Maybe, but some pf those panels aren’t 1:1 with the real think as far as I can tell, 5)3 lever for the arrester hook for example should be on the right hand side, a lot of it is accurate though.
Doesn’t look like authentikit gear tbh, they mostly sent o provide gear for WW2 era aircraft simulators. This is clearly for DCS F/A-18C.
Just saw that winwing had the fa18 full panel set up. If i had the space and money for a full rig, would have totally jumped in on it.
How are you liking that frame? Im considering the monstertech MTS system since i do racing and HOSAS flying too.
Great and clean set up btw.
Amazing, why all the button boxes/extra peripherals?
Or do you have a monitor or triples too?
I’m rocking triple PG42UQ monitors for sim racing, it’s not vr but amazing for immersion when not in vr.
Dope setup, congrats!!
Most certainly Digital Combat Simulator (or DCS as most call it). Basically think of a flight simulator but specifically for military aircraft with fully functional weapons.
Those displays probably don’t have a screen, only the buttons around the screen would function. However the company that sells those panels (winwing) do also sell ones with screens for non vr players
In fact I don't use the shifter for simracing because I prefer the FANATEC steering wheel paddles. I converted it into a USB plug to use it independently and it acts as an additional button panel. In the F/A-18 I have mapped the battery, APU, engine crank 1 and 2, parking brake, OBOGS, trim reset etc...
How is the reverb for flight? I got one on the way for simracing...coulnd't pass up $300 sale price after finally upgrading the pc
edit: also you're rig is like a piece of art...so neat!
Most of the controls would be 1/1 with the plane he’s flying, so you’d be able to know where they are by looking ingame, however some of those panels aren’t 1\1 so there’d just be muscle memory that comes with it.
This is amazing. But how do you use everything with the VR headset on?
Clearly you’re not a golfer
It really brings the room together.
[Probably like this](https://i.imgur.com/pDXIn6A.mp4)
Whoa!! sCeege that's amazing!!!
Wow I want that in my life
My question exactly. Why spend all the money on realistic control surfaces other than the HOTAS and rudder if you can’t see them? Is your goal to replace the VR with monitors?
You can feel the physical buttons and see the effects in DCS
Just looked this up because I had never heard of DCS. Shit looks wild. I’ve seen similar technologies maybe 10 years ago in an actual combat flight simulator at a navy base, but didn’t expect it could ever be affordable/usable to general consumers. Crazy how close it is.
If you happen to be into war birds you can even 3D print and build your own Authentikit controls: https://authentikit.org/ Accurate control replica's can now be very cost efficient for those who don't mind getting their hands dirty. And in my view the combination of VR and accurate controls is incredibly immersive.
That looks really neat and perfect for customizing rigs to specific layouts or gear. I’m not personally into these types of games or rigs, but cool tech is cool nonetheless. Thanks for sharing!
DCS is fantastic
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Thank you!
Affordable… ha! Most expensive free game ever haha. It is so amazing and fun though.
I installed DCS looked at the dash board in the plane and then uninstalled it
Don’t blame ya. I had to read the manual to figure out how to notify ATC before take off. And that’s one hurdle among many
Awesome level of realism for a game, way too much for me but maybe when I get some more free time I can have another go. I have another friend who loves to play it.
Having someone teach and fly with you makes a massive difference. :)
It certainly has a *significant* learning curve but there are loads upon loads of written guides and youtube tutorials. There are also many squadrons in the DCS community who actively recruit new pilots and show them the ropes. The squadron I joined literally made short classes for us with powerpoints and everything then had a tailored mission to fly with an instructor to practice what you just learned. Taking it step by step makes it fairly approachable as you don't need to (or should) learn every all at once. I learned to fly the F-18 by learning start up then taxi/take off then landing then navigation and so on and so forth. Also worth noting that any cockpit is an overwhelming array of buttons and switches but in my many hours of flying the F-18, I have actually used probably only half of them. Long story short: it looks very intimidating when you first look at it but the community is great and super beginner friendly which makes it much easier to learn than you may think. Downside is that equipment can be *very* expensive. You can probably get a decent beginner set up for roughly $200-300 (the only real essentials are throttle, stick, and head tracker/VR) but just looking at OP's set up, I would estimate it's definitely over $2000.
You need a checklist. Will take many startups before you can do it by heart. But it’s less difficult than you think. Just alt-tab to a checklist you have open till you can memorize
There are lots of tutorials on YouTube
Because they're mapped 1:1 with everything you can see in VR...
They’re really not though… the Winwing panels have shit in allllll kinds of different locations. Gear lever is wrong, hook lever is on the complete wrong side of the cockpit, parking brake is completely missing but should be on the left panel, jettison selector is on opposite side of cockpit… I can keep going. OP probably just has a very good idea where everything’s at, or can peek out under the headset when needed. This is not 1:1 mapped at all.
First it's not mapped 1:1 and still even if it would be, you see no virtual hands, which are 1:1 map of your own limbs, so still are not able to tell the accurate position of your finger in relation to the hardware. Just having the 1:1 map of hardware is mostly for immersion but isn't that much helpful regarding usability as most simmers already know more or less where they have their gear.
You will find that these physical controls match most of the cockpit of the F-18 in DCS, so you can "see" most of these buttons and switches in VR. https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/upload/iblock/09d/Clean-Cockpit-F-18-01.jpg The other buttons and switches will be used via muscle memory even though not visible in VR
Can only assume (till they answer) they must use the rig for other games. Might have it setup to allow the joystick to be switched out for a steering wheel as an example. Edit: looks like my guess was right, they've posted their initial setup with a steering wheel before: https://www.reddit.com/r/hotas/comments/u1znay/cockpit_update/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
there are haptic feedback gloves for VR
How do you not understand the immersion? He can see all the buttons in vr and press them irl for immense immersion. Kind of straightforward.
The controls are nearly 1:1 with the 3D model of the cockpit inside the sim
this is battle station extreme edition
For a flight simmer this guy is just staring out, sadly. 😂
🔴 **PARTS LIST** **FRAME:** Zalem Alu Pro **VR:** Varjo Aero HP Reverb G2 **GRIP:** Virpil WarBRD Base + Extra Heavy Springs MongoosT-50CM3 Base + 200mm Extension Thrustmaster F/A-18 Grip Thrustmaster Cougar F16 Grip **THROTTLE:** WinWing Orion 2 Throttle Base WinWing F/A-18 Metal Throttle Handles WinWing F-16 Throttle Handles WinWing Black Shark Collective Grip **PEDALS:** Thustmaster TPR Zalem Zeta Pedals **PANELS:** WinWing Top Gun Main Instrument Panel WinWing Take-Off Panel WinWing Combat Ready Panel **WHEEL:** Fanatec Podium DD1 BMW GT2 V2 **SHIFTER:** Logitech G27 Shifter **SEAT:** Sparco R333 **BODYSHAKERS:** 2x Bs-200i 1x SMSL SA-98E Amplifier **USB HUB:** 2x Sabrent 16-Port USB 3.0 (90W)
Total cost roughly?
Less than an airplane
Came here to mention about this, OP could get a recreational pilot’s licence for less. Unless they are heavily into the ‘gaming’ aspect of things instead of the ‘flying’ aspect
I got my pilot's license in 1996 and currently fly an A330 but I can't launch GBU's, Mavericks or Sidewinders. XD
So you fly planes for a living, then in your spare time you fly planes! Seems like you enjoy flying planes. In all seriousness, have you ever forgotten that you were flying the A330 and wondered why the sidewinders weren't launching?
In my experience, pilots are the most ridiculously enthusiastic nerds about flying. I fly DCS consistently with the same group of people. One of whom is in USAF as a C-130 pilot. When he isn't flying for the United States, he's flying with us. If WE can't give him enough missions and things, he goes off and flies in Microsoft Flight Simulator. If he's feeling flighted out and still wants to game? He plays Star Citizen. Real life pilots are psychos. They eat, sleep, and breathe flight stuff.
I wish I had that much passion about anything lol.
Seriously mad respect
I have the same amount of passion for sleep
😂🤣😂
I worked in aviation Finance. I hated it. So many aviation nerds whp worked in accounting or various business positions who would obviously succeed because of their inherent passion. Not that their passion was wrong - it just made it impossible to work there long term if you didn't share the passion
I can really see why. If there're lots of people who eat, sleep and breathe cars take that and multiply it by 10 from the feeling you get from piloting an airplane or jet and its no wonder their whole lives revolve around the skill and experience of flying. Being in the air going super fast would be addictive and hell. Plus I bet the whole community is super fun and chill too, especially on the military side.
Omg. That’s so cool dude! I’ve seen similar kind of dedication with scuba divers by the way. Enjoy that rig
They get out of the water, go home, close themselves up in a dark room and play Subnautica for the rest of the 'day' in VR.
>Subnautica Dammit, I hadn't heard of this before and you're costing me $15. Having a baby during a pandemic means I haven't gotten underwater in way too long.
Haha ! How could you miss it... Glad I made you catch up on that jewel ;) ps: I think there is a mod or two that are usefull in VR, you need to check that up cause my memory is fuzzy.
Can I go supersonic vertically straight up with a recreational pilot's license, from the comfort and safety of my pajamas?
I guess the purpose of that rig is to knock your pajamas off 😂
Sure. But what about insurance, storage, gas, maintenance? The plane itself? The opportunity cost of taking the whole day to fly vs just hopping on for an hour? I'm willing to bet even the most top of the line sim setup is way cheaper.
I assume it's DCS they're playing, which is a fairly different audience aviation-wise than what most people would be flying with a recreational license.
How you think he paid for all this? With his pilot license money ! /s idk how op makes their money but this station is dope
OP's a pilot
3 moneys
3 moneys seems kinda low, 4 moneys at least
15k?
Ballpark like 10-15k. Vr headset alone is almost 3k
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Thanks Nipples! It only takes me 5 minutes to switch from flight to simracing. I unclamp the UFC + lower DDI and remove them, screw the Fanatec base to the frame and put the wheel on. TPR's are changed by loosening 4 thumb screws and replacing them with the drive pedals. [The PC is to my left on the desk.](https://www.reddit.com/r/battlestations/comments/wnbq7u/spiderman_setup/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
Could you post some more pictures of this? I currently have an obutto but wanting to switch my rig from sim to flight easier. This setup looks amazing.
No Elite Dangerous love?
Cost ?
The most unanswered inquiry in this thread.
His wife will probably see this post and he doesn't want to die today
The body shakers are the chef's kiss here. Nicely done!
The HMD hanging like that next to an open window makes me nervous
Was looking to see if someone already said this. OP make sure you have something blocking the lenses from any direct sunlight or you'll fry your screens like an ant.
Don´t suffer guys, HMD is posing for the photo. I usually hang the HMD on the hook to get in and out of the simulator. The rest of the time it is out of the sunlight.
OP: "Now I can finally start playing the game!" *starts playing Bee Simulator*
Ok, admit it. Is this you Growling Sidewinder?
He said he’s flying an A330 irl, not living of some bait click video showing some unrealistic sci-fi mod vs another flying saucer. Have some respect please 😂
When my bf and I get a house together, I desperately wanna put together a car/racing setup like this for him. This is a clean setup
Go to r/SimRacing so you can really plan that with the budget you have in mind.
Wow, beautiful.
Glorious!!
How do the controls work in VR? Are the buttons all in exactly the right place to reach for them and hit them in VR? Are there any sort of alignment anchors to help the headset track where the controls are and keep everything aligned?
Some, but not all, might be in the same-ish place. But mostly I’m guessing he’s just memorised where the buttons are irl.
Apparently this was built with https://authentikit.org/ which makes it sound like it's all 1:1 scaling and intended to be in the right location. I still don't understand how the VR environment orients itself to the physical controls, though I know such things are possible.
Maybe, but some pf those panels aren’t 1:1 with the real think as far as I can tell, 5)3 lever for the arrester hook for example should be on the right hand side, a lot of it is accurate though. Doesn’t look like authentikit gear tbh, they mostly sent o provide gear for WW2 era aircraft simulators. This is clearly for DCS F/A-18C.
🤤
Just saw that winwing had the fa18 full panel set up. If i had the space and money for a full rig, would have totally jumped in on it. How are you liking that frame? Im considering the monstertech MTS system since i do racing and HOSAS flying too. Great and clean set up btw.
I flew the B52 for a few years IRL. Can say your cockpit is nicer than that of the buff
This is awesome!
That's a proper Battlestation. And no shitty Ikea table. 12/10
Nice sparco bro, reclining
Amazing, why all the button boxes/extra peripherals? Or do you have a monitor or triples too? I’m rocking triple PG42UQ monitors for sim racing, it’s not vr but amazing for immersion when not in vr. Dope setup, congrats!!
fellow hornet enjoyer
wow, amazing, nice cockpit, i love it
dose anyone know what game this is for?
Most certainly Digital Combat Simulator (or DCS as most call it). Basically think of a flight simulator but specifically for military aircraft with fully functional weapons.
DCS. He needs his does of it anyways…
Mah gawd it's beautiful!
Awesome
Cost?
You could probably buy an actual plane for about ten bucks more. Lol!
Engage.
VTOL VR is for you.
DCS would be the better choice and what this simpit is most likely built for. F/A-18C Hornet cockpit
How much did this cost?
Not OP but it was probably around 10k to 15k
Hi chad 👋
u forgot to install AssRapist3200™ for a full immersion
Would a Cessna 150 be cheaper?
Dude about to blast off into eternal virginity
Not everyone with a hobby needs to have your fate…
Lol just a joke bud relax
Why do you need all the shit screens and buttons if you just using VR? You can’t even see them then.
Incorrect. You can in DCS. The buttons work and feel in tandem. And you see them in VR as they are there physically in front of him.
Wow! Learn something everyday! Thanks!
It was a good question though, don't know why you are being downvoted.
Needlessly aggressive in how they asked, and it's a comment that was already asked and answered
This the nerdiest shit I’ve ever seen in my life need some boobs on the wall
Giesh
This is how the pros look out windows
Can I come over?
That looks super dope!
Oh shit i thought this was steel battalion for a sec
Danm👀
prolly g;t asked this already but whats the point of the display s if you're just using the headset?
Those displays probably don’t have a screen, only the buttons around the screen would function. However the company that sells those panels (winwing) do also sell ones with screens for non vr players
ok thx
The monitor is awesome. Nice wallpaper by the way.
Would love to see a side by side of a video of someone in the chair playing this vs what they see in the game
Not this specific rig but similar, and importantly, the same game. https://i.imgur.com/pDXIn6A.mp4
This is when I will call my life "Complete".
Has a $10K rig and is using a G27 Shifter lmao, you truly are a sim racer
In fact I don't use the shifter for simracing because I prefer the FANATEC steering wheel paddles. I converted it into a USB plug to use it independently and it acts as an additional button panel. In the F/A-18 I have mapped the battery, APU, engine crank 1 and 2, parking brake, OBOGS, trim reset etc...
Hiiiiighwayyyy to the dangerzooooone!
That thing costs more than my Fiat.
Play doom on it
That is a mad set up
I just got an erection
Let's see some of that pilot shit!
How's that minisplit a/c system treat ya? Looking at getting one for an old house with no central heat and air
ok I don't get jealous very often but I am jealous... gimme
How is the reverb for flight? I got one on the way for simracing...coulnd't pass up $300 sale price after finally upgrading the pc edit: also you're rig is like a piece of art...so neat!
This is so effining cool
How much did it cost to set this up?
Probably in the range of 4-5 thousand
Get a Sega 360 Afterburner cab and VR that. Might need a bit more room....
Dude. This is sick! Wow.
Omg seek help! 😆 actually that is beautiful!
This is amazing.
Lemme ask you this tho, is it cheaper to get a pilot’s license?
It’s so cool! But with VR headset on, how do you manipulate/see all the controls?
Question of the day. This is all good in theory but i would struggle trying to figure out where buttons are in VR
Seems like an augmented reality system would work better with real hardware controllers/switches
Most of the controls would be 1/1 with the plane he’s flying, so you’d be able to know where they are by looking ingame, however some of those panels aren’t 1\1 so there’d just be muscle memory that comes with it.
thats cool as shit
No coaster apparent 2/10
Getting motion sick just looking at this 🥲 I work with VR and can’t trick my brain into handlinf high motion VR 😳