Cockpits... Are they worth it?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jtoribio94
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jimipitbull
DIY - I used an aluminium ladder for the chassis

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I still think this is the best diy rig I have ever seen.
 
It's a multifold ladder.

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You need to detach one of the sections, and then re mount it to form the steering wheel base. The other bends are still adjustable. Use a few screws to stiffen the hinged parts though, otherwise they flex a few degrees.
 


another great rig, i had first VRC V1, VRC V2 improved every V1 cons

if you have your own seat, its only about 170 usd, whole rig with monitor support, shifter adapter doesnt cost that much

its more like F1 type although its not exact same, its very sturdy, speed feeling its incredible since you been in lower
position to the screen

PROS
- price
- accessory options (best monitor support and shifter adapter according ISR)
- sturdy
- racing position
- small

CONS
- center pole
- frame adjustments are pain in the ass to adjust according ISR
- cushion that holds you feet is too soft
 
I looked long and hard at the Bob Earl myself.
Very good bang for the buck.
I believe the first USA GTA champ (Brian Heitkotter) had one.
 
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I there,

You should try this
playseat-zalem-thrustmaster-t500-rs.jpg

It´s from Spain so shiping should not be very expensive, and you can negociate the price with them.
If they ask more than 300€ for the chasis don´t buy it ;)
 
You want to avoid if you can a cockpit with a center pillar for the wheel(a la playseat). It's not too bad - ive been using mine for 3 years - but why would you when there are so many alternatives.

Oh and you probably will actually be beefing up the break pressure rather than loosening it - i think its the route anyone who gets into the serious stuff - iracing for example - takes.
 
JogoAsobi
I looked long and hard at the Bob Earl myself.
Very good bang for the buck.
I believe the first USA GTA champ (Brian Heitkotter) had one.
Click to expand...
my only questioning is if you dont play monoplace
will it feel natural when racing others type of car?
because for me its very close to F1 cockpit
 
ultimate
my only questioning is if you dont play monoplace
will it feel natural when racing others type of car?
because for me its very close to F1 cockpit
Click to expand...

The seat arrangement is different in a modern F1 car.
The Bob Earl rig uses a conventional reclining car seat.
The seat bottom is positioned parallel to the floor...
...but the pedal position is elevated similar to modern F1 car.

The main difference between the Bob Earl seat and other conventional (Non-F1 style) rig's seats is:
The height of the seat from the floor - the Bob Earl sits only about 1.5in/3.5cm from floor.
The reason for that is because it does not use risers like many other rigs do between rig and seat.

The higher seat position makes it easier to get in and out of rigs for some people.
I went the same route for my own rig, my seat is only a couple of inches off the deck...
...but my pedals are only slightly elevated.

Modern F1 Car Seating Position:

F1.jpg


Bob Earl Rig:

BE.gif
 
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any advantage of using VRC pedals position?
i mean it would be more comfortable to brake with such declined pedal position
i only used VRC V1 (hated so much this kart molded seat) with G27 pedals which have no loadcell and only on F1 games
ISR said somehow they love how pedals are positioned
 
ultimate
any advantage of using VRC pedals position?
i mean it would be more comfortable to brake with such declined pedal position
i only used VRC V1 (hated so much this kart molded seat) with G27 pedals which have no loadcell and only on F1 games
ISR said somehow they love how pedals are positioned
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Personally, I did not really elevate my pedals that much because I do a lot of heel-toe.
But others may have a different opinion about elevating pedals than I.

As for the loadcell, that is a different topic that has been much discussed elsewhere.

Reviews...over time I have learned to take most from all sources with a grain of salt.
ISR reviewer is about 6.4 or 193cm, so long-legged him may prefer the extra room.
What may work for me, or the next guy, may not work for you.

Like Pilmat said earlier in the thread;
pilmat
Choose wisely, and try before you buy ;)
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It might be your worth your while to ask him, he is a pro.
He does it for a living, fitting race drivers to their cockpits.
 
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JogoAsobi
Bob Earl Rig:

View attachment 132386
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Ooh, that looks nasty. I ended up with something almost exactly the same, thrown in for free when I bought pedals/wheel at one point. Prior to that I hadn't realised how good and stable my coffee table screwed an mdf "foot" really was. That Bob Earl would flex in any and every direction.
Note: I know you weren't recommending it.

It's nice to able to get in and out of a rig easily, but I prioritise stability.

I did manage to make the cockpit rigid, but had to use some pieces of a fold-out chair and weight lifting bench to get it to that point. It was a totally different looking animal before long.

@jimipitbull
Always loved your ladder idea.
 
Jog, you cockpit is made from profile alu 80/20
wondering if we could built F1 style cockpit with profile alu?
if i was correct, profile alu cockpit is easier to build without less DIY skill than any other homemade cockpit
 
Yes you can.
You will have to spend some time learning how it works if you don't want to waste money.
It can be costly. I suggest spending some time with their catalog 1st, you can download it here.
For F1 DIY rigs, the seat seems to be the hardest part, since you can't readily buy them.

See these the thread links below.

My "Other" F1 cockpit.

I don't think plans were ever made available for this one.
It uses a real F1 seat. It was built by a Williams engineer.


dkf100.jpg




My Ferrari Cockpit.

This one by GTP member nicka117 is combo 80/20 & MDF.
He is one of the first sim guys to build rigs using aluminum profile.
He made a custom molded seat same way its done on some race cars.


IMG_0161_zps9053ae35.jpg
 
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RSeat has very good quality but I would also recommend the Zalem cockpit - I've heard plenty of good things about it, plus it's very minimal, which I like. The VRC is also nice (owned a second-hand) but I couldn't get over the center post so I re-sold it. It was with the kart seat and no riser, btw.

There are plenty of options when it comes to DIY like 80/20 but they can get really crazy when it comes to prize. If you're pretty good with tools (and have them), then I'd like to shamelessly recommend this (More info HERE!):

The ProSIM GT1

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Specifically built for PC racing but also suitable for consoles.
 
Masi what do you think about CSL Seat?
i know its personal but i want to hear other opinions
i have since weeks and almost willing to sell it because of pedal's support that isnt really stable with hard braking rotation
 
jtoribio94
The other day I found that I had enoguh money to buy a new wheel and as my dfgt made some strange noises I didn't think it twice and bought a t500 rs, now when I push the brake my normal study chair(where I usually race) bends a bit so I can push the pedal 100% now and therefore I'm losing time...

That's what made me think about purchasing a cockpit but before I wanted to ask if one would solve my problem or they bend as well and I should better reduce the pressure needed to brake? If the best idea is to buy one, which ones should I consider? I've seen the playseats and de rseats rs1 but maybe the experts can give me some new options, my budget limit would be 500-600€ but cheaper options would be highly appreciated and considered if they perform efficiently.

Thank you in advance guys
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If your handy with wood you can build a very sturdy RS1 DIY Cockpit like I did.

http://www.ricmotech.com/RS1_DIY_Cockpit_Plans_p/rmt-rs1-diy.htm

I brought my race seat from JEGS.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...e=1+2+3+13+1147708&searchTerm=942-80-1606-62R
 

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These are some of the rigs we produce with aluminium profile, we can come up with a kit for any design you have in mind and offer a 3D modelling service via Google Sketch Up so you can see what we can offer.



 
TheORDL
These are some of the rigs we produce with aluminium profile, we can come up with a kit for any design you have in mind and offer a 3D modelling service via Google Sketch Up so you can see what we can offer.



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Couldn't help but notice some of the shared similarities in the basic designs:

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I take it you used anchor fasteners for most of these right angles?
What do you charge for a bare rig like this without the monitor mounts & seat?
 
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I have never seen the Nixim before, didn't realise they made cockpits!

I had a Gamepod GTX and the frames I now design sort of followed on from the experience I had with the GTX, Something compact but with the ease of customising each frame and upgrading parts as required.

For a DIY kit, prices start around £400 depending on options, the frame above handles PC tower, triple screens, surround sound etc and is almost the same as what I am using now. Very stable and will last for years, I am looking to customise mine even further by integrating the pc into the actual frame as a one off project.

I can get our Monacos embroidered with gamertags etc and even different buckets can be chosen depending on your requirements. These are going to be the ultimate profile rigs when we get a full range up for retail with everything from basic wheel mounts through to fully enclosed cockpits that will be suitable for racing and flight sims, even working on a 5 screen model as we speak.

Also looking at powder coating, floor pans etc, every conceivable idea will be integrated into our top end models.

I am also working with a wheel supplier to get a model prepared featuring their products for retail.
 
I think more should copy the nixim design. It´s flawless in it´s adju-stability for those of us with the thumbs in the middle of our hands ;) It does lack a cup holder though lol
 
Goruk
I there,

You should try this
playseat-zalem-thrustmaster-t500-rs.jpg

It´s from Spain so shiping should not be very expensive, and you can negociate the price with them.
If they ask more than 300€ for the chasis don´t buy it ;)
Click to expand...

Wow, I see my rig when I look at this photo. Zalem provided blueprints and I sourced all the parts myself and welded up the rig, awesome design I might add. I got most of the materials for cheap. I would say it is better then 90% of the rigs I see available on the web.
 

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oqvist
I think more should copy the nixim design. It´s flawless in it´s adju-stability for those of us with the thumbs in the middle of our hands ;) It does lack a cup holder though lol
Click to expand...

Haha, we can even do cupholders!
 
Cockpits are worth it because they are more comfortable, more natural and adjustable. If you choose to go DIY then there are no limits to what you can add to your rig to make it yours and fit for you.
 

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