The Simulator Cockpit for DCS is Finally Done - Evolution A

Note: Any questions regarding components used have been answered already, either in the video or in the comments.. Also, check the follow-on videos for the evolution of this pit as some components have since been upgraded already.
It has taken several months to build this cockpit. Much of it had to be cobbled together from commercially available parts. Some parts had to be "repurposed" and adapted to fit my vision for a functional combat aircraft cockpit.
It is a mix of components and a sim seat based on an auto racing cockpit. Some F-16 based hardware. Some F-18 based hardware. And some A-10 based hardware. It can be programmed and used with any of the aircraft in DCS.
Some creative adaptation was needed to make screens for my MFDs. Then how to mount them in a sturdy fashion. The most difficult part was programing the DCS software to export "viewports" of the aircraft MFDs onto my standalone LCDs. The Helios software was a savior for that.
Another creative addition is using my spare Samsung tab as my UFC (up front controls). The software was available on the Google Play Store, called DCS UFC. It also took time and effort to get the tablet to sync with the computer but the tech support was quick and effective. The software is also functional with other F-16 panels as well as numerous other aircraft within DCS.
HOTAS by Thrustmaster
Combat and Takeoff Panels by WinWing
Cougar MFDs by Thrustmaster
Seat by Next Level Racing
DFC UFC app on Google Play Store
TrackIR5 by NaturalPoint
Mounts: Wearson Touch LCD Monitor&All in... www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRMK46K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Screens (since upgraded): Eyoyo 8 Inch HDMI Monitor... www.amazon.com/dp/B01FHDL1DE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@ericandi]

As inexpensive as LCD screens are nowadays, Thrustmaster should have made the Cougar MFD’s with LCD’s included.

[@sheekm227]

Cubesim makes screens specifically for this, I have 2 of them with another on the way. They're not cheap but they're perfect for the MFD's. They're running back orders with months to cover and it's turned out to be an insanely profitable business. Thrustmaster missed out on a massive profit.

[@justinthomas85]

@@sheekm227 just got mine after 9 months (told originally a month wait). Haven't plugged it in yet, but the guy making them was very responsive to all my emails.

[@rubiconnn]

I've noticed Thrustmaster is kinda cheap and they probably wouldn't do it anyways. I have the hotas warthog kit and it's great until you use it a bit and then it has glaring issues that really shouldn't even exist in a product that costs so much.

[@ericandi]

@@rubiconnn I fully agree. I’ve only had the Warthog flight stick and throttle for about a month and already decided to sell them because I’m just not happy with their performance. They look and feel like great, but looks can be deceiving. I recently ordered the Virpil VPC Constellation ALPHA-R flight stick with the VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Base and the VPC MongoosT-50CM3 Throttle. I am waiting for them to arrive from Lithuanian. They are currently with Fed Ex waiting to clear customs in Indianapolis, so hopefully they’ll arrive soon.

[@rubiconnn]

@@ericandi Yeah, the Warthog's stiction issues with the joystick, the cheap plastic throttle assembly and the awful cursor axis on the throttle really put me off. I've been eyeing the WInwing Orion throttles lately as they can be converted to helicopter collective.

[@JerDog1984]

Welcome to the brilliant DCS World!!!! Great set-up

[@man_vs_life]

Really interesting. Nice set up. And thanks for being so specific about the components.

[@rapidrapid2589]

Thanks for sharing good job. Thanks for explaining how did it and the challenges that you faced and over came.

[@alexcain9648]

This is exactly what I needed to see what I need to shoot for in terms of capability/capacity great video!

[@jaerbear7237]

Thrustmaster adding displays to the MFDs would put them in a different market. There isn’t competition at that price point. I definitely enjoyed exploring the options to upgrade that fit my setup/vision. Sweet setup btw.

[@SDsc0rch]

I like how you have the active screens for your MFDs

[@thejetfighter]

Really nice setup! I like how you managed to get LCD screens with the Cougars 😀

[@OLIV3R_YT]

Wow, that's a nice pit!

[@ericandi]

Fantastic set up. I love the tall monitor. I went with a 38" curved ultra-wide monitor that's 35.4" W X 15.5" H with a 3840 X 1600 aspect ratio. I love the ultra-wide curved display, but for a flight simulator I feel like the display isn't tall enough. I like to be able to see more of the cockpit panel while also being able to see outside and not having to zoom out my view so much that I can't read the PFD and MFD. Your display is nice an tall, but I guess it does sacrifice on the lateral field of view.

[@tsangarisjohn]

Awesome setup 👍🏻

[@hakky1337]

Beautiful setup man, im green of envy lol

[@Nsane211]

Love it, great job

[@Ghost915A1]

Nice setup!

[@scottwhite9474]

You did a fine job on it Sir. I'm going to start work this fall on building a radio box for my A-10C. I have a friend who has a 3D printer........

[@GDViperWorks]

Thanks Scott. I'm sure it will always be a "work in progress" though. When are we gonna fly?

[@Stone46988]

That’s a great job.

[@user-tc7ms3hu2m]

man... i'm doing research for sim cockpit as well, but your set is crazy....

[@edwinlopez6626]

Freaking Amazing Sir!

[@derekaustindean]

F*cking nice pit man, I’m insanely jealous

[@nemisis_wolf]

Very Nice Rig, I have something similar. Great hobby very immersive

[@Ddustz3]

you should just in invest in VR. i got the pimax5k+ with a rz3600x oc@4.3 1080ti and i can never go back to flat screen dont matter how big the screen is. just added a bass shaker to my chair and its a blast. nice setup but i think VR is the future for racing or flight sim.

[@after_midnight9592]

I recently upgraded to a 5.1 surround (Logitech Z906), bass right behind the seat and It's amazing. Warnings and comms play through Reverb G2, while the engine roars throught the speakers. I too could never go back to flat.

[@scarecrow_9895]

Good job.

[@MrFoxxRaven]

I like the simple solution for the MFDs. I ordered them thinking they came with a screen. The day I got them I was straight onto amazon to get some raspberry pi 7" hdmi screens. Raided my stash of hoarded pc parts for some standofs and screws. Got some electrical boxes from a local store to use as the back cover. About 4 hours of work and I have fully contained, fully functional mfds, and it looks like it could've been done by the manufacturer like this too. All in all the additional parts cost maybe £50 in total. It's not hard to think thrustmaster could sorce the stuff as an oem and manufacture the stuff themselves. They'd make a killing. The functional MFDs are a game changer for A-10c at least for me. And it's just super cool in all honesty to be able to have an external interactive source for your sim like that

[@Spiniker0056]

I’ve been searching for a thrustmaster MFD screen / mounting solution, and yours looks perfect. I had been going back and forth about ordering from CubeSim, but the cost and long ship times have kept me from it. This looks like a better solution. The one thing that I’m wondering how to do with Next Level Racing cockpits is how to center mount the stick.

[@GDViperWorks]

I may be part of the flight pit addon kit.

[@RODEO-sn6du]

THAT IS THE COOLEST SETUP IVE EVER SEEN. How are you programming and syncing the mfd panels?

[@swadeisno1]

Nice setup - you should look into putting some haptics into the rig - look up tactile transducers - feeling the vibrations of the aircraft adds so much immersion

[@GDViperWorks]

This rig has been gone for over a year.

[@GDViperWorks]

Check out Part 2 for updates to changes I have made since this post. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX_OmJJnd62SkLc

[@after_midnight9592]

Sim pits are never finished :)

[@gotahgemini6415]

this looks amazing! It's so disappointing that the MFD's don't come with interactive display :(

[@waynesawyer6494]

Awesome video. Do you have a parts list and links? Thanks.

[@williamampuero2841]

Nice

[@NvTwist]

Man Falcon 4. 0 was such a huge leap in computer simulation. Every switch button was functional and the manual was the thickest/biggest MANUAL I’d ever seen supplied with a game. I believe I still have the original CD of Falcon 4.0 not sure if I still have the manual. Every flight sim that followed F4.0 was a massive letdown until dcs.

[@GDViperWorks]

Sadly, after years of hoarding that book, I trashed it a year ago.

[@Globalnet626]

You should try out Falcon BMS if you have your original disc. Doesn't look as good as DCS but you get the same dynamic campaign engine that DCS still quite hasn't figured out yet.

[@rcoplien]

You need the Winwing F-16 hotas now that is available. I love mine.. Switched from TH Warthog to Winwing

[@guilhermebechtinger]

Great!

[@matthiasfleschutz1518]

Great setup! Thanks for sharing this. Some question regarding the MFDs: which software do you use to display the MFDs from DCS onto these custom displays right in that shape?

[@GDViperWorks]

Helios.

[@Honosuseri]

Nice sim pit, enjoy it. Quick question...I always wonder why people get those Cougar MFDs and add monitors or use a tablet for the UFC, when a touchscreen monitor and Helios can put all the actual panels for your chosen aircraft at your fingertips. The Touchscreen and Helios must be cheaper and more verstatile? Perhaps it's just a "tactile" thing, I can understand the Winwing panels to throw a lever for landing gear etc.

[@WakeProMedia]

I think it's just a matter of preference and getting closer to a 1:1 replica, and for a significant portion of the simpit market the cost is not always the biggest factor. I personally am going the touch screen route using helios but I see the appeal of either one.

[@mfmees]

I agree with the mfds. For 90 bucks you'd expect thrustmaster to include actual screens, I've been using them in the A-10 and F-16 for a little bit now in VR and I love them. If I were using TrackIR I wouldn't have bought them. Seems like such a simple thing for thrustmaster to include it.

[@after_midnight9592]

Fo 90 bucks, if you are using VR, better to buy leap motion tracker.

[@Jerichoom]

False! A simpit is NEVER done ! 😅😅 Good job my man

[@MasterMojo85]

Wow. This looks truely amazing. How did you manage to get that tiny in-game screens output on the cougar mfd screens? Is is a special software or can you just configure it in DCS?

[@GDViperWorks]

Download "Helios". Then configure viewports. I'll find the link to a video.

[@GDViperWorks]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4PEgXukrsRnac0

[@leejingjiang5591]

May i know what monitor you are using? It seems pretty clear and your pc setup?

[@420alphadog]

great set up! all you need now is VR googles!!!

[@GDViperWorks]

I have them but prefer to be able to see and touch my switches.

[@adamthompson8432]

Move your tv closer. Looks awesome though! VR is where it’s at but I’m with you I’m not buying another one until it’s perfect.

[@tsangarisjohn]

By the way, you can find functional Viper panels on Etsy. Worth looking into.

[@GDViperWorks]

I have a complete set of panels arriving Tuesday. This pit is going away in a couple months. I am building a proper Viper pit from plans by The Cockpit Store.

[@alihasankhan9714]

MashaAllah, wow!

[@BudoNL]

I love your setup!! If I may ask, where did you get stands for Eyoyo monitors? Please if you could send me a link? Thanks and cheers.

[@GDViperWorks]

Wearson Touch LCD Monitor&All in... www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRMK46K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@flyboymadman]

Oh you utter bastard! I'm literally in a broom cupboard with my setup. One day...

[@kenjuri2848]

very good . thanks for sharing. could you pls show /explain me that this cockpit plan drawing files? best regards.

[@thatguy7085]

I have a sim room set up to. But I have a helicopter setup, a jet setup, and an Advanced systems trainer with the G1000

[@brokenarrows6092]

Winwing has a f16 Hotas now

[@dotnetdevni]

Nextlevel are bringing out a new rig next month

[@Daniele858585]

i can't play without vr anymore, but we still need better headsets and gpus. as far as, GREAT SETUP!

[@jusam6854]

Very nice, clean setup. Where are you exporting the ICP from? I'm trying to do the same thing with an Android tablet and all I can find is 'Viper Device' which shows both ICP and DED and I don't want that. Can't seem to get helios to export an ICP and Capt Zeen seems to be the entire dash. Please help pilot.

[@GDViperWorks]

I haven't had that setup in several years. I really can't answer that question.

[@jusam6854]

@@GDViperWorks Well, you only posted this vid 2 yrs ago so that's not several years. And I find it hard to believe that a man who put so much into a sim pit can't remember how he exported the ICP but whatev. Thanks for your help!

[@wnchillbilly1]

very good video , , thanks for sharing . I'm getting gear n' stuff together to set-up my combat sim , prolly about Christmas , , l been looking forward to it for 25 years ( long story : - ) would appreciate your help setting it up, , I already got most of it , the big $ $ $ stuff like the gaming PC prolly November . . I'm counting on the ThrustMaster modules to set up / bind my throttle / flight stick , , very intrested in your efforts with that.. btw - I'm a new subscriber : - )

[@craig_sez8534]

What is the specific model # of your screen?? Been looking for two days on tons of youtube vids for my new build,no further ahead now than two days ago.

[@JD96893]

for such a nice set up your hotas isn't very good. the warthog is like 10+ years old, i'm sure its ok but there are far newer options that are much better. You should get a winwing hotas to accompany those button panels, their stuff is top notch. Maybe its just me, but i like to have the monitor nice and close. Have you thought about a curved monitor? Great recommendation with the UFC app! Good setup, its giving me some ideas.

[@cowlevelcrypto2346]

Noice !!! :D

[@sierrahp]

I'm 100% with you on the TrackIr Vs VR experience. I have the Vive Cosmos which I use for MSFS2020 scenic flights but prefer the ability to directly interact with my cockpit environment in combat sims through my peripherals. I have the Cougars but as yet no screens. The CubeSim option looks promising.

[@livelongandprosper70]

Na..if its not VR, its shit 🤷‍♂️..but now you can have part pass thru, so can have the best of both worlds..and that feature will become available to all headsets soon..

[@sierrahp]

True. But the cameras in my headset are rubbish, so I’ll need to upgrade for that.

[@erikpotter767]

Yah I'm not happy with what I have. But came across one of your other videos. Nice setup and vids. AND if you want to come back to falco BMS the 440th vfw is a great group of people.

[@GDViperWorks]

Thanks for that offer, but between this sim, and being a supertester for another game, I just don't have time for other things.

[@erikpotter767]

@@GDViperWorks I completely understand. And I too enjoy DCS, can't wait for the Longbow apache to finish Bata. Stay safe and keep doing what you do. Bull

[@dogzer]

Dude, get one of those projectors that shoot image on a 270 Degree Wrap Around screen

[@ppxstnr]

what resolution are you running your monitor at. I know its a 4k monitor. I'm gonna get a new monitor cause currently am having trouble seeing the bogeys until they are on top of me? I've heard lower resolutions make bogey tally easier. Not sure I want to buy a 4k if 1440 has better target recognition. Thanx

[@GDViperWorks]

4096x2160

[@GBY13]

I think somehow your cockpit is more advanced than of a real F-16

[@MattJ-ri5bt]

What racing cockpit did you use? And what extra parts did you have to buy for the hotas mounts?

[@GDViperWorks]

Next Level GT Track. But soon to be retired and replaced by a full mock up Viper sim pit.

[@arielless1118]

I wonder if I should get a large tv that has 120hz instead of a computer monitor for this type of setup. What do yo uthink? Also for the landing and combat f18 winwing panels where can you get the adapter to hold it on the table? Thanks

[@GDViperWorks]

All tvs are not created equal. This LG is Nvidia compatible. The adaptor came with the panels.

[@arielless1118]

@@GDViperWorks Okay thanks so are you happy with the quality of the LG? what model is it? Thanks

[@thegreatestshitlord768]

I tried using the helios software to export it but had trouble with finding a how to video I could understand so I gave up. :(

[@GDViperWorks]

Watch this guy's videos. kzbin.info/door/mz0wT20WEdVrme34-SJuZQ

[@maddthomas]

If you recently bought the pedals and Warthog, you paid a premium for them, my point is if you don't mind spending that much for them there are F-16 panels. Hispapanels sell panels for DIY simpit builders and places like ViperGear sell working ICP's, left and right consoles, also places like Realsimulator sell replacement stick base's for Thrustmaster F-16 grips, they work similar to a real F-16, they do not move, they work by feeling the force you apply. But...you're gonna pay a several more thousands to get all that.

[@ComdrStew]

You can get the pressure base for the Thrustmaster grip. It works just like the real F-16 stick. I already see you making your cockpit bigger, lol.

[@GDViperWorks]

Got a link?

[@ComdrStew]

@@GDViperWorks They also have the angle adapter to make the grip the correct angle.

[@ComdrStew]

@@GDViperWorks Here's a demo of it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHS6Yo2Drrl6eZI

[@GDViperWorks]

Installed and highlighted in latest video. It cost a ton but was worth it.

[@ComdrStew]

@@GDViperWorks You already got it? Nice!

[@9k111]

everybody gangster till he gets sick of flying the DCS Module

[@armhunter]

nice.. that would be fun. but once I tried VR I can't go back to flat screen.

[@GDViperWorks]

I have it. I've tried it. AR is where I want to go.

[@user-uq7hj9do4x]

Oooooooo~~~~ 👍👍👍👍👍👍 I'm Korea 🇰🇷 🇰🇷

[@Wyvern871]

Hey which resolution are you using?

[@asfsdfafds8160]

If you don't mind me asking, how much was this? i'm very curious.

[@GDViperWorks]

I never really added it up. But if you included everything (monitor, seat, controls, etc) probably 4-5000

[@rob_spada]

I cant find that app for the Tablet, how did you manage to get that screen over in the middle?

[@GDViperWorks]

play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dcsufc

[@rob_spada]

@@GDViperWorks Thanks! Sorry it's misspelled in your video description ;)

[@howlingsparrow2997]

At this point getting the new Winwin F16EX hotas would make this perfect.

[@GDViperWorks]

I already have it. But have moved away from this setup. I'll be replacing my Winwing with a new Simgears TQS. See Evolution D for where this is going. I'm powering it up as I type.

[@howlingsparrow2997]

@@GDViperWorks that sounds incredibly cool.

[@GUSSTASS]

Howdy, what screens did you use behind the cougars???

[@GDViperWorks]

Those are by CubeSim

[@GUSSTASS]

@@GDViperWorks thankyou.

[@brunotaciano1218]

HI, HOW TO PLAY DCS MULTIPLAYER USING THE HELIOS MOD WITHOUT GIVING SCRIPTS PROBLEM AND THE DCS SERVER SHIELD IS RED?

[@No1sonuk]

I saw from another comment that you're using Helios. That leads me to ask why you didn't put the right MFD at the bottom of the LCD screen and mirror the DED to the top, above the MFD?

[@GDViperWorks]

Go watch follow on videos.

[@No1sonuk]

@@GDViperWorks I'd not seen update C. :)

[@flajflaj]

Little wird to have a cockpit in real life and the same cockpit in the game. Can't you just turn off in-game cockpit? Or use VR only for exteriors?

[@Eitans-DCS]

How did you connected the app to the DCS i have a problem..

[@GDViperWorks]

I haven't used that in 2 years. Message the app dev.

[@fletch7645]

what were the lcds you used for the mfds called? and would you reccomend them? looks awesome

[@GDViperWorks]

Enyoyo 8" hdmi monitor from Amazon

[@johngreen9576]

Wait. Maybe I found them. Are you using these? www.amazon.ca/Adjustable-Tilting-Bracket-Plasma-10-26inch/dp/B00BD9JR6K

[@GDViperWorks]

@@johngreen9576 Wearson Touch LCD Monitor&All in One PC Stand All Metal Holder Sturdy with VESA Hole 75x75mm&100x100mm www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRMK46K/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_8RF3HAWQK6J0VA9R104R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@GDViperWorks]

Eyoyo 8 Inch HDMI Monitor... www.amazon.com/dp/B01FHDL1DE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@johngreen9576]

@@GDViperWorks Thank you kind sir. Ordered.

[@neilhess2518]

I know this is tacky, but I HAVE to ask: What did this whole set up cost you?

[@ericandi]

Can you provide link to where we can buy the LCD screens and the mounts?

[@GDViperWorks]

Eyoyo 8 Inch HDMI Monitor... www.amazon.com/dp/B01FHDL1DE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@GDViperWorks]

Wearson Touch LCD Monitor&All in... www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRMK46K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@ericandi]

Thank you

[@SDsc0rch]

yes.. you can turn those LEDs off

[@jasondeeprose3161]

What kind of pilot are you? Are you military, civilian, cargo or other?

[@GDViperWorks]

Airline

[@corneliaedgerton3595]

VR is without a doubt the future of simulation. Physical cockpit, triple screens, them lot are going to become obsolete rather fast.

[@talbotmcinnis]

Looks great, nicely done. PSA: Simpits are NEVER “done” ;)

[@GDViperWorks]

Agreed...

[@GDViperWorks]

Wouldn't you know... I ordered a Simgears ICP...

[@yokoh691]

Quest 3 might be able to do mixed reality to see your set up in game You can search mixed reality sim flight o KZbin

[@bobymochyn332]

the biggest flex is he has all this stuff and still has a wife!!!

[@GDViperWorks]

I guess you haven't seen the last update.

[@Globalnet626]

You should try out Falcon BMS if you have your original 4.0 disc. Doesn't look as good as DCS but you get the same dynamic campaign engine that DCS still quite hasn't figured out yet. It's free and for singleplayer I find it a lot better than DCS (and I didn't even grow up with Falcon 4!)

[@GDViperWorks]

Nah. Got enough on my plate. Sticking with DCS.

[@SDsc0rch]

its like... you've gotta choose between VR or max out your IRL sim pit

[@ComdrStew]

Or kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGXcfICVe8yAhac

[@ImperiumLibertas]

@@ComdrStew holy shit dude. This is the answer. I'm done buying any flight sim gear. Imma just save for this.

[@thatguy7085]

Tracker IR is still the best because VR hasn’t caught up yet.

[@armhunter]

absolutely not true. the new VR headsets are like strapping two monitors to your eyes.

[@anowerfaysal683]

What is the total Price ?

[@PeteV80]

Are those screens HDMI?

[@GDViperWorks]

Yes

[@KyleCowden]

The developer of the UFC is obviously NOT in it for the money. That kind of service means he's into a labor of love and wants more friends to play with online.

[@Bean-ce6df]

what is the ipad thing

[@GDViperWorks]

An app called DCS UFC

[@Ddg-mi5cs]

Well for me, a table with a laptop would be more than enough

[@homeworxchannel4120]

Nice set up! Just missing an Orion throttle! Blows the thrustmaster out of the water.

[@armhunter]

I disagree.

[@homeworxchannel4120]

@@armhunter 100+ buttons up to 5 axis swappable throttle handles. What does the thrustmaster offer? A terrible mouse button for a cursor and switches that require joy to key to even map on and off.

[@armhunter]

@@homeworxchannel4120 that's fine.. I have never had any electronic device made from China last long. But if it continues to work for you.. then im happy for you.

[@ArchOfficial]

Honestly, BMS is still better than DCS' F-16 at this point in every way except visuals and maybe some transient behavior of the flight modeling or engine. It'll likely remain to be that way if ED (understandably) only use publicly available flight performance charts and not the more accurate HAF one, the wrong NASA FLCS document and not the one with the correct curves (Not sure if that's been changed yet) and until they get all of the systems properly implemented. Of course, after that point it's probably at least a 2+ more year wait until DCS makes something similar to the campaign/combat environment in BMS. Oh well. I fly both, but BMS is just more compelling in the multirole-fighter side by a far margin IMO. If you liked Falcon 4.0 I'd really suggest you give BMS Falcon 4.35 a try. It's effectively an upgraded version of Falcon 4.0; it'll require a legal copy of the game. GOG has the Falcon collection real cheap if you've happened to misplace your physical box. Be sure to download the Alternative Launcher so you don't completely tear all of your hair out during setup.

[@dolomit7517]

your wife must be happy

[@przychodzic1280]

Wireless headset has a wire running to it...

[@GDViperWorks]

TrackIR is not wireless

[@przychodzic1280]

@@GDViperWorks Mine has no wires and works

[@GDViperWorks]

Because you aren't using the pro model.

[@przychodzic1280]

@@GDViperWorks I am, guess again

[@spicybravo4870]

POV:money

[@tonyb8066]

Not done, it seems.