Greetings Citizens,

I have read many posts regarding the best way to mount a HOTAS and if anyone has some DIY plans or ideas. Additionally, there has been the mention of the Joyloc desk brackets (which seem really nice and sturdy) but for me a little overpriced for what you get (plus international shipping to the States). I have been trolling the internet looking on forums, Simulation sites, and niche gaming communities looking for a solution and I think I may have one.

If you are like me, you do not have a lot of space for, or do not desire one of the giant expensive cockpit rigs that can mount all sorts of monitors, seats, or add-ons. They are cool and if I had the space (and a wife that wouldn't freak) I'd probably buy one; but I can't. So started my quest.

Unfortunately Sim cockpits and HOTAS mounting is a really niche industry and I did not find anything other than the Joyloc system.... Until I found the GT OMEGA WHEEL STAND.

Web Site: http://www.gtomegaracing.com/gt-omega-steering-wheel-stand

Review Video:

Now bear in mind, this product is designed for racing wheels but I think it could easily be modified and co-opted for a portable, semi-cockpit HOTAS mount.

I figure there are two ways for a HOTAS Setup (Right hander perspective here!).

1 - Throttle on the left, Joystick on the right
2 - Throttle on the left, Joystick in the center

I think the Omega can accomplish both with minimal modding.

First, take option 1, purchase two of the gear shift mounting brackets (one for each side) and use them to mount your stick and throttle. They may need some modification to adjust for height relative to your seat but from the pictures they look low enough to be comfortable. You may also have to be creative on how to mount them onto the platforms as the holes may not line up to accommodate your HOTAS. Then you could use the middle platform (where the wheel would go) to mount your keyboard. The platform for the pedals looks like any pedal system could be mounted there (might need some minor modding but it doesn't look too tough). Viola! A compact cockpit HOTAS setup that can be broken down and stored really easily (Watch the video).

Option 2 would be similar to the first except, if you like your stick in your lap then you only buy one gearshift mounting bracket (for the throttle) and then you'd have to find either a bent arm or some angled brackets to mount beneath the keyboard desk to allow the angle to mount the stick (the idea will be clearer once you view the product.)

Another great thing about this product is that apparently there is (or soon will be) a kit that will allow you to mount one of their racing chairs making it less moveable and storable, but more like a traditional sim cockpit.

I emailed the company last night to inquire if they had any plans to release mounts that would allow the mounting of flight sticks without any end user mods or if the existing drill points would correspond to any HOTAS/Pedals on the market but I have not heard back yet.

The only really downside (if you are in the States like me) is that the company is in Glosgow, UK so there would be some international shipping costs; but the stand itself is only around $175 USD with one gear shift platform. I estimate that the stand, two gear shifts, and shipping to the States would be under $250 USD - Which I admit is a little pricey, but for what the product is, and what it offers, it seems worth it.

Personally, I am going to wait before I buy one - hopefully hear from GT Omega about fashioning a HOTAS adaptor but either way this thing is on my Christmas list - even with a little modding to be done!

Maybe if enough Citizens inquire about this product hey will adapt it for a HOTAS out of the box!

See you in the Verse!