DIY Throttle

[Dagwoodyt]

For several years I've been using a custom throttle unit that I got from the original owner at a good price and have been very pleased with it. Unfortunately it started to act up a few days ago. BoX won't recognized the throttle lever at all. Blitz recognizes the throttle lever but only in a range between 31 and 100%. The x-rotation axis is seen in Windows but I can't find any way to access it. For the short term I'm using a DIY throttle unit I made a couple of years back but haven't used much. The controller uses a Bodnar BU0836X. I remembered a post regarding 3-turn pots so I included one that operates off a large wheel on the box side. I am only now coming to understand the utility of being able to adjust throttle in (literally) one % increments. Time seems to slow down on landing approaches in the Spitfire Vb so that it's relatively easy to maintain IAS in the 90-100 mph range. That also gives more time to assess AOA and rate of descent. Taxiing at "walking" speed can be easily maintained. I'm guess that fine control of throttle input can also be useful in turn fights. This is new territory for me as I had never given any thought to an issue of "lever vs. wheel" throttle control.

Edited August 12, 2021 by Dagwoodyt

[Sokol1]

10 hours ago, Dagwoodyt said:

For several years I've been using a custom throttle unit ....  it started to act up 

The controller uses a Bodnar BU0836X. 

 

This several years is probable the cause o issue, the potentiometers worm out and need cleanup (in the inside resistive track) or replacement.

After this "overhauling" make a calibration using DView (available in Leo Bodnar site), don't use the (obsolete) Windows Game Controllers.