[simpits-tech] Simple motion sim concept

[Brian Sikkema]

Ok, motion sim is probably not the right term.
Sensory input is probably a better way to put it.

Anyway in the T-6 sims here at Vance they have a very
interesting thing called a dynamic feedback seat (at
least I think that's what its called - I don't
remember for sure).

The way it works is the sims are all completely
stationary - no motion sims at all. But they all have
this seat. The seat bottom is able to move, just a
little bit, and only in the vertical axis.

Then while you're actually in the sim, it gives you
various inputs depending on what's happening. For
example, as you're taxing along on the ground, every
few seconds it gives you a "bump" similar to what
you'd feel crossing the seams in the cement. Probably
a bit exaggerated from what it really feels like, but
it does add a level of realism. In the air you get
various thumps with things like the gear extending
(which does have a noticeable "clunk" in the real
thing) and the rumble of flight with the speed brake
or landing gear out.

In all I've found this setup to be a very good
addition to the overall feel of realism in the sim,
and it seems like something that would not be
difficult at all to implement in a home simulator. I
think this combined with the more widely-known
technique of a subwoofer installed in the seat would
yield a very realistic result in terms of aircraft
"feel." The only hinge point would be the fact that a
certain amount of control software would have to be
developed by the user, in order to make the seat do
what you want to when you want it to. But I think it
might be worth the effort!

So, any ideas, comments, or questions, lemme know!

Brian