AIRCRAFT COCKPIT GX
Information:
The AIRCRAFT COCKPIT GX offers a realistic simulator cockpit environment accommodating three LCD monitors and a scenery projection image visible through the front and left 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. Whether you fly a transport or a Cessna, the generic design feature will bring your flight simulation experience to a new level. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 offers operation of up to four monitors. Microsoft Flight Simulator X allows even more monitors. For instance you could use an instrument main panel display, the scenery image using the projector, a pedestal display for radios and FMC and an overhead panel display for systems. Other simulation software suitability has to be determined by the user.
To use the Aircraft Cockpit GX as designed, a suitable computer with the required video card outputs, monitors, a projector, sufficient space and proper set-up is required. In order to drive three monitors and one projector, a newer generation type of computer with two dual output video cards is required. Depending on the aircraft simulated, not all monitors need to be installed. Additional monitors or a video card can be added later as your budget allows. Instead of a projector, another option is to use the Matrox TripleHead2GO along with 3 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 GX INFORMATION 4, 5 and 6).
The video cards required depend on the architecture of your computer motherboard. The best currently would be two, not linked together PCI Express SLI cards each with dual output. One PCI Express card and one PCI card each with dual output could be used. In this case, connect the main panel and the scenery projector to the PCI Express card and the pedestal display and overhead panel display to the PCI card. It may be difficult to find a dual output PCI card. PNY Technologies makes a dual output card that is suitable for the pedestal and overhead displays. www.pny.com. If your computer has the AGP architecture, use two dual output AGP video cards. The other option is to network computers.
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 offer 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 10 and 11. Place the cockpit 73” from the wall relative to the mounted projector. The horizontal centerline of the projection beam should be at the extension of the center post assembly. The screen area or wall should be 24” in front of the cockpit. If the placement as shown in FIGURE 10 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 10 are similar as measured from the back of the projector. If other than the SHARP XR Series projectors are 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 main LCD screen is placed behind the instrument panel and the position adjusted with the cutout. The unit is designed for a 24” LCD monitor; however a 21” or standard 19” or 20” LCD screen can be used. The left and right speakers should be placed there as well
If a 17-inch LCD overhead panel monitor is to be installed, remove the monitor stand. Line up the monitor screen with the opening in the overhead panel and secure with corner braces. Place the monitor cables behind the right overhead support assembly and fasten with two VELCRO straps. If no monitor is used, cover the opening with the included overhead monitor cover.
The right platform accommodates a 15” or 17” LCD monitor with the monitor stand removed. It is held in place by the pedestal support assembly and leaned against the instrument panel.
The right platform features an elevated pedestal to place a CH DT225, a Logitech trackball or a small mouse. There is also space for a keyboard on the right platform.
The display property setting window is used to position the four monitors and set the resolution. Check the “Extend my windows onto this monitor”. The number 1 display should be your main instrument panel. Place the scenery projector on top as number 2. The pedestal and overhead displays are placed to the right as number 3 and 4. Set the resolution to a suitable value on the number 1 monitor. Use a resolution of 1920 x 1200 or 1680 x 1050 for the 24” monitor. The number 2 monitor (projector) is set to 1024 x 768; the number 3 and 4 can be set to 1024 x 768 or 800 x 600 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 36 inches above the floor. See FIGURE 10. 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 CH Flight Yoke is clamped on the center platform. The CH Throttle Quadrant fits in the opening of the side platform and is clamped on the underside. The left side platform accommodates the left hand usable CH Flight Stick to simulate the Airbus fly-by-wire family of aircraft. The left side platform has two slots for insertion of the VELCRO straps to fasten the joystick. Loop two 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.
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 support assembly and the user. This will insure proper lateral alignment for take off and landings and the left side edge of the scenery to line-up with the left side of the cockpit side window. If not, minor adjustment can be made on the projector support, or otherwise move the cockpit laterally along with screen. See FIGURE 11.
If no yoke controller is mounted, the center platform can be used as a chart table. Loose cables should be fastened to the device posts 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.
Notes:
Suitable controllers are the CH Flight Yoke, the CH Throttle Quadrant, the CH Flight Stick for the left side and the CH Rudder Pedals. 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 projectors visit: http://www.sharpusa.com
AIRCRAFT COCKPIT GX Dimensions:
Width: 49.25” (125cm)
Depth: 36.75” (93cm)
Height: 57.25” (145cm)
The vertical space for the main panel monitor is 18.25”.
Use of a standard chair with a height of about 17” 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 AIRCRAFT COCKPIT GX 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.