This page provides a description of recommended configurations of Simchair hardware, along with suggested order of building things. The best way is to use it along with the Simchair MKIV modules list simultaneously so you can see all of the available options.
There are two types of devices in the Simchair MKIV system: the master controller, and peripherals. Usually, the master controls multiple peripheral devices.
* provides a single-cable USB interface to the PC * provides various complex interactions between components of the system * provides the way for simple configuration of the software
* provide analog to digital transform * provide input filtering * provide identification of devices * provide unification of input from devices * allow for longer cables to be used
Multiple master controllers can be used simultaneously to extend the possibilities of the system. One device of each type (cyclic, collective, etc) is allowed per master. It's possible to use e.g. two separate collective levers by attaching them to two different masters. Any part of the system can be used separately.
The first thing to build. You can then upload the peripheral software to other devices using it. There are two options for the master: a separate controller and an integrated one. The latter is used for USB collective levers. In that case, it still performs the functions of master (polls the collective head).
If you want just the collective, choose a USB one. If you want other devices as well, you'll need a standalone master, which is called the “I2C” one.
The collective lever is probably the most popular part of the system with a large number of options available.
The lever consists of three main parts:
The following extensions are available:
If you want a USB version of the lever, pick the USB EVO base. If you want a standalone master (in case you need other devices besides the collective) - choose an I2C one. Choose the version of the box with an extension slot if you want to be able to install collective add-ons (see below).
a) MKIV simple collective SE
USB base or I2C base
Single throttle lever body for integrated heads SE
Simple (integrated) collective head SE (actual)
This lever is a perfect choice if you want maximum functionality in minimalistic form - it's portable, extremely durable, and has enough mapped buttons/hats on it to be useful in most cases.
b) MKIV compact collective SE
USB base or I2C base
this lever is currently in development
c) MKIV Bell-407 style collective
USB base or I2C base
Single throttle lever body with physical idle stop latch,206 style
Bell407-style collective head
d) MKIV UH-1 style collective
USB base or I2C base
Single throttle lever body with tactile idle stop mark
UH-1 Huey-style collective head
e) MKIV AB412 style collective
If you want a scale collective, choose the twin lever body. If you want functions, pick the single lever body with the throttle latch, 206 style.
USB base or I2C base
Single throttle lever body with tactile idle stop mark, or
Single throttle lever body with physical idle stop latch,206 style, or
Twin throttle lever body
Bell412-style collective head
f) MKIV B206 style collective
USB base or I2C base
Single throttle lever body with physical idle stop latch,206 style
Bell206-style collective head
Pedestals are used to add various generic controls to the collective base. You can easily find them with your left hand, without letting go of the cyclic stick, which allows you to fly more comfortably. They are designed for blind operation, so work perfectly in VR.
a) Simple pedestal
This is basically a VR mouse with some extra switches. It contains a mini stick that you can move the cursor with, a universal knob to turn everything you need to turn in the cockpit, and a filtered zoom wheel on the side.
b) VRMax II pedestal
This one includes the simple pedestal, but also contains a radio panel with 4 knobs, 2 buttons, and an 8-way selector switch, that is used to map the panel to 8 different sets of buttons. This thing will let you assign a radio stack and most of the other knobs in the cockpit easily!
The pneumatic mod is used to add some smooth resistance to the levers with heavier heads. However, a friction tensioner, lubricated with lithium grease, provides mostly the same experience and should be sufficient in most cases.
a) Cyclic with centering system
– Work in progress –