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Custom Rudder Pedals

-TBC-AeroAce

By -TBC-AeroAce
in Hardware, Software and Controllers

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-TBC-AeroAce

-TBC-AeroAce

Posted
Posted

Hi people,

 

I have recenly started a project to create my Rudder Pedals because I want a project to sink my teeth into.

 

The mechanical side of the design is completed and now I.am starting on the electrical and programing, I have a fare idea of sensors I'm going to use along side a microchip but I'm scratching my head a bit about how I'm going to make it talk to windows through usb. If anyone has experience with this kind of thing can you please share any resources, especially towards microchip choices and the types of languages and programs I will need to make them run like any other plug and play usb device.

 

I have a fair bit of experience with the electrical side and iv programed simular thing with ardwino so I'm not completely green but with ardwino u have to run there software which I do not want as I want it to run like a normal device.

 

Thanks

 

Sorry if a bit vague, I just need a push in the correct direction

LLv26_Ozz

LLv26_Ozz

Posted
Posted

Hi!

 

After surfing links to links (those that Blackwolf posted) I ended up to this very interesting and informational link: http://theairtacticalassaultgroup.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7836

 

Some years ago I made custom pedals with hall sensors and that was easy to connect to Cougars "gameport" connector.

Sometime ago I bought Warthog and because it hasn't any "gameport" connector I had to look for these USB interfaces to get those rudders to work.

 

4-5 years ago I made some trim/button boxes for my squad mates with BU0836A ( http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=94&products_id=204 ) and gladly I found one that wasn't used. So I made gameport->usb converter from that BU0836A 

 

box.jpg

 

I'm going to make connector for this "shoutbox" from that rudder box so those axes and buttons from BU0836A doesn't get lost.

 

My shoutbox:

 

shoutbox.jpg

 

Everything is under "work have to done" with my projects but that BU0836A is quite good but it will cost about 30€.

 

Anyway If You want USB controller only for rudders then I would look that first link. There are lots of cheap chips that can do it and I have to say that I don't know what chip to use if I haven't that BU0836A...

 

 

Sorry my English... its getting a bit rust...

-TBC-AeroAce

-TBC-AeroAce

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

 

Really Good sites mate, I think this will give me a good start, if anyone has anymore information that is along these lines please feel free to share

Edited by AeroAce
-TBC-AeroAce

-TBC-AeroAce

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hi!

 

After surfing links to links (those that Blackwolf posted) I ended up to this very interesting and informational link: http://theairtacticalassaultgroup.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7836

 

Some years ago I made custom pedals with hall sensors and that was easy to connect to Cougars "gameport" connector.

Sometime ago I bought Warthog and because it hasn't any "gameport" connector I had to look for these USB interfaces to get those rudders to work.

 

4-5 years ago I made some trim/button boxes for my squad mates with BU0836A ( http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=94&products_id=204 ) and gladly I found one that wasn't used. So I made gameport->usb converter from that BU0836A 

 

box.jpg

 

I'm going to make connector for this "shoutbox" from that rudder box so those axes and buttons from BU0836A doesn't get lost.

 

My shoutbox:

 

shoutbox.jpg

 

Everything is under "work have to done" with my projects but that BU0836A is quite good but it will cost about 30€.

 

Anyway If You want USB controller only for rudders then I would look that first link. There are lots of cheap chips that can do it and I have to say that I don't know what chip to use if I haven't that BU0836A...

 

 

Sorry my English... its getting a bit rust...

 

Sweet thanks alot, Like ur idea for the com box 

 

People please keep it coming

Sokol1

Sokol1

Posted
Posted (edited)

For electronics, if you want go for "DIY" route, take a look at MMJoy firwmare for (Arduino) Teensy 2.0 or Leonardo Pro Micro boards.

 

http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3899105/1

 

 - Don't confuse with other Arduino boards, the above ones have bootloader and  integrated USB 2.0 connection and the firmware is write for them.

 

The MMjoy firmware is configurable (Up to 8 14 bits axis, up to 32/64 buttons...)

 

To translate the rudder physical movements in electric information, you can use potentiometer or magnetic or angle sensors (automotive industry).

 

There's not wrong in use potentiometer - the problem is that joystick industry use the most cheap possible, leaving them with a "bad name" (the exception is in CH products) - and you can use then in digital mode with external ADC (transform analog electric measures in digital data). Take a look (use a online translator):

 

https://code.google.com/p/mmjoy/wiki/ExtenralADC

 

In the above link is tested too HALL Sensor and Magnectic sensor  (MagRez) - include scheme to assemble one (updated be Mega_Mozg in SimHQ topic).

 

* If opt for HALL sensor get the Honeywell SS495A-1 or SS496A-1.

In forums you see people using more the Allegro A1302, but the SS495A-1 has more sensitivity, making less trick his positioning.

 

The best option for home DIY is the "MagRez" - despite the need to assembly a PCB - because make the positioning sensor = magnet less tricky.

 

And all this is cheap.  ;)

 

But if you dont consider expensive, the BU0836A is high recommended, just need make some connections (connector bar furnished).

Edited by Sokol1
SCG_Neun

SCG_Neun

Posted
Posted

It's amazing what you guys can get done...Kudos...

-NW-ChiefRedCloud

-NW-ChiefRedCloud

Posted
Posted

Here is another article in our New Wings forums at DIY KISS RUDDERS .....

 

Chief

1./KG4_Blackwolf

1./KG4_Blackwolf

Posted
Posted

Really Good sites mate, I think this will give me a good start, if anyone has anymore information that is along these lines please feel free to share

I thought that might get you going in the sort of, kind of direction you were looking for. With all the others posting, we should have you up and running in no time  :biggrin: ! 

-TBC-AeroAce

-TBC-AeroAce

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@ Sokol thanks for the information it's really helpful. Lol that.board is overkill, I just need three high rez axis....

Sokol1

Sokol1

Posted
Posted (edited)

 

 

I just need three high rez axis.... 

 

Get one these: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12765

 

Write - via USB cable - the MMjoy firmware.

 

Set a 3 axis device, can be Rudder Rx, Ry or Rudder, X, Y  - some old flight games and this (Wip)  "spacial games" only recognize a device with X and Y axis.

 

Other useful features:

 

You can set Vendor ID number, making your pedal is seen by Windows (and games) after Joystick, throttle.

You can set a custom name (limited to 10 characters) to the pedal.

 

Sokol1

Edited by Sokol1
SAG

SAG

Posted
Posted (edited)

i use Microchip's 18f2550 for all my input devices that i make for flight sims, i reccommend using  PBP3 (which has a free student version) and Microcode studio, using a breadboard, it can take as little as 2 hours to get a working prototype (for the final board youll need more time though, for soldering and stuff).

 

you can use windows generic drivers to communicate with the PC, PM me if you want/need some more info.

 

 

vie here

 

http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/8441-show-us-your-cockpit/page-2

 

post #63 and #52

 

S!

Edited by SAG
LLv26_Ozz

LLv26_Ozz

Posted
Posted

I dont remember how many years I have studied and looking these things from lots of different forums but always when I found something really smart the post was made by Sokol1  :salute:  He´s REAL PRO with these things!

 

SOKOL1: Never have a chance to thank You from Your ideas... So THANK YOU! You have made my life much easier with these own made things!  :salute:  :salute:

 

Maybe I order that teensy 2.0 for testing but that shop link was from US right? Here´s another link from China

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Teensy-2-0-USB-Keyboard-Mouse-AVR-arduino-ISP-Board-Mega32u4-U-Disk-Experiment-/381101570905?pt=UK_Computing_Other_Computing_Networking&hash=item58bb6c7b59

and that's funny because I live in Europe so those postings are much cheaper from china...?

Sokol1

Sokol1

Posted
Posted

LLv26_Ozz,

 

Glad that you find something useful in my posts. Thank's.  :)

 

The advantage in buy from Sparkfun or PJRC is the assured best quality in hardware manufacturer.
 
China's goods on eBay has always low or even free Shipping cost (seems subsidized by his government).

 

As low cost alternative for Teensy 2.0+  there's Arduino Leonardo Pro Micro clones. By their prices in China, is unbeatable for "experiences". Search for (in Ebay):

 

Pro Micro ATmega32U4 5V 16MHz

 

MMjoy firmware is compatible with this board too.

-TBC-AeroAce

-TBC-AeroAce

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Epic people I will post pics of the finished product. If I'm successful and it's high quality I am considering making a limmited production run as iv got some good contacts in the cnc world. I'm trying to do something similar to the mfg guy but I'm aiming for an rrp of around 200 us, if all goes well I will send some out to people that do reviews and such around April.

 

On another note someone made me think that it may be a good idea to include 2 buttons as well as axis for the toe breaks for games that don't have axis for them. What do u think?

 

Also let me know what the main things u look for in pedals and anything that u think is missing from what's available on the market

 

Cheers

LLv26_Ozz

LLv26_Ozz

Posted
Posted

Sokol1: Yes I know that China quality  :) Problem is that in Finland customs rate is now 22€ (everything over that will go to customs and I have to pay 24% tax) and I dont know why but all I have ordered from US goes everytime to customs checking...

 

AeroAce: What material are You going to use with those pedals? Those buttons for toe brakes is easy to do so why not?

Sokol1

Sokol1

Posted
Posted

On another note someone made me think that it may be a good idea to include 2 buttons as well as axis for the toe breaks for games that don't have axis for them. What do u think?

 

 

If you plan sold pedals provide a way to deal with the "buttons pedals" in some games, other is the fact that some games only recognize the pedals if are a X an Y axis, and make sure in use a Vendor ID that leave the pedal after other commons controllers (joystick, throttle) to avoid customer complain that plug the pedal mess his controllers configuration. :)

 

Crosswind allow set axis to sendbuttons in firmware.

 

 

 

everything over that will go to customs and I have to pay 24% tax

 

I can say that you have "luck"... :)  Here we pay 95% include over postage cost.  :(  

-TBC-AeroAce

-TBC-AeroAce

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Im going to use cnc laser cut acrylic or a coated/painted hardwood. I'm trying to stick to a budget so will choose based on a quality/cost ratio.

 

I prefer the acrylic at the moment as it seems quite nice, heavy and high quality but shipping costs might make me go with wood if I do one for production

Edited by AeroAce
  • 3 months later...
SAG

SAG

Posted
Posted

Im going to use cnc laser cut acrylic or a coated/painted hardwood. I'm trying to stick to a budget so will choose based on a quality/cost ratio.

 

I prefer the acrylic at the moment as it seems quite nice, heavy and high quality but shipping costs might make me go with wood if I do one for production

 

 

Hey there Aerobase, i wanted to know how this project of yours ended. i read that you had the mechanical aspect ready but still needed to do the electronics. i myself wanted to make my own pedals but sorted out the electronics before the mechanical aspect (project stopped because of the university but i hope i can get it done by the end of the year), so maybe we can help each other out? i have some metalic pedals cut out but im still thinking about the rest of the build, what would you suggest for the "rods" to which the pedals are attached (Cheap material-wise :) )

 

i use PICs and custom electronics/software (pretty basic but functional stuff) if youre interested let me know and ill dig up the files.

 

S!

-TBC-AeroAce

-TBC-AeroAce

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I kidna put it on hold, have not had the time but watch this space

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