FIGHTER AIRCRAFT COCKPIT FX
Information:
The FIGHTER AIRCRAFT COCKPIT FX offers a realistic simulator cockpit environment accommodating a LCD monitor and a scenery projection image visible through the front, left and right side windows. The stunning scenery presentation gives the impression of being more in an aircraft as opposed to being in front of a computer monitor. The field of view allows the feel of speed and facilitates runway tracking on take off and flare on landing. The generic design feature for aircraft using a joystick will bring your flight simulation experience to a new level. At this time only Microsoft Flight Simulator offers operation of multiple monitors on one computer. The instruments are displayed on the main monitor and the scenery is generated by the projector. Other simulation software suitability has to be determined by the user.
To use the Fighter Aircraft Cockpit FX as designed, a suitable computer with the required video card outputs, monitor, a projector, sufficient space and proper set-up is required. In order to drive the monitor and the projector, a newer generation type of computer with a dual output video card is required. Instead of a projector, another option is to use the Matrox TripleHead2Go along with three monitors for the scenery presentation. In this case mount a simple wall shelf to display the monitors at the windows opening height and move the cockpit towards the monitors. (For diagrams and information see FX INFORMATION 4, 5 and 6).
The video card required depends on the architecture of your computer motherboard. The best currently would be a PCI Express cards with dual output. If your computer has the AGP architecture, use a dual output AGP video card.
To insure the optimum projection geometry, the relationship between the unit, the projector, the screen and the user needs to be considered. The vertical and horizontal set-up diagrams attached assume the usage of a SHARP XR series projector in conjunction with the SCS-XR PROJECTOR SUPPORT (40K). The SHARP XR -10S now discontinued and the succeeding XR-30S have a short throw lens, use DLP technology, are available at a reasonable cost and offers an outstanding performance. The SHARP XR-30X has a higher native resolution but cost more. The projector is mounted inverted at the ceiling corner on a standard eight-foot wall. See Figures 9 and 10. Place the cockpit 75” from the wall relative to the mounted projector. The horizontal centerline of the projection beam should be at the extension of the center stick assembly. The screen area or wall should be 28.5” in front of the cockpit. If the placement as shown in FIGURE 9 is not possible, the projector can be installed with a ceiling mount available from Sharp, Chief Manufacturing or Peerless Industries. In this case the dimensions as shown in Figure 9 are similar as measured from the back of the projector. If other than the SHARP XR Series projector is used, dimensions for placement have to be established by the user. Use a projector with a short throw lens. Consider the interference of the projection beam with the top structure if the projector is mounted to low or to far from the cockpit. Other factors are the projector to the screen distance and field of view of the user.
The LCD screen is placed behind the instrument panel and the position adjusted with the cutout. The unit is designed for a 19” LCD monitor; however a 17” LCD screen can be used. The left and right speakers should be placed there as well.
The platform in front of the instrument panel is used for the keyboard and a mouse or trackball.
The left platform accepts the throttle and the center or right platform is used for the joystick.
The display property setting window is used to position the two monitors (monitor and projector) and set the resolution. The number 1 display should be your main instrument panel. Place the scenery projector on top as number 2. Check the “Extend my windows onto this monitor” for the projector image. Set the resolution to a suitable value on the number 1 monitor. The number 2 monitor (projector) is set to 1024 x 768 with satisfactory results. You will also need to set the resolution for the respective video card output in Microsoft Flight Simulator under Hardware Settings. In addition if your system can handle it, maximize the hardware rendering lights and the global max texture size to enhance the scenery.
While the SHARP XR Series projectors offers a 16:9 mode, for the MS Flight Simulator scenery window set the aspect ratio to the normal 4:3 mode. The projection mode (PRJ) should be set to ceiling front and a keystone correction of about -60 should be entered. These items are accomplished on the projector menu.
Start the flight simulator and select a fight simulator default aircraft and forward view. Un-check full view, right click on the scenery, select undock and drag image to the projector screen and align with the top and side of the projection window. Afterwards select full screen on the view menu. Adjust the top of the projection beam to 64.5 inches above the floor by using the vertical adjustment on the projector support. Now drag the bottom edge of the scenery until the shadow of the top structure starts to show at about 31.5 inches above the floor. See FIGURE 9. Drag the main instrument panel image to the top of the main monitor and resize if necessary. For other and add-on aircraft you can drag the vertical edges to the same positions, place the images on the respective monitors and position, resize and save as a flight.
The left and right side platforms have two slots for insertion of the VELCRO straps to fasten the controllers. Loop the included VELCRO cinching straps sideways around the controller and platform, insert the end into the opening of the buckle and tighten slightly, and then press the mating VELCRO surfaces together. The straps should be placed at the front and aft portion of the controller in such a manner to prevent infringing with the control movement. If you use the Saitek X52 holes for mounting are provided on the platforms, however the screws are not included.
The rudder pedals are placed on the pedals platform at a suitable position and normally require no fastening if they have rubber pads. VELCRO type fasteners not included can be used if desired. If the rudder pedals are to close to the user, the pedals platform can be moved forward by removing and reinstalling the mounting screws and utilizing other holes on the platform.
Taxi an aircraft onto the centerline of a runway and line-up. The centerline should be a geometric extension of the center of the center stick assembly and the user. This will insure proper lateral alignment for take off and landings and both side edges of the scenery to line-up with the cockpit side windows. If not aligned, minor adjustment can be made on the projector support or otherwise move the cockpit laterally. See FIGURE 10.
Loose cables should be fastened to the device with the included VELCRO straps. There is plenty of space for further customization like adding switches and buttons.
Metal components have a gray powder coating finish and the platforms and panels have a gray melamine surface. The dash panel is covered with a low reflection vinyl fabric. Assembly is required.
Suitable controllers are the CH Products stick controllers, the CH Pro Throttle, the CH Rudder Pedals, the Saitek X45, X52 and the Thrustmaster HOTAS. Other controllers may be attached if fitting and fastening on the platforms is possible. In this case additional diverse fasteners not included may be required.
For information on the SHARP XR projector visit: http://www.sharpusa.com
FIGHTER AIRCRAFT COCKPIT FX Dimensions:
Width: 44” (112cm)
Depth: 29.75” (75.5cm)
Height: 53.5” (136cm)
The vertical space for the main panel monitor is 18.25” (46.3cm).
The use of a standard chair with a height of about 17” (43cm) is suggested. The Sim Cockpit System COCKPIT SEAT complements this unit.
Warranty
If within a year from the date of purchase, the device fails due to a defect in material or workmanship we will repair or replace the affected component free of charge. The liability under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement and does not include shipping expenses.
Remarks:
Some content of the Sim Cockpit System FIGHTER AIRCRAFT COCKPIT FX is protected under a current patent. Sim Cockpit System and the Sim Cockpit System logo are trademarks of the Sim Cockpit System Co. All trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners. Sim Cockpit System Co. reserves the right to change its design without notice.