CH ProPedals modding

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

  I approach you tinkering gurus out there as I have a small upgrade in my mind regarding the CH ProPedals I own. Bought them from a fellow squad mate in 1997 and they still work, but as these are using a gameport connection you can imagine I have to use a USB converter to get them plugged in. Far from a desireable solution

 

 So my question is that how hard would it be to convert these pedals to USB using the Bodnar circuits? I also would like to get rid of the Car/plane switch and make the toe brakes work. In my understaning it would be possible with Bondar. And last one, how feasible is it to replace the potentiometer with a HALL-sensor as those pots wear out and spike over time.

 

 Thank you in advance for any information!

[Sokol1]

If you know how solder wires (and have tools for this) is very easy. 

 

Just add one wire for each potentiometer - original are wired as resistance, with 2 wires only, USB require 3 wires -  solder wires in PCI conectors (furnished with Bu0836), plug these connectors in BU0836 and done.

 

CH PRO Pedal have plenty of space space inside to fit the USB circuit.

 

Alternatives to BU0836 is generic USB joystick circuits - but check if they are at least 10 bits, or Arduino based proto'  boards with MMjoy firware (Leonardo PRO Micro cost 5,50$ in Hong Kong).

 

Sample of conversion (using joystick board)

 

http://snomhf.exofire.net/gameportPedals.html

 

I already convert obsolet gameport CH gear (Combatstick, Fightersitck, CH PRO Pedals, CH Throttle) to USB using BU0836, DIY Mjoy, joystick circuit... is funny.

 

Sokol1

[Sokol1]

 

And last one, how feasible is it to replace the potentiometer with a HALL-sensor as those pots wear out and spike over time.

 

 

Is perfect feasible, but require a lot of patience and trial and error - HALL are minuscle... a 0,1mm movement put the of center... CH mechanism have some mechanical "backslash"...

 

Start instaling the USB circuit and use actual pot, later try install HALL on rudder axis (on toe brake is no realy necessary), since they are cheap work a try.

 

A better solution is  build a board with "MagRes" or buy a assembled one from Russian guys, cost ~10 euros.

 

A useful reading (use translator) about "MagRes" (KMZ41) on end of page: 

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

 

Arduino boards + MMjoy firmware

 

https://code.google.com/p/mmjoy/wiki/MMJOY2

 

Sokol1

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

 Thanks for the tips Sokol Soldering is not the problem, just need to check what wire does what and get it right I can do it at work too as we got quite a good "electronics corner" there Was also looking at the Windforce pedals, would jump to 2014 right away.

[Sokol1]

 

 

 Soldering is not the problem, just need to check what wire does what and get it right

 

This part is very easy, pot' have three terminals (pins) for +5V, Signal, GND  just match then with same pins in BU' (or another USB controller),

if want invert response of some axis, just invert +5V and GND wires on pot or in plug to BU'.

 

http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/images/2BU0836A_06.jpg

 

Probable take ~1/2 hour to do this conversion, if you previously get all parts need.

 

Sokol1

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

 Thanks for the tips Sokol Just need to find the time for all the things to do, RL can be a real biotch at times

[Tab]

hijacking this thread instead of creating new one.

Can anybody confirm that modded CH Pedals pro (gameport converted to USB) will work with Win8.1 64 bit? Just spotted them used on a local online marketplace with a sweet price tag. They are aparently working semi-fine (calibration is tricky according to the seller) with older Windows versions.

[Sokol1]

Tab,

 

If the USB controller that you use to do the conversion is Windows 8.1 compatible, the pedal hardware don't matter, can be include a pedal from real aircraft (well, add a pot' to then).

 

You can plug the pedals using a Gameport to USB adapter, easy and practical but not the best solution because these adapter use low cost, low resolution (8 bits) USB controller...

 

A BU0836A is 12 bits and leave spare axis and buttons connections that can be used to plug "button box", pot's for trim etc - or not used at all.

Slight cheap than BU0836 is DSD controllers.

 

But consider that a new CH PRO Pedal cost around $100 (what depend on where you are on world - here a Saitek pedal is sold for >600$!!! )

 

BU0836A cost 41$ plus shipping (DSD 40$ free shipping), then the used pedal price must be very convenient.

 

As incentive, at the end you can get - depend on your skill - a device better than new one: improved USB controller(12  bits x 8 bits), contactless sensor...

 

Sokol1

Edited April 8, 2014 by Sokol1

[Tab]

Sokol1 thanks, really appreciate your help!

I was unaware that gameport<->usb adapter would be a controller is this case. As I found out, the seller actually used the electronics from some thrustmaster joystick to convert it to usb. So the controller is the controller board of the thrustmaster joystick and windows recognizes the pedals as the thrustmaster joystick. The pots are still original CH pots though. So I've bought the pedals (37 € including shipping) and expect them to arrive in a week

[Sokol1]

In this case, no more conversion need. Just assign the "Tm joystick" axis to control ruder/brakes (German planes) in game and "kick" the pedal.

 

Sokol1