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A Quick Tour of My DIY Flight Sim Pit

Building a DIY flight sim pit can be both rewarding and cost-effective. My setup, which cost about $200, strikes a balance between complexity and simplicity, making it accessible for most enthusiasts.

Finding the Right Balance

Many setups available online are either too complex or overly simple. My rig finds a middle ground, significantly improving VR performance by keeping everything in a fixed location. In VR, you can’t see your joystick or throttle, so having everything where you want it makes flying much easier.

Simple and Practical Design

The woodworking for this project was straightforward. The unit was sanded and painted, without any fancy techniques. The entire sim rig, including the woodworking and painting, cost around $200. The seat was a used purchase for $40, and red clamps from Amazon prevent it from rolling back while using the rudder pedals. Additionally, 50W bass shakers connected to a 100W sub amp and a Sennheiser amplifier enhance the audio experience.

The Sim Rig Breakdown

Key components of the setup include:

• Honeycomb Throttle Quadrant: Equipped with 737 3D printed handles from Etsy.
• Logitech Flight Radio: For realistic communication.
• Thrustmaster HOTAS: Paired with Cougar MFDs for the F-16.
• Honeycomb Yoke: For precise control.
• Logitech Speakers and Keyboard: Simple but effective.
• Trackball Mouse: Attached with Velcro to prevent it from rolling away in VR.

The Tech Specs

The PC powering this setup features a 12900K CPU, RTX 4090 GPU, and 32GB of RAM, making it a powerhouse for recording, editing, and more. OBS is used for recording, and a couple of 1080p cameras capture the action. Effective cable management, using labels and zip ties, keeps everything tidy.

Above the main setup is a 32-inch 4K monitor, a light bar, and the Kiwi design VR cable management system for the Reverb G2. The entire setup is designed to feel like a real cockpit, enhancing the flying experience.

Conclusion

This DIY flight sim pit setup offers a cost-effective solution for enhancing VR flight simulation. With careful planning and the right components, you can create a functional and immersive flight experience. Whether you’re an experienced sim pilot or just starting, this setup can significantly improve your virtual flying adventures. If you’re interested in building your own, look for comprehensive guides that provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.

Click below for the full video.

Items Discussed in Video:

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