What do you do when you want the FULL experience, short of tapping a pilot buddy on the shoulder (preferably, a military pilot buddy!) Lately I've had about four emails per month asking about home cockpit alternatives. Some of us take this hobby quite seriously! Sure, our wives may occasionally wish we were football fans (cheaper hobby), but there is no substitute for completing that mission successfully, killing the bad guys on the way home, then drifting in on fumes with a bent wing.... =)

When I was in Atlanta I had the privilege of trying out a cockpit in the possession of John Oliver Ellis, Jr., and I'll tell more about that experience in a future article. But what about the rest of us, who don't have the time or skill needed to build a cockpit for the home office?

The STIMBOX is an alternative to the desktop for the sim fan who wants that EXTRA degree of immersion. Add a flight suit and a helmet and you're practically there! (Tell your wife NOT to bring you the phone when you're flying!) Lets face it, flying at the desk just doesn't cut it these days. I've been doing it for too long, and I would love to add something more meaty to my hardware addiction!

We haven't had stick time witht the Stimbox yet, so be aware that the information provided here is based on details provided by the maker. But I'm quite excited about this addition to the hardware scene, and we should have a hands on report in the next two weeks.

The STIMBOX provides a highly realistic looking physical environment for creating exciting, interactive, satisfying and educational virtual reality flying experiences. Although the STIMBOX resembles the cockpit of a modern high performance military fighter jet, it may be used to simulate the cockpit of any type of aircraft, with the appropriate software, including helicopters and civilian aircraft. Many flight sims include a wide variety of aircraft and a large selection of training and combat missions.

The STIMBOX is patterned after the cockpit of the F-15 Eagle, the Air Force's top of the line fighter/attack jet aircraft. The section of the fuselage from just forward of the windscreen to just behind the ejection seat is included. This 6½ foot section is attenuated about 2/3 of the way from the top of the fuselage to the bottom, and is mounted on a platform on wheels.

The widest part of the simulator, at the rear, is 52 inches wide, however, it fits through any size doorway, since the fiberglass body is made of two halves that are easily assembled after they have been carried into the room where it is to be set up. The floor space required is about the same as that of a sofa. Offices, living rooms, bedrooms, dens and garages are favorite places for Stimboxes.

The windscreen is included and is very dramatic and is available in three different shades. The dark colored windscreen helps to keep unwanted light off the computer monitor which is placed where the HUD (heads up display) is located in a modern fighter.

There are two versions of the main instrument panel section of the cockpit. The standard version is for 14" and 15" monitors. The optional large monitor version will accept monitors up to 21". In the standard version, there is a place just below the monitor for the keyboard, in a nearly vertical position, in the same plane as the instrument panel. In the large monitor version, the keyboard is placed on a support attached to the outside of the fuselage, to the pilot's right.

Although the keyboard is not necessary for gameplay with a HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick) control system, it's good to have it accessable for basic computer operation. The computer is positioned between the pilot's feet, for easy access. Mounting places are provided for a joystick, throttle control, rudder pedals and a mouse. The joystick can be positioned in the center of the cockpit or on the right side console.

The main instrument panel and right and left consoles of the STIMBOX are complete with toggle switches, knobs and authentic looking gauges. An interior/map light and 21 indicator lights are powered by a 13.8 volt, 4 amp power supply. (click here to view the STIMBOX lit up). All the mock guages and switches are clearly labeled as in a typical modern fighter jet.

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Programmable joysticks and throttles are very well suited for use in the Stimbox. A comfortable ergonomically designed ejection seat slides fore and aft to accommodate various sized pilots.

Sound is very important in creating the reality of a thundering jet aircraft and its weaponry. The optional surround sound system in the Stimbox is awesome. It consists of two three-way 6"x9" speakers mounted in the side consoles of the cockpit and a 10" woofer mounted in the lower back area of the ejection seat for that extra kick when you go to afterburner, or get socked by an enemy missle! Music sounds fantastic, too.

The speaker system can be powered by a Radio Shack MPA-46 amplifier (about $130). There is a pocket built into the right rear console of the Stimbox for the amp. The amplifier is not provided with the Stimbox. It can be purchased from your local Radio Shack. Other amplifiers can be used if so desired. Headphones can also be used in locations where loud external sound is not desireable.

Computers and flight simulation technology have advanced greatly in the recent past, and that is likely to continue. Now, you can own the ultimate flight simulator and have thousands of hours of enjoyment for a very reasonable price.

Your Stimbox will be carefully packed and shipped to you anywhere in the world. Contact The Stimbox Company with any questions you may have.

Prices:

• The Stimbox $2,995
• Speaker System $195
• Large Monitor Main Instrument Panel $100