Want to build a descent simulator....help

[roxiedog13]

I would like to build a descent flight simulator for home to gain some IFR time.

I own a 172 on floats that is IFR and would like something close just to get familiar with the instruments, radios etc.

I would prefer a three to four monitor setup for that added realism .

[shoumi]

Hi Roxie,

Your setup may be a lot easier than what most of us are trying to do here (which is build Airliners).

Here is my 2 cents on your situation.
I would look at the following.

1. FSxpand - will give you most of the GA instruments that are on your 172 float. Or if you wish to use the FS default 172 panel on a monitor, then skip the FSXpand.
2. Purchase FSX or FS9 (depending on what you like). If the level of detail and reality is not an issue, then stay with FS9(can be run better on average computer)
3. Ensure your pc is upto par with handling 3-4 monitors. Good graphics card, lots of RAM, and a large HD.
4. Think of getting a TH2GO or ATI eyefinity 5XX (if your computer can handle it)
5. Purchase your yoke, pedals, and even stack from CH PRODUCTS or SAITEK (there may be others as well).
6. Build a small enclosure if you like
7. Hook up your system.

Hope that gives you an idea. I am sure you will have loads of fun building it too!

Best of luck, and post some pics on your progress.

Taufeeq

[kermit]

first of all know your budget ,time
greetz

[roxiedog13]

first of all know your budget ,time
greetz

I don't want to invest too much Money, just enought to get me to my goals.
Time is a factor too for sure. Good yoke, Rudder Pedals and better visual is all I need. A simulated panel is good enough for what my needs are . If I wanted a true simulator I probably would not have purchased the plane.

[roxiedog13]

Hi Roxie,

Your setup may be a lot easier than what most of us are trying to do here (which is build Airliners).

Here is my 2 cents on your situation.
I would look at the following.

1. FSxpand - will give you most of the GA instruments that are on your 172 float. Or if you wish to use the FS default 172 panel on a monitor, then skip the FSXpand.
2. Purchase FSX or FS9 (depending on what you like). If the level of detail and reality is not an issue, then stay with FS9(can be run better on average computer)
3. Ensure your pc is upto par with handling 3-4 monitors. Good graphics card, lots of RAM, and a large HD.
4. Think of getting a TH2GO or ATI eyefinity 5XX (if your computer can handle it)
5. Purchase your yoke, pedals, and even stack from CH PRODUCTS or SAITEK (there may be others as well).
6. Build a small enclosure if you like
7. Hook up your system.

Hope that gives you an idea. I am sure you will have loads of fun building it too!

Best of luck, and post some pics on your progress.

Taufeeq

Thanks for the advise though being out of the computer techno limelight for a while I struggle to keep up with the latest and greatest technology .

My current computer is a two year old Intel duo @ 2.19, 2 G ram and no graphics card that I am aware of, just the integrated one on the board.
I am running XP as far as I know and that itself is corrupted to a degree
so I have at the very least some cleaning up to do.

I think I will dust off FS98 that I still have, get the cable adapters to use the CH yoke and rudders with serial port plugs to use on the USB ports. If I'm still
hungry for more I will investigate and upgrade to the next level .

[kermit]

For hardware you have the right gear already picked out
For training purpose
I can advise Flight 1 cessna 172, although it doesn`t have floats.
It has al the instruments for nearly real IFR training.
there are others but I like this one for myself
greetz

[shoumi]

Your computer is adequate for FS9, which you can probably purchase from ebay for almost nothing!
Find a descent video card and a few monitors.

If I can suggest budgeting something like this.
1. Video Card - you can get good AGP (if you motherboard allows it) or PCIE for around $150-$200 CDN. Find out what your motherboard is and google to find out what you can do.
2. You can buy old CRT monitor for cheap if you do not wish to spend $$$ on LCD (to me they look just as fine). All it will need is a bit more space. check www.kijiji.ca or even factorydirect.ca for 19-20 inch monitors.
3. CH yoke and pedals - also you can buy from online (used) for less. I saw a set of good Saitek Yoke/Pedals/Throttle for $220 on www.kijiji.ca.
4. Buy your hardware for shell from home depot or something like that.
5. You can probably set everything up with 1 computer, 1 video card and 4 monitors.

So, in short the budget maybe something like
1. Video Card - $150 to $200
2. 4 monitors (used) - $300-$400
3. FS9 (from ebay) $15-$20
4. Yoke, pedals and Throttle - $300
5. Wood, screws, etc for building small shell - $250

Give and take budget around $1000 to $1250, you should have a descent GA simpit.

Taufeeq

[shoumi]

sorry,

forgot to mention, on your computer you may need to purchase TH2GO which may be a bit expensive @ $300-$400.

Thanks,

[roxiedog13]

For hardware you have the right gear already picked out
For training purpose
I can advise Flight 1 cessna 172, although it doesn`t have floats.
It has al the instruments for nearly real IFR training.
there are others but I like this one for myself
greetz

So your saying my 2.19 intel core 2 duo, 2G ram, with integrated graphics card on my current computer is sufficient ?
My old CH yoke and rudder pedals has serial port connectors which I can get adapters for USB if this is acceptable.
And the FS98 is good enough for now with Flight 1 Cessna 172 or suold I upgrade to FS9 ?
FSX has issues if I understand what others are saying .Only good on a super fast computer .

[kermit]

Can`t tell if your onboard graf.card will be oke,
as for your other specs it will be fine, as long as you are using fs9 out of the box.
if you want to use some scenery or planes , you need to upgrade your pc
Or you like to fly with 2/4 fps
Flight1 will not go with fs98.
greetz