Hah! Man that made me laugh. I hadn’t thought of that one before. I spent so much time flying sims on my old 14” and then 21” CRT monitors back in the day. VR is the realization of a dream and DCS is so incredible to fly in. I know it has its issues but it’s always a rush to hop in.
@@StrIIker-TV I was watching this and I was thinking yeah what kind of a screen are you gonna use? And then I thought oh hes very savvy, He's going to use some kind of projector. Then I saw this comment and I laughed. My ideas are so Boomer.Just wait until you grow old and your kids will probably laugh at you because you're not plugging your brain stem into the game, you're using those dinosaur VR goggles. Lol
@@77Avadon77 Hah! That’s awesome!! Yeah I guess I made some assumptions that everyone knew that I was flying in VR when I put the video together. I knew people wouldn’t necessarily know that I used PointCTRL or even what that is but I figured it might all fall into place at some point. I had originally intended to release a video about PointCTRL first then a cockpit build video and then something like this video but I kept getting asked about everything that I use so I figured I would do this one first. Ironically the next one will be a build video and then one specifically about PointCTRL (so reverse of what I had planned). Even with the build video, I’m rethinking how I want to do it so it’s taking longer. Still fun stuff to do.
@@StrIIker-TV Well I think you did a fantastic job. I thought maybe you got some inspiration from commercial or military applications. The only thing missing is Literally to suspend the thing and put it on hydraulics. Lol. But what you have built right there looks like something that could be the beginning of a commercial enterprise. I think people would buy those setups from you. Not many people know how to put it all together. Looks fantastic and A-blast to fly. Also a great way to beginner student pilots. Best of luck
I’d recommend taking a router and rounding over any sharp edges on your wooden parts. Give it a nice finish and protect from tear out and slicing you. Amazing job!
Yes, that's an excellent suggestion! I had planned to do just such a thing but I think I was a little worried about how far off I was with the holes which I had cut and didn't want to make things worse. In retrospect though, that would have been the best thing to do and I will plan to give it a try to see how much it improves the look. More importantly though, I am sure that it would probably save me from nasty splinters and cuts at some point.
That’s pretty cool! I bet you must have been blown away seeing what was coming soon for VR. It was amazing when I put mine on for the first time to look around in VR and see everything with such clarity. It really makes a huge difference for me in DCS. It’s a must have piece of kit for those looking to make their DCS VR experience the best that it can be.
Thanks! The PointCTRL is an incredibly great addition for anyone flying DCS in VR. It is very intuitive and indispensable. If you make use of Voice Attack and the Vaicom Pro add-on, you really don’t need the mouse in game any more. I still use a track ball for maps and arming but that’s really it.
Yours is even more modular than mine is. You have inspired me. I need mine to collapse down to be more narrow when not in use. Going to use latches like you have. What a great idea!!
Thanks! I'm happy to hear that my video is helping you improve upon what you have. That's exactly what I wanted to have happen. The latches which I used were bought from Amazon but I think you can find them at other places. a.co/d/eTx1kWp I really like this because I can remove all of the supports and then pick the base up and carry it down the stairs or through a door.
Thank you for saying that! That really was the intent behind making the video. I had a lot of questions in my head around how to do different things in DCS and around how to make my cockpit and what stuff to use while flying. I wanted to share what I have learned along the way so that others might get some ideas around how to do their own setup. I'll work on my build video to show how it's pretty straightforward and inexpensive. I know people would love to build a cockpit but the aluminum profile ones are very expensive and the premade ones might lack something important which would need customization.
What a simple yet great idea with the plywood sheat for pointcntr! Sweet setup man. I'm gathering some inspiration for a new simrig that will be built during christmas holidays! :)
Hey! Thank you for the great compliments! I hopefully will have a build video up by then. I shot some pictures and video of the process but probably not enough (heh). I can easily measure up the dimensions and make them available.
@@joerihuffmeijer3247 Yeah I had given that some thought before as well. I had considered even buying the Thrustmaster frames for the DDI and MPCD so I could press them (even with the PointCTRL). Some users of PointCTRL who had the frames prior to buying PointCTRL said they wound up just removing them as PointCTRL seemed to work better on its own. I also concluded that having something textured to rest my finger on (such as a fake frame) would not be worth the effort or expense as I felt that I would not use it. The only thing I have considered and am planning to try is building something to slid onto the front panel to approximate the elevated surface of the up front controller and adjacent buttons and knobs. While not really needed, I am curious to see if it would help improve my experience. It would be a very simple thing to build and now that I am back home from vacation, I plan to make it and try.
I have a very similar rig for DCS, which I built myself as you did. I am happy to see we ended up with basically the same solutions. Still missing haptic feedback which I plan to implement in the future, and Pointctrl which currently I am not considering. The only big difference is that mine is all aluminum profile and not wood. Good job.
Thanks! Yeah I had looked into building an aluminum profile rig. It was going to be a bit pricey and so I went with the all wood approach.. even though I had never really built anything before. I do suggest getting some feedback stuff like the Jetpad or several butt kicker type attachments (you can attach up to 4 or maybe 6? I think). It really is cool to feel the aircraft rumbling as you fly around and clunk as weapons are released.
@@StrIIker-TV I concur! Feeling the rumble of the APU, flaps, speedbrakes, afterburners, etc adds tremendously to the experience. I've been using the jetseat pad and buttkicker for a few years now. Too bad DCS doesn't export ejection telemetry. The would be cool.
@@redtailpilot Yeah the jet seat and Buttkicker combo is killer in DCS. I have the Buttkicker set to 100% intensity for things like weapons release, guns, cat launch, landing, etc. Just the big events. I also have it bumping while taxiing which is neat. The Jetseat rumbles and then the Buttkicker does a half second later. Have you tried flying without them on? It’s such an empty feeling.
@@StrIIker-TV you're so right. Empty without them on, like night and day! The bumps while rolling is pretty cool. I had to turn off engine rumble because it just didn't feel right to me, however, the afterburner feels great. So does the guns and weapon release, chaff and flares.
Thanks! I did get some significant inspiration from a guy named Russ Barlow who has a channel on UA-cam as well. I intended to put out a build video first but a few people wanted more information around everything I use so I did this one up first.
Now that would be cool. I assume it all ties into the software? I know someone who was looking into doing just such a thing but he got busy with other things.
@@StrIIker-TV Thanks Yeah the software is xsimulator it costs 20 pounds and then all you need is a 5 pound arduino card ,8 plastic bladders and 2 x 60 kg servos from Amazon . The software sends out the signals to the arduino then to the servos to squeeze the bladders ,I can use it in Dcs and mfs2020 Regards Dave
Another question if you would please...if I were to paste onto the flat board, the front cockpit diagram (scaled to size)- would there be an actual postion correlation with the PointCtrl? It would be for those observing outside the VR environment, of which, it would be nice for them to see what I am actually pressing (switch wise) vs. just a blank flat board. Thanks!
Funny that you should ask about this because I had considered doing this very thing. I thought it would look cooler to have a 1:1 scale print made and stick it to the board (and potentially side consoles). I don’t know that it would translate perfectly to the PointCTRL positioning in the sim. I think it would work best with the stuff right in front of you such as the MFD and AMPCD and the UFC. There seems to be more offset for stuff further from the center. It is pretty close generally speaking though!
To revisit my comment though.. after using the new unofficial firmware for PointCTRL (I demo it in my latest video), I think this could work quite nicely as I find it to be much more accurate in terms of where something appears in the sim and where i need to touch in the real world to interact with it.
Hi! Thank you! PointCTRL is an amazing little device. In fact it is used by the US Air Force and at least one other foreign air force for training. Miles, the guy who makes it is an incredibly nice guy but he's well behind in orders. He recently moved to a new house and is working on getting his tech area set up to resume production. Definitely worth having if you are into DCS or MS Flight Sim in VR. I am also planning to make a dedicated video around the PointCTRL so that people understand how it works.
Nice setup! I've been using a very similar setup for a little while now. The Aero is incredible! I use Voice Attack and VaicomPro, which is great for menu-free comms in DCS! PointCTRL is awesome. I need to try some type of board like you have, but it would interfere with my 2D cockpit panel that I setup before getting VR (using curve monitor). Also using the jetseat pad and buttkicker 2. Now I'm currently building a new PC (Intel 13th gen). I'm a RW private pilot and this is as close as I'll get to living my fighter pilot dream and I'm having a blast. 😉 I really like the mobile cockpit concept. Very impressive!
Awesome! So it sounds like we are flying in roughly the same style! There is a user who made a board which he slipped onto his desk whenever he wanted to use DCS. ua-cam.com/video/y2ccmylbSYM/v-deo.html He's also on the PointCTL Discord. He shared a few more pictures there and explained how he set his stuff up etc. It's great to hear from a RW pilot who also is enjoying the DCS experience. I agree that this is the closest I will come to flying off a carrier etc. and so am grateful for the opportunity to do so. DCS has its issues however it's the best there is right now. If someone else can build it better, I'll be there. For now, I deal with the problems in DCS and love every minute of it.
@@StrIIker-TV Oh yeah, I saw his video a while ago. Very impressive. Yes I totally agree with you. DCS is what I spend most of my limited spare time in these days (MS2020 is second). I've been with them since LOMAC. Like you said, it's the best we have at the moment and I enjoy it a lot! My flightsim hobby started when I was a teen and bought my first computer (Commodore-64, then Amiga-500). Showing my age now. 🤣 However, my aviation passion started when I was around 4 or 5. A few decades later, I was fortunate enough to earn my PPL. Nothing beats RW flying, but I'm glad that flight simulation has continued to bring me joy as a close 2nd 🙂
You're pretty much are doing the only set up I could ever eyeball for VR with DCS. Currently I'm on a TrackIR + HOTAS + Panels + MFDs w/screens.The Varjo Aero is really the only visual quality I'd accept in a VR headset, but then I'm also keenly aware of the control I'd be giving up and I recently came across PointCTRL. At this point the only questions I have are: 1) What base station do you use for VR head tracking? Or which might you recommend? 2) Does point control "scale" the space you need to use? For example, if I fly around desk items that are co-located with something in the cockpit, will I have to move the item out of the way or can PointControl work within a smaller space/angles and scale it for the sim? Or maybe there is another way to deal with it?
1)I am using the Valve Base Stations. I highly recommend them. I use two of them to ensure that when I turn to face the rear of the aircraft, I don't have tracking issues. I believe though that one would suffice. I used to have older version 1 base stations from my old HTC Vive. They are compatible however I did experience odd tracking issues with them whereas the Valve base stations (which are version 2) placed in the same location have never caused any tracking issues at all. 2) PointCTRL has a calibration routine which you go through and can do any time you like. This ensures that it scales properly for your aircraft. I never have had to run it when I switch from one aircraft to another though so you really only need do so once. What this does is ensure that when you reach out and interact to an object in the cockpit, your hand position in 3D space more accurately matches the virtual representation. As for stuff getting in the way, you would need to move something out of the way if you are bumping into it however you only really need space enough for you to extend your arm out in front of you with a slight bend in the elbow as that's the typical cockpit dimensions represented in game. I run into issues at time where I place something on the left console area and when I go to click something, I bump into it but that's no big deal. You actually don't need to reach too far out in front of you as the PointCTRL device is just moving the mouse cursor for you. The cockpit I made is not needed at all but I like that it adds a little tactile feeling and lets me rest my finger on it when adjusting something which requires multiple button presses (radios for example). As for the Varjo Aero.. It's simply amazing. Most recently Eagle Dynamics finally added some support from the Varjo SDK which allowed Dynamic Foveated Rendering (DFR) (I made a video about this). It allows you to crank up your settings while still getting exceptional frame rates. I actually now run with full settings (clouds, anti-aliasing, visibility distance, etc) and get frame rates in the 70's. The vlisdual clarity of the Aero is unrivaled and with DFR it's even better. Of course, as with any hobby.. this has a price tag when you want to take it to the next level.. :) but I think you know that already since you have panels etc. and all that gear isn't cheap. I'd suggest ordering the PointCTRL. It will admittedly take a while before it's available to ship. If at the time you don't want it, you can pass and simply not pay. There's no obligation when you order one. It just gets you in line for one.
@@StrIIker-TV I appreciate your full reply greatly! I’m going to make the effort to convert to VR. PointCTRL is definitely something I’ll jump in line for now; it’s very buyable already. For VR headset maybe I’ll try to get a headset that includes base stations to test out the setup and can change out the headset-only later for the Aero after I can sell a lot of what I have now. I’ll do my homework on the best path there.
@@EbonySeraphim I found the HP Reverb G2 to be an excellent VR headset. The display is very clear (no screen door effect) and the sweet spot (spot of maximum clarity) is amazing. I had it before I moved to the Aero and I still have it in case I ever need it. You also don’t need base stations for this headset as it uses inside out tracking. They are pretty inexpensive these days so it’s something to consider if you want to test out VR.
Thanks! It is pretty rough but not bad for the first thing I ever made with tools etc. It’s affordable and highly configurable and if you make a mistake, it’s no big deal.. just do it again
@@AutisticViking83 Heh! I didn’t read it as any kind of negative commentary! It was surprisingly simple to do and I am by no means handy with tools. At the end, I had the thing built and kept all of my fingers! (Win:win)
Keep coming back to your video as my simpit develops. Would really like to know more about the razer tartarus and how you set it up and use it and also the steelseries headset if you ever had the time to expand further particularly whether you have any problems with its use with voiceattack. Cheers.
Yeah, and I have a video in progress (and stalled) showing how I built the simpit. I didn't do a superb job of taking a lot of pictures and video but I figured I had enough to show how I did it all. I should finish that already! As for the Tartarus, I did show briefly how I have it configured in this video (link starts at the correct time stamp. ua-cam.com/video/IpVzlA3SzIw/v-deo.htmlsi=jwrmTnxIf4lT0BO1&t=448 ) I have had the Steelseries since August 2018 and it has been great. I only recently started having issues with the right earphone where I need to tap it sometimes to get it to produce sound (it's rare). It comes with two swappable rechargeable batteries and they are still going strong. The microphone is great for VoiceAttack as I have no issues with it. It's not as rich a sound as a condenser microphone (but that's to be expected) and I bought a Shure MV7 which I use for voiceovers now. I really like the Steelseries which I have as the ear cup covers are nice and soft fabric (not the plastic / fake leather that many headphones ship with which crack and peel) and the strap which rests on the head is super comfy. I've been planning to do some videos around the gear and mods which I use in greater detail to help people out. I guess I should get working on that too! :) Feel free to ask any other questions which you have around any of this as I am happy to provide feedback and any answers which I can.
I actually started doing this as I need more keys for issuing commands to do things in the helicopter (open and close doors, raise / lower ramp, etc) Works like a charm!
Hi Stri][er and Merry Christmas!... Well for the most part I have finished constructing my sim pit. would like to share some photos with you but I haven't a clue as to how to attach photos to comments. Anyway, the build went fine, did some mods but used your system as a template. I used actual dimensions from the NATOPS so it is fairly close. Now I just need to finish hooking the cables, computer etc. The big downer is that I have to wait until after Jan 1 to get my Varjo Aero. Feel free to contact me anytime . Have a great holiday season.
Merry Christmas to you! I was wondering actually earlier today about how your build was coming along! Shoot me some pics on Discord (user: Draygon#6603). I’d love to see what you have and will probably bug you for some advice. As for the Aero.. I know how it sucks to wait but I think you will be quite happy because it is so nice having a full display of clarity instead of a small spot in the middle. I’d love to hear what your initial impressions are with it.
@@StrIIker-TV Discord is all gooned up for me. It won't let me in.. Says that there is no text or channels to view Is there something else we can try? Thanks
Lovely cockpit. I can see that you're very much in to the experience of dcs and getting as much out of it as you can. I have a very similar cockpit, but have also gone down the dof reality route, you need to take it to the next level! And I'm sure you will, spouses permitting 😉
Hey Andrew! You are spot on with respect to my future aspirations. I always wanted to use the wood panel for my PointCTRL and you showed me how it could be done which inspired me for my current setup. Then, when you showed me the photos of your current DoF setup, I knew that I now had a new goal and I plan to get there (some day). I already planted the idea into my wife’s head so the effort to get there is underway. It will take some time but I definitely can’t wait to get one! Maybe I should buy a massive Christmas Stocking to accommodate one this season. 😁
@@StrIIker-TV That's excellent! Christmas is coming up, you really need to add a wacom tablet on your right hand console. Use open kneeboard, it's excellent and really immersive, being able to write while in vr is amazing.
@@RCAndrewuk Actually... :) I did buy a Wacom Tablet to try it out a few months ago! I tried the OpenKneeboard and found it a little cumbersome to get setup. Maybe I missed something or am doing something wrong.. I had a tough time getting it set up so that it was where I wanted it. I can't recall but I think I kept on having to modify some config file or something? I guess I should try playing around with it again. I can't recall if there was a way to turn it on and off while flying as well. I'll look at it again though. I saw that it was updated a few times since then.
@@StrIIker-TV unfortunately I lack the free space for one like your, I am however in the new year going to try and DIY a HOTAS system using my logitech G13 keypad similar to the Razer one you have and combine it with the innards of a wingman force 3d joystick to create a throttle assembly
I'm getting ready to start mine and this was real helpful. How do you get into that rig? My guess is from the front as I can't imagine you climbing over those side panels.
Awesome to hear that you are building your own! Yeah I basically straddle backwards over the control stick. I’m 6’2” tall so I almost clear it. I kind of lift one leg over and back. If this was not going to work, my intention was to make the left side panel hinged some how so I could lift it to get in. I would have put the hinge part towards the rear and the lift end right before the throttle so that it would remain stationary.
For the Buttkicker (or any transducer set up) you need Simshaker Sound which is a paid software program. For the Jetpad I use Simshaker for Aviators which is free. They use hooks into the game to know what to activate and what intensity. You can find info for both at: simshaker.com
The leg straps for the tartarus, how are you attaching those to the tartarus itself? Velcro or something? I have one too but being able to put it on my leg would be so much better!
I use Velcro. I attached the hook part of a Velcro strip to the bottom of the Tartarus and the pile(soft fuzzy) is exposed in the leg strap. The leg straps are actually from kneeboard a which I bought on Amazon. I wound up just using the Velcro stretchy strap from the kneeboard as the board itself was too big. Here is a link to what I use. www.amazon.com/dp/B07C89KZ2H?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share I leave the Velcro part which holds the strap together partially exposed and then attach the Tartarus Velcro to it. You just really need a stretchy strap and then sew a Velcro strip to it. It works very well!
I actually use a stretchable strap which has velcro on it. The velcro is intended to connect the two ends of the strap but I leave part of that velcro exposed. I stuck an attaching piece of velcro to the back of the Tartarus and so that sticks to the Velcro on the strap. I will post a video showing this and other stuff I use to illustrate. I actually used the strap from a Kneeboard which I bought on Amazon. The board was too big so I just removed the strap from it and that's what I am using. This is the kneeboard from which I used the velcro strap.. amzn.to/3sd3Psz. You could probably make one cheaper by attaching some velcro to a stretchable strap of some sort but this was easiest. :)
Great stuff. Looking forward to your video on Point Ctrl. Question: any particular reason why you didn't make a "protuberance" on the front panel for the UFC?
Thanks! It’s funny that you mentioned a protuberance.. I have intended on adding just such a thing as I feel that it would add to the immersion if the elevated portion of the cockpit was closer. It bugged me initially but you do learn to adjust. Having said that, one thing which delayed my cockpit video was that I wanted to add the elevated surface to handle the UFC etc first but I put it off several times. So, this will be part of a follow up I suspect. I also figured out how to add the angled side panels for the gear handle and flaps etc. although it’s low on the list to do. As for the UFC, I will probably make it a simple structure which I can hang on the front panel and slide left right as needed. The dimensions should always be about the same though so that should be easy enough.
One thing I've noticed about adding all the awesome peripherals is that going back to a simplified style of gameplay, just feels incomplete. They really spoil you.
Hah! That is so completely true! You become so accustomed to it all that when something gores wrong, the sim feel so empty. I bought a second PointCTRL as I can't live in DCS without that. I considered buying a second JetPad because the few times that I forgot to load the software and started flying, the sim felt so empty and devoid of "life". Feeling the reassuring vibrations of the engines rumbling and the satisfying cluck of weapon releases has almost become mandatory for me now. The fact that Andre is off in Russia and it takes forever to get replacement parts from him has me leaning towards a second one at some point. Side Note: Andre was a solid guy and cross shipped me a replacement pad insert because two of the vibration motors were dead. He sent it via mail which took almost 2 months to get here in the US. He even sent me extra vibration motors and wires! I then packed up the defective unit and sent it to an address which he specified.
Hi! It does work with the Aero however it no longer works because I am using the dynamic Foveated rendering software from mbuchia. To be able to use DFR you have to disable the OXRTK for DCS. I was not aware though of the stabilization feature in the kit until shortly before the release of the DFR software. I think the shaky cursor may be related to PointCTRL as it often has a bit of shakiness when compared to using a mouse or trackball. I was doing a stabilization pass in my video editing software for a while but hadn’t done this for recent videos.
Very impressive! You deserve every bit of fun you get in flight! Can I ask what you do for a living? The construction is really neat and clever! Greetings from France !
Thank you for such a great compliment! To be honest, this is the first time I’ve really made anything like this. I had some tools available from a previous home improvement project which was very basic and they came in handy with this. The cuts into the plywood base, where the front and side panels slide into are honestly pretty rough and too big and I would figure out a different way to do it next time. As for what I do as a profession, I work on computer network infrastructure and security.
I actually made a video of it. See here.. ua-cam.com/video/dslXmXo4rUU/v-deo.html It is working incredibly well. It renders the focus area higher and the non-focus lower. I absolutely love it. When I sit on the runway at a busy area, when I look forward I might be at 70 FPS. When I glance down with my eyes to the cockpit, my FPS increases by about 10-15 FPS. I will post a video to demonstrate.
Hey Gaz! Thanks a lot man! It was a fun thing to see fall into place. I’m sure it will continue to evolve as time passes. Hopping into it after it was finished was pretty gratifying (and surprising that I did it right!) to use. I was like “huh.. it works!”
Great simpit you have created. A lot of thought and work has gone into it. One question though - are you Benjamin Linus from Lost? Your voice is remarkably similar. Is that an Iowa accent?
Hi! Thank you for your kind words on the simpit. It’s the first time I made anything so I think it went well. I certainly learned a lot about working with wood. I actually started my build video but have not finished it. I have too much fun using the simpit in DCS I guess. I am not Benjamin Linus but I think it’s a fascinating question and observation on your part. It’s not obvious to me as I don’t pay attention to how I sound but I can see where I could sound similar at times. As for Iowa.. I’m a bit further north and east from there. I’m actually originally from Ontario in Canada and have been living in the US for almost 25 years. I lost my “Canadianisms” long ago but perhaps some words come out with some portion of it slipping through which can be detected? This was a fun question. Thanks!
@@StrIIker-TV When I saw your setup I was thinking,"This guy must know a lot about woodworking." Just shows you what you can achieve when you put your mind to it. I've recently bought he virpil base and have a 20cm extension on it - turns the Spitfire in DCS from a bucking bronco into a pussy cat. But I' might give the curved extension a try. I've also recently bought the thrustmaster rudders and completely agree,, they are very nice. I've got the aero too. Thanks for your help in getting VFR setup - looks great. The PointCTRL looks interesting and good idea to have something in front of you for reference point for your fingers. Don't know if I want to mod my £2k aero though! Thanks for tolerating my silly question. I studied linguistics so my ear is conditioned to home in on accents. Love your videos and keep 'em coming. Oh, I'm from Scotland - you'd struggle to understand my accent!
That's all great to hear! The Virpil with the extension is simply amazing.. especially when coming from the Thrustmaster Warthog base which turned out to be pretty junky (the Throttle is solid though). The curved extension is mainly to help with the throw of the stick I think. It is very comfortable. The addition of PointCTRL to the aero is not modding it. It simply adheres to it using some double sided tape and comes off easily. I'm working on a couple of videos to show what I use and how as well as one specific to the PointCTRL to help people who bought one get it set up. Regardless, I certainly get the reluctance to do anything to the Aero.. that's a lot of money sitting on your face! :) Scotland hmm? My grandfather is from there. He had moved to Canada in his teens in the early 1900's. He had his accent his entire life and I loved it. I know that Scottish accents can get pretty heavy further north though! :) I found your question very interesting and loved it. To my family in Canada, I sound like an American now and I certainly notice their accents. It's all pretty interesting to me.
Hey man that is an awesome setup! The modular frame is really well built and a good color too. Can you pleeeease tell me where you got that seat from tho?!?
Hey! Thank you for the compliment! I purchased the seat from Amazon in 2017. It’s called the Playseat Air Force. It came with two side platforms which I removed as well as a center one. I never used the center one due to its design but I did use the side ones before. Here’s a link to it at Amazon. If Amazon is out, you could probably track one down elsewhere. amzn.to/3VAExhn
Hi Striker. Nice looking setup. I definitely am interested in pointctrl but I hear the wait list to get one is 12+ months? Is that right? BTW, what's the back board for? I may have missed you explaining it but no idea why you have it there?
Hey! Miles (who makes PointCTRL) has stated within the past 2 days that he has taken steps to increase production. There are efforts to get PointCTRL working with MSFS 2020 which will really push up orders so I think he wants to get production issues flowing better. You should just order one as you don't get billed anything. When your order number is ready to build, you are sent an invoice which you can opt to pay or just ignore it if you don't want it any more. Ordering just gets you a spot in line. The current wait time is about 12 months, yes but I suspect that will decrease. As for the back board.. I am not sure what that is. I have the board in front of me which I use to rest my fingers on when interacting with the cockpit with PointCTRL while in VR. It's not necessary but I like to use it as it gives me some stability and tactile feedback. Is that what you are referring to?
I didn't write up the plans however I did take some pictures of the progress and can easily write it up and I will do so. I recall trying to figure out how to get started and how frustrating it can be. It really helps to have a reference. I am away for a couple of weeks but will work on a write up once I am back.
Cool Set Up! I Have A Seat Setup "Honeycomb Bravo /Alpha /Rudder" And Can Attach My "Puma Pro Flight Trainer" Heli Controls As Weli Plus a '3 way articulated Swing Arm' For Mouse And Key Pad. ; ]
That sounds pretty handy! It certainly is so nice having a setup which you can adjust as needed! It sounds like you have all that you need to get flying in style. :)
I use two selfbuild tables 20"x12"x20" with like 20" aluminum rail system as columns to mount the stick, pedals & all the extras you want to add later, takes a quarter of space other than that monstrous wood ensamble here^^ how do you even get in that chair without disassembly? abseil from the ceiling?
Heh! Yeah it is a bigger platform however it looks bigger I think than it is. The left and right side consoles are not much wider than the throttle. I did intentionally want the horizontal surfaces on the left and right as I use PointCTRL to interact with the aircraft in DCS. I wanted something physical to put my finger on while I press buttons, flip switches, etc in the cockpit. This is the same for the front panel which is what I find I use the most in terms of resting my finger on it. You can see this happening in several of my other videos where I have a picture in picture view of me interacting with the cockpit. Here's one as an example time stamped to start just after the intro..ua-cam.com/video/gWxrynTIfSA/v-deo.htmlsi=JcDNjgUzLgN_JQuY&t=45 As for getting in and out, the front panel is out of the slots and rests against the wall directly in front of my simpit. There is sufficient room for me to step on and get in front of the seat. I do need to straddle over the control stick and lift my leg to get over it and sit. It's a lot easier than it sounds. The left panel easily lifts out and I am making a helicopter collective one which I can slide in for when I want to fly helicopters. Yes, there are more compact ways to do this. I had originally looked into using the extruded aluminum frames but that was very costly. To make my simpit it was around $130 or so (I can't recall what the price was, I think I mentioned it in the video). and I can easily modify it when I need to by cutting some wood, or removing something and drilling it into a new spot (both of which I have done) with little to no additional cost. I did have to buy another 10 foot 2x4 board for the collective mount as I ran out of scrap wood and that cost me $5.00 US.
@@StrIIker-TV I wondered the whole time what that wooden plank in front was for! xD now I get it. I still try to figure out how to get in control of all the switchology. Its quite a battle to find a way to map all the switches. I like my stuff compact and representable in the room, painted the wood I used in black too, also I have nice black aluminum rails. With wood you can play a litlle bit, with aluminum-rails your shit needs to fit first try or you have too much expenses, but it is rewarding afterwards, you can always grow or change your basic setup with little effort. You mainly have to think how to get it done with the least amount of material, that way it stays affordable (and minimal). I think your setup could have been done too with aluminum for reasonable price, the nice thing is you can add in things like joints to integrate a door or easily get a little lean to that front plank etc
@@StrIIker-TV maybe I have to add that good wood is expensive in my area. 130$ would have bought me like 5 shelve planks and a few 2x2"s, so using aluminum was overall maybe about only 30% more in cost.
@@dortywings7217 I have no doubt that a better job could have been done. As far as if *I* could have done better.. well, this was my first project working with wood and no real plan other than general ideas. I very definitely suck with woodworking. I've seen so many other projects (including some inspired by this) which look infinitely better. Maybe when I rebuild it, I will make it look better with some nice looking angled cuts, routed edges, etc. But, the good news (for me) is that this matched exactly what I needed and wanted. Being able to move it on the wheels has been so helpful and the modularity allows me to disassemble it and move it from one room or floor to another with no tools needed. When I sit down and put on my VR headset, the whole mess disappears and I am in my selected aircraft cockpit.
Hi! What I have over the IR sensor on the PointCTRL head mounted sensor is a piece IR filter which I bought from Amazon. I use the darkest one (you get 3 different ones). This is held in place with some black gaffer’s tape (great stuff to have). The filter helps to reduce the sensitivity of the sensor. Without the filter, the sensor is affected by some LED track lights near my cockpit and also indirect sunlight from a distant window. This was particularly problematic when I had my Reverb G2 as it needs illumination for tracking and so I needed some kind of lighting which would not affect the HMS. Here’s a link to the Filters I use: amzn.to/3Tu8cqZ
Sure thing! I did mention my gear in my description but you need to click read more or something as it gets cut off. The thing in dire need of upgrading is my motherboard and CPU as they are several years old. The important parts.. EVGA RTX 3090Ti FTW3 Ultra Gaming 64 GB RAM Intel i9-9900K CPU (Old! Getting a new one in a few months) Also a Samsung NVMe as primary storage.
Nice setup. I tried leap motion but it aint working well for using fingers. I miss a contact surface like you mention to actually hit something. But i also need a screen still to handle out things like out of focus issues with VR or missing mouse pointers. Do you have advice on how to get rid of these issues and JUST work in VR without having to alt tab the screen etc? Tia😊
Well, once I am in VR in DCS, I rarely have to look outside of the headset at my screen. Everything I do in DCS can be done while wearing the headset. I may peek to my monitor by lifting my visor to ensure I am recording a session but that’s it. If VR goes out of focus (which it did in a recent video) it’s easy enough to move my trackball and click a few times until it’s back in focus. Falling out of focus rarely happens though. You do want to ensure that the option to keep the mouse in the game is selected in DCS config. I can’t recall where that is specifically. The other important thing which virtually eliminated the out of focus issue was to move the task bar to the side instead of the bottom (or top). It’s a pain to have to adjust to this but it really helps. Let me know if this helps or if I was not clear.
@@StrIIker-TV TY. My main issue is now with online server of blueflag. When i start the mouse dissapears which i need in cockpit. Only way to get it back is open taskbar en click around 1 or 2 times then get back to DCS window. Very annoying of course. I see that my mouse already is CONFINED to game window so that is not gonna fix it. I dont see other solution, well maybe check other servers :).
Hmm, that’s odd. I would check with others in the Hoggit Reddit or on the DCS forums to ask for some advice there. The mouse is supposed to disappear when not using it but it should come back when you move the mouse slightly.
@@nathansargent8513 Hi! I did reference it a bit in this video. I believe I have an index defined so you can jump to the section on the Tartarus. Give it a look and please ask me any questions you may have. I will be doing a new video on what I use and will get into greater detail. ua-cam.com/video/IpVzlA3SzIw/v-deo.htmlsi=GJLIWpCHDoNCRyMt
Just to follow up on this. I mainly use the Tartarus for functions not specific to aircraft controls as I use the PointCTRL for that. The Tartarus I use for external views (weapons, aircraft) map view, cockpit view. I use several buttons for opening and closing Open Kneeboard and the native DCS kneeboard as well as moving forward and back for pages and tabs on the kneeboards. I also use the Tartarus to open / close Scratchpad and to add a waypoint to scratchpad from the map view. It has become indispensable for my flying as I am frequently jump to map views, want to see the weapon view, and the kneeboard is used a lot as well. Hope all of this helps you. I have heard that some people use the thumbstick to perform some functions in the F-16 as well.
@@StrIIker-TV that’s exactly what I am planning on doing with it too. Did you use the Razer software to set it up or just map it from the DCS binds? For instance, I have WinWing stuff but I don’t feel like spending my sim time learning a new program so I just mapped it like a regular HOTAS because there are no default WinWing profiles and I don’t want to download other people’s profiles.
@@nathansargent8513 I just use the default key binds in DCS and then program each key on the Tartarus with it. It’s very basic to do so there’s no learning curve. Same idea with stuff like Open Kneeboard and scratchpad. Define the hotkeys for them and then set that on the Tartarus.
@@nathansargent8513 Thing to remember is that the Tartarus keys I think have normal values assigned by default which will conflict with other DCS key binds. So just use the Tartarus software. I think I even show it open in that video. To set a new key value, you press the key in the software and then press a key on the keyboard (or multiple keys).
Hi. I really like your hardware setup and your DIY sim platform. Might you please give some direction as to get started in building my own? I am really good at woodworking and have the tools. I just am not sure where or how to start. I tried finding your sim chair (Playseat Air Force) and you cannot get them anywhere. So I am having to go in a different direction for the chair. I can only presume that the sim platform is then built around that chair.. anyway, any info you might be able to share it will be most appreciated. Thanks!
Thanks! I am currently working on a simple build video. It's a little more tricky than I thought to put together something which is helpful so it's taking me longer to finish. As for building your own, I suggest starting with the video from which I got my inspiration and guidance by a nice guy named Russ Barlow. Here is a link to his video. ua-cam.com/video/U33SiVYq36k/v-deo.html You will note that I took the basics of his build and then modified it to suit my particular needs for when I am using PointCTRL. If you watch his video, you will also see that he uses an old office chair to sit in and it works well for him. You don't need a specialized seat for this to work well because you can adjust the height of the center control stick and side consoles to suit whatever you are sitting on. Heck, you could probably even sit on an exercise ball! :P I know that there are chairs out there which will work for you. Even ones sold for racing simpits might work. Here's a guy in Europe who makes a really nice chair but it's kind of pricy.. facebook.com/commerce/products/6202292603130033/?referral_code=newsfeed_carousel_ad If I see other flight sim type chairs I'll follow up here for ya. As for the build to get started. 1) watch Russ' video (you'll see the following steps illustrated as well in it) 2) get a 4' x 8' sheet of 3/4 " plywood and cut it to size (I did it 38" wide and 65" long) 3) build the base frame with 2x4's 4) screw the plywood onto the base frame 5) Flip over (so plywood is on the floor)and put stuff like chair, rudder pedals, etc. in place to figure out where to start building the rest of the supports. Oh, I strongly recommend the self tapping stare screws that Russ mentioned. It's what I used. Hopefully this helped get you at least started!
Thanks for the compliment! It turned out better than I had hoped. It's a little rough here and there as I was learning how to do some of the steps as I went. For example, the holes for the base supports to hold the front and side panels are pretty bad.. Too big in parts and poorly cut. It's all aesthetics which is hard to notice so it's good. It's super solid with zero wobble (and that's without engaging all of the toggle clamps). I didn't mention the costs in the video. I assume you'd like to know the cost for the platform which I built. I think in materials it was about $200.00. You should have a few power tools handy as well. A power drill/screwdriver, power circular saw and a power jigsaw are the basic essentials and don't cost much (plus have reuse value for home projects). Rough Costs: Plywood base: $60.00 Plywood front: $20.00 8 foot 2x4's: $5.00 ea x 5 = $25.00 Paint: $50.00 Self Tapping Star Screws: $40.00 I will include more details around what I used and the approximate costs in my build video (currently under construction).
I'm on the fence on buying a virpil base with the same 200mm extension. I'm just afraid about the clearance... It looks like you're almost hitting the board in front of it, having any issues with it?
So regarding the base.. definitely got for it. I really like the one I have. It was such a vast improvement over the Thrustmaster Warthog base which I had. As for the extension, the one in the video which shows me flying is actually the shorter straight one. I realized this too late but figured I'd leave it in (I was heading off on vacation the day after I finally finished the video). The 200mm one has that curve which you install so it curves towards you. That curve ensures that it does not impact anything in front of you when in full forward deflection. It actually winds up the same distance from the front board as the shorter straight extension so I didn't need to adjust anything in terms of central control stick placement.Also the left / right throw is great and does not cause issues with my legs. Pulling back on the stick likewise does not pose any problems with the stick hitting me.
Great Work Str][ker! Got a lot of good new ideas to play around with. Hadn’t considered the ButtKicker before but you sound like you really like it. Does it make a lot of ambient noise? (thinking significant other here)😄
Thanks! Yes unfortunately it makes ambient noise when firing.. particularly for the more hard events. It's all scalable though and you can turn down the intensity via software. The noise was why I bought the Jet Pad. I thought that perhaps it's how I mounted it to the seat I have and maybe it is but it's the chair I have and I can't really stick it anywhere else. Actually, the noise was why I had also swapped out my Reverb G2 headphones for my over ear ones which for me, was a great change as I really like the Arctis ones and I really needed them with the Aero as it lacks a headset for sound. The Jet Pad does make noise as well but it's more of a buzzing sound of varying intensities. Funny story is that I had recorded a track to let my wife experience VR in DCS, launching off a carrier and landing.. She loved it but commented that the launch was disappointing as it should have had more shaking.. I decided to try adding the Butt Kicker back and was very impressed with how much it helped. The weapon releases are crazy now and the gun really shakes me. So, if you can swing it, I'd say it's worth a shot. I can whip a quick video together showing the sounds but it will take a bit as I am tied up for the next couple of weeks. I think the ideal for me is the Jet Pad and the Butt Kicker. The Jet Pad does the engine rumbles and buffeting from maneuvering and I just use the butt Kicker for Cat launches, taxiing bumps, etc. and for the events I use it, I tend to max it out so it makes some loud clunks. I think I could have toned the Butt Kicker down sufficiently to work quieter so I would not let it deter you. Grab one from Amazon and return it if it's too noisy. You do need to purchase the Software from Andre though to make it work.
I will probably give it a try. Have the Jetseat and really love it and I can imagine that the Buttkicker gives Carrier flying a real boost with my Hornet! BTW, what are your base dimensions for the simpit? Again, outstanding job
Yeah.. the Butt Kicker still surprises me when I release weapons. The Cat Launches are pretty good with it. Platform Info: Base: 65" x 38" Left and Right console: 44" x 10". (Console Surface Height from Surface of platform: 20") Front Panel: Width:35" x Height:19.5" I had Home Depot Cut the large 4' x 8' sheet of 3/4" plywood into 3 Pieces. I had them do Length first and then Width.. so I wound up with three pieces. The long one was 10" and I used that for the two side consoles. I bought a sheet of smaller 1/2" finished plywood (used for crafts or something) from Home Depot for the front panel as it was smoother. They are I think 2' x 3' or something.. Feel free to ask anything else.
Thank You Again Str][ker! Most of my work is done! Will be next year sometime til I get to this. Unfortunate family circumstance has put my simpit into a small closet until we move to a new house in the spring. Just enough florescent lighting for the G2 and doesn’t interfere with PointCtrl. But your setup is primo and I aim to emulate it! Also recently purchased the long curved extension and I love it, much better overall control. I fly the Huey and Apache as well as the Hornet and it’s great for those guys. Switched from the Hornet stick to the Virpil Constellation. For me the grip is much more user friendly and it’s a little more versatile for button programming. Will probably stay with my Warthog throttles forever and now use a Virpil collective attached to my chair( which will be a factor when I build this thing). I Like your LED’s…no problem with PointCtrl? Doesn’t look like you have any issue with ambient IR light, right? Anyway, thanks again. Back to my Sim in a couple of days and hopefully will sort out 2.8 and VAICOM. Cheers!
OK, you’ve got me thinking too much now. Which Buttkicker model do you have and do you simply use Andre’s Sound Module software to set it up? Alright, 1 more…any experience with NeckSaver?
So I'll say this...I just recently found your channel, and I'm loving the videos so far. That being said - my wallet despises you right now! lol This is just giving me more fuel to get back into DCS again, and rebuild my own simpit so that it'll function well in a VR setup.
I hear ya man! This all took me a while to get to. I did save a bunch of money by getting the PointCTRL device as I didn’t need to purchase MFD frames and various other button box type devices to be able to interact with the cockpit. The simpit in this video cost me less than $200.00 to make (I had planned to build an aluminum extrusion profile simpit because they look super sexy but it would be about $2,000 for it all. So this all allowed me to invest in the Varjo Aero (and they do have sales on it periodically for I think $1,800.00. My computer was also 5 years old when I finally rebuilt it several months ago. In other words, you can do it! I viewed the Aero as a solid investment as it’s the main thing I use to interact with DCS. Yes it’s damn expensive but I don’t need anything else to replace it now. The only improvements to be had with a headset is field of view and darker blacks or some better local dimming.
For me, I upgraded my graphics card at the same time so I couldn't really say what the difference was. The biggest improvement while I was on the G2 was using Open Composite, removing the need for SteamVR. The gameplay on my G2 was really enjoyable and super smooth. I did turn some of the graphics settings down here and there in order to get to something acceptable. I went from a 2080ti to the 3090ti when I moved to the Aero. The Varjo Aero software is great. There's not much to it to be honest and they have been pretty responsive to issues from customers. I know they had some QA issues with new headsets at first but they seem to have addressed that. I still have my G2 as a fall back in case something happens to my Aero. The G2 is still a great headset.
All u need are a bunch of dummy switches, buttons and knobs to build a mock interface panel(s). Absolutely Brilliant idea! Add motion platform and you won't loose your positioning of the panels too easily as the mock controls would really give ya something to grasp during clutch moments. Bravo!! Subscribed !
Thanks! I have considered doing the mock panels etc but to be honest, I don't think it would add anything to the overall experience. After a couple of years of using PointCTRL, I am definitely happy with the panel in front. I have discovered also, that for the Hornet and Strike Eagle which are my current aircraft which I fly in DCS, I don't need the side panels, just something to mount the throttle on as when I look down to the sides, I just point with my hand in the air. I do so little on the sides that it's not an issue. The front one does make a difference for me as I interact with it constantly while flying and maneuvering against enemy. I do still give serious thought to getting something which has actual buttons to try. There's someone who sells an upfront controller for the Strike Eagle (and other jets) and has a version for VR with some textured buttons to be able to figure out where you are pointing. www.etsy.com/listing/1367882636/dcs-world-f-15e-strike-eagle-ufc?variation0=3328509902 People in VR who don't have PointCTRL really like it. I wonder how useful it would be though for me. If anything, I do more interactions in the Hornet and the MFD's than I would with the UFC and same with the Strike Eagle so it may have limited use. I've also heard from others who originally had the MFD frames from Thrustmaster before getting a PointCTRL and they have all stopped using them. They did try for a while to keep them and use the buttons but they found PointCTRL just worked well enough to no longer worry about finding them end pressing etc. A motion platform is definitely on my wishlist and I hope to get one some day.
@@StrIIker-TV I Truly Appreciate the depths you fathom in your reply and taking the time...I like your approach in using the blank board w/ VR...I never would have considered that essentially a "blank skate" could become interactive enough to create a sense of emersion on the cheap...my suggestion was that if you decided to go with a motion platform that could jostle your interactive environment (smooth surface) perhaps place some appropriate "feel" button, knobs and switches that you could use as sort of braille to stabilize your selections in the event of a jink or other like manuver where a motion platform may not allow you the precision to avoid "fat thumbing" a button while rolling or pitching. U could sorce some 70's style radio receivers or even several old push-button phones if you wanted something that wouldn't feel like a dissected keyboard in random locations. I was considering actual replica 1:1 scale panels but id consider them useless in VR as you've proven by completely bypassing the functioning panels altogether. Granted most of the H.O.T.A.S. attributes make some switch panels A. Redundant or B. Unnecessary but if your 98% satisfied now my guess is yould be at 99% by adding motion and 100% by adding some actual mock up switches. Again you've proven nothing would have to function as far as spending hundreds in replica panels. Again Bravo!! You just helped some of us decide if we want panels w/o VR or VR w/o panels. Looks like VR+Motion wins vs Motion and no VR. Cheers!!
ive been trying to design my self a modular cockpit, and this is perfect i will prob copy this. Any chance you could go into a bit more detail on the mounting and unmounting?
You bet! I'm working on a build video of the cockpit. I'm away right now for about a week but once I am back, I'll work on getting the video wrapped up. Hopefully I should have it out within the next couple of weeks. I get picky about things and sometimes need to reshoot or play with editing cuts together better so that takes some time. It's fun to do though and I really love helping people out.
@@StrIIker-TV awesome. Yeah I am hoping to have a setup for American truck sim, Star Citizen, DCS, MSFS2020, F1... etc etc modular panels is great when you play too many sims
@@luciusthegod This type of build will work perfectly for you then. It just takes some planning ahead to make sure you have the support holes in the right places. It's pretty easy though to make it work if you suddenly realize you want to add something else as you can just build it up as needed using the existing holes for the supports.
The Aero does not have external cameras so there’s no way to see anything outside of the headset. The other Varjo models do have cameras but they are for businesses only and require an annual subscription to use. It would be cool though and I am sure that the VR industry is moving in that direction.
@@trevorbelmont4633 it’s a neat idea however you would also need the software to be able to correctly position everything within the field of view and match up what you want to see outside in the real world and what you want to see from within the simulator. I think this is coming within the next few years. Also, I’m definitely not that patient or handy with this stuff. Once something like that is available and it can tie into whatever I am flying at the time, I would happily give it a shot.
I believe I used the "Spyglass Zoom" at that point. There are two zoom levels in VR. The"regular" which is a slight zoom (I used this when zooming into the DDI in other videos while setting stuff like counter measures etc. Spy Glass zoom is a much higher magnification. The idea (as I understand it) is to simulate using binoculars or something similar from the cockpit as is done IRL.
@@mattvs117 Heh! Hey! I gotta keep my secrets so I can impress now and then. :P I THINK it's in the UI layer. It is right next to the normal zoom. What I did was I use the three position silver switch on the warthog throttle (on the far left side) as a switch for both normal zoom and spyglass. The middle position is normal view, forward is zoom and rear is spyglass. It works really well.
@@mattvs117 I tend to use the normal zoom the majority of the time. The spyglass is very helpful in locating ground targets from far away. Used in conjunction with the helmet mounted sight you can get a target’s location locked into the FLIR and then get some weapons on them.
Thanks! Your project sounds very cool (and lots of work). I wish I could do stuff like that. Even making the wood one which I showed in the video was a learning process for me as I had never done anything like that before. I can't imagine what it will take to convert a cockpit like what you are looking to do. Best of luck and show some pics when you get it done (and along the way).
I have news for you.. there ARE people out there who wear flight suits, helmets and even oxygen masks (I’ve seen pictures and videos). It’s not something I would do (I feel silly as it is at times sitting on this, looking around me and talking to people.. mainly because of how I look in the real world doing this all. In the sim it totally rocks though!). I’m happy for people who do get decked out in gear because you just know they are loving life at that moment.
Yep! That’s what I fly as well! Saved me a lot in all of the peripherals which I would have bought. The big saver was also the PointCTRL device. People in VR sometimes still buy MFD frames and button boxes to help facilitate interacting with the various controls in the aircraft. PointCTRL takes care of that for me.
@@StrIIker-TV haha, I wound up doing both. Also built a custom box with buttons and switches, as well as a working ejection cord (programmed to send the eject command to DCS) for my seat, lol. It was a fun project.
@@redtailpilot I would love to have been able to build up a cool cockpit with buttons (and that cool sounding ejection cord!). My time is too limited and I get impatient and am too picky with how things are done so it would take me forever to do. It's something I may try some day but for now.. I'm good with what I have. I think PointCTRL saved me from a lifetime of tinkering with building a cockpit.
@@StrIIker-TV Yeah I hear ya. I started building piece by piece and then fell in love with VR and PntCntrl. Crazy combination of 2D/VR gadgetry I've accumulated over time 😆
Hi! That cover is actually called a JetPad. I start talking about it here ua-cam.com/video/E-sm_iLU9bA/v-deo.html It has 8 vibrating motors in it (in the video I incorrectly stated that it has 6) which vibrate at different speeds and intensities to give you tactile feedback from the aircraft. It is an absolutely amazing experience to have. Unfortunately you can't order these currently as Andre (the guy who makes and sells them) lives in Russia which is under an export ban for electronics due to their ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Andre is a super nice guy and I hope that he can get these selling once again soon. There is another pad from Next Level Racing but I advise against getting it. I tested one out and it was uncomfortable to sit on and I could barely feel the vibrations (an dI had the settings maxed). I REALLY hoped it would work but it didn't.
Hi! I am using the microphone which is a part of the SteelSeries Arctic’s Pro Wireless gaming headset. I mention it in the video as well. It’s super comfy on the ears and head. I really like it as the microphone is great and sound from the headset is really enjoyable. It’s the most comfortable headset that I’ve had. steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-pro-wireless?color=black
@@ags Ahh. I think I see what you are referring to. That appears to be an optical illusion involving a finger control unit and a charge cable. The finger control unit was laying in such a way that the black stretchy loop which holds it to my finger was facing up and I think I might have had the cable plugged into it for charging. I’m not sure what else that could be but it does look sort of like a microphone with a pop filter on it. I’m surprised I left it connected for the picture and/or missed seeing that when putting the video together.
Here's what I have currently: I know it's a bit of a mess written in the format but I hope it helps! Please let me know if you want to know of anything else around my system and settings etc. Textures: High , Terrain Textures: High , Civ Traffic: Off , Water: High , Visib Range: High , Heat Blur: Off , Shadows: high , Secondary Shadows: On , Resolution: 3840x2160 , Monitors: 1 Screen , Res of Cockpit Displays: 1024 Every Frame , MSAA: 2x , Depth of Field: Off , Lens Effect: Off , Motion Blur: Off , Clouds: High , SSAA: Off , SSLR: Off , SSAO: Off , Screenshot Format: JPG , Clutter/Grass: 1500 , Forest Visibility: 100% , Forest Details Factor: 1 , Scenery Details Factor: 1 , Preload Radius: 150000 , Chimney Smoke Density: 8 , Gamma 2.2 , External Field of View: 78 , Anisotropic Filtering: 16x , Terrain Object Shadows: Off , Global Cockpit Illumination: On , Messages Font Scale: 1 , Scale GUI: 1 , Rain Droplets (checked) , Vsync: NOT checked, Full Screen: Checked , Cursor Confined to Game Window: Checked
@@StrIIker-TV wow i cant believe youve got your settings this high in vr! i was so amazed when i saw the carrier take off footage everything looked crystal clear and smooth. for me vr in dcs is literally unbearable. im running it with my rtx 3080 and reverb g2 while getting about 45 fps max in single player with absolute terrible looking graphics where i cant even see my targets
The great thing with this is that you can easily modify it to suit your needs. Instead of that front panel, you build supports for VESA mounted monitors. You could get as fancy as you like. I could, for example, put my computer on the back (behind the chair) to make it much more mobile if I needed it to be. I wheel the whole thing out of the way when I need to use my computer for other games or other activities where I use the monitor instead of VR.
I’m very happy to hear that you love using that headset! I have not seen comparisons between that and the Varjo Aero yet so I can’t comment. I personally avoid anything from Facebook/Meta but that’s just my personal preference! Whatever people love to fly with is definitely a good thing!
@@bryjb10 I honestly have no doubt that it’s an amazing headset.. My hangup is with Facebook/Meta as a company. It’s silly but hey.. maybe some day I’ll have a change of heart! I’ve read some reviews of the headset after reading your comments and people seem to really love the clarity and clarity (as you know) is key in DCS! Exciting times for us all with such amazing headsets and graphics cards finally available to us to make DCS in VR comparable to flatscreen.
@@daveg5857 Hey man.. We all use what we have! I had that chair I use left over from a previous attempt to set up some kind of cockpit. It didn't work well and sat unused for a while. I'm always impressed with everyone's cockpit setup.. especially the simpler ones which are a bare bones setup since they give someone a lot of happiness flying in DCS. It makes me feel spoiled at times. :)
@@daveg5857 Yes I now have a Varjo Aero. I got it around April 2022 at the same time I upgraded my video card. I loved the HP Reverb G2 which is what I had before. The Aero is kind of like the G2 but with a full display clarity instead of a central spot of clarity. I am very happy with my purchase and consider it worth the cost if you can afford it. Otherwise, I would recommend the G2
Yeah I have honestly considered adding some more to get some more of that rumbly feelings while flying. I do actually get a little bit of shake to my feet from the Buttkicker on my seat. I know that adding some by my pedals would seal the deal. I have no doubt I'll journey down that rabbit hole soon enough. :)
@@eltontonge4186 That’s a good use of it! I’m fortunate and have PointCTRL to help me click the cockpit but I am sure I would be buying frames and UFC devices if I didn’t have it.
Hi Striker Just been watching your clip again and it’s made me think about using your idea with the wooden panels . I also have the same seat pad but I’ve put home made airbladders inside Here is a wee clip showing my setup ua-cam.com/video/tCjcz7N0X3A/v-deo.htmlsi=Wrxy_NA3jJEz7ERC Cheers Dave from Scotland
Hey! That's a very neat setup you have! Tight quarters for your sim rig but that's the great thing about VR, you can set up wherever you have space and when you put on that headset, you are in a different world. So much fun. I've heard of the air bladder thing. Do you like it?
Shit load.. no. Actually the simpit build was relatively inexpensive. The expensive stuff was my video card and the Varjo Aero. This hobby will gladly eat up your money though.
@@mr_whyy I completely agree. It is all relative. Years ago when I was starting my career I could not afford much of a computer. Decades later and after a lot of hard work, I can enjoy treating myself. I was happy with what I had then because that’s what I could afford and it was good enough for me. It sucks to see everything so costly but things like the HP Reverb G2 is a close second to the Aero in my opinion and at a fraction of the cost.
Hey! It's the only simulator of this depth on the market! I'd love to see bugs fixed, improved performance, better AI, etc etc. but this is what we have so if we want to fly this type of simulator, we have no choice. If a better simulator comes along which matches the detail of DCS and beats it in graphics, performance, etc. I am there in an instant. The reality though is that we don't have that. There is the Falcon BMS sim but it has its issues, does not support VR, and is single aircraft (mods are not true representations of other aircraft capabilities etc). MS FlightSim 2020 is just something to fly around in (no combat) and does not model performance of the military jets as well (as is the opinion of many). So, what does that leave me with..? DCS. At the end of the day, I have an absolute blast sitting in my little simpit with my VR headset on as it takes me out of my house and onto the deck of an aircraft carrier, starting up a Hornet and launching to go blow shit up. It's my hobby and I'm happy to spend money on it to constantly improve my experience and enjoyment in it. Some people like to spend their money on cars, model railroads, collecting vintage stuff.. I like to spend it on my gaming computer and flight sim peripherals. Today it's DCS.. Tomorrow, who knows? (but I doubt that a serious competitor will show up anytime soon.) I'm not sure why you feel so salty over my fun that you were compelled to comment on a video I made to share with others who are interested in doing the same thing. If I see stuff I don't like in videos etc. I just move on. I have better things to do than be negative towards someone else having fun. To each their own I suppose.
@@StrIIker-TV BINGO! Well said! It's my go-to hobby and I have no regrets spending what I spend to enjoy it (in my limited spare time, lol). Just built a 13th Gen Intel PC and bought a RTX 4090 to crank up the Varjo Aero even more 😉
@@StrIIker-TV I just finish building it, after the fiasco with two Z690 motherboards, so I haven't had much time to play. Two MBs wouldn't POST (even with a bios update)! I refunded them and bought a Z790 which worked like a charm. So when you decide to upgrade to 13th Gen or higher, stay away from Z690 headaches! Yesterday I had a chance to try DCS and immediately knew something just wasn't right with all of the stuttering. Started researching the issue and found out that it's a known issue with the 4090. Varjo released a patch which I will update later today. I upgraded from a i7-11700k and RTX 3080 to i7-13700kf and the 4090. Sold my old mb, CPU and GPU on ebay. Got much more than I expected to get!
After updating the Varjo Base, the crazy stutters are gone. Unfortunately, OpenXR crashes the sim now, so I'm forced to use Steam VR which sucks! I was getting much smoother performance using OpenXR. Hoping there's a fix that I just haven't found yet.
![Str][kerTV](http://yt3.ggpht.com/nyCYJbLzftuzWPvnp7dFMOMFarXh9PS7OWoCGe3BGT_LOIXeV1ZEnnjx303oClLp4yIOSbqXfb0=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
Where we are going, we don't need screens
Hah! Man that made me laugh. I hadn’t thought of that one before. I spent so much time flying sims on my old 14” and then 21” CRT monitors back in the day. VR is the realization of a dream and DCS is so incredible to fly in. I know it has its issues but it’s always a rush to hop in.
@@StrIIker-TV I was watching this and I was thinking yeah what kind of a screen are you gonna use? And then I thought oh hes very savvy, He's going to use some kind of projector. Then I saw this comment and I laughed. My ideas are so Boomer.Just wait until you grow old and your kids will probably laugh at you because you're not plugging your brain stem into the game, you're using those dinosaur VR goggles. Lol
@@77Avadon77 Hah! That’s awesome!! Yeah I guess I made some assumptions that everyone knew that I was flying in VR when I put the video together. I knew people wouldn’t necessarily know that I used PointCTRL or even what that is but I figured it might all fall into place at some point. I had originally intended to release a video about PointCTRL first then a cockpit build video and then something like this video but I kept getting asked about everything that I use so I figured I would do this one first. Ironically the next one will be a build video and then one specifically about PointCTRL (so reverse of what I had planned).
Even with the build video, I’m rethinking how I want to do it so it’s taking longer. Still fun stuff to do.
@@StrIIker-TV Well I think you did a fantastic job. I thought maybe you got some inspiration from commercial or military applications. The only thing missing is Literally to suspend the thing and put it on hydraulics. Lol. But what you have built right there looks like something that could be the beginning of a commercial enterprise. I think people would buy those setups from you. Not many people know how to put it all together. Looks fantastic and A-blast to fly. Also a great way to beginner student pilots. Best of luck
I’d recommend taking a router and rounding over any sharp edges on your wooden parts. Give it a nice finish and protect from tear out and slicing you.
Amazing job!
Yes, that's an excellent suggestion! I had planned to do just such a thing but I think I was a little worried about how far off I was with the holes which I had cut and didn't want to make things worse. In retrospect though, that would have been the best thing to do and I will plan to give it a try to see how much it improves the look. More importantly though, I am sure that it would probably save me from nasty splinters and cuts at some point.
My friend actually works for Varjo (that VR headset you are using) and he let me test one of the prototype models.... they are crazy!
That’s pretty cool! I bet you must have been blown away seeing what was coming soon for VR. It was amazing when I put mine on for the first time to look around in VR and see everything with such clarity. It really makes a huge difference for me in DCS. It’s a must have piece of kit for those looking to make their DCS VR experience the best that it can be.
Sick! One day mine will look like that!! Really want to get those finger point controls, they look amazing.
Thanks! The PointCTRL is an incredibly great addition for anyone flying DCS in VR. It is very intuitive and indispensable. If you make use of Voice Attack and the Vaicom Pro add-on, you really don’t need the mouse in game any more. I still use a track ball for maps and arming but that’s really it.
Thank you for sharing, this was really helpful! very well structured and presented overview!
Thanks! I intend to do a follow up at some point and get into more detail with some of the stuff which I use.
Yours is even more modular than mine is. You have inspired me. I need mine to collapse down to be more narrow when not in use. Going to use latches like you have. What a great idea!!
Thanks! I'm happy to hear that my video is helping you improve upon what you have. That's exactly what I wanted to have happen. The latches which I used were bought from Amazon but I think you can find them at other places.
a.co/d/eTx1kWp
I really like this because I can remove all of the supports and then pick the base up and carry it down the stairs or through a door.
Nice set up man, I'm totally envious, good job, I feel inspired by this and thanks for sharing.
Thank you for saying that! That really was the intent behind making the video. I had a lot of questions in my head around how to do different things in DCS and around how to make my cockpit and what stuff to use while flying. I wanted to share what I have learned along the way so that others might get some ideas around how to do their own setup.
I'll work on my build video to show how it's pretty straightforward and inexpensive. I know people would love to build a cockpit but the aluminum profile ones are very expensive and the premade ones might lack something important which would need customization.
What a simple yet great idea with the plywood sheat for pointcntr! Sweet setup man. I'm gathering some inspiration for a new simrig that will be built during christmas holidays! :)
Hey! Thank you for the great compliments! I hopefully will have a build video up by then. I shot some pictures and video of the process but probably not enough (heh). I can easily measure up the dimensions and make them available.
@@joerihuffmeijer3247 Yeah I had given that some thought before as well. I had considered even buying the Thrustmaster frames for the DDI and MPCD so I could press them (even with the PointCTRL). Some users of PointCTRL who had the frames prior to buying PointCTRL said they wound up just removing them as PointCTRL seemed to work better on its own. I also concluded that having something textured to rest my finger on (such as a fake frame) would not be worth the effort or expense as I felt that I would not use it. The only thing I have considered and am planning to try is building something to slid onto the front panel to approximate the elevated surface of the up front controller and adjacent buttons and knobs. While not really needed, I am curious to see if it would help improve my experience. It would be a very simple thing to build and now that I am back home from vacation, I plan to make it and try.
I have a very similar rig for DCS, which I built myself as you did. I am happy to see we ended up with basically the same solutions. Still missing haptic feedback which I plan to implement in the future, and Pointctrl which currently I am not considering. The only big difference is that mine is all aluminum profile and not wood. Good job.
Thanks! Yeah I had looked into building an aluminum profile rig. It was going to be a bit pricey and so I went with the all wood approach.. even though I had never really built anything before.
I do suggest getting some feedback stuff like the Jetpad or several butt kicker type attachments (you can attach up to 4 or maybe 6? I think). It really is cool to feel the aircraft rumbling as you fly around and clunk as weapons are released.
@@StrIIker-TV I concur! Feeling the rumble of the APU, flaps, speedbrakes, afterburners, etc adds tremendously to the experience. I've been using the jetseat pad and buttkicker for a few years now. Too bad DCS doesn't export ejection telemetry. The would be cool.
@@redtailpilot Yeah the jet seat and Buttkicker combo is killer in DCS. I have the Buttkicker set to 100% intensity for things like weapons release, guns, cat launch, landing, etc. Just the big events. I also have it bumping while taxiing which is neat. The Jetseat rumbles and then the Buttkicker does a half second later. Have you tried flying without them on? It’s such an empty feeling.
@@StrIIker-TV you're so right. Empty without them on, like night and day! The bumps while rolling is pretty cool. I had to turn off engine rumble because it just didn't feel right to me, however, the afterburner feels great. So does the guns and weapon release, chaff and flares.
OUTSTANDING DESIGN AND ENGINEERING!!! WELL DONE SIR!
Thanks! I did get some significant inspiration from a guy named Russ Barlow who has a channel on UA-cam as well. I intended to put out a build video first but a few people wanted more information around everything I use so I did this one up first.
Great Idea ,you should fit air bladders inside the pad ,I’ll send through a link that I did to my sim
Regards
Dave from Scotland
Now that would be cool. I assume it all ties into the software? I know someone who was looking into doing just such a thing but he got busy with other things.
@@StrIIker-TV
Thanks
Yeah the software is xsimulator it costs 20 pounds and then all you need is a 5 pound arduino card ,8 plastic bladders and 2 x 60 kg servos from Amazon .
The software sends out the signals to the arduino then to the servos to squeeze the bladders ,I can use it in Dcs and mfs2020
Regards
Dave
Skunk works quality. Loving it
Thanks! It's not the prettiest but once I slip that headset on, it all looks like the cockpit of a Hornet!
Another question if you would please...if I were to paste onto the flat board, the front cockpit diagram (scaled to size)- would there be an actual postion correlation with the PointCtrl? It would be for those observing outside the VR environment, of which, it would be nice for them to see what I am actually pressing (switch wise) vs. just a blank flat board. Thanks!
Funny that you should ask about this because I had considered doing this very thing. I thought it would look cooler to have a 1:1 scale print made and stick it to the board (and potentially side consoles). I don’t know that it would translate perfectly to the PointCTRL positioning in the sim. I think it would work best with the stuff right in front of you such as the MFD and AMPCD and the UFC. There seems to be more offset for stuff further from the center. It is pretty close generally speaking though!
To revisit my comment though.. after using the new unofficial firmware for PointCTRL (I demo it in my latest video), I think this could work quite nicely as I find it to be much more accurate in terms of where something appears in the sim and where i need to touch in the real world to interact with it.
Damn first time I see a hand tracking solution that seems practical !! Very nice setup !!
Hi! Thank you! PointCTRL is an amazing little device. In fact it is used by the US Air Force and at least one other foreign air force for training. Miles, the guy who makes it is an incredibly nice guy but he's well behind in orders. He recently moved to a new house and is working on getting his tech area set up to resume production. Definitely worth having if you are into DCS or MS Flight Sim in VR.
I am also planning to make a dedicated video around the PointCTRL so that people understand how it works.
Nice setup! I've been using a very similar setup for a little while now. The Aero is incredible! I use Voice Attack and VaicomPro, which is great for menu-free comms in DCS! PointCTRL is awesome. I need to try some type of board like you have, but it would interfere with my 2D cockpit panel that I setup before getting VR (using curve monitor). Also using the jetseat pad and buttkicker 2. Now I'm currently building a new PC (Intel 13th gen). I'm a RW private pilot and this is as close as I'll get to living my fighter pilot dream and I'm having a blast. 😉 I really like the mobile cockpit concept. Very impressive!
Awesome! So it sounds like we are flying in roughly the same style! There is a user who made a board which he slipped onto his desk whenever he wanted to use DCS. ua-cam.com/video/y2ccmylbSYM/v-deo.html
He's also on the PointCTL Discord. He shared a few more pictures there and explained how he set his stuff up etc.
It's great to hear from a RW pilot who also is enjoying the DCS experience. I agree that this is the closest I will come to flying off a carrier etc. and so am grateful for the opportunity to do so. DCS has its issues however it's the best there is right now. If someone else can build it better, I'll be there. For now, I deal with the problems in DCS and love every minute of it.
@@StrIIker-TV Oh yeah, I saw his video a while ago. Very impressive. Yes I totally agree with you. DCS is what I spend most of my limited spare time in these days (MS2020 is second). I've been with them since LOMAC. Like you said, it's the best we have at the moment and I enjoy it a lot! My flightsim hobby started when I was a teen and bought my first computer (Commodore-64, then Amiga-500). Showing my age now. 🤣 However, my aviation passion started when I was around 4 or 5. A few decades later, I was fortunate enough to earn my PPL. Nothing beats RW flying, but I'm glad that flight simulation has continued to bring me joy as a close 2nd 🙂
You're pretty much are doing the only set up I could ever eyeball for VR with DCS. Currently I'm on a TrackIR + HOTAS + Panels + MFDs w/screens.The Varjo Aero is really the only visual quality I'd accept in a VR headset, but then I'm also keenly aware of the control I'd be giving up and I recently came across PointCTRL.
At this point the only questions I have are:
1) What base station do you use for VR head tracking? Or which might you recommend?
2) Does point control "scale" the space you need to use? For example, if I fly around desk items that are co-located with something in the cockpit, will I have to move the item out of the way or can PointControl work within a smaller space/angles and scale it for the sim? Or maybe there is another way to deal with it?
1)I am using the Valve Base Stations. I highly recommend them. I use two of them to ensure that when I turn to face the rear of the aircraft, I don't have tracking issues. I believe though that one would suffice. I used to have older version 1 base stations from my old HTC Vive. They are compatible however I did experience odd tracking issues with them whereas the Valve base stations (which are version 2) placed in the same location have never caused any tracking issues at all.
2) PointCTRL has a calibration routine which you go through and can do any time you like. This ensures that it scales properly for your aircraft. I never have had to run it when I switch from one aircraft to another though so you really only need do so once. What this does is ensure that when you reach out and interact to an object in the cockpit, your hand position in 3D space more accurately matches the virtual representation. As for stuff getting in the way, you would need to move something out of the way if you are bumping into it however you only really need space enough for you to extend your arm out in front of you with a slight bend in the elbow as that's the typical cockpit dimensions represented in game. I run into issues at time where I place something on the left console area and when I go to click something, I bump into it but that's no big deal. You actually don't need to reach too far out in front of you as the PointCTRL device is just moving the mouse cursor for you. The cockpit I made is not needed at all but I like that it adds a little tactile feeling and lets me rest my finger on it when adjusting something which requires multiple button presses (radios for example).
As for the Varjo Aero.. It's simply amazing. Most recently Eagle Dynamics finally added some support from the Varjo SDK which allowed Dynamic Foveated Rendering (DFR) (I made a video about this). It allows you to crank up your settings while still getting exceptional frame rates. I actually now run with full settings (clouds, anti-aliasing, visibility distance, etc) and get frame rates in the 70's. The vlisdual clarity of the Aero is unrivaled and with DFR it's even better. Of course, as with any hobby.. this has a price tag when you want to take it to the next level.. :) but I think you know that already since you have panels etc. and all that gear isn't cheap.
I'd suggest ordering the PointCTRL. It will admittedly take a while before it's available to ship. If at the time you don't want it, you can pass and simply not pay. There's no obligation when you order one. It just gets you in line for one.
@@StrIIker-TV I appreciate your full reply greatly! I’m going to make the effort to convert to VR. PointCTRL is definitely something I’ll jump in line for now; it’s very buyable already.
For VR headset maybe I’ll try to get a headset that includes base stations to test out the setup and can change out the headset-only later for the Aero after I can sell a lot of what I have now. I’ll do my homework on the best path there.
@@EbonySeraphim I found the HP Reverb G2 to be an excellent VR headset. The display is very clear (no screen door effect) and the sweet spot (spot of maximum clarity) is amazing. I had it before I moved to the Aero and I still have it in case I ever need it. You also don’t need base stations for this headset as it uses inside out tracking. They are pretty inexpensive these days so it’s something to consider if you want to test out VR.
You realized impressive ideas. Thanks a lot for sharing. 👍
Thank you for a generous comment! I really enjoyed putting it all together. Of course it is continually evolving as I add new things to it.
Perhaps not the most refined thing but damn, you've made me want to replicate this as I want to get into sim gaming
Thanks! It is pretty rough but not bad for the first thing I ever made with tools etc. It’s affordable and highly configurable and if you make a mistake, it’s no big deal.. just do it again
@@StrIIker-TV oh believe me, not putting it down at all I actually like the rustic feel and simplicity of it. Makes me feel like I can do one myself
@@AutisticViking83 Heh! I didn’t read it as any kind of negative commentary! It was surprisingly simple to do and I am by no means handy with tools. At the end, I had the thing built and kept all of my fingers! (Win:win)
@@StrIIker-TV haha brilliant. I may have to have a go myself now
Keep coming back to your video as my simpit develops. Would really like to know more about the razer tartarus and how you set it up and use it and also the steelseries headset if you ever had the time to expand further particularly whether you have any problems with its use with voiceattack. Cheers.
Yeah, and I have a video in progress (and stalled) showing how I built the simpit. I didn't do a superb job of taking a lot of pictures and video but I figured I had enough to show how I did it all. I should finish that already!
As for the Tartarus, I did show briefly how I have it configured in this video (link starts at the correct time stamp. ua-cam.com/video/IpVzlA3SzIw/v-deo.htmlsi=jwrmTnxIf4lT0BO1&t=448 )
I have had the Steelseries since August 2018 and it has been great. I only recently started having issues with the right earphone where I need to tap it sometimes to get it to produce sound (it's rare). It comes with two swappable rechargeable batteries and they are still going strong. The microphone is great for VoiceAttack as I have no issues with it. It's not as rich a sound as a condenser microphone (but that's to be expected) and I bought a Shure MV7 which I use for voiceovers now. I really like the Steelseries which I have as the ear cup covers are nice and soft fabric (not the plastic / fake leather that many headphones ship with which crack and peel) and the strap which rests on the head is super comfy. I've been planning to do some videos around the gear and mods which I use in greater detail to help people out. I guess I should get working on that too! :) Feel free to ask any other questions which you have around any of this as I am happy to provide feedback and any answers which I can.
On the keypad you can have keymaps and modifiers too 😊
I actually started doing this as I need more keys for issuing commands to do things in the helicopter (open and close doors, raise / lower ramp, etc) Works like a charm!
Hi Stri][er and Merry Christmas!... Well for the most part I have finished constructing my sim pit. would like to share some photos with you but I haven't a clue as to how to attach photos to comments. Anyway, the build went fine, did some mods but used your system as a template. I used actual dimensions from the NATOPS so it is fairly close. Now I just need to finish hooking the cables, computer etc. The big downer is that I have to wait until after Jan 1 to get my Varjo Aero.
Feel free to contact me anytime . Have a great holiday season.
Merry Christmas to you! I was wondering actually earlier today about how your build was coming along! Shoot me some pics on Discord (user: Draygon#6603). I’d love to see what you have and will probably bug you for some advice.
As for the Aero.. I know how it sucks to wait but I think you will be quite happy because it is so nice having a full display of clarity instead of a small spot in the middle. I’d love to hear what your initial impressions are with it.
@@StrIIker-TV Discord is all gooned up for me. It won't let me in.. Says that there is no text or channels to view
Is there something else we can try? Thanks
Lovely cockpit. I can see that you're very much in to the experience of dcs and getting as much out of it as you can.
I have a very similar cockpit, but have also gone down the dof reality route, you need to take it to the next level!
And I'm sure you will, spouses permitting 😉
Hey Andrew! You are spot on with respect to my future aspirations. I always wanted to use the wood panel for my PointCTRL and you showed me how it could be done which inspired me for my current setup. Then, when you showed me the photos of your current DoF setup, I knew that I now had a new goal and I plan to get there (some day).
I already planted the idea into my wife’s head so the effort to get there is underway. It will take some time but I definitely can’t wait to get one! Maybe I should buy a massive
Christmas Stocking to accommodate one this season. 😁
@@StrIIker-TV That's excellent! Christmas is coming up, you really need to add a wacom tablet on your right hand console. Use open kneeboard, it's excellent and really immersive, being able to write while in vr is amazing.
@@RCAndrewuk Actually... :) I did buy a Wacom Tablet to try it out a few months ago! I tried the OpenKneeboard and found it a little cumbersome to get setup. Maybe I missed something or am doing something wrong.. I had a tough time getting it set up so that it was where I wanted it. I can't recall but I think I kept on having to modify some config file or something? I guess I should try playing around with it again. I can't recall if there was a way to turn it on and off while flying as well. I'll look at it again though. I saw that it was updated a few times since then.
(I use Middle button to turn it off and on)
Make sure you try open kneeboard, I know there's a vr kneeboard too.
I'd love to someday have something like this for my vintage flight sim games
You can do it man! Once you see how straightforward it is to make you can make it any way you want!
@@StrIIker-TV unfortunately I lack the free space for one like your, I am however in the new year going to try and DIY a HOTAS system using my logitech G13 keypad similar to the Razer one you have and combine it with the innards of a wingman force 3d joystick to create a throttle assembly
I'm getting ready to start mine and this was real helpful. How do you get into that rig? My guess is from the front as I can't imagine you climbing over those side panels.
Awesome to hear that you are building your own! Yeah I basically straddle backwards over the control stick. I’m 6’2” tall so I almost clear it. I kind of lift one leg over and back. If this was not going to work, my intention was to make the left side panel hinged some how so I could lift it to get in. I would have put the hinge part towards the rear and the lift end right before the throttle so that it would remain stationary.
Impressive set-up and excellent work! Which software do you use to connect and control the haptic feedback for the sim?
For the Buttkicker (or any transducer set up) you need Simshaker Sound which is a paid software program. For the Jetpad I use Simshaker for Aviators which is free. They use hooks into the game to know what to activate and what intensity. You can find info for both at:
simshaker.com
The leg straps for the tartarus, how are you attaching those to the tartarus itself? Velcro or something? I have one too but being able to put it on my leg would be so much better!
I use Velcro. I attached the hook part of a Velcro strip to the bottom of the Tartarus and the pile(soft fuzzy) is exposed in the leg strap. The leg straps are actually from kneeboard a which I bought on Amazon. I wound up just using the Velcro stretchy strap from the kneeboard as the board itself was too big. Here is a link to what I use. www.amazon.com/dp/B07C89KZ2H?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share I leave the Velcro part which holds the strap together partially exposed and then attach the Tartarus Velcro to it. You just really need a stretchy strap and then sew a Velcro strip to it. It works very well!
I plan to make a follow up video to get into detail around what I use. This was more of an overview.
Hey, quick question. How did you strap your tartarus and the trackball to the velcro?
I actually use a stretchable strap which has velcro on it. The velcro is intended to connect the two ends of the strap but I leave part of that velcro exposed. I stuck an attaching piece of velcro to the back of the Tartarus and so that sticks to the Velcro on the strap. I will post a video showing this and other stuff I use to illustrate. I actually used the strap from a Kneeboard which I bought on Amazon. The board was too big so I just removed the strap from it and that's what I am using. This is the kneeboard from which I used the velcro strap.. amzn.to/3sd3Psz. You could probably make one cheaper by attaching some velcro to a stretchable strap of some sort but this was easiest. :)
Nice set up!
Thanks! It’s much appreciated.
Great stuff. Looking forward to your video on Point Ctrl. Question: any particular reason why you didn't make a "protuberance" on the front panel for the UFC?
Thanks! It’s funny that you mentioned a protuberance.. I have intended on adding just such a thing as I feel that it would add to the immersion if the elevated portion of the cockpit was closer. It bugged me initially but you do learn to adjust. Having said that, one thing which delayed my cockpit video was that I wanted to add the elevated surface to handle the UFC etc first but I put it off several times. So, this will be part of a follow up I suspect. I also figured out how to add the angled side panels for the gear handle and flaps etc. although it’s low on the list to do.
As for the UFC, I will probably make it a simple structure which I can hang on the front panel and slide left right as needed. The dimensions should always be about the same though so that should be easy enough.
One thing I've noticed about adding all the awesome peripherals is that going back to a simplified style of gameplay, just feels incomplete. They really spoil you.
Hah! That is so completely true! You become so accustomed to it all that when something gores wrong, the sim feel so empty. I bought a second PointCTRL as I can't live in DCS without that. I considered buying a second JetPad because the few times that I forgot to load the software and started flying, the sim felt so empty and devoid of "life". Feeling the reassuring vibrations of the engines rumbling and the satisfying cluck of weapon releases has almost become mandatory for me now. The fact that Andre is off in Russia and it takes forever to get replacement parts from him has me leaning towards a second one at some point. Side Note: Andre was a solid guy and cross shipped me a replacement pad insert because two of the vibration motors were dead. He sent it via mail which took almost 2 months to get here in the US. He even sent me extra vibration motors and wires! I then packed up the defective unit and sent it to an address which he specified.
Why don't you use OXRTK image stabilization? It helps with a shaky cursor a lot. Or it just doesn't work with Aero?
Hi! It does work with the Aero however it no longer works because I am using the dynamic Foveated rendering software from mbuchia. To be able to use DFR you have to disable the OXRTK for DCS. I was not aware though of the stabilization feature in the kit until shortly before the release of the DFR software.
I think the shaky cursor may be related to PointCTRL as it often has a bit of shakiness when compared to using a mouse or trackball.
I was doing a stabilization pass in my video editing software for a while but hadn’t done this for recent videos.
@@StrIIker-TV I see, thanks, good to know!
Very impressive! You deserve every bit of fun you get in flight! Can I ask what you do for a living? The construction is really neat and clever! Greetings from France !
Thank you for such a great compliment! To be honest, this is the first time I’ve really made anything like this. I had some tools available from a previous home improvement project which was very basic and they came in handy with this. The cuts into the plywood base, where the front and side panels slide into are honestly pretty rough and too big and I would figure out a different way to do it next time.
As for what I do as a profession, I work on computer network infrastructure and security.
@@StrIIker-TV well you can be proud of yourself!
I understand Aero now does dynamic foveated rendering in DCS. How is that working?
I actually made a video of it. See here.. ua-cam.com/video/dslXmXo4rUU/v-deo.html
It is working incredibly well. It renders the focus area higher and the non-focus lower. I absolutely love it. When I sit on the runway at a busy area, when I look forward I might be at 70 FPS. When I glance down with my eyes to the cockpit, my FPS increases by about 10-15 FPS. I will post a video to demonstrate.
Very nice setup Str][ker! 👍👌
Hey Gaz! Thanks a lot man! It was a fun thing to see fall into place. I’m sure it will continue to evolve as time passes. Hopping into it after it was finished was pretty gratifying (and surprising that I did it right!) to use. I was like “huh.. it works!”
Great simpit you have created. A lot of thought and work has gone into it. One question though - are you Benjamin Linus from Lost? Your voice is remarkably similar. Is that an Iowa accent?
Hi! Thank you for your kind words on the simpit. It’s the first time I made anything so I think it went well. I certainly learned a lot about working with wood. I actually started my build video but have not finished it. I have too much fun using the simpit in DCS I guess.
I am not Benjamin Linus but I think it’s a fascinating question and observation on your part. It’s not obvious to me as I don’t pay attention to how I sound but I can see where I could sound similar at times.
As for Iowa.. I’m a bit further north and east from there. I’m actually originally from Ontario in Canada and have been living in the US for almost 25 years. I lost my “Canadianisms” long ago but perhaps some words come out with some portion of it slipping through which can be detected? This was a fun question. Thanks!
@@StrIIker-TV When I saw your setup I was thinking,"This guy must know a lot about woodworking." Just shows you what you can achieve when you put your mind to it. I've recently bought he virpil base and have a 20cm extension on it - turns the Spitfire in DCS from a bucking bronco into a pussy cat. But I' might give the curved extension a try. I've also recently bought the thrustmaster rudders and completely agree,, they are very nice. I've got the aero too. Thanks for your help in getting VFR setup - looks great. The PointCTRL looks interesting and good idea to have something in front of you for reference point for your fingers. Don't know if I want to mod my £2k aero though! Thanks for tolerating my silly question. I studied linguistics so my ear is conditioned to home in on accents. Love your videos and keep 'em coming. Oh, I'm from Scotland - you'd struggle to understand my accent!
That's all great to hear! The Virpil with the extension is simply amazing.. especially when coming from the Thrustmaster Warthog base which turned out to be pretty junky (the Throttle is solid though). The curved extension is mainly to help with the throw of the stick I think. It is very comfortable. The addition of PointCTRL to the aero is not modding it. It simply adheres to it using some double sided tape and comes off easily. I'm working on a couple of videos to show what I use and how as well as one specific to the PointCTRL to help people who bought one get it set up. Regardless, I certainly get the reluctance to do anything to the Aero.. that's a lot of money sitting on your face! :)
Scotland hmm? My grandfather is from there. He had moved to Canada in his teens in the early 1900's. He had his accent his entire life and I loved it. I know that Scottish accents can get pretty heavy further north though! :) I found your question very interesting and loved it. To my family in Canada, I sound like an American now and I certainly notice their accents. It's all pretty interesting to me.
Nice set up 💯
Thank you! It definitely does the trick for my flying. I still need to make some minor tweaks to it but so far, so good.
Hey man that is an awesome setup! The modular frame is really well built and a good color too. Can you pleeeease tell me where you got that seat from tho?!?
Hey! Thank you for the compliment! I purchased the seat from Amazon in 2017. It’s called the Playseat Air Force. It came with two side platforms which I removed as well as a center one. I never used the center one due to its design but I did use the side ones before. Here’s a link to it at Amazon. If Amazon is out, you could probably track one down elsewhere. amzn.to/3VAExhn
@@StrIIker-TV Thanks so much man I'm gonna check that out . Im really into DCS and always looking to upgrade my setup!
Hi Striker. Nice looking setup. I definitely am interested in pointctrl but I hear the wait list to get one is 12+ months? Is that right? BTW, what's the back board for? I may have missed you explaining it but no idea why you have it there?
Hey! Miles (who makes PointCTRL) has stated within the past 2 days that he has taken steps to increase production. There are efforts to get PointCTRL working with MSFS 2020 which will really push up orders so I think he wants to get production issues flowing better. You should just order one as you don't get billed anything. When your order number is ready to build, you are sent an invoice which you can opt to pay or just ignore it if you don't want it any more. Ordering just gets you a spot in line. The current wait time is about 12 months, yes but I suspect that will decrease.
As for the back board.. I am not sure what that is. I have the board in front of me which I use to rest my fingers on when interacting with the cockpit with PointCTRL while in VR. It's not necessary but I like to use it as it gives me some stability and tactile feedback. Is that what you are referring to?
You didn’t happen to drew plans did you? A few of us might like a set if you did. Great work, excellent idea!
I didn't write up the plans however I did take some pictures of the progress and can easily write it up and I will do so. I recall trying to figure out how to get started and how frustrating it can be. It really helps to have a reference. I am away for a couple of weeks but will work on a write up once I am back.
Yes please when you are able that would be a huge help to get some of us started! 🙏
@@pschaps You got it! I should have it up in a couple of weeks.
Nice Setup!
Are you using any software to control your bass transducer output, and if so which one?
Yes, I use "SimShaker Sound" for the transducer. It's a paid software and is available at: simshaker.com/
It hooks directly into DCS.
Cool Set Up! I Have A Seat Setup "Honeycomb Bravo /Alpha /Rudder" And Can Attach My "Puma Pro Flight Trainer" Heli Controls As Weli Plus a '3 way articulated Swing Arm' For Mouse And Key Pad. ; ]
That sounds pretty handy! It certainly is so nice having a setup which you can adjust as needed! It sounds like you have all that you need to get flying in style. :)
I use two selfbuild tables 20"x12"x20" with like 20" aluminum rail system as columns to mount the stick, pedals & all the extras you want to add later, takes a quarter of space other than that monstrous wood ensamble here^^ how do you even get in that chair without disassembly? abseil from the ceiling?
Heh! Yeah it is a bigger platform however it looks bigger I think than it is. The left and right side consoles are not much wider than the throttle. I did intentionally want the horizontal surfaces on the left and right as I use PointCTRL to interact with the aircraft in DCS. I wanted something physical to put my finger on while I press buttons, flip switches, etc in the cockpit. This is the same for the front panel which is what I find I use the most in terms of resting my finger on it. You can see this happening in several of my other videos where I have a picture in picture view of me interacting with the cockpit. Here's one as an example time stamped to start just after the intro..ua-cam.com/video/gWxrynTIfSA/v-deo.htmlsi=JcDNjgUzLgN_JQuY&t=45
As for getting in and out, the front panel is out of the slots and rests against the wall directly in front of my simpit. There is sufficient room for me to step on and get in front of the seat. I do need to straddle over the control stick and lift my leg to get over it and sit. It's a lot easier than it sounds. The left panel easily lifts out and I am making a helicopter collective one which I can slide in for when I want to fly helicopters. Yes, there are more compact ways to do this. I had originally looked into using the extruded aluminum frames but that was very costly. To make my simpit it was around $130 or so (I can't recall what the price was, I think I mentioned it in the video). and I can easily modify it when I need to by cutting some wood, or removing something and drilling it into a new spot (both of which I have done) with little to no additional cost. I did have to buy another 10 foot 2x4 board for the collective mount as I ran out of scrap wood and that cost me $5.00 US.
@@StrIIker-TV I wondered the whole time what that wooden plank in front was for! xD now I get it. I still try to figure out how to get in control of all the switchology. Its quite a battle to find a way to map all the switches. I like my stuff compact and representable in the room, painted the wood I used in black too, also I have nice black aluminum rails. With wood you can play a litlle bit, with aluminum-rails your shit needs to fit first try or you have too much expenses, but it is rewarding afterwards, you can always grow or change your basic setup with little effort. You mainly have to think how to get it done with the least amount of material, that way it stays affordable (and minimal). I think your setup could have been done too with aluminum for reasonable price, the nice thing is you can add in things like joints to integrate a door or easily get a little lean to that front plank etc
@@StrIIker-TV maybe I have to add that good wood is expensive in my area. 130$ would have bought me like 5 shelve planks and a few 2x2"s, so using aluminum was overall maybe about only 30% more in cost.
@@dortywings7217 Yes wood prices will vary. I was able to get that large 4 feet x 8 feet sheet of 3/4" plywood for around $50 (I think).
@@dortywings7217 I have no doubt that a better job could have been done. As far as if *I* could have done better.. well, this was my first project working with wood and no real plan other than general ideas. I very definitely suck with woodworking. I've seen so many other projects (including some inspired by this) which look infinitely better. Maybe when I rebuild it, I will make it look better with some nice looking angled cuts, routed edges, etc. But, the good news (for me) is that this matched exactly what I needed and wanted. Being able to move it on the wheels has been so helpful and the modularity allows me to disassemble it and move it from one room or floor to another with no tools needed. When I sit down and put on my VR headset, the whole mess disappears and I am in my selected aircraft cockpit.
Hi striker. I fly a pretty similar setup and I am wondering what you used to block the camera of the point ctrl camera. Is that just tape?
Hi! What I have over the IR sensor on the PointCTRL head mounted sensor is a piece IR filter which I bought from Amazon. I use the darkest one (you get 3 different ones). This is held in place with some black gaffer’s tape (great stuff to have). The filter helps to reduce the sensitivity of the sensor. Without the filter, the sensor is affected by some LED track lights near my cockpit and also indirect sunlight from a distant window. This was particularly problematic when I had my Reverb G2 as it needs illumination for tracking and so I needed some kind of lighting which would not affect the HMS.
Here’s a link to the Filters I use:
amzn.to/3Tu8cqZ
Nice gear mate. Could you give some info on the pc setup? Need to upgrade mine but wanna avoid to break the bank.
Sure thing! I did mention my gear in my description but you need to click read more or something as it gets cut off. The thing in dire need of upgrading is my motherboard and CPU as they are several years old. The important parts..
EVGA RTX 3090Ti FTW3 Ultra Gaming
64 GB RAM
Intel i9-9900K CPU (Old! Getting a new one in a few months)
Also a Samsung NVMe as primary storage.
Nice setup. I tried leap motion but it aint working well for using fingers. I miss a contact surface like you mention to actually hit something. But i also need a screen still to handle out things like out of focus issues with VR or missing mouse pointers. Do you have advice on how to get rid of these issues and JUST work in VR without having to alt tab the screen etc? Tia😊
Well, once I am in VR in DCS, I rarely have to look outside of the headset at my screen. Everything I do in DCS can be done while wearing the headset. I may peek to my monitor by lifting my visor to ensure I am recording a session but that’s it.
If VR goes out of focus (which it did in a recent video) it’s easy enough to move my trackball and click a few times until it’s back in focus. Falling out of focus rarely happens though. You do want to ensure that the option to keep the mouse in the game is selected in DCS config. I can’t recall where that is specifically. The other important thing which virtually eliminated the out of focus issue was to move the task bar to the side instead of the bottom (or top). It’s a pain to have to adjust to this but it really helps. Let me know if this helps or if I was not clear.
@@StrIIker-TV TY. My main issue is now with online server of blueflag. When i start the mouse dissapears which i need in cockpit. Only way to get it back is open taskbar en click around 1 or 2 times then get back to DCS window. Very annoying of course. I see that my mouse already is CONFINED to game window so that is not gonna fix it. I dont see other solution, well maybe check other servers :).
Hmm, that’s odd. I would check with others in the Hoggit Reddit or on the DCS forums to ask for some advice there. The mouse is supposed to disappear when not using it but it should come back when you move the mouse slightly.
Do you have any videos on setting up the Tartarus? I have one but I never really thought about using for DCS. If you have any tips please share them.
@@nathansargent8513 Hi! I did reference it a bit in this video. I believe I have an index defined so you can jump to the section on the Tartarus. Give it a look and please ask me any questions you may have. I will be doing a new video on what I use and will get into greater detail.
ua-cam.com/video/IpVzlA3SzIw/v-deo.htmlsi=GJLIWpCHDoNCRyMt
Just to follow up on this. I mainly use the Tartarus for functions not specific to aircraft controls as I use the PointCTRL for that. The Tartarus I use for external views (weapons, aircraft) map view, cockpit view. I use several buttons for opening and closing Open Kneeboard and the native DCS kneeboard as well as moving forward and back for pages and tabs on the kneeboards. I also use the Tartarus to open / close Scratchpad and to add a waypoint to scratchpad from the map view. It has become indispensable for my flying as I am frequently jump to map views, want to see the weapon view, and the kneeboard is used a lot as well. Hope all of this helps you.
I have heard that some people use the thumbstick to perform some functions in the F-16 as well.
@@StrIIker-TV that’s exactly what I am planning on doing with it too. Did you use the Razer software to set it up or just map it from the DCS binds? For instance, I have WinWing stuff but I don’t feel like spending my sim time learning a new program so I just mapped it like a regular HOTAS because there are no default WinWing profiles and I don’t want to download other people’s profiles.
@@nathansargent8513 I just use the default key binds in DCS and then program each key on the Tartarus with it. It’s very basic to do so there’s no learning curve. Same idea with stuff like Open Kneeboard and scratchpad. Define the hotkeys for them and then set that on the Tartarus.
@@nathansargent8513 Thing to remember is that the Tartarus keys I think have normal values assigned by default which will conflict with other DCS key binds. So just use the Tartarus software. I think I even show it open in that video. To set a new key value, you press the key in the software and then press a key on the keyboard (or multiple keys).
Good setup. Subscribed!
Thanks! Will be doing some more fun stuff in a couple weeks. See ya then.
Hi. I really like your hardware setup and your DIY sim platform. Might you please give some direction as to get started in building my own? I am really good at woodworking and have the tools. I just am not sure where or how to start. I tried finding your sim chair (Playseat Air Force) and you cannot get them anywhere. So I am having to go in a different direction for the chair. I can only presume that the sim platform is then built around that chair.. anyway, any info you might be able to share it will be most appreciated. Thanks!
Thanks! I am currently working on a simple build video. It's a little more tricky than I thought to put together something which is helpful so it's taking me longer to finish. As for building your own, I suggest starting with the video from which I got my inspiration and guidance by a nice guy named Russ Barlow. Here is a link to his video. ua-cam.com/video/U33SiVYq36k/v-deo.html
You will note that I took the basics of his build and then modified it to suit my particular needs for when I am using PointCTRL. If you watch his video, you will also see that he uses an old office chair to sit in and it works well for him. You don't need a specialized seat for this to work well because you can adjust the height of the center control stick and side consoles to suit whatever you are sitting on. Heck, you could probably even sit on an exercise ball! :P I know that there are chairs out there which will work for you. Even ones sold for racing simpits might work. Here's a guy in Europe who makes a really nice chair but it's kind of pricy.. facebook.com/commerce/products/6202292603130033/?referral_code=newsfeed_carousel_ad
If I see other flight sim type chairs I'll follow up here for ya.
As for the build to get started. 1) watch Russ' video (you'll see the following steps illustrated as well in it) 2) get a 4' x 8' sheet of 3/4 " plywood and cut it to size (I did it 38" wide and 65" long) 3) build the base frame with 2x4's 4) screw the plywood onto the base frame 5) Flip over (so plywood is on the floor)and put stuff like chair, rudder pedals, etc. in place to figure out where to start building the rest of the supports. Oh, I strongly recommend the self tapping stare screws that Russ mentioned. It's what I used.
Hopefully this helped get you at least started!
@@StrIIker-TV Thanks so much for taking the time to assist in my build. I'll send a photo when I get it completed!
total cost? missed it if it's in there. dope setup!
Thanks for the compliment! It turned out better than I had hoped. It's a little rough here and there as I was learning how to do some of the steps as I went. For example, the holes for the base supports to hold the front and side panels are pretty bad.. Too big in parts and poorly cut. It's all aesthetics which is hard to notice so it's good. It's super solid with zero wobble (and that's without engaging all of the toggle clamps).
I didn't mention the costs in the video. I assume you'd like to know the cost for the platform which I built. I think in materials it was about $200.00. You should have a few power tools handy as well. A power drill/screwdriver, power circular saw and a power jigsaw are the basic essentials and don't cost much (plus have reuse value for home projects).
Rough Costs:
Plywood base: $60.00
Plywood front: $20.00
8 foot 2x4's: $5.00 ea x 5 = $25.00
Paint: $50.00
Self Tapping Star Screws: $40.00
I will include more details around what I used and the approximate costs in my build video (currently under construction).
@@StrIIker-TV super nice, thanks for the info! feeling super inspired to plan my own setup now!
I'm on the fence on buying a virpil base with the same 200mm extension. I'm just afraid about the clearance... It looks like you're almost hitting the board in front of it, having any issues with it?
So regarding the base.. definitely got for it. I really like the one I have. It was such a vast improvement over the Thrustmaster Warthog base which I had. As for the extension, the one in the video which shows me flying is actually the shorter straight one. I realized this too late but figured I'd leave it in (I was heading off on vacation the day after I finally finished the video). The 200mm one has that curve which you install so it curves towards you. That curve ensures that it does not impact anything in front of you when in full forward deflection. It actually winds up the same distance from the front board as the shorter straight extension so I didn't need to adjust anything in terms of central control stick placement.Also the left / right throw is great and does not cause issues with my legs. Pulling back on the stick likewise does not pose any problems with the stick hitting me.
@@StrIIker-TV Ordered the virpil base cm3 with 200mm extension and the 100mm extension. Thanks for the advice!
Great Work Str][ker! Got a lot of good new ideas to play around with. Hadn’t considered the ButtKicker before but you sound like you really like it. Does it make a lot of ambient noise? (thinking significant other here)😄
Thanks! Yes unfortunately it makes ambient noise when firing.. particularly for the more hard events. It's all scalable though and you can turn down the intensity via software. The noise was why I bought the Jet Pad. I thought that perhaps it's how I mounted it to the seat I have and maybe it is but it's the chair I have and I can't really stick it anywhere else. Actually, the noise was why I had also swapped out my Reverb G2 headphones for my over ear ones which for me, was a great change as I really like the Arctis ones and I really needed them with the Aero as it lacks a headset for sound.
The Jet Pad does make noise as well but it's more of a buzzing sound of varying intensities. Funny story is that I had recorded a track to let my wife experience VR in DCS, launching off a carrier and landing.. She loved it but commented that the launch was disappointing as it should have had more shaking.. I decided to try adding the Butt Kicker back and was very impressed with how much it helped. The weapon releases are crazy now and the gun really shakes me. So, if you can swing it, I'd say it's worth a shot. I can whip a quick video together showing the sounds but it will take a bit as I am tied up for the next couple of weeks.
I think the ideal for me is the Jet Pad and the Butt Kicker. The Jet Pad does the engine rumbles and buffeting from maneuvering and I just use the butt Kicker for Cat launches, taxiing bumps, etc. and for the events I use it, I tend to max it out so it makes some loud clunks. I think I could have toned the Butt Kicker down sufficiently to work quieter so I would not let it deter you. Grab one from Amazon and return it if it's too noisy. You do need to purchase the Software from Andre though to make it work.
I will probably give it a try. Have the Jetseat and really love it and I can imagine that the Buttkicker gives Carrier flying a real boost with my Hornet! BTW, what are your base dimensions for the simpit? Again, outstanding job
Yeah.. the Butt Kicker still surprises me when I release weapons. The Cat Launches are pretty good with it.
Platform Info:
Base: 65" x 38"
Left and Right console: 44" x 10". (Console Surface Height from Surface of platform: 20")
Front Panel: Width:35" x Height:19.5"
I had Home Depot Cut the large 4' x 8' sheet of 3/4" plywood into 3 Pieces. I had them do Length first and then Width.. so I wound up with three pieces. The long one was 10" and I used that for the two side consoles. I bought a sheet of smaller 1/2" finished plywood (used for crafts or something) from Home Depot for the front panel as it was smoother. They are I think 2' x 3' or something..
Feel free to ask anything else.
Thank You Again Str][ker! Most of my work is done! Will be next year sometime til I get to this. Unfortunate family circumstance has put my simpit into a small closet until we move to a new house in the spring. Just enough florescent lighting for the G2 and doesn’t interfere with PointCtrl. But your setup is primo and I aim to emulate it! Also recently purchased the long curved extension and I love it, much better overall control. I fly the Huey and Apache as well as the Hornet and it’s great for those guys. Switched from the Hornet stick to the Virpil Constellation. For me the grip is much more user friendly and it’s a little more versatile for button programming. Will probably stay with my Warthog throttles forever and now use a Virpil collective attached to my chair( which will be a factor when I build this thing). I Like your LED’s…no problem with PointCtrl? Doesn’t look like you have any issue with ambient IR light, right? Anyway, thanks again. Back to my Sim in a couple of days and hopefully will sort out 2.8 and VAICOM. Cheers!
OK, you’ve got me thinking too much now. Which Buttkicker model do you have and do you simply use Andre’s Sound Module software to set it up? Alright, 1 more…any experience with NeckSaver?
So I'll say this...I just recently found your channel, and I'm loving the videos so far. That being said - my wallet despises you right now! lol
This is just giving me more fuel to get back into DCS again, and rebuild my own simpit so that it'll function well in a VR setup.
I hear ya man! This all took me a while to get to. I did save a bunch of money by getting the PointCTRL device as I didn’t need to purchase MFD frames and various other button box type devices to be able to interact with the cockpit. The simpit in this video cost me less than $200.00 to make (I had planned to build an aluminum extrusion profile simpit because they look super sexy but it would be about $2,000 for it all. So this all allowed me to invest in the Varjo Aero (and they do have sales on it periodically for I think $1,800.00. My computer was also 5 years old when I finally rebuilt it several months ago.
In other words, you can do it! I viewed the Aero as a solid investment as it’s the main thing I use to interact with DCS. Yes it’s damn expensive but I don’t need anything else to replace it now. The only improvements to be had with a headset is field of view and darker blacks or some better local dimming.
How many frames did you drop when you switched to the Aero from the G2 or was it about the same? I've heard the software from Varjo is really good
For me, I upgraded my graphics card at the same time so I couldn't really say what the difference was. The biggest improvement while I was on the G2 was using Open Composite, removing the need for SteamVR. The gameplay on my G2 was really enjoyable and super smooth. I did turn some of the graphics settings down here and there in order to get to something acceptable.
I went from a 2080ti to the 3090ti when I moved to the Aero. The Varjo Aero software is great. There's not much to it to be honest and they have been pretty responsive to issues from customers. I know they had some QA issues with new headsets at first but they seem to have addressed that. I still have my G2 as a fall back in case something happens to my Aero. The G2 is still a great headset.
All u need are a bunch of dummy switches, buttons and knobs to build a mock interface panel(s). Absolutely Brilliant idea! Add motion platform and you won't loose your positioning of the panels too easily as the mock controls would really give ya something to grasp during clutch moments. Bravo!! Subscribed !
Thanks! I have considered doing the mock panels etc but to be honest, I don't think it would add anything to the overall experience. After a couple of years of using PointCTRL, I am definitely happy with the panel in front. I have discovered also, that for the Hornet and Strike Eagle which are my current aircraft which I fly in DCS, I don't need the side panels, just something to mount the throttle on as when I look down to the sides, I just point with my hand in the air. I do so little on the sides that it's not an issue. The front one does make a difference for me as I interact with it constantly while flying and maneuvering against enemy. I do still give serious thought to getting something which has actual buttons to try. There's someone who sells an upfront controller for the Strike Eagle (and other jets) and has a version for VR with some textured buttons to be able to figure out where you are pointing.
www.etsy.com/listing/1367882636/dcs-world-f-15e-strike-eagle-ufc?variation0=3328509902 People in VR who don't have PointCTRL really like it. I wonder how useful it would be though for me. If anything, I do more interactions in the Hornet and the MFD's than I would with the UFC and same with the Strike Eagle so it may have limited use.
I've also heard from others who originally had the MFD frames from Thrustmaster before getting a PointCTRL and they have all stopped using them. They did try for a while to keep them and use the buttons but they found PointCTRL just worked well enough to no longer worry about finding them end pressing etc. A motion platform is definitely on my wishlist and I hope to get one some day.
@@StrIIker-TV I Truly Appreciate the depths you fathom in your reply and taking the time...I like your approach in using the blank board w/ VR...I never would have considered that essentially a "blank skate" could become interactive enough to create a sense of emersion on the cheap...my suggestion was that if you decided to go with a motion platform that could jostle your interactive environment (smooth surface) perhaps place some appropriate "feel" button, knobs and switches that you could use as sort of braille to stabilize your selections in the event of a jink or other like manuver where a motion platform may not allow you the precision to avoid "fat thumbing" a button while rolling or pitching. U could sorce some 70's style radio receivers or even several old push-button phones if you wanted something that wouldn't feel like a dissected keyboard in random locations. I was considering actual replica 1:1 scale panels but id consider them useless in VR as you've proven by completely bypassing the functioning panels altogether. Granted most of the H.O.T.A.S. attributes make some switch panels A. Redundant or B. Unnecessary but if your 98% satisfied now my guess is yould be at 99% by adding motion and 100% by adding some actual mock up switches. Again you've proven nothing would have to function as far as spending hundreds in replica panels. Again Bravo!! You just helped some of us decide if we want panels w/o VR or VR w/o panels. Looks like VR+Motion wins vs Motion and no VR. Cheers!!
ive been trying to design my self a modular cockpit, and this is perfect i will prob copy this. Any chance you could go into a bit more detail on the mounting and unmounting?
You bet! I'm working on a build video of the cockpit. I'm away right now for about a week but once I am back, I'll work on getting the video wrapped up. Hopefully I should have it out within the next couple of weeks. I get picky about things and sometimes need to reshoot or play with editing cuts together better so that takes some time. It's fun to do though and I really love helping people out.
@@StrIIker-TV awesome. Yeah I am hoping to have a setup for American truck sim, Star Citizen, DCS, MSFS2020, F1... etc etc modular panels is great when you play too many sims
@@luciusthegod This type of build will work perfectly for you then. It just takes some planning ahead to make sure you have the support holes in the right places. It's pretty easy though to make it work if you suddenly realize you want to add something else as you can just build it up as needed using the existing holes for the supports.
Have you tried if you can do AR in the Varjo? like you can see your physical cockpit?
The Aero does not have external cameras so there’s no way to see anything outside of the headset. The other Varjo models do have cameras but they are for businesses only and require an annual subscription to use. It would be cool though and I am sure that the VR industry is moving in that direction.
@@StrIIker-TV Maybe you can add the cameras just like how you did the point control and some add leap motion?
@@trevorbelmont4633 it’s a neat idea however you would also need the software to be able to correctly position everything within the field of view and match up what you want to see outside in the real world and what you want to see from within the simulator. I think this is coming within the next few years. Also, I’m definitely not that patient or handy with this stuff. Once something like that is available and it can tie into whatever I am flying at the time, I would happily give it a shot.
@@StrIIker-TV Yeah, that would be really nice
What are those latching fasteners called and where did you buy them?
They are called Toggle Clamps. I bought them through Amazon. Here's a link amzn.to/3iplngh
They definitely are strong and solid and easy to use.
@@StrIIker-TV Thanks!
amazing
What VR zoom did you use @16:09? I know and use the VR zoom in the UI layer but your zoom seems to go further than what I have setup. Let me know :)
I believe I used the "Spyglass Zoom" at that point. There are two zoom levels in VR. The"regular" which is a slight zoom (I used this when zooming into the DDI in other videos while setting stuff like counter measures etc. Spy Glass zoom is a much higher magnification. The idea (as I understand it) is to simulate using binoculars or something similar from the cockpit as is done IRL.
@@StrIIker-TV what!!!! Why haven’t you told this to me before just now!?! I had faith in you. Lol I guess that’s in the “UI Layer” like the vr zoom?
@@mattvs117 Heh! Hey! I gotta keep my secrets so I can impress now and then. :P I THINK it's in the UI layer. It is right next to the normal zoom. What I did was I use the three position silver switch on the warthog throttle (on the far left side) as a switch for both normal zoom and spyglass. The middle position is normal view, forward is zoom and rear is spyglass. It works really well.
@@StrIIker-TV I’m going to look into that!! I’ve just been using the normal zoom.
@@mattvs117 I tend to use the normal zoom the majority of the time. The spyglass is very helpful in locating ground targets from far away. Used in conjunction with the helmet mounted sight you can get a target’s location locked into the FLIR and then get some weapons on them.
By the way that’s a cool setup
I’m looking at converting a real buccaneer aircraft into a vr sim
Thanks! Your project sounds very cool (and lots of work). I wish I could do stuff like that. Even making the wood one which I showed in the video was a learning process for me as I had never done anything like that before. I can't imagine what it will take to convert a cockpit like what you are looking to do. Best of luck and show some pics when you get it done (and along the way).
Hi Striker
Do you have an email address and I’ll sent some photos of the Buccaneer
This was one of my simulator’s
ua-cam.com/video/MhIJnr2Tni4/v-deo.htmlsi=hHWr4Z3xuRhVXtys
And my touch screen atr sim using a real atr throttle quadrant
ua-cam.com/video/QsvCkDfNbJA/v-deo.htmlsi=SOEk0ZJIglNLtIzn
I’m now into vr simulation
It’s definitely the way to go ,I’m very impressed with your setup 😊
Regards
Dave from Scotland
Soon people with set ups like these will start wearing g-suits and all the proper gear.
I have news for you.. there ARE people out there who wear flight suits, helmets and even oxygen masks (I’ve seen pictures and videos). It’s not something I would do (I feel silly as it is at times sitting on this, looking around me and talking to people.. mainly because of how I look in the real world doing this all. In the sim it totally rocks though!). I’m happy for people who do get decked out in gear because you just know they are loving life at that moment.
Sehr schön gemacht
Danke!
I saved a lot of money on mine. It's called VR.
Yep! That’s what I fly as well! Saved me a lot in all of the peripherals which I would have bought. The big saver was also the PointCTRL device. People in VR sometimes still buy MFD frames and button boxes to help facilitate interacting with the various controls in the aircraft. PointCTRL takes care of that for me.
@@StrIIker-TV haha, I wound up doing both. Also built a custom box with buttons and switches, as well as a working ejection cord (programmed to send the eject command to DCS) for my seat, lol. It was a fun project.
@@redtailpilot I would love to have been able to build up a cool cockpit with buttons (and that cool sounding ejection cord!). My time is too limited and I get impatient and am too picky with how things are done so it would take me forever to do. It's something I may try some day but for now.. I'm good with what I have. I think PointCTRL saved me from a lifetime of tinkering with building a cockpit.
@@StrIIker-TV Yeah I hear ya. I started building piece by piece and then fell in love with VR and PntCntrl. Crazy combination of 2D/VR gadgetry I've accumulated over time 😆
Hi, can you tell me what seat cover is this?
Hi! That cover is actually called a JetPad. I start talking about it here ua-cam.com/video/E-sm_iLU9bA/v-deo.html It has 8 vibrating motors in it (in the video I incorrectly stated that it has 6) which vibrate at different speeds and intensities to give you tactile feedback from the aircraft. It is an absolutely amazing experience to have. Unfortunately you can't order these currently as Andre (the guy who makes and sells them) lives in Russia which is under an export ban for electronics due to their ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Andre is a super nice guy and I hope that he can get these selling once again soon. There is another pad from Next Level Racing but I advise against getting it. I tested one out and it was uncomfortable to sit on and I could barely feel the vibrations (an dI had the settings maxed). I REALLY hoped it would work but it didn't.
Link to the JetPad andres-shop.simshaker.com/jetpad-jetseat/52-vibrating-pad-simshaker-jetpad.html
Sweet.
What microphone are you using?
Hi! I am using the microphone which is a part of the SteelSeries Arctic’s Pro Wireless gaming headset. I mention it in the video as well. It’s super comfy on the ears and head.
I really like it as the microphone is great and sound from the headset is really enjoyable. It’s the most comfortable headset that I’ve had.
steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-pro-wireless?color=black
@@StrIIker-TV 2:43, there is another one visible.
@@ags Ahh. I think I see what you are referring to. That appears to be an optical illusion involving a finger control unit and a charge cable. The finger control unit was laying in such a way that the black stretchy loop which holds it to my finger was facing up and I think I might have had the cable plugged into it for charging. I’m not sure what else that could be but it does look sort of like a microphone with a pop filter on it. I’m surprised I left it connected for the picture and/or missed seeing that when putting the video together.
@@StrIIker-TV Thank you very much for clearing my confusion!
could you go over your ingame settings too?
Here's what I have currently:
I know it's a bit of a mess written in the format but I hope it helps! Please let me know if you want to know of anything else around my system and settings etc.
Textures: High , Terrain Textures: High , Civ Traffic: Off , Water: High , Visib Range: High , Heat Blur: Off , Shadows: high , Secondary Shadows: On , Resolution: 3840x2160 , Monitors: 1 Screen , Res of Cockpit Displays: 1024 Every Frame , MSAA: 2x , Depth of Field: Off , Lens Effect: Off , Motion Blur: Off , Clouds: High , SSAA: Off , SSLR: Off , SSAO: Off , Screenshot Format: JPG , Clutter/Grass: 1500 , Forest Visibility: 100% , Forest Details Factor: 1 , Scenery Details Factor: 1 , Preload Radius: 150000 , Chimney Smoke Density: 8 , Gamma 2.2 , External Field of View: 78 , Anisotropic Filtering: 16x , Terrain Object Shadows: Off , Global Cockpit Illumination: On , Messages Font Scale: 1 , Scale GUI: 1 , Rain Droplets (checked) , Vsync: NOT checked, Full Screen: Checked , Cursor Confined to Game Window: Checked
@@StrIIker-TV wow i cant believe youve got your settings this high in vr! i was so amazed when i saw the carrier take off footage everything looked crystal clear and smooth. for me vr in dcs is literally unbearable. im running it with my rtx 3080 and reverb g2 while getting about 45 fps max in single player with absolute terrible looking graphics where i cant even see my targets
@@StrIIker-TV thank you so much for sharing your graphics settings i might give them a shot but i suspect it will run too slow
Man I'd like to maek teh same thing except with a giant ultrawide or triple screens. Gave up on VR a long time ago.
The great thing with this is that you can easily modify it to suit your needs. Instead of that front panel, you build supports for VESA mounted monitors. You could get as fancy as you like. I could, for example, put my computer on the back (behind the chair) to make it much more mobile if I needed it to be. I wheel the whole thing out of the way when I need to use my computer for other games or other activities where I use the monitor instead of VR.
i gotta tell you the meta quest pro is the best Flight sim experience. totally worth the 1500.00
I’m very happy to hear that you love using that headset! I have not seen comparisons between that and the Varjo Aero yet so I can’t comment. I personally avoid anything from Facebook/Meta but that’s just my personal preference! Whatever people love to fly with is definitely a good thing!
@@StrIIker-TV try it before you knock it. That’s all I have to say. I was crazy surprised.
@@bryjb10 I honestly have no doubt that it’s an amazing headset.. My hangup is with Facebook/Meta as a company. It’s silly but hey.. maybe some day I’ll have a change of heart! I’ve read some reviews of the headset after reading your comments and people seem to really love the clarity and clarity (as you know) is key in DCS! Exciting times for us all with such amazing headsets and graphics cards finally available to us to make DCS in VR comparable to flatscreen.
@@StrIIker-TV don’t let politics get in the way of amazing flight sim
Pretty Slick....
Thanks! It works incredibly well for me.
I love it!
Thanks! It all works so well in DCS!
@@StrIIker-TV I know. I have the jetpad, bass shaker and a Reverb G2. But my seat is a patio chair. Lol. It works well enough.
@@daveg5857 Hey man.. We all use what we have! I had that chair I use left over from a previous attempt to set up some kind of cockpit. It didn't work well and sat unused for a while. I'm always impressed with everyone's cockpit setup.. especially the simpler ones which are a bare bones setup since they give someone a lot of happiness flying in DCS. It makes me feel spoiled at times. :)
@@StrIIker-TV How's that Varjo Aero? Is that what you have?
@@daveg5857 Yes I now have a Varjo Aero. I got it around April 2022 at the same time I upgraded my video card. I loved the HP Reverb G2 which is what I had before. The Aero is kind of like the G2 but with a full display clarity instead of a central spot of clarity. I am very happy with my purchase and consider it worth the cost if you can afford it. Otherwise, I would recommend the G2
your setup is screaming for adding a couple of bass shakers right by the side of your TM pedals
Yeah I have honestly considered adding some more to get some more of that rumbly feelings while flying. I do actually get a little bit of shake to my feet from the Buttkicker on my seat. I know that adding some by my pedals would seal the deal. I have no doubt I'll journey down that rabbit hole soon enough. :)
I use the taurus for the ufc and mfds
@@eltontonge4186 That’s a good use of it! I’m fortunate and have PointCTRL to help me click the cockpit but I am sure I would be buying frames and UFC devices if I didn’t have it.
Hi Striker
Just been watching your clip again and it’s made me think about using your idea with the wooden panels .
I also have the same seat pad but I’ve put home made airbladders inside
Here is a wee clip showing my setup
ua-cam.com/video/tCjcz7N0X3A/v-deo.htmlsi=Wrxy_NA3jJEz7ERC
Cheers
Dave from Scotland
Hey! That's a very neat setup you have! Tight quarters for your sim rig but that's the great thing about VR, you can set up wherever you have space and when you put on that headset, you are in a different world. So much fun. I've heard of the air bladder thing. Do you like it?
only 41 subs? how
Heh, well I just started this channel and posting videos. I appreciate the kind compliment!
Some people have SHITLOAD MONEY I guess 😅
But it's still DIY and a VERY nice setup, cheers !
Shit load.. no. Actually the simpit build was relatively inexpensive. The expensive stuff was my video card and the Varjo Aero. This hobby will gladly eat up your money though.
@@StrIIker-TV I guess expensive is relative, the varjo aero costs the same amount as one month of salary for a "normal" job where I'm from
@@mr_whyy I completely agree. It is all relative. Years ago when I was starting my career I could not afford much of a computer. Decades later and after a lot of hard work, I can enjoy treating myself. I was happy with what I had then because that’s what I could afford and it was good enough for me. It sucks to see everything so costly but things like the HP Reverb G2 is a close second to the Aero in my opinion and at a fraction of the cost.
@@mr_whyy There's not a lot of places where the varjo aero doesn't cost as much as or more than a month's average salary
90000 dollars of cockpit for a bugged simulator lol
Hey! It's the only simulator of this depth on the market! I'd love to see bugs fixed, improved performance, better AI, etc etc. but this is what we have so if we want to fly this type of simulator, we have no choice. If a better simulator comes along which matches the detail of DCS and beats it in graphics, performance, etc. I am there in an instant. The reality though is that we don't have that. There is the Falcon BMS sim but it has its issues, does not support VR, and is single aircraft (mods are not true representations of other aircraft capabilities etc). MS FlightSim 2020 is just something to fly around in (no combat) and does not model performance of the military jets as well (as is the opinion of many).
So, what does that leave me with..? DCS.
At the end of the day, I have an absolute blast sitting in my little simpit with my VR headset on as it takes me out of my house and onto the deck of an aircraft carrier, starting up a Hornet and launching to go blow shit up. It's my hobby and I'm happy to spend money on it to constantly improve my experience and enjoyment in it. Some people like to spend their money on cars, model railroads, collecting vintage stuff.. I like to spend it on my gaming computer and flight sim peripherals.
Today it's DCS.. Tomorrow, who knows? (but I doubt that a serious competitor will show up anytime soon.)
I'm not sure why you feel so salty over my fun that you were compelled to comment on a video I made to share with others who are interested in doing the same thing. If I see stuff I don't like in videos etc. I just move on. I have better things to do than be negative towards someone else having fun. To each their own I suppose.
@@StrIIker-TV BINGO! Well said! It's my go-to hobby and I have no regrets spending what I spend to enjoy it (in my limited spare time, lol). Just built a 13th Gen Intel PC and bought a RTX 4090 to crank up the Varjo Aero even more 😉
@@redtailpilot Nice system! How do you like the new card plus 13th gen CPU? Was it a big step up for you?
@@StrIIker-TV I just finish building it, after the fiasco with two Z690 motherboards, so I haven't had much time to play. Two MBs wouldn't POST (even with a bios update)! I refunded them and bought a Z790 which worked like a charm. So when you decide to upgrade to 13th Gen or higher, stay away from Z690 headaches!
Yesterday I had a chance to try DCS and immediately knew something just wasn't right with all of the stuttering. Started researching the issue and found out that it's a known issue with the 4090. Varjo released a patch which I will update later today. I upgraded from a i7-11700k and RTX 3080 to i7-13700kf and the 4090. Sold my old mb, CPU and GPU on ebay. Got much more than I expected to get!
After updating the Varjo Base, the crazy stutters are gone. Unfortunately, OpenXR crashes the sim now, so I'm forced to use Steam VR which sucks! I was getting much smoother performance using OpenXR. Hoping there's a fix that I just haven't found yet.