Researching feasibility.

[TorpX]

Do you mean an actual physical console apart from what you have in the game, or a worked over in-game item?

In any case, it sounds like a pretty ambitious project. It really doesn't seem goofy to me. I've always thought the limits in the way the dials, guages, and machinery works leaves something to be desired.

[HW3]

Alas, if the Devs had spent a little time playing the game, and working out navigation/manual targeting problems as we do, I think many of these flaws would have been eliminated at the outset.

The developers did the best they could with the time allotted them by UBI. They even had the release date backed up 1 quarter, if I remember correctly. They also worked with SubSim on what was wanted in the sim while they designed it. That is why it is still the very popular sim it is today.

[Mork_417]

Originally Posted by TorpX

Do you mean an actual physical console apart from what you have in the game, or a worked over in-game item?

In any case, it sounds like a pretty ambitious project. It really doesn't seem goofy to me. I've always thought the limits in the way the dials, guages, and machinery works leaves something to be desired.

Yes sir, an actual physical console, kinda like what the Flight Sim guys do when they build a cockpit mock up in their garage. Except, I don't think I'm going to go that far with it.

[palatum]

Floppyrat, I had the same idea some time ago, explained in this (somewhat hi-jacked) thread:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=194563

I finally ordered an Arduino set, which I haven't had the time to look at, and an Enigma-E set (from Bletchley Park) which I also haven't had the time to build.

But it sounds awesome, no-one can disagree on that

[TorpX]

But it sounds awesome, no-one can disagree on that

Very much so...

[Mork_417]

Palatum, thanks for sharing your thread man. I was not aware of the Arduino project set, or the Enigma-E thingy which is SO kewl.

So far i have compliled a rough parts list, for testing with, and will probably be ordering it this weekend. Basically, I will be using almost the same method the flight simers use, except I will be using Joy2Key software to interface with since SHIII doesn't have an interface setup like the flight sim does.

I have been working on how to breakout the panels of the console system, such as TDC, Navigation, Dive Control, etc... Trying to get an idea of the level of detail I want to control via that particular panel. This way I can work on a final parts list once I have an idea of how many indicators, switches, wiring, enclosures, etc to order.

So far, I'm approaching this in the way that my panels will be input only to the game, no information displaying. My TDC panel will only have the rotary encoders to input the TDC settings, but at this point, i will be unable to get them to work. This is because if i can't figure a way to adjust the values with keyboard keys (see my original post), then my setup will not work.

The other stuff, seems pretty straight forward, if I can assign a keyboard key to it, then i can setup a switch on a panel for it. I have not decided on particular USB input board yet, mostly because i will need to finish figuring out my panel layouts first. Then based on number & type of inputs, i will order the input board needed for those panels. I am already figuring out this will be a pretty big setup. However, given that there are several types of USB input board options available, mostly from the flight sim community, it really shouldn't be a problem.

As soon as I get my test setup done, i'll post of pics/video if anyone is interested. But, as i stated above, it's pretty straight forward, and i'm guessing most on here have already done something similar. I'm just hoping one of the modders can assist me with the TDC input hurdle.

Thanks guys!

[TorpX]

Originally Posted by FloppyRat

As soon as I get my test setup done, i'll post of pics/video if anyone is interested.

I would encourage you to document your methods and post them so that they would not be lost or forgetten. What you are doing might be too complicated for most of us now, but over time could be brought within reach by further developments. This is how we make progress in the SH world, after all.

[Mork_417]

Originally Posted by TorpX

I would encourage you to document your methods and post them so that they would not be lost or forgetten. What you are doing might be too complicated for most of us now, but over time could be brought within reach by further developments. This is how we make progress in the SH world, after all.

I can do that.

Update: I just placed the order for the controller board, rotary encoder, and 12 position rotary switch. I already had some left over toggle & push button switches. This will be enough to do a test panel that will include all the types of inputs i plan to use.

Will update again once parts have arrived, and I start putting the panel together.