He, here’s the current topic on my VR Motion Rig. The link listed above was automatically locked after a period of inactivity, so my updates are in this one: DIY Motion Simulator VR Cockpit project + universal modular controls: 737-inspired pendular Yoke + Throttles / GA Props / Joystick+HOTAS / Heli Collective + Cyclic / Gear + Switchboxes + Dual Encoders
Yes to the first half - my budget was under $500, including all custom-built controls. No to the second half - those are not “window motors”. Though some people use truck windshield wiper motors, I used more powerful, but still relatively inexpensive motors used in sawmills etc. They are very powerful - I’m 84kg and they throw me around easily, and I had people weighing around 100kg with no issues. I did have to reinforce the structure several times because the motors kept breaking the connections - as my rig is made of wood, and the forces are quite strong.
Considering $500 build budget, it’s amazing! It is honestly a different experience from just the plain MSFS. If immersion is what you are seeking - then there’s no question about it. It takes VR immersion and then elevates it to another level. The immersion level shot through the roof. I also built in a vibration feedback into the seat. So I feel the engine, gears and flaps extending and retracting etc. All senses are involved now instead of just vision. It also works with other sims and games. I’m playing Starfield with it now, which was a difficult task to manage, considering it doesn’t support joysticks at all (just the gamepad) and has no position/acceleration data feed.
But, if you would have invest in an off-the-shelf system, it would set you up from about $3500 and upwards. So the question may have a different answer as it’s all very personal. At that budget it may be not as certain. I think that if you’d be ready to spend thousands, you wouldn’t be asking the question in the first place. But if you’re ready to spend some time and building your own - it’s very much worth it, and if you enjoy building stuff this project is as satisfying as they go.
This kind of a rig can only work well for VR, because you only need limited motion based on motion cues, to trick your brain. With 2D you need a much larger rig with more powerful motors that move your monitors as well as your seat, and with larger range of motion. I often have to turn down the motion scale because it can be too much.
Yes and no. My rig was ok with 100kg guy. But of course the heavier you are, the more robust it should be. Height doesn’t really matter.
Check out my topic. My PC is in the same room. It can be as far as a USB extension cable would allow. I use 20ft extension cable, and another set of extension cables for VR.