New old guy would like some advice

Bear42 · Post by **Bear42** » Fri Mar 21, 2014 6:19 pm

Hope this is in the right spot.

Hi, old new guy here. Have been following EM now for the last 9 days. Have investigated all of videos and tutorials I could locate. Wow! The experience has left me almost committed to try my hand at EM.
However, I have just a few questions before I make the jump.

First a little background: Have been around gaming for a long time. Commodore 64 and a dual disk drive for it. (actually, still have it in storage) MS Flight Simulator, then Star Lancer, then Freespace 2 open and finally back to FSX. With FSX I became totally immersed and committed to joining Virtual Airline, deeply involved in Multiplayer, training and helping new pilots advance, using Team speak to communicate and do seminars and etc. That part was a wonderful experience. Then gave it all up, stored all equipment and kind of went into hibernation.

Built my first generic cockpit with Saitek Radios, Yoke & Throttle quadrants, rudder pedals, multiple monitors and home network with multiple systems. Also used Armchair Aviator modules to further enhance my cockpit with external buttons and controls. A good challenge to say the least.

Now, Will I be able to do the same thing in EM? i.e. add external controls and configure the program so I may utilize some of the equipment I already own?

Seeing the communication here on the forum, I am thinking I might want to get involved.

Sorry for the length, but want you to know where I'm coming from.

Your comments will be most appreciated. Look forward to possibly becoming a member of this community.

Kind Regards.
M. E. "Grizz" Wallace

harisund · Post by **harisund** » Fri Mar 21, 2014 7:38 pm

I am new to the game too ... and if there's one thing I can tell you with some certainty, it's that external devices seem to be recognized just fine.

I have CH products throttle, combat stick and rudder pedals .. (I have a trackIR but haven't tried it with the game yet). Everything was recognized just fine by the game. The game has support for multiple controllers, so you don't even have to go through the trouble of making your controllers appear as one (as would have been required with Freespace 2, for instance).

In fact, my demo is running out and I am thinking of buying the game depending on how good the multiplayer experience is.

I am loving the game so far.

(Note: I am not sure how much experience you have with FS2 and its mods, but keep in mind this is a 6 degrees of freedom space sim and as such will require innovations in your mind set. I too was primarily familiar with atmospheric flight simulators and it was a refreshing change being able to strafe, spin around while not moving, literally go in reverse .. etc etc. )

(Edit: Having multiple monitors helps. I have seen some forum posts where people have some interesting tools open in their second monitors that provide more information about the game)

[Edited on 3-21-2014 by harisund]

SeeJay · Post by **SeeJay** » Fri Mar 21, 2014 8:48 pm

Hi and welcome both of ya.

You can connect up to 10 devices at the same time.
I've never had any problems with devices. Works great.

I use 2 monitors. The 2nd one has Evometrics, Travel Buddy, Planet finder
or any other tool I need at any given time.
They are all free and available on my (our) website.

Post by **Marvin** » Fri Mar 21, 2014 11:54 pm

Some time ago, somebody posted screenshots of a home built cockpit simulator using the Evochron Mercenary software. So, yes, something like that is not only possible ... it exits (somewhere).

_-Caleb-_ · Post by **_-Caleb-_** » Sat Mar 22, 2014 12:45 am

From post: 168195, Topic: tid=11294, author=Marvin wrote:Some time ago, somebody posted screenshots of a home built cockpit simulator using the Evochron Mercenary software. So, yes, something like that is not only possible ... it exits (somewhere).

capt_cronic http://www.starwraith.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10837

Post by **Marvin** » Sat Mar 22, 2014 2:58 am

Oiy ... I don't remember them being that big (screen resolution) ... gotta reduce them to viewable size.

Capt_Caveman · Post by **Capt_Caveman** » Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:39 pm

Hi Bear42,
Yes I built a cockpit for em and fsx/p3d.
I wrote custom interface program for em cockpit.
you can download it from the link below.
if you have any questions, just U2U me.

[Edited on 3-22-2014 by capt_cronic]

Bear42 · Post by **Bear42** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 7:23 pm

Thanks so much for your responses. And yes, I have a second monitor. You really helped me make decision to get in gear and pull computer stuff out of storage and set up a quasi cockpit in my corner of the basement. Okay, following is a list of my stuff, would like to have your opinion if you think I can be operational without having to purchase / upgrade anything?

Stuff: OS: Win 7/64
Processor: Dual core CPU (not quad core)
Memory: 4 Gigs
HDD: 1TB, 7200
GPU: Gforce 450 GTS
2 ea. 21 inch flat screen monitors
1980's Logitech Wingman force joystick
(also forgot CH Pro Rudder Pedals)

Although I ran FSX on medium graphics, it looked good and performed well with out stutters or lockups.

The first things I would like to install as outside equipment is a spring loaded jettison handle and an ejection ring.

So, what do you think? As usual thank you taking the time and I appreciate your input.

Thanks, Grizz(Bear42)

[Edited on 3-27-2014 by Bear42]

Capt_Caveman · Post by **Capt_Caveman** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 8:37 pm

yes its possible.

I use ch products stick, throttle and pedals.
I used an old Saitek Cyborg Command gamepad
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gam ... 67-15.html
I removed the circuit board and wired it to 24 illuminated momentary push buttons in my simpit.
all the buttons are assignable in game settings.

I installed a mini keyboard

I use "arduino mega" project board with my software to drive my warning lamps and 6 dof servo output signals
http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardMega2560

the game will accept up to 10 devices. whatever you want to use.

then I use "samurize" with my custom graphics and config files
to generate all cockpit displays on a second monitor.
I have a custom hud mod that removes all cockpit displays except hud from the main screen .

all devices are connected to a 10 port powered usb hub so my simpit connects to my pc with a single usb cable
an rgb cable, sound and mic cables.

[Edited on 3-26-2014 by capt_cronic]

Bear42 · Post by **Bear42** » Fri Mar 28, 2014 11:01 pm

Say Capt. What do you mean "mini keyboard"? Are they expensive? I think I'm really getting hooked on looking for uncharted stuff. Found Nockturnl's video and found other posts about it and I might paste that on my monitor as my working goal once I get up and running. Still about two weeks away from install.

Thanks for you advice. So you do think that my system will be able to run Evochron fairly well?

Thanks again
Grizz(Bear42)

Capt_Caveman · Post by **Capt_Caveman** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 1:24 am

mini keyboard, look here

http://www.amazon.com/iPazzPort-KP-810- ... B004SQ5OYO

Bear42 · Post by **Bear42** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 4:14 pm

Cool! thanks.

Post by **DaveK** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 11:07 pm

capt_cronic is a consultant for the SpaceX Dragon programme!

Capt_Caveman · Post by **Capt_Caveman** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 11:47 pm

I wish

[Edited on 3-30-2014 by capt_cronic]