What is this?

"What is a simulator cockpit?" you may ask. To keep things general, it could be described it as a piece of hardware that aims to simulate a vehicle's physical cockpit in order to enhance the sensation of "being there" when running a simulation software - this is usually a flight sim but not necessarily.

The cockpit usually comprises a seat, a display system, a sound system, and various switch panels. It can be anything from a single seat with dedicated shelves for the stick and throttle, to a full sized enclosed cockpit with a massive sounds system, projection screens, and hundreds of switches and monitors. There are all kinds. If you feel like having a go yourself, adjust the level of detail to fit your own needs, skills and economy.

I know that sounds just a little bit complicated, but trust me, it really isn't. Or at least it doesn't have to be.

Why is this?

That is a good question. One good reason is simply to see if it can be done. Another is because it is a lot of fun. You will occasionally get some strange looks from people, but we all know that is just because they are jealous. :)

I think most of us 'pit builders are maybe just a little bit crazy - you have to be to undertake something like this - but it is also a lot of fun. The sensation of driving your very own cockpit is most satisfying, and if you take the chance and join the mailing list you will make a lot of good friends along the way. You will find that the list is a huge resource of knowledge and is flowing with more or less crazy ideas. If you get stuck, ask away and you are guaranteed a response.

If this is something you would like to try, feel free to join the mailing list or contact anyone on the webring, including me. We are a really helpful bunch of people and new members are always welcome.