Planning Basics
Let's gather up some of the tools and resources you'll need to begin designing your VR sim.
Then take a look at the sub-pages above for a more detailed look at each part.
The largest on-line community forum would have to be by DCS, found here. Discussions, chats & questions, on the program itself as well as loads of research and knowledge about building your own cockpit. There is a lot of help available to you here. Just sign up and and dig in as deep as you wish.
Once you're up and running, I think you should take a look at The 476th vFighter Group. It is an on-line, member based community for those of us that fly the DCS A-10C simulator. These guys are top notch. They have a full training program, checklists, protocols, etc... I highly recommend that you check them out.
And while you're there, look me up! My call sign is: "Jager"
These are the two main programs I use in my design work. Autodesk (or AutoCAD) works great for fast 2D layouts and precise measuring of the various components of the cockpit.
Sketchup is an amazing 3D model builder. Both programs have a very fast learning curve with plenty of online tutorials. You can use Sketchup for free here: app.sketchup.com
Alternatively......
While both of the above programs are fantastic professional grade products, they also come with fantastic professional grade prices! I am currently looking into switching over to a FREE design solution called DesignSpark. From what I can tell so far, this will do everything we need it to do and has versions for Mechanical, Electrical and even PCB design/modeling.
The Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Throttle and Stick.
http://www.thrustmaster.com/en_US/products/hotas-warthog
Saitek Pro Flight Combat Rudder Pedals
http://store.madcatz.com/Saitek-PRO-Flight-Combat-Rudder-Pedals.html#spec-div
The stick can be disconnected from its base to allow for an extension to be added. You just need to buy the appropriate length cable to extend the internal connection. Extending the height of the stick not only provides a more realistic look to your cockpit, but also offers a much greater feel and precision to your flight maneuvers. Not all A-10 flying is turn-and-burn. You will appreciated the added ease of precision when performing such detail flying as: formations, landing and air-to-air refueling, to name just a few.
Here are the measurements for the base plate to both the stick & throttle. I contacted ThrustMaster who send me these drawings.
Time to make some decisions...
Now that you have a few corner pieces to the puzzle, it's time to start planning your your VR cockpit. The two biggest factors you will have to balance are: (1)How much space do you have? (2)What kind of a cockpit do you want (that you can afford)? These two questions will ultimately drive your design decisions. Both questions will need to be considered simultaneously throughout the process. My planned expense for this project is $4,000.00. (This figure also includes $2,000 USD for a new customized gaming computer) As far as time line goes... I have no idea. We'll see.