What it Cost! - A10C Warthog Simulator (Part 1)

Welcome to the Warthog Project! This video finally answers the number one question i get asked: How much did this cost??
This is part one of a two part series. In this video I will go over the cost to make the actual physical cockpit, including both side consoles, the main instrument panel and the ejection seat. This includes all electronics, switches, rotaries, knobs, buttons, aircraft panels and accessories.
Part two will include the PC peripherals, screen and projectors and software.
01:46- Plastics
03:16- Bolts/Nuts
05:53- LED lighting
08:10- Switches
14:40- Rotaries
18:00- I/O Cards / USB Interfaces
22:11- Displays
24:38- Wiring/Cables
26:27- USB Hubs/Cables
27:31- Gauge Lamps/ Gauge Servos
28:15- Special Purchases
29:06- Power Supply
29:33- Knobs
31:30- Paint
32:24- Plans/Cockpit Structure
33:34- Seat Rails
All my plans, panel files, and 3D printing .stls are free for download at thewarthogproj...
I sometimes livestream on twitch- / thewarthogproject
Or check out my Instagram at- / thewarthogproject
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How much did this cost?
Answer is explained fully right here!
What Game/Sim is this?
Digital Combat Simulator World (A-10C Tank Killer II) - www.digitalcom...
Can I have a free copy of all your panel design files?
Yes you can! - thewarthogproj...
What software do you use to warp the projector image? Fly Elise-ng Immersive Diplay Pro - fly.elise-ng.n...
What software do you use to export the gauges on the main panel?
Helios - github.com/Hel...
What are your PC Spec?
Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Master, Intel i7-9700k OC to 5ghz, 32GB Corsair RAM, Gigabyte Aorus GTX1080ti Waterforce Extreme Edition, Samsung 920 EVO M.2 1TB SSD (OS and DCS), Samsung 860 QVO 2TB 2.5" SATA SSD (Storage), Two XSPC 360mm Radiators, EKWB Velocity CPU Waterblock, EK-RES X3 250mm with D5 water pump, Custom Hard Tubing, Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic Black Case. All RGB turned off!

[@tanwera]

I see a lot of comments on how inexpensive this project was compared to expectations. Lets not forget that it took him 5 years to build and he is incredibly skilled. To hire someone with the same skills to work full time to duplicate this would cost well over $100,000 and probably much more. Lets face it, few of us, even with unlimited resources, could do this ourselves. Kudos to this guy for an incredible accomplishment!

[@Gizmos_and_stuff]

Agreed

[@BowtieIndustries]

still super cheap, and I know people who can do this stuff for me for free even

[@xgtwb6473]

​@@BowtieIndustries nobody is doing this for free

[@Scottforyoutube]

Isn't that what a hobby is? You either spend money to buy the thing or give up time to build the thing...

[@RedTail1-1]

Also that this is part 1... There is an entire second video with even more cost..

[@Matthew83128]

I'm super impressed, this cost so much less than I was expecting. Amazing job!

[@MegaDicksplash]

I thought it would be at least 5 times more than that.

[@movax20h]

@@MegaDicksplash If you include amount of time you need to spend to design, select parts, do prototypes, build it and assemble, it will be about 5 times more. The parts aren't the main cost factor in most products.

[@ryandoe11]

Im sure he's misleading us quite a bit..

[@movax20h]

@ Plus all the tools needed. Like laser cutter, saws, sand paper, drills, power tools, paints, brushes, etc. etc. it is hard to really find proper cost, as these tools are not one off and can be used for many other things, but still, it is an investment, and renting it would a lot too.

[@johnd.ingleson799]

He forgot to add the cost of time, sweat, blood, lost family members, and failed relationships! What an amazing project!

[@davannagle450]

1. I am very jealous of what you have created here. 2. I wish I had your skill set so I could build a pit like this. 3. Well done, it's absolutely amazing work.

[@EduardusLee]

"Did you go brrrrt?" "Yes" "What did it cost?" "Everything."

[@stevensamuel1968]

Pro tip: watch series on flixzone. Been using them for watching lots of of movies during the lockdown.

[@ezekielfranklin7387]

@Steven Samuel Definitely, I've been using Flixzone} for years myself =)

[@IM2awsme]

Lol, the money has nothing on the amount of time it sounds like he put into this, if he worked minimum wage at a job for the same amount of time, he'd probably have enough money to buy a couple brand-new factory produced ones. Respect!

[@DGFX64]

That's a great price for what you delivered. On gut feel I thought your total was going to at $10,000 +. Well done. I am totally amazed.

[@NinjaContravaniaManX]

He even had the structure done by a CNC service instead of buying and cutting the materials himself. I'd never guessed that, despite having worked as a technical buyer for those types of components and services for years. Not sure what you would get for this budget in Europe on consumer level...

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

@@NinjaContravaniaManX Probably just the seat...

[@muzzaball]

Just on price of parts was pretty reasonable. The addition of your tools increases the value a bit. Your skill triples or quads the cost. You have done an exceptional job with a result second to none! Just tremendous. 😊😊😊

[@jgadget405]

I cannot believe there are people who gave this a thumbs down! This is outstanding work!

[@ShazammtheProducer]

haters that they cant do what he did

[@RedTail1-1]

People get jealous when they see someone doing better than themselves. It's a very ugly thing.

[@sahhull]

To be fair, if you are the type of person who can make things.. There's not many of us left, folks tend to throw the cash and buy buy buy because they want it now and easy. Anyway if you have the correct mindset. It's more time consuming than difficult. Skills can be learned.

[@chadwalker9804]

As someone without any electrical, fabrication, or programming knowledge you've made starting my F18 project a hell of a lot less scary. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your process!!!

[@ryandoe11]

Cost is: $4211.66 AUD $2853.72 USD

[@chuck7299]

Saved me 35min. Thanks!

[@PhantomPanic]

@@chuck7299 Actually he told the cost in the beginning of the video. 😋

[@alfie.b.2660]

£2,345.90 GBP

[@pilote768]

And 2550€ :)

[@thewarthogproject]

30,926.04 Botswana Pule

[@ausguitarist]

as a budding aussie flight simmer with the basic logitech yoke and throttle quadrants this makes me solid. Well done mate you didn't just throw a bunch of money at it, you made it 1:1. a perfect representation. Here I am looking all smug after designing my 737 dashboard for x-plane 11 zibo mod, and you've gone balls out. love it mate well done xx

[@dontaddmehobo]

I thought being a 3D Designer would make this project approachable, then I realized it's an electrical engineering project and I don't know what an ohm is. I think your low cost is impressive, but the real cost is your skills which are invaluable. Much respect, inspiration to us all.

[@darrenb3214]

Why anyone would thumb down this video, just proves they're jealous of your achievement with this. I'm jealous but in a good way lol.

[@davemardon6756]

Not a flight sim person but that looks extremely good. Well done.

[@ronny-andrebendiksen4137]

I've seen most of your videos (not all). I love how you go knee deep in details about the cockpit, CNC and all the other physical details. However, could you go into detail how you programmed the Arduinos to work with the simulator software on your computer?

[@thewarthogproject]

Will do.

[@quintenzappe3412]

@@thewarthogproject hey I checked and there is still no video on this topic, is this something that is still in the making?

[@dontaddmehobo]

@@quintenzappe3412 if you're still looking, there is now a ton of content on dcs-bios to achieve this :)

[@watermouse9296]

It cost you $4211.66 | If sold online, it would sell for 25,000-40,000. Amazingly detailed job. The wiring by itself is crazy!

[@BaconbuttywithCheese]

Labor and machine time would push the real cost into six figures, for sure. A testament to your skill. Beautiful.

[@gamaximusaurelius8969]

Why ever someone would dislike a video like this?..unless from jealous. Myself probably never get a chance to have something like this but just watching was so cool. Have all the respect for you mate to do such a DIY project. grat!!!!

[@gdcartjr]

Everyone amazed with how cheap...but don't forget the time the man has invested in the creation of it all. Huge cost if you put the time at any value. Great Job. Looks great.

[@granander]

Holy shit! This must be the most realistic home system ever! Awesome craftsmanship!

[@jeremysargent5037]

Most peoples gamer PC's come to more than your cockpit cost. I'm really impressed with your costs and it's really encouraging.

[@tomservo5347]

Dude, your ingenuity and dedication to the A-10 warrants a joyride in the real thing. I'm sure if any A-10 pilots or Air Force/Air National Guard people saw and heard about you they'll be more than happy to give you a lift. I remember seeing these things flying overhead during boot camp at Ft. Leonardwood followed shortly by the characteristic ripping/burping of the chain gun going off as they practiced on targets at their range several miles away. They were supposed to retired years ago but it's such a good weapons platform they keep extending them. An ugly duckling but oh so beautiful at the same time.

[@bronco5334]

That'd be a trick, because there's only one two-seater A-10, and it hasn't flown in about four decades.

[@robb2056]

WOW, thank you for sharing. I cried when I bought my first rudder peds that was 79.00 LOL i shall live through you. Keep up the good work.

[@mk4_max]

bruuuuh just listing all the parts was a pain, cant believe the work that went into this setup. INSANEEEEEE, nice work done chief

[@blakedblake6143]

Up next...53 part video series on how to wire this puppy. Lol. But in all seriousness, stellar build. Old time, 50 year old sim pilot here. I have never seen such detail. Truly spectacular. Now to watch more to see how this thing performs. :)

[@hypersmudge1]

Fantastic itemized breakdown of your costs. Wow! Such an amazing project. I’m blown away. Good on you! Thanks!

[@robbieh1899]

Geesus...Just incredible work. I take my hat off to all you guys who know what you are doing with building your own simpit. I'm struggling to bomb a target...

[@Bimmerstye1]

Very nice job. The cost is actually pretty reasonable. When I started watching this video I thought the cost would be at least twice as much but I watched a few of your other video's just now and I'm impressed with how you did most of the work yourself and did it all on a reasonable budget. I'm not really into flight simming but I like these kind of projects and appreciate the work that goes into them. Loving it.

[@Jfd7792]

Thank you very much! Finally someone that will give an upfront answer...thanks again. By the way as a result of the straight up price, it gave me enough curiosity to stick around and watch the whole clip. Well done. Congratulations on the entire job, really cool.

[@johnnytrongaming]

I show my wife your videos when she says I’m out of control. Beastly setup!

[@petronics2454]

Dear Romeo Kilo, I reckon your whole reveal is nothing less than amazing!!! You share in fabulous detail, film it well, you obviously fly for our country 🇦🇺 with an acumen pertaining to computers and electronics and D..I...Y. Glory be; what else can I say; perhaps -"EXCELLENT". Fondest regards Pete

[@wolfstadt_]

My question is: while you are flying and flipping all those switches and controls and stuff, and then you die or crash in the simulator, do you have to manually go back and reset everything to default?

[@Brimmlinn]

Typically part of the preflight of a real aircraft is making sure all the switches and such are in the correct position. I imagine he has to do the same with each new flight but if you do it enough times you memorize the flow and only use the checklist to back up your flow.

[@steffennilsen2132]

If I ever get around to building my own simpit, i'd use a red colored led to highlight switches that don't match a profile so I would easily identify which switches I would have had to reset

[@BetterThanYouAnyway]

You don't usually just die or crash, you land and switch everything off in shutdown procedure. But if you do die, all those switches and controls and stuff are part of a system, so you get pissed and start switching off navigation, flight stabilization, CMs, fuel pumps, lights, radios, weapons, MFCDs, oxygen and seat heater. If you are building your "simpit", you know systems well enough so you wont red mark switches in it.

[@steffennilsen2132]

@@BetterThanYouAnyway It's going to be a thousand times easier to let my friends play with it if it holds their hands

[@JerryLaw]

I been in a few sim over the year, if you crash in any sim we just switch all the switches back to cold and dark state while resting

[@2018paulrobbinx]

I’m glad someone who made an in home cockpit is willing to talk about it. One day, fingers crossed, I want to make a Viper pit. That or I will hopefully get to actually be a tactical pilot in the USAF.

[@twohouses2259]

Utterly impressed. Wow...That’s some serious love that went into this Project. Hat’s off to ya mate. Brilliant.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Cool! I love how professional your simulator looks :)

[@adamk4662]

A lot cheaper than I expected, but how much extra for all your skill and knowledge?

[@Tom-Servo]

This is my exact thoughts. The true value here is knowing how to make this. I mean...it looks incredible. Just having the knowledge of what parts to buy is overwhelming

[@rag5808]

Wow, very nice. Expensive but at the same time, not that much in the end when you see all what has been done. Really amazing job!

[@moody_goose]

Thanks for going into such great detail with your build. There are so many like me looking to build their own simpit but don’t know where to begin. Everything you have provided so far is a huge help for us future simpit builders. Thank you and keep the updates coming

[@ifnotnowwhen6914]

Amazing build and attention to detail. Loads of awesome tips. I'm not into gaming or simulators, but you showed tons of great tips for custom car dashes etc. I came to this video out of total cost curiosity, but when you listed the total at the beginning I appreciated it so I kept watching. I very glad I did because I learned so much more and got even more ideas. Your skill and attention to detail is impressive and inspiring. Thank you for sharing all of this.

[@jemlittle1787]

Cheaper than I thought Thanks for sharing buddy

[@belliott538]

Four Executives from Activision's Flight Sim department gave this Video a Thumbs Down... Thumbs Up and Subbed from Texas!

[@jbg43]

I am totally impressed! What a project and the work is magnificent! One Question: When do you begin work on the airframe and engine?

[@ChangeHere]

Amazing, there is so much information here to help a person pick and chose and keep things sensible. I recently started making my own panels with arduino and this video has provided a lot of part sourcing info that will save me time and money in the future. Thank you!

[@mllarson]

Now I want to make something similar (although less complex and more generic for space battle style games). Thanks for going over everything in such detail!

[@kevinx9225]

Hey, your video popped up as recommended. I just happen to like A-10s but had no prior knowledge of your channel or flight sims. Just gave it a thumbs up and hope to catch part 2.

[@IronBalls007]

You are the masterchief sim-cockpitbuilder, what an awesome job you have done, trully amazing. The total cost is only less then half the price I actually had in mind, very nice that you could build this for this price. Better not count in the manhoures you have put in to build this or you would be ruined I think :D Very clean nice work with so much eye to detail, just wow.

[@gundog4314]

That is just freakin insane....I would love one but man, somebody would have to make it for me. I'll have to forward this to a business partner who flew A-10A's to see what he thinks. Cheers

[@JClark2600]

Definitely a labor of love. Thanks for showing off your pit. Back in the early 90's I used to buy time at a place call Flight Pro (or something like that) and they had a full pit and projectors but yours is 10x better. You should think about building more and opening a gaming shop where people can rent time on your rigs.

[@A10SimPilot]

Thank you this is entertaining, informative and will be a great resource for the community. I can’t imagine starting this without DCS-BIOS! A few button boxes maybe but not the more complex I/O. Regards & respect from Mark

[@theDesigner14]

This is amazing, takes a lot of dedication to make something like this, I thought my flight setup was decent (I have a logitech x56) but this is amazing

[@michaelteasdill6410]

Absolutely Awesome - What dedication to detail.

[@tacticalscouse5795]

ridiculous stuff! absolutely amazing dedication you have to construct all the electronics and hardware, keep it up!

[@TheWarriorSolution]

That is actually a really great price!! I know guys with gaming PCs more expensive than that. Well done!!

[@MCBob-nh4cr]

Nice build, thought it’d cost more. Only thing that makes me slow on playing DCS is knowing what my competitors in the sky have! VR, feedback gloves, cockpits, it’s crazy what people get for this game. Once I build my new garage I’ll probably have a cockpit myself.

[@ddfwaj]

WOW great video, really appreciate you going through the detail as a friend and I are looking to build our own and were rough estimating the cost. This definitely helps with planning. You should really consider making panels to sell for these simulators could be a great side business!

[@Achilles_696]

This is awesome bro! i've seen some super nice flight sim set ups, but this is the best, most realistic one i've ever seen..don't give up on this i'm super excited to see this finished! thanks man.

[@artkingofwholefoods74]

If it cost 5,000 to build. You should sell them for 15,000! You’re SO talented! Quite the engineer!

[@burtpanzer]

Just the fact that you were willing to cover each part and were able to provide this information, whether from memory or not, is impressive in itself, but the effort to research and assemble the literally 1000's of parts you've accumulated, into a fully functional simulator with such a high degree of quality and craftsmanship, I think is rather astounding. Now, perhaps you've built simulators before or work for the Aussie equivalent of NASA, I don't know... but if you accomplished all of this in between remodeling kitchens... damn, bro. Now go have a couple Foster's with some friends for a change... lol

[@welshparamedic]

Thanks for putting this on YT! It really inspires us lesser mortals to 'bite the bullet' and have a go! I live in South Wales, No, not the 'New' version down your part of the world but the original 'Old South Wales' not far from Cardiff and at 61 It's a case of trying to teach an old dog new tricks! I have always built my own PC's but that is not hard to do, the BIG thing is not so much the physical build (Although it is in it's self a bloody Awesome undertaking!) But getting everything 'talking to each other' plus all those Leo bodnar cards and adrenos etc ( and those mini motors for dials...Epic!) However being that I am a Welshman first, a Brit second, I want to base a cockpit on a Eurofighter Typhoon, a jet I would gladly trade the wife and house in for on a Part exchange deal (probably only worth a wheel!) But seriously that's what I am considering? Just wondered if Anybody out there has plans of a Typhoon cockpit/dash? If so PLEASE reply with details where I can purchase 'said' plans! Once again Many Thanks Mr 'Warthog Project' You Sir, are a true inspiration (without equal, because of your willingness to share/help us fellow flight simmers!

[@Jeropa]

Amazing project and impressive result! Thanks for sharing this all.

[@gregoryvinson9299]

Incredible craftsmanship!

[@bobrogers58]

Now THAT'S what I call a " Maker " ... very nice job Mate !!

[@Jack-Wall]

Thank you so much for this log and overview. Hope the rain didn't wash anything away half way through!

[@marcquintin7855]

I followed your build at ed"s forum, amazing job

[@sween187]

Was expecting that to be well over 10,000. Wow great job.

[@Cameronol]

Most interesting Recommended video I've seen in a while! Subscribed!!

[@sporkeh90]

Those bodnar cards are so expensive that I wrote a library to do the same thing with generic arduino leonardos (native USB) + i2c expanders. Awesome project btw!

[@sbruce899]

You are my hero. I've been wanting to get back into sim flying again. looks like fun

[@djblackruss]

You should make and sell these, I'm sure you could become a millionaire with in 5 years. Start with the A-10, F-18,F-16

[@sahhull]

Awesome... The 3 modules that I have zero interest in

[@sahhull]

I like the Harrier, mig21, F5, mig15, ka50 and all the warbirds

[@sahhull]

@BladeRnR10 Kewl I'll wait for your review on it

[@johnwayne2103]

It would be cost prohibitive. You would have to hire a team of people who will work cheap. Plus with that much wiring and lighting you are bound to have issues. Time to completion will kill your bottom line.

[@djblackruss]

John Wayne you select the favorites or make them to order. You can make templates the when the orders come in you fill them with a 4-6 wk delivery time based on the module. If you do all wat birds for example then you make templates for p51 f109 ect. Orders come in run the wires package it and ship. Many folks would love it but don’t have the time or the knowledge to do it themselves so they would pay good money for a set up. That the reason we watch the vids. I showed my partner at work who doesn’t sim. He was hooked

[@SpaceraverDK]

The specialist switches you bought from ebay can be gotten non-specialist from Mouser, NKK makes the "cheaper" ones..

[@AirsoftAddicted]

Man, you are insane! Great work :) Doesn't matter how much it costs - after all, it's your hard work.

[@sahhull]

Time consuming yes but it's not that hard presuming you are someone who can make things. We are a dieing breed and there's not a lot of us left

[@hornetdriver8509]

Absolutely amazing work! Would love to pick your brain on the Arduino stuff.

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

This is absolutely and utterly impressive!!! You should mass produce these for people who want them, im sure you could cut the costs down and make a decent profit! Maybe you could do other cockpits aswell!

[@hansangb]

Yet another fantastic video. Thanks for taking the time to go into the parts and costs in detail. But you made a HUGE MISTAKE THAT MUST BE CORRECTED *RIGHT* NOW. You somehow added an extra zero on the cost to everything. Surely you meant $421.16 AUD because, you know..., my wife could be watching this now. How can I explain the discrepancy? LOL. J/K. Thanks again for superb video.

[@lyeeable]

Thank you for all of these great resources. You have helped me get through my project greatly m8

[@pa4tim]

You can use the electronics from an usb keyboard. Saves you a whole lot of money. Just replace the keyboard matrix by switches

[@yobb89]

Wouldn't this have a problem with Sticky keys in windows and some brands/types of keyboards don't function well with multiple key strokes also other conflicts ectt

[@CheshireNoir]

I used to use pliers to crimp the Dupont connectors. I ended up buying the cheapo tool for them ($16 USD from Ali Express. Can't remember what I paid in AUD) and I can tell you, it was an excellent investment in reliability and speed. Wouldn't go back! (I use them extensively in retro computers)

[@davidwootton683]

This is so amazing. Many many thanks for sharing this with us. Kind regards and greetings from Africa.

[@janeblogs324]

4:14 they are regular cap screws not button heads. That black tool steel finish will rust too, so paint or matte clear them

[@9HighFlyer9]

If you look closely they've already got some surface rust.

[@hiker64012]

Excellent job! I used to fly and test the Viper and would love to put something together like this that would allow a VR interface.

[@landroveraddict2457]

Would you talk about your laser cutter please? Thanks, I don't know how many hours you put in but the price for the gear is a lot less than I expected, it looks awesome.

[@ianmac93]

You could definitely start a cockpit company for flight simmers. top notch work.

[@D00kerT]

You could do this as a full-time job. Charge people whatever, they'd pay. Ship the whole thing, have them pay for lodging and assemble it for them on site.

[@amandafisher4233]

Thanks for putting in the effort to document all this - it's very useful. Great job!

[@Ken_Dalton]

Man that is sick.. I would love s to have a shot at that thing! Epic build, lucky guy.. ✌

[@ermintrude9634]

Amazing, I wish I could like this video twice! Thanks for putting so much detail in this vid, it’s a great help with my project.

[@rexmyers991]

As a retired airline pilot who worked for years in our airlines simulator training department I am VERY impressed! Do your flight controls have ‘control loading’? That is feed back feel?

[@Cowracer67]

Man, I would LOVE to see you do a video on what all you did to that K40 laser one day!

[@tecks7044]

I'll add my vote to the laser video!!

[@tecks7044]

I would also love to see one on the analog gauges.

[@mickmccormack5442]

Mate this is super impressive, congrats, awesome work!

[@yumpinyiminy963]

Super job on cockpit. How about recording some of you enjoying your labors. Record some game action please. :-)

[@savagepatty]

Great video man. I see a lot of builds from Americans and living in Australia as well I can’t help but laugh at their prices since most of the crap they can get really cheap like Perspex is a lot more expensive here as I’m sure you know.

[@garrisonguides719]

Bro, have you ever worked a10s? that thing is very true to life excellent work. using plastic to replace the aluminum and lighten the thermal load genious

[@bobcharlotte8724]

Cost counter in the corner... awesome.

[@mikko3808]

Great vid, looking forward to the second piece

[@martinmayks8199]

I was converting my old SFS Suncom Throttle to USB and i had the same goal to make it generic in windows. With the Uno and nano it is (almost) impossible, since they lack a USB chip, so they can only communicate via serial, but there is a way to make the Leonardo, Micro and mega appear in windows as a HID device.

[@TheBauwssss]

Damn you got a good deal with the price for that whole wooden cockpit structure man!

[@deniskalugin7984]

Omg, this is so phantastic!!! Great job!

Wow a video about switches and what they cost - and it's enjoyable! :D

[@IM2awsme]

I'd recommend visiting a junkyard at some point and taking apart a couple car dashboards, you could get atot of the things on your list for incredibly cheap.

[@JattaRaso]

WOW this is the type of thing that inspires ppl into doing something amazing of their own! Chapeu sir! Are you also into Il-2 Battle of Stalingrad ?