Finally building a sim...Thanks in Advance

[nusimbilder]

Hello Everyone,

I have been lurking on this site for about 2 years now and I am finally ready to build my first sim. When I say ready, i am saying financially, mentally, and physically ready. I have finally arrived into retirement and looking to build the sim by myself. I have done a lot of homework like most of you have and I think I have it down to a plan of attack.

I do wonder if some of these questions could be addressed for verification Thank you.

1) What is the average "room dimensions" for a FDS 737 Shell/sim with a 6 55" Flatscreen TV setup. I am having issues with how this would be calculated.

2) Speaking of visuals, Projection just isnt in the cards for my project but TVs will work fine. I am wondering has anyone perfected placement of TVs with FDS 737 Shell to avoid bezels?? I'll be using samsug bezel free HDTVs (going to spend a little more for them i know), however still want to have as much as an unobstructed view from the cockpit (example, boundary or TVs right down the middle of captain's seat).

3) I have noticed that most people mix and match various components from manufactures. Obvious cause either some dont make certain pieces or some offer more interaction (ergo Flight illusion gauges inside the FDS overhead etc). My question is, is there any advantages to mixing and matching components other than above?? Is it just a cheaper solution(s) or personal preference? My plan is to just make one call and get all the hardware, panels, frames/shell, SYS boards etc from FDS. Additionally add flight illusion gauges.

I again thank you in advance for any help on these and the question I may have in the future.

Cory

[blueskydriver]

Hi Cory,

Welcome to the world of flight sims. Even after two years, it will all seem new as you progress. In which case, here is an old, but still new idea. Go visit another flight sim builder before you leap in with both feet. The primary person you need to speak to is Scott or XOrionFE, and he is on MYC, as well as www dot cockpitbuilders dot com.

Scott has exactly what you're planning to get. He has all FDS items with FDS Shell and 5 PC's/5 large LCD Screens. Here is a link to his youtube channel:

http://m.youtube.com/#/user/XOrionFE?desktop_uri=%2Fuser%2FXOrionFE

Also, he is in the KORD area, so you could get to his place from the airport easily enough, and he certainly likes helping new members/simmers out. Therefore, send him a PM and let him know...mention my screen name; especially, since both my wife (Simlady) and I have been to his place. I highly recommend you do this before placing your orders...

John

[Geremy Britton]

Hi
I think I can answer some of your questions,

1)If you're using TV/monitors for visuals there is no throw distance for projectors so we're basically talking about the area the shell itself would occupy and any replica shell would require the dimensions around 2.1m long, 3.0m wide at the VERY minimum, assuming your door enters straight into the simulator without and circulation area/instructor station/cabin.

Frameless TV's sound a good choice, relatively new on the market and therefore have yet to see these utilised in a simbuild so let us know how it goes. Probably a similar price to projectors to be fair.

Buying everything from the same company can sometimes result in a higher price as you will find some companies will specialise in a particular product or aircraft type, and due to location some resources and materials might be cheaper and thus lower product prices. It's also important to weight up where these companies are based, particularly on a large purchase if you go down that route. Shipping costs and country import taxes are now becoming a big consideration for customers. I would encourage everyone to shop around, and most vendors make aircraft parts to 1:1 scale with the real aircraft apart from some exceptions to technically speaking everyone is manufacturing to a worldwide code of sizes - also known as the actual sizes! Lastly, If in doubt ask! I get questions frequently asking if a particular product is compatible with a particular product from another company.

Seasons Greetings,