PICS
06/07
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It seems that I'm obsessed with enclosures so I made another attempt at building an enclosure for my pit. My last attempt was sort of ok but lacked the ease of use I required. It was constructed using sliding rails to open and close. I basically used the wrong type (cabinet drawer) and the whole unit was constantly coming off he rails. The system was junked but the idea not forgotten. |
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I decided to torture myself and give it another try, thus my new "Plan Nine from Outer Space" This time I wanted something I could raise and lower with retractable side flaps that also be folded up or down. In this first photo you can see the unit in the raised position. It is made from a standard fiberboard shipping box painted black. |
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The side flaps lay flat on the top of the unit and can be left up or flipped down. I used lightweight aluminum angle bar to build the supports for the unit as they are very cheap from a home improvement type store. This was a build as you go project with minimal planning, I think that's what always gets me into trouble. I took some rough measurements and had at it. It didn't turn out too bad. |
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The next photo shows the top down and the side flaps half closed. the side flaps are made in two sections to create a semi full or full enclosure. The magic is done with Velcro and Gorilla Tape. The whole enclosure is very lightweight and cheap to make. |
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This photo shows the enclosure with the side flaps all the way down. As I stated before, being able to remove the outside environment really helps to create the suspension of reality and puts you into the simulator environment. I have a pretty decent sound system as well and each of these items really helps to enjoy the Sim. |
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This enclosure is very easy to use, I keep it raised to facilitate getting in and out of the Pit although I can get in and out with the top down with little difficulty. I think making a smaller similar unit just to surround yourself and a regular monitor would give the same results as this enclosure with the larger screen. |
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This photo shows what it looks like in the Pit looking at the left top corner of the enclosure. You may be able to see a small arm type device protruding from the top portion of the screen frame. I finally bought a TrackIR 4 head tracking unit, this should be fantastic! |
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The photo below shows a little of how the aluminum frame was built. It consists of two uprights with the side struts used to hold the unit in the up position, they rest against bolts in the uprights. The side struts are pulled slightly inwards and the canopy lowers. the weight of the unit although it is fairly light is counter balanced with a set |
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of springs at the rear running down the uprights and attached there as well as being attached to the rear of the top frame behind the hinge area. The front of the canopy rests very lightly on the top of the screen frame. |
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