simul8r 114 Report post Posted January 31, 2010 Heya ISR peeps! Glad to have found this site and recently registered. I guess I should start a thread on my homebuilt simulating pod. All based on 2 inch PVC pipe and fittings @ 4-5mm wall thickness, a few scrap pieces of MDF wood, some paint, Logitech's G25 gear, a salvaged Integra seat from a auto junk yard, a 50watt Aura bass shaker under the seat, and since I also built a homemade 720p DIY projector I'm simming in the garage/mancave on a 8 foot wide screen. The pod is fully adjustable except for the foot pedals, I'm 5'11" tall @ 210 lbs. The steering wheel tilts and the shifter mount slides up/down for driver tweaking comfort as well as the seat on it's original sliders. The pod is all glued together so it is rock solid with no squeeks at all as I've always been asked. I'm also a moderator at a projector/cnc diy forum called lumenlab.com. I've created a thread on the pod with others providing their own ideas to include for more tweaking ability plus a modification for an attached monitor stand. Anyways, here's the link to the LumenLab thread: Site is no longer live (Darin Gangi) And here's photobucket with just pictures and the plans: http://s683.photobucket.com/albums/vv192/simul8r/ Here's the link to the plans: http://www.isrtv.com/forums/topic/681-simul8r-mark-ii-pvc-plans-bottom-of-pg-7-donations-accepted/?page=7#comment-34663 And here are a few photos of the rig: sim 1 4 Sporkx, nickgrserifos, Christopher French and 2 others reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FCONE 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2010 I have seen your cockpit posted in a number of places. Looks really good of course and sturdy. I considered building one from PVC after seeing yours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted January 31, 2010 I have seen your cockpit posted in a number of places. Looks really good of course and sturdy. I considered building one from PVC after seeing yours. Hey Fcone, well post a pic of it, I'd like to see it, that be great! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FCONE 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2010 I can't the wife cast her veto! She was not about to allow me a project cutting PVC until spring when I could do it outside Of course I got an Obutto and then found the floor was not perfectly even and needed to build a platform to mount it on anyway I Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MartinAM 1 Report post Posted February 2, 2010 FCONE: Hehe, I see wifes has something common no matter which country they are from. All of them doesn't like "us" cutting, fixing ,building anything at home. It is why all wife friendly solutions are so welcome. 1 h.catalbas reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voltaic 0 Report post Posted February 8, 2010 Simul8r, that is an awesome rig mate! I am seriously considering building one. I wanted to ask you if you think adding sand inside the PVC pipes would make the rig even more firm and stable? Thank you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted February 9, 2010 I suppose you could but I don't see the reason why. As long as your using the PVC wall thickness I've mentioned of 4-5mm @ 2 inches diameter the rig is very sturdy as is, especially when cranking up the forcefeedback for my G25 gear, just don't be leaning on the steering wheel with your weight while climbing in or out; the G25 is afterall made mostly of plastic. After sanding/glueing each PVC joint it's rock solid. The thread at lumenlab.com explains more in great detail the characteristics of my rig and plans as well as replicated builds and modifications suggested by others. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darin Gangi 1,074 Report post Posted February 9, 2010 THats probably the coolest PVC rig I've seen. Simple yet very effective.. I like it paint black too.. You don;t realize it's PVC.. We have the Hotseat sim here now and it's made of aluminum tubing and from a distance, it looks similar. Great work !! How much do you think it cost for all the pieces ? Heya ISR peeps! Glad to have found this site and recently registered. I guess I should start a thread on my homebuilt simulating pod. All based on 2 inch PVC pipe and fittings @ 4-5mm wall thickness, a few scrap pieces of MDF wood, some paint, Logitech's G25 gear, a salvaged Integra seat from a auto junk yard, a 50watt Aura bass shaker under the seat, and since I also built a homemade 720p DIY projector I'm simming in the garage/mancave on a 8 foot wide screen. The pod is fully adjustable except for the foot pedals, I'm 5'11" tall @ 210 lbs. The steering wheel tilts and the shifter mount slides up/down for driver tweaking comfort as well as the seat on it's original sliders. The pod is all glued together so it is rock solid with no squeeks at all as I've always been asked. I'm also a moderator at a projector/cnc diy forum called lumenlab.com. I've created a thread on the pod with others providing their own ideas to include for more tweaking ability plus a modification for an attached monitor stand. Anyways, here's the link to the LumenLab thread: http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.ph ... =0&start=0 (you may have to register to view) And here's photobucket with just pictures and the plans: http://s683.photobucket.com/albums/vv192/simul8r/ And here are a few photos of the rig: sim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted February 10, 2010 THats probably the coolest PVC rig I've seen. Simple yet very effective.. I like it paint black too.. You don;t realize it's PVC.. We have the Hotseat sim here now and it's made of aluminum tubing and from a distance, it looks similar. Great work !! How much do you think it cost for all the pieces ? Hi Darin, great site btw. The basic design which consists of just the PVC frame, the salvage Integra seat, screws/bolts and fabricated steering/shifter/pedal platforms came around to: $60-70.00 US ...PVC pipes/fittings and glue 17.00 ...seat 20-30.00 ...for screws, 'U' bolts 10-15.00 ... MDF wood A ballpark between 120 to $140.00 for the build unless the builder is quite resourceful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voltaic 0 Report post Posted February 18, 2010 What is the "Actual" diameter of the 2" PVC pipe you used? When I search for a standard I get different outside diameters for it. Why can't we just go metric :/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darin Gangi 1,074 Report post Posted February 19, 2010 Thanks for the specs / cost. Great job again on it ! simul8r said: Hi Darin, great site btw. The basic design which consists of just the PVC frame, the salvage Integra seat, screws/bolts and fabricated steering/shifter/pedal platforms came around to: $60-70.00 US ...PVC pipes/fittings and glue 17.00 ...seat 20-30.00 ...for screws, 'U' bolts 10-15.00 ... MDF wood A ballpark between 120 to $140.00 for the build unless the builder is quite resourceful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted February 19, 2010 What is the "Actual" diameter of the 2" PVC pipe you used? When I search for a standard I get different outside diameters for it. Why can't we just go metric :/ Just measured the outside diameter of the pipes on the rig: 2 3/8 inches or 60mm in metric The important thing is that the wall thickness of the pipe must be at least 4 or 5mm otherwise it's not strong enough. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voltaic 0 Report post Posted February 19, 2010 I can't thank you enough Simul8r! I am likely to build it sometime in the late Spring/Summer hopefully. I will post pictures when I do. Once again, awesome rig mate! Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GFS1 1 Report post Posted March 2, 2010 I started looking into building something like this in my home. I was looking at the local Lowe's and they have a schedule 40, 2" pipe. No other dimensions, though. Also the connectors were not the smooth ends like your, but were the bulky connectors. I didnt like that. Question... Would a 1 1/2" pvc pipe, schedule 40, be as strong? When handling the pipes(10' lengths), the 1 1/2 seemed less wobbly or more sturdy. And the total cost was about half($39). Or should I look elsewhere for the smoother connectors. I have a '00 Mitsubishi Galant sitting, rusting away and was going to pull one of the seats from it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted March 2, 2010 I started looking into building something like this in my home. I was looking at the local Lowe's and they have a schedule 40, 2" pipe. No other dimensions, though. Also the connectors were not the smooth ends like your, but were the bulky connectors. I didnt like that. Question... Would a 1 1/2" pvc pipe, schedule 40, be as strong? When handling the pipes(10' lengths), the 1 1/2 seemed less wobbly or more sturdy. And the total cost was about half($39). Or should I look elsewhere for the smoother connectors. I have a '00 Mitsubishi Galant sitting, rusting away and was going to pull one of the seats from it. To be honest, I've contemplated using 1-1/2" vs 2" prior to the actual build and I settled with the 2" because I wanted it done right. I guess the thickness swayed me because it just looked more rugged and convincing, resembling almost a 'roll cage' strength. I've tested both at 'Home Depot' by standing on each and they both felt solid but again I wasn't going to take any chances. You could try the 1-1/2" but I can't make any guarantees, of course. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GFS1 1 Report post Posted March 7, 2010 Took the plunge. I bought all the pipe and fittings yesterday at Home Depot. Came to about $85. Measured and sawed all day. Hint: do not use hacksaw to cut PVC pipe. It's very hard to get a straight cut. Or, maybe it's just me. Anyway, after cutting, I have it assembled, but not glued yet. Wanted to make sure all pieces fit first. Will glue later tonight. I have an old 00 Mitsu. Galant with blown engine at inlaws. I think I'll get the seat out of that and use. After it's glued and screwed and painted, I'll post some pics. Let me tell ya, this thing is stout. Even when not glued. Not do heavy, yet. After seats in, it may be quite hefty then. But, I'm very impressed. Very good design. Thanks... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted March 8, 2010 Great! I suggest you read a bit on LumenLab's thread before actual glueing for suggested changes for example the 'T' section for the steering wheel angle. I've included measurements and material thickness to use for the G25 gear wooden platforms. Happy building and hope to see a pic of your completed build soon. sim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voltaic 0 Report post Posted March 8, 2010 Hello SIMUL8R Could you link LumenLab's thread please? This rig is BRILLIANT! I have recreated the CAD drawings in 3D and can't wait to build it. Cheers mate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted March 8, 2010 Sure, it's posted here on top of the first page. You may have to register to view, though. It may take you directly to the rig's thread but you can always do a member's search under my name to find the thread. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GFS1 1 Report post Posted March 8, 2010 Thanks, Sim. I have a Logitech DFGT so, the shifter's not a problem, right now. I have it glued and screwed. Now, being an old fat man, it about put the screws to me. Man, I'm wore out doing all the with screwdriver and all. Just have to fab up the wheel stand pieces and paint. I hope to have that done tomorrow. Pics coming soon. Oh, this thing is strong. I'm at 230lbs and I used it as a brace to stand up today. Didnt budge at all. Now need to find a way to get it off the ground a bit more. Any suggestions? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 I would suggest 2 pieces of 2 x 4" lumber, crossed under the front and at the rear of the frame with perhaps 3" heavy duty polyurethane (spell check) caster wheels bolted under the 2 x 4's on the outside ends. Harbor Freight Tools has an assortment at a very good price but thats if you got one near you. I'm not sure if there are any wheels larger available but you may get away with a 6" raise at best after doing this. Just don't trip while getting out. BTW, do you have a seat that you are planning on using? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voltaic 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 Hello SIMUL8R Look for your cockpit at ~6:45 on video one. He should give you credit http://psinsider.e-mpire.com/index.php? ... cleid=1487 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GFS1 1 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 Planning on using seat out of 00 Mitsu Galant. It's been sitting up at inlaws for several years. Gonna take a look at it. Not positive I'll use it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 Hello SIMUL8R Look for your cockpit at ~6:45 on video one. He should give you credit http://psinsider.e-mpire.com/index.php? ... cleid=1487 Well, good for him. He did mention "...plans from this guy" at least. I think I'll keep myself updated with his progress. Thanks Voltaic for the link, appreciate it. sim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 Planning on using seat out of 00 Mitsu Galant. It's been sitting up at inlaws for several years. Gonna take a look at it. Not positive I'll use it. My bad GFS1, you mentioned this earlier but I must have got you confused with another person on LumenLab's site. Heck, my seat wasn't all that prestine to begin with when I found it. It was damp with no windows on the car to protect it. I'm just sure glad someone took the time to remove the bolts, I just snagged it and headed home. I just wished it was the driver's side and not the passenger's. Ah well, DIY'rs can't be too choosey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
