Simped gameport rudder pedals - help needed

[Furni]

It looks like my Cougar joystick has finally died can’t get it to flash the firmware and is not recognised by the computer or the CCP. I guess it’s the motherboard that’s died on me will open her up later to see if there is a loose or broken wires. My problem is if the Cougar has died then my Simpeds are redundant, is there a way to convert the game port connection to usb?

 

I have seen from RC simulation that they do a ‘RUSBA’ rudder to USB adapter just wondering if anyone has purchased the adapter and it’s worked. 

I have searched on the Webb but can’t find anything from anyone regarding this adapter and the simped rudders. If the adapter doesn’t work is there anything else I can do to convert the pedals like a new circuit board and a little soldering I happy the try. 

 

Will most likley go with the Warthog HOTAS which are expensive so would like to avoid paying for new rudders if I can help it. 

 

Hope you guys can help

 

Cheers

[Sokol1]

Ask Real Simulation if RUSBA is compatible.

 

An probable issue is that RUSBA is done for Tm RCS that have only rudder axis, some Simped have 3 axis - rudder plus brakes.

 

But if you have DIY skill and basic tools (solder iron...) can convert this pedal for standalone USB controller, using an BU0836A, DSD 12 or even cheap ($6) Arduino PRO Micro with MMjoy2 firmware.

 

In Rise of Flight forum are a topic in what guys modernizing an Simped with BU08036 -  since being a 1990's product Simped use an very low resolution USB controller - 4 bits.

 

 

Edited September 30, 2018 by Sokol1

[Furni]

Many thanks Sokol1. 

 

I will I’ll get in touch with RC simulations to see if adapter is compatible. I have the simped with brakes so could have problems. 

 

I’m happy to do some DIY on the Simpeds with the new circuit board but will it come with instruction for the conversion. I did find a link to an article for the conversion for Rise of flight but the link doesn’t work, looked at Rise of flight forum but can’t find a search box to see if I can find the article/info so maybe lost completely. 

 

I know now the Simpeds are old now but they still work apart from the Cougar issues wish now I had ordered the USB version.

 

thanks for the info.

 

cheers

[Sokol1]

Look at post made by =AH=_Sid:

 

https://riseofflight.com/forum/topic/26026-hall-sensor-wireing-simped/

 

 

 

Edited September 30, 2018 by Sokol1

[Furni]

Thanks Sokol1

 

I did a little research yesterday and came across the same info so at least i know I'm on the right track will get the parts for the mod and have a go.

 

Thanks again for the info and help

 

 

[Furni]

Does anyone know if I can get a new PCB from Leobodnar for the Cougar, I did mod the cougar with Cubpilots hall sensor and the uber mod so would be nice to get it up and running again. I have purchased the Warthog since the Cougar stopped but to get the Cougar back up running would be nice saves it gathering dust!

 

If I could install a new PCB could I use TARGET to programme the Cougar or would a new PCB create other problems?

 

Just waiting for some part to arrive before I convert the Simpeds hopefully I’ll covert them without any problems. 

 

Cheers Furni

[Sokol1]

If you install an new USB controller  (e.g. Bodnar, Arduinos...) or get Real Simulator TUSBA adapter for you TQS  you can't use TARGET anymore because this software look for Thrustmaster firmware ID.

 

With new USB controller or TUSBA TQS became a standalone HID controller and use Windows HID drivers - became "plug and play", and their buttons/axes can be assigned in games controls.

 

But third part software like Joystick Grenlim, Joy2Key... can supply keyboard emulation needs.

 

BTW - An BU0836 (8 axes) could be used for Simped pedals (3 axes) and TQS (5 axes).

 

 

Edited October 8, 2018 by Sokol1

[Furni]

Thanks for the reply Sokol1 I may order a TUSBA for the throttle if I can get the Cougar joystick working and I have ordered a BU0836X for the Simpeds. If I get the same PCB for the Cougar joystick could I connect it using the wires I have already in the Joystick or do they have to be connected separately like in this video.

 

Could be a long job if that's the case.

 

 

or is it a case of cutting the connectors off for the joystick and the Halls sensors and connecting them to the BU0836X PCB or is it not that simple if it is the case in what sections do I connect the wires - sorry if this is a silly question but I'm no Electronics expert as you've most likely gathered!

 

Thanks for the help.

 

 

[ACG_Invictus]

Furni:  I happen to have a spare Cougar motherboard if you need it.  I'd be willing to ship it to you if you are willing to pay for the shipping.  Just PM me if interested.

[Sokol1]

Quote

BU0836X for the Simpeds.

 

 

BU0836X is too "overkill" for just rudder pedal,  cost almost twice (BU0836A) and their only advantage is the integrated Shift Register, what make easy connect wires for buttons - what have no use in an rudder pedal. And their biggest physical size may create difficulties fit inside the pedal base.

 

Quote

 it a case of cutting the connectors off for the joystick and the Halls sensors and connecting them to the BU0836X PCB or is it not that simple 

 

For Cougar joystick is not that simple. Because inside this stick grip are a Shift Register PCB with CD4021B IC for manage buttons/HAT, this circuit communicate with USB controller (main PCB) inside base trough a 5 wires connector using Serial Protocol.

 

BU0836A/X don't have Serial Connection inputs - hence don't support external Shift Register (X have an integrated Shift Register, don't know what IC).

 

Thus is required remove the actual Shift Register inside stick grip and make new connections for all 19 buttons + POV HAT (4 buttons) = means use at least 24 wires, what may became difficult pass through stick pole hole and implicate in remove that PS2 connector in stick "collar" nut.

 

See the resulting "cobweb" in the above video.

 

Same happens in TQS, but there is used an Diode Matrix instead Shift Register for manage buttons,  what simplify use and BU0836A - but not BU0836X  (this require redo wiring) or an Arduino.

 

If instead are used an Arduino with code supporting Shift Register, nothing is need change inside grip/wiring.

 

Of course one can use an BU0836X for this job, but is not the more practical solution. An ~$6 Arduino PRO Micro + MMjoy2 (freeware) firmware make thighs more practical/easy.

Edited October 9, 2018 by Sokol1

[Furni]

Thanks again Sokol1, I only ordered the BU0836X as it was the one used in the link you sent me on September 30th plus it was well illustrated on where to place the connection so it was easier for me.

 

May just leave the Joystick alone and not try to repair it like you say there was a large 'cobweb' of wires going about!

 

Thanks for you help and advice.

 

Cheers Furni

[Sokol1]

That guy in RoF forum use a assemble box for fit BU0836X.

 

As "B plan" - case you give up in rewire Cougar stick, may can fit BU0836X inside TQS case - removing the PCB there, is just a Diode Matrix circuit, not need for BU0836X.

 

The only other modification need is add new 3 wires for connect TQS throttle pot to BU0836.

Connect the buttons and axes inside TQS grip using the connector inside base - coming from grip,  without any alteration.

And save the Diode Matrix PCB and original pot connector/cable for the case that at give moment want reverse the modifications .

 

Then connect pedal axes to BU0836X inside TQS - throttle require 5 axes and pedal 3 axes, just the number available in BU0836X.

 

 

[Furni]

Thanks Sokol1 I try and get the Simpeds working once I get the parts delivered and if ATAG Invictus is will the pass on the motherboard he has for the Cougar then I'll be a happy bunny, I think I've sent a PM to Invictus (I'm sure I have) I'll just wait and hear from him hopefully.

 

Thanks for everyone's help and offers on this.

 

I'll let you know how I get on regarding the Simpeds

 

 

[-ACCZ-Michal-Wolf]

hi i would like to create optional numbers for basic skins of aircraft what do you do for it? thank you very much Wolf

[Furni]

Hi Sokol1

 

Hope you can help I have upgraded my Simpeds to use USB.  The computer recognises the BU0836X but the reading I’m getting are not correct, brakes are working and again recognised but the readings I’m getting are all over the place. If I check the rudders in Foxy the right rudder is moving from 95-100 the left doesn’t register at all brakes move from 0-70 but only the right if I remember correctly. 

 

I was was looking at the ‘Rise of flight’ link and was going to swop the white wire with the yellow to try and get the rudders to centre correctly and have better reading but when I opened up the Simpeds I was looking at a few more wires than what was on the Webb site for converting the rudder. 

 

My question is do I still swop the yellow and the white? These Simpeds include the brakes and I guess the brown wires on the board are for the brakes the other problem I see is that there is Grey, Green which are going to the same contact point on the PCB Pink, Yellow and white wires. 

 

 

Hope it makes sense and I hope you can help

 

 

Cheers Furni

[FlyingH]

Could you move the gray main cable away so the smaller wires are clearly shown? Maybe also get better focus in order to see if there is any texy on the board.

 

[Sokol1]

Furni,

 

I don't know how Simped electronic is, only that is an old project, dated from ~1998/9 and thus their USB controller resolution is very low:- 4 bits - 128 points, even less than CH's (8).

 

That guy in RoF forum use BUU0836 and new HALL sensor for improve this.

 

What I don't understand in their mod is why he wire the new sensor in Simped circuit and then this circuit in BU0836. Try ask in that RoF forum may the guy still around.

 

What I will try in that situation is test Simped sensor direct to BU0836 inputs - but this require extreme caution, because different than potentiometer, sensor don't survive wire inversions (+ by - or signal) that may damage BU0836 too, the correct way is first try identify the sensor used and search for datasheet for identify their pins.

 

If this test show low resolution is due limitations of sensor.

 

Then, I will ignore all Simped electronics and just install BU0836 and new Honeywell SS495A1 o Allegro A1324EAUT HALL sensor.

 

 

Edited October 20, 2018 by Sokol1

[Furni]

Thanks for the advise and info will look at ROF site to see if I can get in touch with =AH=Sid and hopefully some a solution if not I’ll look into a new PCB and sensor. 

 

Ill get get some sharper images too only posted the image to show the wiring. 

 

Cheers Furni