Controler for SIM3D and SIM 2D

[rdklein]

We had some requests before, but now some concrete examples and ideas,
how about a build yourself kit to keep the production cost down.
A controler could contain for example 4 sliders (for side rudder, speed control), a endless wheel for example for the rudder (or better a slider?) some feedback LEDs to inicate the current position and maybe a 7segment LED set for SPEED and direction.
connteted to the PC either via RS232 (keeps cost down) or USB (higher cost ).

Estimates for a kit could be around 80 euro for a ready made system with case much more.

[Christian Todt]

Hello,

how would the controller look like.
in the tv i´ve seen yesterday, that ships have controllers like cars;
also the same size.
I think there shoud be keys for the bowthruster (and sternthruster) too.

I would buy it when itwould be ready (im not good in build electronic).

CT
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[jomach]

Hello RDK
Is it not possible to make it the way that we can use most of al on the market avaible joysticks, gamepads and steering wheels, I think this wil be the cheapest way. I know in Virtual Sailor you can use several controllers.
regards
JoMach

[Ragnar]

Sounds like a nice idea, i would choose for the basic parts since im quite handy and could complete such device on my own but i think there are a lot of people who just want a ready to use device.

80 Euro is kinda much to my opinion especially for a product wich isnt even finnished (not meant to be rude) but it think it would be more succesful if you would first finnish the engine and release an open developer kit so at least a few extra people could also start working on developing scenerys and boats/instruments this will give a major boost to the game since there will come new things daily (thats the power behind the MSFS series). Just a suggestion but why don't have a chat with the people from Transas.com or Kongsberg.com these are the pro's when it comes to shipping simulators and can probably help you out with the most things like a good 3d engine and even controllers.
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Ragnar

[rdklein]

there are several solutions.
1. it will be psosible to use joysticks etc, but a ship has different needs usually, buts its a way to start.

2. we are in contact with professionals, becaus ethere is a request from captains to use our 3d sim together with controllers (professional version), so we might strip down this version to a low cost device,

of course we work on the 2d and 3d engines at the moment, but hardware development cost some time, so it might be a good date to start with ideas etc.

[The boat freak]

A normal joystick is good for tugs or small boats.
So if you put 2 little jofsticks on the controller you can handle voith schneider tugs and allso small ships who react verry fast (speedboats).

[rdklein]

the new pocsim3d will also support gamepads, as they have two joysticks on the pad, you can control speed and rudder with the left side and the side rudders with the right parts, buttons can be used to switch between cameras.

[Bregalad]

I got a joystick with a small joystick on top (Logitech Wingman Force) will it have the same functions regarding controlling, as gamepads?

[The boat freak]

It would be cool that the voith schneider controls would be like this:

If you dont have all the buttons on your joystick you must be able to program them on your keyboard

(This isn't a voith scheider tug, just an example.)

[rdklein]

yes thats a nice sugggesttion. I hav the same joystick here for testing also.

[Olle P]

I'm all for generic joystick support rather than some specific hardware.

/Olle

[Chuckie]