Need to replace Cougar throttle cable

[Yardstick]

The cable on the throttle of my TM Cougar seems to be failing.   Even when I have the cable connected to the stick base securely, wiggling the wire next to the plug, causes the throttle to disconnect / reconnect.  Even when I manage to get it to connect, Windows / TM software will only register movement of the axis between 47% and 100% - ie. when the throttle is physically at full idle, it reads as 47% and when full forward it correctly reads as 100%.   I've tried recalibrating numerous times but it doesn't sot out the problem.  Hence my conclusion that it is the cable that's damaged.

 

So I have a few questions:

Is the cable replaceable and if so how?  

It looks to be a VGA style cable / female plug.  Could I just cut the end off an a VGA cable and splice it to the plug internally in the cougar throttle? 

Also how to ensure that I wire it correctly?

 

The other option is trying to track down a like-for-like replacement - I know there are people that have converted their Cougar throttles to USB, someone might have an original cable to spare. 

[Sokol1]

Looks like that cable  internal wires are broken, hence the intermittent contact.

 

Is not VGA cable (DB-9) but gameport cable with DB-15 connector.

 

You can make replacement with demountable DB-15 connectors (e.g. from eBay), soldering the wires.

 

The issue is find a cable with 15 wires internally.

 

DB-15 pinout:

 

 

 

Edited October 27, 2019 by Sokol1

[Yardstick]

Thanks Sokol1 - I hoped you would come to the rescue ?

 

I agree - I've probably damaged the wires near the plug bending that cable to fit around my MonsterTech mount.  I will have to make sure I don't repeat that if I do manage to fix the throttle!

 

The DB-15 cable terminates internally with a removable plug that connects to the throttle controller board.  My plan is to cut the cable leaving about 10 cm spare attached to this plug and then solder and shrink-wrap each wire in turn to the matching coloured wire in the new cable (assuming they are the same colours). 

 

Does this sound sensible? 

 

Update:  Checked out eBay - is this the sort of thing you are referring to?  In which case I could just replace the plug after removing the damaged section of cable - hopefully I will be able to break open the original connector and replicate the wiring.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VGA-15-Pin-Male-D-Sub-Plug-Solder-Connector-DB15HD-Hood-with-ThumbScrews/262792852993?hash=item3d2facb601:g:f5sAAOSwgAJa2H5F

 

This 90 degree 15 pin adaptor also looks like it could solve the issues with giving the cable clearance from the mount.

 

Edited October 28, 2019 by Yardstick
Update

[Sokol1]

No, is not these DB connector  that you have linked, they have 3 rows of pins, those probable are for SVGA connection.

 

For gameport you need DB15 connector with only two rows of pins, this type - called "DB15P serial connector", you need then demountable for be able to solder wires in pins.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Set-DB15P-15-PVAG-Serial-Port-Male-Socket-Plug-Connector-D-Sub-Copper-adaptor/222344602061?hash=item33c4c561cd:g:zpAAAOSw5cNYT7FK

 

Anyway this cable (for printer) in Ebay UK, looks strong and avoid make solder in one side.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-DB15-Male-to-Female-Printer-Connector-Extension-Cable-5Ft-1-5M/362792114240?hash=item5478185840:g:fyMAAOSwuildtGB2

 

Edited October 28, 2019 by Sokol1

[Yardstick]

Thanks for taking the time to look at this - really appreciate your help.  However, I think there is some confusion. 

 

The Cougar stick base has two ports:  A 15 pin, 2 row gameport for legacy pedals and a 3 row, 15 pin SVGA type port to connect the throttle.

 

Here are some pictures of the connector on the throttle cable: 3 row, 15 pin SVGA style.

[Sokol1]

LOL. Anyway make sense, they use 3 row for throttle to avoid that someone connect pedal cable in throttle connector or vice-versa, what probable will "fry" things. 

 

In this case avoid buy assembled cable (for VGA) because in these PIN 4 and 9 are not connected:

 

http://i.fixya.net/uploads/images/erustownsend_0.gif

Edited October 28, 2019 by Sokol1

[Yardstick]

Thanks Sokol1 - it seems even I can teach a master like you something new ?

 

I have ordered a connector designed for soldering / self assembly with a casing that screws together.  

 

I had to replace all the wiring in a Suncom SFS throttle a couple of years ago which I now use as a switch box and as extra axes - hopefully this will be less complicated than that! 

[ACG_Invictus]

Yardstick:

 

I may still have a Cougar throttle cable I could send you.  I disassembled my Cougar years ago, but I'm a bit of a hoarder so I'm sure I still have it in my "Big Sack o' Cables*" .....I kept it because (as every hoarder can attest) you never know when you might need it!!

 

I'll check later this afternoon and see if I can find it.  If so, I'd be happy to send to you if you are willing to pay shipping.

 

* "Big Sack o' Cables" copyright ATAG_Invictus 2019.  All rights reserved.

[Yardstick]

Hi Invictus - that would be fantastic.  If you manage to dig the cable out, I would be more than happy to cover the postage.  I looked into replacing the 3 row ,15 pin connector but the complexity of soldering required on such a cramped set of pins is beyond my capabilities.

 

I know what you mean about being a hoarder? I have a shelf full of motherboards and GPUs going back 20 years.

 

 

 

 

[ACG_Invictus]

You are in luck....I have it.  Send me a PM with you information and I'll get you a quote for the shipping.  Also send me your email and I'll send you a picture.