Sim racing & flight motion rig

Constantine, a Motion Systems client, has been a passionate enthusiast of VR simulation for years. He spent about 15 months building the cockpit. He started from scratch and added components over time, shaping a setup tuned to his own needs and goals. This customization allows for a swift transition of cockpit equipment between sim racing and flight simulation.

Building the rig

The rig is utilized exclusively for entertainment purposes, with no involvement in e-sports, nor any future plans in that direction. Over a span of 15 months, the rig underwent a gradual construction process. Initially, it comprised an NLR F-GT Elite along with an NLR Direct Monitor mount, chosen due to the desire for an extrusion rig for sim racing, allowing flexibility in transitioning between Formula and GT-3 positions. However, it was set up in a hybrid position closely resembling Formula style and remained unchanged. At first the main game was F1 ’22, then Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC); today F1 ’23 leads, played in a small league with friends, with occasional ACC sessions. There was also an attempt to engage with iRacing, but issues related to motion compensation posed a challenge. In addition to simulation activities, the rig is employed for playing regular games on both PC and PS5. The PC is positioned behind the TV, while the PS5 is typically located at the bottom of the TV stand. However, only a 3D printed mount for the PS5 is visible in the photos, as the console itself is situated in a different room.

Though the owner’s children are currently too young to play racing games, occasional collaborative experiences in Forza Horizon occur, with the child taking control of the steering while Constantine manages the pedals. As the child grows, an interest in racing games may develop.

Two constraints that shaped every customization

• The rig should not occupy excessive space, as it is a home setup situated within a confined room. Consequently, there is no room for a triple-monitor setup, as a preference for VR for racing is predominant (specifically, Varjo Aero).
• The rig must remain mobile, as it is positioned in a corner where it would be inconvenient to have it fixed. Thus, the ability to move the rig into the center of the room is crucial for convenience. Constantine's goal was a dual-purpose rig, so he kept every controller permanently connected, and nothing has to be set up or swapped when switching between sim racing and flight. Monstertech rail mounts were acquired and adapted to be positioned on the side of the rig, facilitating the movement of throttle and stick controls as necessary. Additionally, rudder pedals were integrated beneath the racing pedals, serving primarily as leg supports during regular gaming sessions, as the stick could fulfill rudder control functions.

The decision to introduce motion elements came down to the motion platform choice, and the selection leaned towards Qubic due to its VR motion compensation capabilities, positive reviews from sim racing equipment reviewers, and its high performance. Choosing Qubic cost more, but it was a deliberate call to rule out any later “should I have gone with Qubic” second-guessing. The inclusion of four actuators necessitated a reevaluation of the rig’s design. A square frame was constructed at the base, accommodating the F-GT Elite with a direct monitor mount, along with the attached motion actuators. Although functional, this setup resulted in the movement of the TV and PC along with the rig and generated significant vibrations, raising concerns about potential damage to the TV and PC, as they were not designed for such use. Subsequently, a separate stand for the TV, speakers, and a PC shelf was established, which remained connected to the base but detached from the motion component of the rig. Splitting the two apart removed the motion-related shaking around the TV and PC, and that became the rig’s final layout.

Additionally, brackets with wheels were affixed to the base. These brackets, based on internet-sourced designs, enabled mobility. The rig typically rests on fixed legs, but when mobility is required, the wheels can be deployed to elevate the rig by approximately 1-2 cm, facilitating easy movement.

The details shared can serve as a source of inspiration for others, as the rig features numerous custom parts and modifications. The owner considers it to be in its final state and does not anticipate any further modifications. For now, no further improvements or additions to the rig are planned, since it already handles sim racing, flight simulation, PC/PS5 gaming and stays permanently connected, with no need to switch modes.