| Roger Dodger Aviation helps you make your flight simulator the best it can be! |
Copyright (c) 2004-2008 Roger Dodger Aviation, LLC All rights reserved Items sold by Roger Dodger Aviation, LLC are governed and protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America and international copyrights |
The History of Flight Simulators at Home
From Wikipedia.com...
Crude flight simulators were among the first types of programs to be developed for early personal computers. Bruce Artwick's subLOGIC simulators
were well-known for the functionality they managed to get onto 8-bit machines. Key computer game technologies such as 3D graphics, online play, and
modding were first showcased in combat flight simulators such as Red Baron II and European Air War.
A popular type of flight simulator are combat flight simulators, which simulate combat air operations from the pilot and crew's point of view. Combat flight
simulation titles are more numerous than civilian flight simulators due to variety of subject matter available and market demand.
In the early 2000s, even home entertainment flight simulators had become so realistic that after the events of September 11, 2001, some journalists and
experts speculated that the hijackers might have gained enough knowledge to steer a passenger airliner from packages such as Microsoft Flight
Simulator. Microsoft, while rebutting such criticisms, delayed the release of the 2002 version of its hallmark simulator to delete the World Trade Center
from its New York scenery and even supplied a patch to delete the towers retroactively from earlier versions of the sim.
The advent of flight simulators as home video game entertainment has prompted many users to become "airplane designers" for these systems. As
such, they may create both military or commercial airline airplanes, and they may even use names of real life airlines, as long as they don't make profits
out of their designs. Many other home flight simulator users create fictional airlines, or virtual versions of real-world airlines, so called virtual airlines.
These modifications to a simulation generally add to the simulation's realism and often grant a significantly expanded playing experience, with new
situations and content. In some cases, a simulation is taken much further in regards to its features than was envisioned or intended by its original
developers. Falcon 4.0 is an example of such modification; "modders" have created whole new warzones, along with the ability to fly hundreds of different
aircraft, as opposed to the single original flyable airframe.
One way in which users of flight simulation software engage is through the internet. Virtual pilots and virtual air traffic controllers take part in an online
flying experience which attempts to simulate real-world aviation to a high degree. There are several networks where this sort of play is possible, the most
popular ones being VATSIM and IVAO. VATSIM is generally regarded to have better coverage of the virtual North America and Great Britain, while IVAO's
pilots and controllers generally fly and control the virtual Europe, Africa and South America. IVAO's ATC certification process is not as strict as VATSIM's,
which allows for a greater number of controllers to be available, but guarantees their proficiency to a lesser degree than VATSIM. Both networks receive
anywhere from 300 to 900 ATC and pilot connections, depending on the time of day.
Popular simulators for home computers include:
* Civilian:
o Flight Unlimited series of PC simulators
o FlightGear, a GPL flight simulator with full world scenery and many aircraft models
o Fly!
o Microsoft Flight Simulator series, one of the most widely-used civilian flight simulators
o PRE-Flight Flight Simulator Radio Controlled Flight Simulator, uses real RC control device
o X-Plane, a multi-platform flight simulator
* Combat:
o Aces High, combat flight simulator and massively multiplayer online game for the PC
o Fighter Ace, combat flight simulator and massively multiplayer online game for the PC
o Falcon 4.0 (and the newer Falcon 4.0: Allied Force), an extremely detailed 'study sim' of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
o Jane's F/A-18, one of the final flight simulators by Electronic Arts under the Jane's Combat Simulations brand
o Su-27 Flanker contained a realistic and detailed flight model in a less competitive graphics shell on PC.
o IL-2 Sturmovik, one of the leading World War II flight simulators
o Lock On: Modern Air Combat, Jet Combat simulator.
o Combat Flight Simulator WWII Europe Series, Microsoft's first in its series (of 3) of WWII Aircombat
o B-17 Flying Fortress, B-17 Bomber simulator in WWII
o European Air War, a highly rated simulation in the E.T.O. in WWII
o Gunship, a simulator focusing on the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter
o Battle of Britain II: Wings of Victory,a complex simulation of the Battle of Britain
o YS Flight Simulation System 2000, a free flight simulator containing both civilian and combat elements
o GL-117, an open source action flight simulator for Windows, Linux and Mac.
Much rarer but still notable are flight simulators available for various game consoles. The most notable of these were Pilotwings, made available for the
Super Nintendo, the sequel Pilotwings 64 for the Nintendo 64 and the Ace Combat series on Playstation 1&2. The very rare Sky Odyssey is yet another
example of console flight simulators. Due to the restrictive nature of a game consoles ability to properly simulate environments in general and the
processing limitations of these systems in particular, game console-based flight simulators tend to be simplistic and have a more "arcade"-like feel to
them. While generally not as complex as PC based sims, console flight simulators can still be enjoyable to play, though their 'simulation' status is
disputed by many in the flight simulation community.
Homebuilt Cockpits (Simpits)
Main article: Simulation cockpit
Often referred to as Simpits, home cockpit building is a common hobby among simulator pilots. Simpits range in complexity from a single computer, with
some effort to create a permanent area for simulation, through to complete cockpit reconstruction projects utilizing multiple systems. The growth in home
cockpit complexity and realism has been further fueled by the opening up of the simulation software packages with published SDK's (Software
Development Kits) now common.
The push for higher realism in desktop simulation, often fueled by real pilots looking to practice cheaply at home, has led to a wide array of suppliers
growing up to satisfy the demand. Hardware is available from a variety of commercial sources ranging from yokes, throttles and pedals, through to
radios, lights and complete instruments. This home use hardware is rarely certified for flight training, so the hours spent practicing in the simpit will not
count towards a pilot's hours. However it is widely utilized as an unofficial training aid, allowing realistic procedures practice, as well as the opportunity to
complete visual or IMC approaches prior to a real world flight. This can help make a pilot's real-world flight time safer and more productive.[2]
Professional opinion is divided about how effective this home simulation can be against real world flight, and this has been a subject of debate in
popular flying magazines such as 'Pilot' through 2007.
For those wishing more than a desktop simulator, replica panels are commercially available mimicking those found in a modern airliners such as a
Boeing or Airbus. These panels will either fit into a real cockpit section, which some large scale home simulators are built into, or will be mounted in a
home constructed cockpit frame, normally made from wood. With most modern airliners now using Glass Cockpit type displays it is relatively simple to
replicate the displays in software, outputting them via multi head graphics cards or networked PCs to cheaply available LCD monitors mounted behind
the panel. To the casual observer it can be hard to tell a home built static simulator and a commercial one apart.
Where commercial panels or controls do not exist, simulator builders will often create their own out of wood or similar easily worked materials. Another
common route for sourcing the specific hardware needed in a simulator, and one used by the commercial sector as well, is to obtain a real component
from a scrapyard and convert it for PC input. Interface hardware for these home-made controls is directly available from commercial suppliers, or can be
obtained by dismantling cheap joysticks or similar components and rewiring them. Some home builds will even incorporate motion platforms, although
unlike commercial simulators these are normally more limited in motion, and often rely on electrical motors as opposed to hydraulics.
Beyond the hardware of home cockpits, most flight simulator software can simulate modern aircraft systems to a very high standard in addition to the
basic flight dynamics. Providing accurate recreations of the FMC (Flight Management Computer), Autopilot, and engine management systems among
others. With additional hardware and add in software this is extended even further. For example into a fully functional overhead / engineering panel
requiring real world check lists to be followed for engine startup and flight with a full flight deck crew.
From Wikipedia.com...
Crude flight simulators were among the first types of programs to be developed for early personal computers. Bruce Artwick's subLOGIC simulators
were well-known for the functionality they managed to get onto 8-bit machines. Key computer game technologies such as 3D graphics, online play, and
modding were first showcased in combat flight simulators such as Red Baron II and European Air War.
A popular type of flight simulator are combat flight simulators, which simulate combat air operations from the pilot and crew's point of view. Combat flight
simulation titles are more numerous than civilian flight simulators due to variety of subject matter available and market demand.
In the early 2000s, even home entertainment flight simulators had become so realistic that after the events of September 11, 2001, some journalists and
experts speculated that the hijackers might have gained enough knowledge to steer a passenger airliner from packages such as Microsoft Flight
Simulator. Microsoft, while rebutting such criticisms, delayed the release of the 2002 version of its hallmark simulator to delete the World Trade Center
from its New York scenery and even supplied a patch to delete the towers retroactively from earlier versions of the sim.
The advent of flight simulators as home video game entertainment has prompted many users to become "airplane designers" for these systems. As
such, they may create both military or commercial airline airplanes, and they may even use names of real life airlines, as long as they don't make profits
out of their designs. Many other home flight simulator users create fictional airlines, or virtual versions of real-world airlines, so called virtual airlines.
These modifications to a simulation generally add to the simulation's realism and often grant a significantly expanded playing experience, with new
situations and content. In some cases, a simulation is taken much further in regards to its features than was envisioned or intended by its original
developers. Falcon 4.0 is an example of such modification; "modders" have created whole new warzones, along with the ability to fly hundreds of different
aircraft, as opposed to the single original flyable airframe.
One way in which users of flight simulation software engage is through the internet. Virtual pilots and virtual air traffic controllers take part in an online
flying experience which attempts to simulate real-world aviation to a high degree. There are several networks where this sort of play is possible, the most
popular ones being VATSIM and IVAO. VATSIM is generally regarded to have better coverage of the virtual North America and Great Britain, while IVAO's
pilots and controllers generally fly and control the virtual Europe, Africa and South America. IVAO's ATC certification process is not as strict as VATSIM's,
which allows for a greater number of controllers to be available, but guarantees their proficiency to a lesser degree than VATSIM. Both networks receive
anywhere from 300 to 900 ATC and pilot connections, depending on the time of day.
Popular simulators for home computers include:
* Civilian:
o Flight Unlimited series of PC simulators
o FlightGear, a GPL flight simulator with full world scenery and many aircraft models
o Fly!
o Microsoft Flight Simulator series, one of the most widely-used civilian flight simulators
o PRE-Flight Flight Simulator Radio Controlled Flight Simulator, uses real RC control device
o X-Plane, a multi-platform flight simulator
* Combat:
o Aces High, combat flight simulator and massively multiplayer online game for the PC
o Fighter Ace, combat flight simulator and massively multiplayer online game for the PC
o Falcon 4.0 (and the newer Falcon 4.0: Allied Force), an extremely detailed 'study sim' of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
o Jane's F/A-18, one of the final flight simulators by Electronic Arts under the Jane's Combat Simulations brand
o Su-27 Flanker contained a realistic and detailed flight model in a less competitive graphics shell on PC.
o IL-2 Sturmovik, one of the leading World War II flight simulators
o Lock On: Modern Air Combat, Jet Combat simulator.
o Combat Flight Simulator WWII Europe Series, Microsoft's first in its series (of 3) of WWII Aircombat
o B-17 Flying Fortress, B-17 Bomber simulator in WWII
o European Air War, a highly rated simulation in the E.T.O. in WWII
o Gunship, a simulator focusing on the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter
o Battle of Britain II: Wings of Victory,a complex simulation of the Battle of Britain
o YS Flight Simulation System 2000, a free flight simulator containing both civilian and combat elements
o GL-117, an open source action flight simulator for Windows, Linux and Mac.
Much rarer but still notable are flight simulators available for various game consoles. The most notable of these were Pilotwings, made available for the
Super Nintendo, the sequel Pilotwings 64 for the Nintendo 64 and the Ace Combat series on Playstation 1&2. The very rare Sky Odyssey is yet another
example of console flight simulators. Due to the restrictive nature of a game consoles ability to properly simulate environments in general and the
processing limitations of these systems in particular, game console-based flight simulators tend to be simplistic and have a more "arcade"-like feel to
them. While generally not as complex as PC based sims, console flight simulators can still be enjoyable to play, though their 'simulation' status is
disputed by many in the flight simulation community.
Homebuilt Cockpits (Simpits)
Main article: Simulation cockpit
Often referred to as Simpits, home cockpit building is a common hobby among simulator pilots. Simpits range in complexity from a single computer, with
some effort to create a permanent area for simulation, through to complete cockpit reconstruction projects utilizing multiple systems. The growth in home
cockpit complexity and realism has been further fueled by the opening up of the simulation software packages with published SDK's (Software
Development Kits) now common.
The push for higher realism in desktop simulation, often fueled by real pilots looking to practice cheaply at home, has led to a wide array of suppliers
growing up to satisfy the demand. Hardware is available from a variety of commercial sources ranging from yokes, throttles and pedals, through to
radios, lights and complete instruments. This home use hardware is rarely certified for flight training, so the hours spent practicing in the simpit will not
count towards a pilot's hours. However it is widely utilized as an unofficial training aid, allowing realistic procedures practice, as well as the opportunity to
complete visual or IMC approaches prior to a real world flight. This can help make a pilot's real-world flight time safer and more productive.[2]
Professional opinion is divided about how effective this home simulation can be against real world flight, and this has been a subject of debate in
popular flying magazines such as 'Pilot' through 2007.
For those wishing more than a desktop simulator, replica panels are commercially available mimicking those found in a modern airliners such as a
Boeing or Airbus. These panels will either fit into a real cockpit section, which some large scale home simulators are built into, or will be mounted in a
home constructed cockpit frame, normally made from wood. With most modern airliners now using Glass Cockpit type displays it is relatively simple to
replicate the displays in software, outputting them via multi head graphics cards or networked PCs to cheaply available LCD monitors mounted behind
the panel. To the casual observer it can be hard to tell a home built static simulator and a commercial one apart.
Where commercial panels or controls do not exist, simulator builders will often create their own out of wood or similar easily worked materials. Another
common route for sourcing the specific hardware needed in a simulator, and one used by the commercial sector as well, is to obtain a real component
from a scrapyard and convert it for PC input. Interface hardware for these home-made controls is directly available from commercial suppliers, or can be
obtained by dismantling cheap joysticks or similar components and rewiring them. Some home builds will even incorporate motion platforms, although
unlike commercial simulators these are normally more limited in motion, and often rely on electrical motors as opposed to hydraulics.
Beyond the hardware of home cockpits, most flight simulator software can simulate modern aircraft systems to a very high standard in addition to the
basic flight dynamics. Providing accurate recreations of the FMC (Flight Management Computer), Autopilot, and engine management systems among
others. With additional hardware and add in software this is extended even further. For example into a fully functional overhead / engineering panel
requiring real world check lists to be followed for engine startup and flight with a full flight deck crew.
Jerry
Connecticut, USA
Just wanted to let you know how glad I am that I purchased the
Desktop Airliner Cockpit instructions. I've got the keyboards done,
and I'll be putting the shell together next week. This is an
excellent product, and I highly recommend it to anyone. The cost
is right as well. I figure it will cost me well less than $100.00 for
the whole project. I've never been much of a builder, but this looks
easy enough even for me. I'm a 60 year old retired pastor, and
this is my hobby to relax.
Thanks again for an excellent product.
Here is my finished product. I'm using the Saitek yoke and
throttles. Perhaps you could do a project that uses these
someday. Anyway, the whole project (including tools that I had to
buy) was less than $100 dollars. What a bargain. I plan on
adding some GoFlight modules in a few months, and they'll
integrate nicely with my new cockpit. Thanks again for the
excellent product.
PS, my wife thinks this is a little strange, but still supports me :-)
Connecticut, USA
Just wanted to let you know how glad I am that I purchased the
Desktop Airliner Cockpit instructions. I've got the keyboards done,
and I'll be putting the shell together next week. This is an
excellent product, and I highly recommend it to anyone. The cost
is right as well. I figure it will cost me well less than $100.00 for
the whole project. I've never been much of a builder, but this looks
easy enough even for me. I'm a 60 year old retired pastor, and
this is my hobby to relax.
Thanks again for an excellent product.
Here is my finished product. I'm using the Saitek yoke and
throttles. Perhaps you could do a project that uses these
someday. Anyway, the whole project (including tools that I had to
buy) was less than $100 dollars. What a bargain. I plan on
adding some GoFlight modules in a few months, and they'll
integrate nicely with my new cockpit. Thanks again for the
excellent product.
PS, my wife thinks this is a little strange, but still supports me :-)
Michael, USA
Hey, thanks for making a cockpit accessible - this thing came
together so fast, and is a joy to use - you've brought a lot of fun
into my life.
My testimonial: I thought that the PACS was going to be a
summer project. Much to my annoyance, I had it finished in a
weekend ... and the only powertool I used was a drill.
now I'm going to have to spend all summer flying!
Hey, thanks for making a cockpit accessible - this thing came
together so fast, and is a joy to use - you've brought a lot of fun
into my life.
My testimonial: I thought that the PACS was going to be a
summer project. Much to my annoyance, I had it finished in a
weekend ... and the only powertool I used was a drill.
now I'm going to have to spend all summer flying!
Hanno, Germany
First I have to say thank you very much for your great product.
My name is Hanno and I'm from Wernau, it's a small town near Stuttgart in the
south of Germany. I studied Aviation Systems. The study includes an ATPL
(JAR-FCL) license. This year I was in Vero Beach, Florida at Flight Safety
International from January till April and did my CPL-IFR. In August 13th I have a
Screening on the CRJ 900. So, your videos and plans help me a lot to fly the
CRJ 700 very comfortable. It's very important for me to handle the instruments
very fast and without any problems. I'm very sold on your plans. Great job!!!
My SIM is not exactly like your SIM in the videos, because I have to use my
Computer sometimes like a home office and then it's not very helpful to have a
yoke in front of you ;) So I need a degradable SIM. The pictures I send you,
shows my solution of a SIM. Somewhere down the road, I will build a 'full flight'
SIM and then your videos will be very useful.
So I say thank you very much again, and I will visit your webpage continuously.
First I have to say thank you very much for your great product.
My name is Hanno and I'm from Wernau, it's a small town near Stuttgart in the
south of Germany. I studied Aviation Systems. The study includes an ATPL
(JAR-FCL) license. This year I was in Vero Beach, Florida at Flight Safety
International from January till April and did my CPL-IFR. In August 13th I have a
Screening on the CRJ 900. So, your videos and plans help me a lot to fly the
CRJ 700 very comfortable. It's very important for me to handle the instruments
very fast and without any problems. I'm very sold on your plans. Great job!!!
My SIM is not exactly like your SIM in the videos, because I have to use my
Computer sometimes like a home office and then it's not very helpful to have a
yoke in front of you ;) So I need a degradable SIM. The pictures I send you,
shows my solution of a SIM. Somewhere down the road, I will build a 'full flight'
SIM and then your videos will be very useful.
So I say thank you very much again, and I will visit your webpage continuously.
| DIYflightsims@RogerDodger.net |
| Have you completed a DIY Flight Sims project? You might get to show off your creation on this page. Just send us an email with your first name and city and a few completion pictures. |
| Most people send us pictures because they are very proud when they finish their DIY project. These are just a sample. |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
