580 replies to this topic

[simul8r]

Heya ISR peeps! Glad to have found this site and recently registered. I guess I should start a thread on my homebuilt simulating pod. All based on 2 inch PVC pipe and fittings @ 4-5mm wall thickness, a few scrap pieces of MDF wood, some paint, Logitech's G25 gear, a salvaged Integra seat from a auto junk yard, a 50watt Aura bass shaker under the seat, and since I also built a homemade 720p DIY projector I'm simming in the garage/mancave on a 8 foot wide screen. The pod is fully adjustable except for the foot pedals, I'm 5'11" tall @ 210 lbs. The steering wheel tilts and the shifter mount slides up/down for driver tweaking comfort as well as the seat on it's original sliders. The pod is all glued together so it is rock solid with no squeeks at all as I've always been asked.

I'm also a moderator at a projector/cnc diy forum called lumenlab.com. I've created a thread on the pod with others providing their own ideas to include for more tweaking ability plus a modification for an attached monitor stand.

Anyways, here's the link to the LumenLab thread: http://www.lumenlab....forums/index.ph ... =0&start=0[/url](you may have to register to view)

And here's photobucket with just pictures and the plans: http://s683.photobuc.../vv192/simul8r/[/url]

 

Here's page 9 in this thread with plans http://insidesimraci...ge-9#entry34663

And here are a few photos of the rig:











sim

[FCONE]

I have seen your cockpit posted in a number of places. Looks really good of course and sturdy. I considered building one from PVC after seeing yours.

[simul8r]

I have seen your cockpit posted in a number of places. Looks really good of course and sturdy. I considered building one from PVC after seeing yours.

Hey Fcone, well post a pic of it, I'd like to see it, that be great!

[FCONE]

I can't the wife cast her veto! She was not about to allow me a project cutting PVC until spring when I could do it outside Of course I got an Obutto and then found the floor was not perfectly even and needed to build a platform to mount it on anyway I

[MartinAM]

FCONE: Hehe, I see wifes has something common no matter which country they are from. All of them doesn't like "us" cutting, fixing ,building anything at home. It is why all wife friendly solutions are so welcome.

[Voltaic]

Simul8r, that is an awesome rig mate!

I am seriously considering building one. I wanted to ask you if you think adding sand inside the PVC pipes would make the rig even more firm and stable?

Thank you!

[simul8r]

I suppose you could but I don't see the reason why. As long as your using the PVC wall thickness I've mentioned of 4-5mm @ 2 inches diameter the rig is very sturdy as is, especially when cranking up the forcefeedback for my G25 gear, just don't be leaning on the steering wheel with your weight while climbing in or out; the G25 is afterall made mostly of plastic. After sanding/glueing each PVC joint it's rock solid.

The thread at lumenlab.com explains more in great detail the characteristics of my rig and plans as well as replicated builds and modifications suggested by others.

[Darin Gangi]

THats probably the coolest PVC rig I've seen. Simple yet very effective.. I like it paint black too.. You don;t realize it's PVC..

We have the Hotseat sim here now and it's made of aluminum tubing and from a distance, it looks similar.

Great work !! How much do you think it cost for all the pieces ?

Heya ISR peeps! Glad to have found this site and recently registered. I guess I should start a thread on my homebuilt simulating pod. All based on 2 inch PVC pipe and fittings @ 4-5mm wall thickness, a few scrap pieces of MDF wood, some paint, Logitech's G25 gear, a salvaged Integra seat from a auto junk yard, a 50watt Aura bass shaker under the seat, and since I also built a homemade 720p DIY projector I'm simming in the garage/mancave on a 8 foot wide screen. The pod is fully adjustable except for the foot pedals, I'm 5'11" tall @ 210 lbs. The steering wheel tilts and the shifter mount slides up/down for driver tweaking comfort as well as the seat on it's original sliders. The pod is all glued together so it is rock solid with no squeeks at all as I've always been asked.

I'm also a moderator at a projector/cnc diy forum called lumenlab.com. I've created a thread on the pod with others providing their own ideas to include for more tweaking ability plus a modification for an attached monitor stand.

Anyways, here's the link to the LumenLab thread: http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.ph ... =0&start=0 (you may have to register to view)

And here's photobucket with just pictures and the plans: http://s683.photobuc.../vv192/simul8r/

And here are a few photos of the rig:


sim

[simul8r]

THats probably the coolest PVC rig I've seen. Simple yet very effective.. I like it paint black too.. You don;t realize it's PVC..

We have the Hotseat sim here now and it's made of aluminum tubing and from a distance, it looks similar.

Great work !! How much do you think it cost for all the pieces ?

Hi Darin, great site btw. The basic design which consists of just the PVC frame, the salvage Integra seat, screws/bolts and fabricated steering/shifter/pedal platforms came around to:

$60-70.00 US ...PVC pipes/fittings and glue
17.00 ...seat
20-30.00 ...for screws, 'U' bolts
10-15.00 ... MDF wood

A ballpark between 120 to $140.00 for the build unless the builder is quite resourceful.

[Voltaic]

What is the "Actual" diameter of the 2" PVC pipe you used? When I search for a standard I get different outside diameters for it. Why can't we just go metric :/

[Darin Gangi]

Thanks for the specs / cost. Grat job again on it !

THats probably the coolest PVC rig I've seen. Simple yet very effective.. I like it paint black too.. You don;t realize it's PVC..

We have the Hotseat sim here now and it's made of aluminum tubing and from a distance, it looks similar.

Great work !! How much do you think it cost for all the pieces ?

Hi Darin, great site btw. The basic design which consists of just the PVC frame, the salvage Integra seat, screws/bolts and fabricated steering/shifter/pedal platforms came around to:

$60-70.00 US ...PVC pipes/fittings and glue
17.00 ...seat
20-30.00 ...for screws, 'U' bolts
10-15.00 ... MDF wood

A ballpark between 120 to $140.00 for the build unless the builder is quite resourceful.

[simul8r]

What is the "Actual" diameter of the 2" PVC pipe you used? When I search for a standard I get different outside diameters for it. Why can't we just go metric :/

Just measured the outside diameter of the pipes on the rig:

2 3/8 inches or 60mm in metric

The important thing is that the wall thickness of the pipe must be at least 4 or 5mm otherwise it's not strong enough.

[Voltaic]

I can't thank you enough Simul8r!

I am likely to build it sometime in the late Spring/Summer hopefully. I will post pictures when I do. Once again, awesome rig mate!

Cheers

[GFS1]

I started looking into building something like this in my home. I was looking at the local Lowe's and they have a schedule 40, 2" pipe. No other dimensions, though. Also the connectors were not the smooth ends like your, but were the bulky connectors. I didnt like that. Question... Would a 1 1/2" pvc pipe, schedule 40, be as strong? When handling the pipes(10' lengths), the 1 1/2 seemed less wobbly or more sturdy. And the total cost was about half($39). Or should I look elsewhere for the smoother connectors. I have a '00 Mitsubishi Galant sitting, rusting away and was going to pull one of the seats from it.

[simul8r]

I started looking into building something like this in my home. I was looking at the local Lowe's and they have a schedule 40, 2" pipe. No other dimensions, though. Also the connectors were not the smooth ends like your, but were the bulky connectors. I didnt like that. Question... Would a 1 1/2" pvc pipe, schedule 40, be as strong? When handling the pipes(10' lengths), the 1 1/2 seemed less wobbly or more sturdy. And the total cost was about half($39). Or should I look elsewhere for the smoother connectors. I have a '00 Mitsubishi Galant sitting, rusting away and was going to pull one of the seats from it.

To be honest, I've contemplated using 1-1/2" vs 2" prior to the actual build and I settled with the 2" because I wanted it done right. I guess the thickness swayed me because it just looked more rugged and convincing, resembling almost a 'roll cage' strength. I've tested both at 'Home Depot' by standing on each and they both felt solid but again I wasn't going to take any chances. You could try the 1-1/2" but I can't make any guarantees, of course.

[GFS1]

Took the plunge. I bought all the pipe and fittings yesterday at Home Depot. Came to about $85. Measured and sawed all day. Hint: do not use hacksaw to cut PVC pipe. It's very hard to get a straight cut. Or, maybe it's just me. Anyway, after cutting, I have it assembled, but not glued yet. Wanted to make sure all pieces fit first. Will glue later tonight. I have an old 00 Mitsu. Galant with blown engine at inlaws. I think I'll get the seat out of that and use. After it's glued and screwed and painted, I'll post some pics. Let me tell ya, this thing is stout. Even when not glued. Not do heavy, yet. After seats in, it may be quite hefty then. But, I'm very impressed. Very good design. Thanks...

[simul8r]

Great! I suggest you read a bit on LumenLab's thread before actual glueing for suggested changes for example the 'T' section for the steering wheel angle. I've included measurements and material thickness to use for the G25 gear wooden platforms.

Happy building and hope to see a pic of your completed build soon.

sim

[Voltaic]

Hello SIMUL8R

Could you link LumenLab's thread please? This rig is BRILLIANT! I have recreated the CAD drawings in 3D and can't wait to build it.

Cheers mate.

[simul8r]

Sure, it's posted here on top of the first page. You may have to register to view, though. It may take you directly to the rig's thread but you can always do a member's search under my name to find the thread.

[GFS1]

Thanks, Sim. I have a Logitech DFGT so, the shifter's not a problem, right now. I have it glued and screwed. Now, being an old fat man, it about put the screws to me. Man, I'm wore out doing all the with screwdriver and all. Just have to fab up the wheel stand pieces and paint. I hope to have that done tomorrow. Pics coming soon. Oh, this thing is strong. I'm at 230lbs and I used it as a brace to stand up today. Didnt budge at all. Now need to find a way to get it off the ground a bit more. Any suggestions?