Hardware & Technical How do you physically setup your desk/HOTAS?

Halada

Halada
I have a HOTAS Warthog and Saitek combat pedals (the metal ones) that I am trying to enjoy. I got the warthog from a colleague for a steal, and I figured the pedals would be useful to give me access to more axis controls.

I backed both E:D and SC and am excited to play them, so I figured I would need practice. I downloaded Diaspora and took the time to figure out PPJoy to use the HOTAS and the pedals successfully with TrackIR as well.

When it all worked I was very excited but excitement levels dropped very quickly, much like a post-coital situation, because I could not imagine playing in this position for hours. It was so physically uncomfortable, much like my first ever coital situation. I really don't know what I'm making these metaphors but bear with me.

How do you guys physically setup your desk to handle it? I've Google'd the matter but the Warthog isn't exactly a very popular product and most owners are hardcore flight sim fans. I am not one of those. I played some IL-2 but was turned off by lack of a proper tutorial and I couldn't make all the peripherals work. So I have no real frame of reference, and before I check out titles like War Thunder to get some HOTAS practice in, I'd like to find a comfortable setup that will translate well to other games.

This is my current setup:

rig2.jpg


rig1.jpg


I'm really not sure the stand was a good idea at all, having the stick and throttle so close doesn't feel like this is how it's meant to be played. The pedals are secured this way but my chair (a Steelcase Leap) has wheels so it keeps rolling away, which is another annoying factor.

Any of you guys have pictures of your cockpit setups? I'd really appreciate some pointers or tips from more experience sim pilots.
 

FS3DPete

F
I don't have such a setup... just a dodgy Cyborg stick that is wobblier than a drunk on a balance beam.

However, the most comfortable setup is most likely to be the one in which the controls are mounted at hand height, the stick on the right of your arm rest (assuming you are right handed), and the throttle at the left. The setup you currently have would give me RSI in no time flat.

Most cockpit setups I've seen put the controls in the most comfortable positions as pilots have to fly for long periods of time.
 

Crystles

Crystles
My X65f is physically hard mounted to the table. I've got a bolt going through the base plate. It HAS to be like that, be cause any unwanted movement will screw it up. In fact i'm considering a better desk, because the one i've got it mounted to is weak and warps.
 

Qpid Stunt

Qpid Stunt
Ahhh Snowghost... that's the finished item! I started reading about your project with interest then sort of forgot to keep up with it :eek: looks great mate!

Although you are a lot younger than I imagined... :)

**edit... Wheres the fluffy dice and cup holder?
 
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SnowGhost

S
Qpid Stunt said:
Ahhh Snowghost... that's the finished item! I started reading about your project with interest then sort of forgot to keep up with it :eek: looks great mate!

Although you are a lot younger than I imagined... :)

**edit... Wheres the fluffy dice and cup holder?
Click to expand...
I use a male model. He's very cheap. I'm to ugly to inflict my visage upon humans.

Cup holder = The IBM server to the left OR the subwoofer also to the left but not visible.
I'm not big on fluffy dice, so ... no dice. But I have a monster, does that count?
 

Qpid Stunt

Qpid Stunt
He looks like an angel, so obviously isn't ... oh you really mean the monster!?! :D

A pair of fluffy dice from the monsters mouth perhaps? Probably too much hehe
 

Syx7

Syx7
I have to wait for summer to get my own setup, but I was thinking of having them on the sides of the keyboard. It is more or less at armrest height and it still gives easy access to the mouse and keyboard.

Other than something like Snowghost's desk (which I know officialy envy), it should be comfortable enough for gameplay.
 

bitrogue

bitrogue
I have almost finished construction on the remodelling of my recliner. Its almost finished except I've been having some trouble finding the right bolts to fit the X52 base screw holes.
Basically I have mounted two side tables just under the armrests on either side. Into these 'tables' I will hardmount the X52 joystick at the head of the right armrest, and the thrust joystick at a more comfortable position next to the left armrest. On the right, the table base is also wide enough to put a sizeable mousemat to operate a mouse with a high degree of comfort. Great for FPSes. Keyboard sits freely on my lap.

Its not quite finished yet, but will probably be done over the weekend. Will maybe try to post some pics then.
 

alchemy42

A
I'm currently assembling my X52 ad hoc when I need to play. So far it seems stable on my desk. I'm thinking about grabbing a slab of wood and screwing the setup down so I can just grab my 'flight board' and hook it up and go.

I've also got a Logitech G13 key pad that I use for some tasks. It sits on the left of my throttle as I prefer to keep my hand on the stick.
 

Kawboy

Kawboy
I'm not posting any pics 'cause I would have to clean up my desk. I used PVC pipe to build two small stands, one for throttle and one for the stick. I then attached 2 pieces of 1/4" plywood, one on the top and bottom of each stand using short decking screws. (Be careful not to over-tighten, as they will easily strip out in the PVC). I then used the non slip furniture pads with self adhesive on the bottom plywood of each stand to keep it from moving around, and glued small strips of plywood onto the top to create a 'tray' for the base of the stick / throttle. If you have a heavier hand on the stick, you could use screws to attach the stick directly to the plywood. This gives me a move-able, collapsible, portable stand for the stick(s) AND it was inexpensive. I had originally intended to glue the "tee" joints, but after attaching the plywood, I discovered it wasn't necessary.
 

Halada

Halada
Thank you all for the photos and advice. I see now the throttle and stick were way too high, which explains the discomfort.

Some of you seem to be using special seats for the cockpit... is that a car racing seat?

I couldnt build a platform for the monitors because I have three 30" monitors and I require them for work, so my workstation has to double as my gaming station as well.

Ideally I could build a platform with wheels and break and place the seat on it with the pedals and other peripherals, that way I can roll it in front of the desk when I want to use it.

What about a stick between your legs? Like the vipers in BSG.
 

Yaffle

Volunteer Moderator
Yaffle
Halada said:
What about a stick between your legs? Like the vipers in BSG.
Click to expand...

I did think about this - it's also the position in many fighter aircraft:

750px-Eurofighter_Typhoon_cockpit.jpg


That's a Typhoon (and I am admiring heat vents obviously lifted from a 1980s Metro), but still same basic idea, so I am guessing it's sensible to put it centrally, but...

The pedals you have seem close together (look in the picture about where the pedals are in that), so with a stand with the stick on inbetween you and the pedals and inbetween your knees, you may just dislocate your hips by accident trying to, er, straddle it.
 
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