MiGPit 2020: tour in video and images - Oct 10th, 2020
Who would have dreamed that a humble civvie would have access to anything _like_ a military simulator?
Well in 2020, it's amazing what we can do. My original cockpit dreams started in the imagination of a kid building Airfix models of WWII fighters, then in the 1990's I built this:
![](pics/migpit-mki-001.jpg)
MiG-Pit Mk.1. Field of view was limited to a 15 x 15 " display.
Very low tech, but what a lot of fun!
MiGPit 2020
And now, nearly 30 years later, I am in flight-sim nirvana (or rather Virtual Valhalla!)
![](pics/201010-002.jpg)
The top of the screen is about 2.14 metres high, width about 2 metres.
Note that all this is visible on the screen with no panning.
The fact that the visual field is larger than our focal point adds immensely to the immersion.
In a turn IRL the pilot looks 'up' relative to his seat, into the turn. With the 85" screen you do the same and can see 30-45 deg into the turn with eye or head movement.
❝Even when looking straight ahead or at your instruments that extended view is in your peripheral vision, adding greatly to the immersion.
❞ With smaller screens you are flying with various degrees of a 'letterbox' view.
So, for immersion, bigger is better. A 2 metre high wraparound view would be even better, but that has also multiplies the technical difficulties and hardware requirements considerably.
Sony X8500G 85" 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV, 3840 x 2160
What I see in flight without panning the view.
![](pics/201010-004.jpg)
This is what I see
in focus, looking straight ahead. It is pretty close to what a pilot sees in real life, that was the aim of this setup.
![](pics/201010-005.jpg)
If I move my eyes or head slightly up. I can see up about 30 degrees.
![](pics/201010-006.jpg)
I can turn my head left...
![](pics/201010-007.jpg)
... or right.
![](pics/201010-001.jpg)
The view from behind the pilot seat, not including the entire screen.
![](pics/201010-003.jpg)
Instrument panel.
Five touch screens and one keypad.
Lenovo M10 | Elgato Stream Deck.
What I see if I look down
From left to right:
![](pics/201010-008.jpg)
HOTAS Warthog joystick and kneepad.
![](pics/201010-009.jpg)
This would be a maintenance view! It just looks so cool.
![](pics/201010-010.jpg)
Moving on, left and up.
These are panels from Air Manager, my setup is very much WIP.
![](pics/201010-011.jpg)
Centre pedestal:
- Primary flight instruments from Air Manager
- Programmable keyboard from Elgato. Note that each key has a screen behind it. And you can nest menus. Amazing.
![](pics/201010-012.jpg)
Right:
- Engine readouts from Air Manager.
- GPS from Air Manager.
![](pics/201010-013.jpg)
HOTAS Warthog joystick.
Same layout as the HOTAS Cougar F-16, but a much more robust feel on the paddle and incomparably great tracking and centring. Mind you, my Cougar was 20 years old, the build may be different now.
![](pics/201010-014.jpg)
My Ancient Track IR.
Since my Track IR Camera is mounted below eye level, on the top of the instrument panel, I needed to tilt the reflectors forward slightly for optimal tracking. Doesn't look Top Gun in flouro green - but I can't see it when flying and I'll spray it black later!
More info