so how do I build a throttle?

[Sternjaeger]

I have access to CAD, CNC machinery (both for plastic and metal), all I need to know is what is needed for electronic parts!

 

At first I thought I could dismember a Saitek Throttle and use that, but it seems the hardware is not that reliable..  any ideas/pointers chaps?

[79_vRAF_Friendly_flyer]

I believe it is easier to build on an existing throttle as you suggested, at least that's what I've been told when asking the same question.

[Sokol1]

If for you is easy do the "hard" parts (mechanics) is easy.

 

Reuse a existant joystick electronics is option, but not the best.

 

Buy a dedicated USB congtroller, the most popular in DIY is

 

Leo Bodnar BU0836A, 12 bits (4.096 points) o resolution in axis, control:

8 axis (10 bits)

Up to 32 buttons or 16 encoders, or combination of both (each encoder use 2 buttons position).

POV HAT 8 way.

 

Similar

 

DSD - http://simrace.hgsitebuilder.com/circuits

 

If you are able to get, NJoy32 PRo is a better option (advanced firmware), look at

http://flightsimcontrols.com/

[Sokol1]

If for you is easy do the "hard" parts (mechanics) is easy.

 

Reuse a existant joystick electronics is option, but not the best.

 

Please, read this as:

 

If for you is easy do the "hard" parts (mechanics), electronics is easy to do.

 

Reuse a existant joystick electronics is option, but not the best e easy to use.

 

Sokol1

[Quax]

Sokol is right. Many RoF pilots did "mod" their rudders with the  Leo Bodnar BU0836A. It´s cheap and very accurate. I am using it for my spitsim rudders as well. And I guess the Crosswind has it as well.

 

Let us see your progress. And make a few of them. I think I would be interested   

Edited January 20, 2014 by Quax

[Sternjaeger]

very cool, so how does it work, you will still need some sort of rheostat to connect it to I guess? 

 

I have something really simple in mind, in fact I might even convert one of the genuine throttle units that I have for the purpose, like a T-6 throttle unit for instance 

[Quax]

You could take a hall sensor. But I would recommend a good poti. It is linear (no curves needed) and easier to install. And if it gets old, you can easily exchange it, especially if you did build the device yourself.

If you take a linear one like this: http://www.potentiometers.com/LCP12.cfm  (just to show what i mean - can be cheaper of course), it should be very easy to connect to that T6 throttle.

You just connect the three lines of the poti direct into the Bodnar, which has USB and will be recognized by BoS.

Edited January 20, 2014 by Quax

[Sternjaeger]

that sounds very very good! Unfortunately I'm not an expert on electronics/electrical stuff, I mean if one tells me what to do I can do it easily, but I'm defo better at building mechanical stuff than the rest.

 

Perhaps when I have a bit more time we could team up and make something? How cool would it be to develop a IL-2 community kit?! :-)

[DD_Crash]

If you can work out how to connect the lever arm to make lever rotate the spindle of the pot then your are sorted

[Sokol1]

You dont need by a expert in electronics/electricy, the only prerequiste is skill to solder wires and know that in eletricity "+" an "-" dont can be mixed.

 

Start simple, get the USB controller, and three potentiomters (to simplify, 5 ~50k B type (linear response, not logarithimic)

wires, solder... Sliding type pot are more easy to assembly than rotative types.

 

Quallity potentiometers, eg. ceramic Bourns, Spectrol, Alphs...

 

For linkage between T-6 quadrant and pots  use  RC plane/heli linkages:

 

Additional options to utilize other BU0836A imputs:

 

Two or three multiturn potentiometer and turn counter knobs to use for trim:

 

 

 

Some ON-OFF and ON-OFF-ON swtichs... and you have a very nice "WWII throttle".

 

Sokol1

Edited January 20, 2014 by Sokol1

[Quax]

For linkage between T-6 quadrant and pots  use  RC plane/heli linkages

 

 

good idea !