DK-1 KOTORI
The
Kotori, meaning “little bird of luck” is a small yet cost-effective flight simulator cockpit design packed full of diverse features and options. Where the DK series differs from the smaller single pilot DCP is the larger DK series instrument panels can house any LCD display from 20″ up to 32″ and can additionally house up to three 32″ displays for the main exterior view, all on their stock stands without need of a VESA mounting system.
Using a 32″ widescreen display for the instrument panel the DK-1 can house nine (9) units of GoFlight avionics (2 bays on left, 7 bays at right) or if using a 27″ display for the Saitek panel it can be equipped with 5 bays for Saitek Pro Flight equipment. Also included in both designs is an iPad dock for the ultimate in modern cockpit EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) integration.
The horizontal space just below the 27″ display also yields enough room for 1 or 2 mini LCDs and other panel switches if desired. Secondly, If you wish to use a 24″ main display instead of the 27″ or 32″, the yoke can be mounted directly under the panel like the DCP series. When using 24″ displays the DK-1 can also use the same panels sets from the new DK-X if you want more of an airliner styled jet simulator.
Yes, we thought of everything. All of these great features give you an immersive experience that is …as real as it gets!
Flexible options such as these allow you to experience your flight simulator software right out of the box using any common 3D “virtual cockpits” as well all stock 2D type panels for an ultimate “best of both worlds” experience. SimSamurai will soon offer many “2D-VIP” panel sets for Prepar3D v4 and in the meantime you can find panel sets from other vendors such as SimInnovations, Flight1, FriendlyPanels, or even various freeware.
Another unique feature for the DK series is the versatile and independent height adjustment options of both the main panel deck and the optional control yoke support deck armature. The main deck has three adjustment levels to accommodate monitors from 22″ using the highest level up and lowest level down for a 32″ display (using the lowest level as shown in images). This serves to keep the dash height at or just below 42 which is standard for aircraft and allows for a very realistic horizon line on the upper displays.
The optional yoke support armature has 4 height adjustments plus a forward and back adjustment to fully tailor the yoke position to your liking much like you do in a car. When using a Saitek yoke you can also use the flat top of the yoke to velcro mount any mini computer keyboard.
Other final options include bolt on attachable decks for your computer mouse and or jet fighter style “HOTAS” flight stick and throttle combinations. Finally, the overhead portion of the DK-1 contains a single upper shelf (8″ deep) to store items such as software and smaller books or manuals thus giving it the added feature of housing your most used flight training items.
Yes,.. we thought of everything! (didn’t we already say that?)
As pilots, we know how to make a simulator feel like the real thing. Most people never consider how bad typical home or office desks are for flight simulation ergonomics. If you’ve ever owned a sim setup on a standard desk you’ve probably noticed how you have to sit up really high to get a level eye view of the horizon line or it’s really hard to place the yoke in a truly comfortable, realistic position. We solve these issues by making all our design proportions based off real aircraft cockpits. Secondly, our use of larger LCD screens for the main instrument panel allows gauges to be displayed in true 1:1 scale. This also allows for a much wider variety of aircraft to be flown, especially if you like big jets which ultimately have more gauges that need to be in view such as the MCP or EICAS.
The other great feature of all our desk based solutions is they still allow you to use the cockpit for any other games and other daily computer activities! But, if “ultimate tactile realism” is your thing, you can always install any realistic general aviation panel of your choice as the width of the DK series is as large as most general aviation twin engine aircraft. In fact if ever desired, the DK series can actually become a dual seat simulator as the width dimensions are an average of most all common general aviation aircraft.
As with all of our cockpit designs we can also custom design any panel of your choice for the DK-1. We can build it for you or we now offer digital files so that you can have a panel set cut at a local fabricator of your choice to help you save money!
Yep..everything lol.
Lastly, the DK-1 can easily be built in just two or three weekends, typically one or two to build and one to paint. It’s a perfect design for people with little construction experience that want a semi-enclosed simulator which can be crafted in little time with minimal materials cost (typically under $200) but still want something that will yield maximum results.
As a final feature if desired, the two vertical window support stanchions can also be permanently removed and replaced with interior support reinforcement bracing for a totally unimpeded view. However, we purposefully designed these into the DK series because we feel it adds to the experience as it helps simulate the front window stanchions in all aircraft. All of these options and more are included with every SimSamurai DIY plan set or ready to fly kit cockpit purchase.
In a word, …get airborne!
DK-1 FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS
- Designed
to fit in any room in your home, dorm, office, or classroom setting and can be easily relocated.
- Ergonomic
design based on real general aviation aircraft cockpit dimensions. You will feel “in the seat”.
- Ability to use up to 5 LCD displays (1 or 2 for flight instruments up to a single 27″ or 32″ and up to 3x 32″ for external views).
- Form
follows function design maximizes materials use.
- Can be built using standard home construction tools.
- Has several height adjustment features for all pilots.
- Can
house GA sim panels from wide variety of vendors.
- Can
house GA avionics sets from GoFlight or Saitek.
- Adjustable main deck for 22″ to 32″ LCDs
- Adjustable yoke mounting armature.
- Easily Assembled / Disassembled
- Breaks
down into 5 main sections.
- Completely
modular sim design.
- Immersive
sim environment.
- Needs floor space of ~75″ x 30″
- Can be built for $150 or less.
BASIC COSTS
DK-1 DIY
Plans Set $26.00 USD
DK-1 Bare Bones
Kit $760.00 USD
DK-1 Completed RTA Kit $1,360.00 USD
