ddavid 149 Posted May 16, 2011 Report Share Posted May 16, 2011 For those of you that didn't manage to get to Weston (Shame! - Ed), here are some snippets - not in any particular order... 1. The Helicopter Museum at Weston Super Mare A fabulaous place - especially for rotor-heads, like me! It's the biggest museum dedicated to rotor-craft in the world, with more than 70 exhibits and at least another 30 craft in store or undergoing refurbishment. Staffed by enthusiastic volunteers, you'll find examples of virtually every type here - from the pre-war auto-gyro to the latest turbine driven helo. There's an old ex-Afghanistan HUEY to explore - yes, you can get in and manipulate the controls! - and a bl**dy enormous Russian 'copter, which almost fills the hangar. And, they'll be showing a Chinook within the next year or so, I'm told. More info from the museum website here 2. R.C. Simulation Bob and Carol were showing their Cadet helicopter controls together with the sim-driven moving seat system. Bob was also demonstrating the new X-Plane photoscenery - with a helicopter add-on that rivalled the Dodo-Sim 206 - very realistic flight dynamics. Also on the stand was the proto-type SimCat 5 interface, which Adam Walker showed me: The prototype has 6 channels and Adam reckoned the production version would cost not much more than £100. The SimCat will provide an easy to implement interface between your own DIY instrument, directly into FS9/FSX via SimConnect. Here's a closer look: 3. Shot down by a Lady!! I spotted a couple of Spitfire cockpits at the end of the museum's hangar and found that they were part of the RAF Millom Museum before it was closed recently. I'd hardly taken off in a CFS-3 M-109, when I was shot down by Spitfire. I looked up to find Stephanie Lawson beaming at me and giving me a thumbs-up sign! Somewhat bemused I went over to her, to find that she'd been piloting the Spit - how the mighty are fallen, eh?!? Stephanie had worked at the Millom Museum as an archivist and has subsequently managed to retrieve the cockpit simulators together with friends at Premiercraft (see here for more details). She told me that a lot of the museum's exhibits had returned to their owners (they had been loaned) but some had gone to that big scrap heap in the sky, more's the pity. 4. The VATSIM Room. VATSIM had a separate room for their demonstrations and I managed to buy an old 'air-ways' map in their sale, with proceeds going to the local Air Ambulance. I met Bill Casey, from VATSIM.uk and he showed me the Pilot Training resources on their U.K. website. Some excellent tutorials on VFR, IFR, Airport Plates, etc - find them here 5. Sky High Radio. Music at the Sim Show was care of Sky High Radio - a web-based readio station whose remit is: "An online radio station for the Flight Simming, Gaming & Social Community or anyone that wants to tune in really! We play a variety of music from the 70's, 80's Cheese, 90's Indie through to current chart & dance music." A frantic collection of home-based DJ's whose aim is to give us simmers something to listen to when we're not trying to work out what the ATC has just said! Pick the station up here 6. Modular Systems. Now, Modular make the most comfortable chair I've sat in - well, it was great to relax at the end of Saturday afternoon! Oliver and Laura had brought their brand new ModSeat Mach1 flight simulation seat on its first ever outing and, to make things more interesting, they'd hooked it up to a helicopter speed test mission to really test your skill at flying. I tried my hand but came nowhere near the winning time, so missed out on a Butt-Kicker - better luck next year, I hope. 6. VSS Modular Dome Screens. A picture is worth a thousand words, so here it is: Basically, a sophisticated projector system, with a hemi-spherical screen, puts you at the centre of the action. Not sure of the price, but an amazing product and will leave you totally immersed! More info here 7. Paccus Interfaces' HAWK Joystick. Now, this was the show stopper for me. At first glance, just another joystick, but when Tjack and Bart (No relation!) invited me to try the HAWK out, I was truly gob-smacked. Looks simple enough: But this stick is amazing. The force-feedback is driven by a sophisticated flight dynamics emulator which transmits vibrations and aeloron/elevator torque directly into your fist. The HAWK can be programmed for a cable and lever controlled MkIII Spitfire or a fly-by-wire Fighting Falcon - and anything in between, including helicopters. Had to have a second opinion, so I called in the expert: Jack quickly came to the same conclusion - fantastic! And a snip at £1500 (Show price) - more info here All good things come to an end, so at 5 o'clock I dragged myself away from the Sim Show and the Helicopter Museum. A magic day - great to be with good friends like Joe, Brian, Martin and Jack, from the Hangar, and all those new friends that I'd made at the Show. So, a Big Thank You to Simon, who organised the event and a promise to be back next year. Why don't you join us for a terrific time?!? Cheers - Dai. Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,498 Posted May 16, 2011 Report Share Posted May 16, 2011 Just about says it all Dai, a very good report but no pictures from Jack and Martins table? I am already planning for much more support for the next show :001_th_smiles89: Link to post Share on other sites
IcedUpPitotTube 0 Posted May 17, 2011 Report Share Posted May 17, 2011 I always hate how I can't participate in these great events in the United Kingdom... But now I've got a good idea on how FSCs look like. Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted May 17, 2011 Report Share Posted May 17, 2011 Great shots Dai and a lovely commentry! I'll try and find out what that bl**dy big Ruskie copter was - your words, not mine! Link to post Share on other sites
stu7708 244 Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 To bad I couldn't be there. I'd really like to go to something like this, but the opportunities in sweden are few if not non-exsisting, and I fear my wife would leave me if I were to fly of to england to "play" with flight simmers Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,498 Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 To bad I couldn't be there. I'd really like to go to something like this, but the opportunities in sweden are few if not non-exsisting, and I fear my wife would leave me if I were to fly of to england to "play" with flight simmers ..And your point is? Only Joking Micke! I would love to meet you and all our regular members/friends. We could have a flight sim widow convention too! Joe Link to post Share on other sites
stu7708 244 Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 To bad I couldn't be there. I'd really like to go to something like this, but the opportunities in sweden are few if not non-exsisting, and I fear my wife would leave me if I were to fly of to england to "play" with flight simmers ..And your point is? Only Joking Micke! I would love to meet you and all our regular members/friends. We could have a flight sim widow convention too! Joe No worries Joe. I'm part of what in sweden is commonly known as the ironic generation, so I should be able to spot a bit of irony one would think :th_smiles73: I'll just have to convince my dear wife that we should go to an appropriate location in the UK for a vacation on a carefully selected date, and then just happen to find out that I have a chance to meet up with some online friends :th_smiles73: Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 Along the lines of, 'Ooh - fancy that there's a flight sim show! Can I go? Please!' Link to post Share on other sites
stu7708 244 Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 Along the lines of, 'Ooh - fancy that there's a flight sim show! Can I go? Please!' Something along those lines yes.. But I do fear she's to smart to fall for it... Link to post Share on other sites
tjark 0 Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hi David, Jack, It was fun to meet you at FSC Weston and I really appreciate the work that is done bringing original instruments back to life for simulators. When I have a spare 3 phase BLDC motor controller, I will send you a board and some software to drive it. We use the Allegro A4931 BLDC motor driver, just check it out. It's great for driving a BLDC with nearly any rpm and nearly any power. Do you have any instrument photo that I can post on my FSC Weston report ? I know there are quite some people from the UK that plan to come to the FSC Lelystad next autumn. Are you planning on coming too ? Lelystad is at my doorstep and we are arranging a kind of community stand where everone from the UK can exhibit their products. And I am also checking the lodging options, in Zeewolde there are quite some options for staying the night. Just let me know if any of that is interessting to you so I know who to count in. Keep up the good work. Link to post Share on other sites
ddavid 149 Posted May 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Welcome, Tjark - I know that both Jack and Joe have some really good photo's of Jack's instruments. There were always too many people around when I had my camera! It was great meeting you and Bart - we all hope that your stand at Weston will bring in some new customers... Personally, I'd love to come over to Lelystad - maybe I can persuade Pam to visit the art museums in Amsterdam... I'd require a really good excuse, but it's only a couple of hours by Eurostar, so why not? Cheers - Dai. Link to post Share on other sites
tjark 0 Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hi David, Amsterdam is about 25 miles from Lelystad so that's a great opportunity. We can give some suggestions on where to go if we know her preferences. Who knows, maybe our wives accomany her if she likes. If you have some photo's just from your instruments I have something to plug you better. Just to inform you, you and Jack are shown on the paccus website from youtube. Jack: David: Cheers ! Tjark Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,498 Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hi Tjark, We didn't really meet at the show as most of the time you were busy or there was someone trying out your product! Here is one picture I took of Jack's HSI which you are welcome to use. There are more photos and history here My link My link2 My link 3 Cheers, Joe Link to post Share on other sites
Aircraft Aviation 2 Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hi David, Jack, It was fun to meet you at FSC Weston and I really appreciate the work that is done bringing original instruments back to life for simulators. When I have a spare 3 phase BLDC motor controller, I will send you a board and some software to drive it. We use the Allegro A4931 BLDC motor driver, just check it out. It's great for driving a BLDC with nearly any rpm and nearly any power. Do you have any instrument photo that I can post on my FSC Weston report ? I know there are quite some people from the UK that plan to come to the FSC Lelystad next autumn. Are you planning on coming too ? Lelystad is at my doorstep and we are arranging a kind of community stand where everone from the UK can exhibit their products. And I am also checking the lodging options, in Zeewolde there are quite some options for staying the night. Just let me know if any of that is interessting to you so I know who to count in. Keep up the good work. Hi Tjark! It is absolutely great to see you here! Many people make promises at shows but often they are not kept, you said you'd visit us and you did! A man of your word indeed. :icon_thumbup: The 3-Phase motor driver would be fantastic; it really would. We have a nightmare of a time interfacing such devices and your driver should make the process much, much much easier. Interestingly, Opencockpits (from Spain) have asked me if I can make it to Lelystad too. As it is a very rare opportunity, I am seriously considering making the trip. I hope Dai can make it too! The flight tickets aren't bad; £105 return ticket from East Midlands to Amsterdam for me and Dad (BMIBaby). Kindest regards, Jack Link to post Share on other sites
needles 1,013 Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hi Jack, Just checked out prices from Inverness to Amsterdam. £69.99 return. Ooooh I may just consider the chance of going. Wifey will need a bit of working and subtle persuading to let me out yet again but who knows? Weston was great and to go to Lelystad would be fun too. Have to get saving I suppose eh? I'm miffed that I didn't get a go on that joystick but it was always busy when I went near it. Take care and chat soon mate. Cheers Brian Link to post Share on other sites
Aircraft Aviation 2 Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hi Brian, That would be absolutely superb if you could make it too. Your tickets are even cheaper than ours, and the things on show at Lelystad are just incredible. I will finally get the chance to get face-to-face with Miguel, Manuel and the Opencockpits team. If Tjark can get us a stand, I will try and offer a similar experience as we did at FSC 2010 with the HSI and other projects. Hopefully, by then, it'll be interfaced and you can actually see it working with FSX "on the spot". As you say though, nothing is set in stone yet. However, it looks about 90% sure I'll be going! Kindest regards, Jack Link to post Share on other sites
Aircraft Aviation 2 Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hi Brian/Dai/Tjark, I can now confirm 100% that we are going to Lelystad. Within the next few days, I'll book our tickets, and when they're booked, I'll post back here to confirm (because, even though we're going, something could still go wrong in the booking process!). I'm looking forward to a fantastic event. Kindest regards, Jack Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,498 Posted May 20, 2011 Report Share Posted May 20, 2011 It would be 67.87 return for us on Flybe! :001_th_smiles89: I already had permission if we wanted to go What dates are you planning Jack? Saturday out Sunday return? What about accommodation? Cheers, Joe Link to post Share on other sites
Tim_A 997 Posted May 20, 2011 Report Share Posted May 20, 2011 What? When? Why? Where? How? Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,498 Posted May 20, 2011 Report Share Posted May 20, 2011 What? When? Why? Where? How? What When = 5 / 6 Nov 2011 Why? = Why not? Fun day out and you get to admire Jack's hair. Where How = Watch this space! Link to post Share on other sites
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