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Post by ScottB on Mar 12, 2015 15:44:29 GMT
I'm looking into ways to create more spring return or tension with my existing joystick. I have some ideas and I've done some research online but haven't come up with anything promising. I'm considering the Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog since modding it looks pretty straightforward (at least easier than my current joystick mod). However, there is still the issue with stick centering/tension. I have no way of determining that prior to purchasing it.
If anyone has experience with the Thrustmaster Warthog, I would appreciate some insight. I know it has "stiction" issues and the handle is a bit overkill for GA but, extending the handle looks pretty easy and well established. However, it's pretty pricey to be a paper weight if it doesn't work for my purposes. Seems most think the spring tension is too strong, but You Tube videos reflect otherwise, in my opinion.
To Rich (richts): Quote: "I'm having a challenge finding tubing the size I need to fit over the base shaft (.54). I have what I need to tackle the wiring but don't want to start until I have the rest figured out."
Any luck with your project?
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richts
Almost Aviator
Posts: 21
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Post by richts on Apr 8, 2015 22:36:30 GMT
Finally! Started by taking my msffb apart and decided because of the way it is built that it would not be a good first invent the wheel project. So set that aside and thought I would have a go at my "Thrustmaster". It came apart easily and decided this for me was a doable option. I measured shaft sizes and found that with minor modification a section of 1/2 pvc would work. Then I confirmed the length I would need and still clear the yoke I use (for yoke aircraft) mounted on the table so it would not interfere. Now comes the soldering of the 9 wires at the base and then fitting 4 in a shrink slieve and 5 in another. Once that was done then match up wires correctly, I didn't have exact color matches so that made it a little more of a challenge. Making sure it would all fit in the handle I closed it back up. Today was test day and all works as I hoped it would. It is a much more realistic feel using the modified joystick because I mostly fly the American Scout Tundra and also A2A Cub. On a older post of crash, what a process getting my system up and running again. Complete loss on all fronts but now upand going this time with Prepar3d 2.5, tracker ir5, and so far my two add ons, think orbx pnw will be next.
Take care wish I could be the STOL competition
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Post by ScottB on Apr 9, 2015 12:27:42 GMT
Glad you are back up and running again, glad you had success modifying the joystick! Which Thrustmaster did you go with? I recently decided on, disassembled and extended a Thrustmaster T.1600M. That joystick has better centering than the Logitech and I wanted to try a shorter extension (about 7 inches). It's also more precise with the Hall sensor. I didn't bother to take photos this time. I'm using it now in place of the modified Logitech and I think I like it better even though the spring resistance is actually weaker than the Logitech. I agree, the extra throw gives it a more realistic feel. I'd still like to have the option for a yoke but, my setup doesn't really work for that as it is.
The STOL competition is somewhat "up in the air" due to weather. However, this part of the country hardly ever gets the rain that is predicted so I feel pretty confident it will still go on. Folks fly in from around the country so, it may affect the number of planes that will compete. I plan on riding my bike, leaving tomorrow. I'll bring along a rain suit... just in case!
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richts
Almost Aviator
Posts: 21
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Post by richts on Apr 11, 2015 23:34:57 GMT
Thrustmaster USB Joystick (2960623
Got at amazon 19 $ but seems to do ok for what I want How is it that your setup doesn't work with a yoke? My next challenge is to set orbx pnw and make that work with pr3d Wind blows strong almost every day so not much flying at the moment Take care
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Post by ScottB on Apr 13, 2015 12:18:15 GMT
Thrustmaster USB Joystick (2960623 How is it that your setup doesn't work with a yoke? I would have to remove the lower monitor and relocate the switch panels up several inches in order to accommodate a yoke. Doing so would allow the use of both a stick or a yoke.
Hope your software installation went OK.
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richts
Almost Aviator
Posts: 21
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Post by richts on Apr 14, 2015 15:13:58 GMT
It did, I'll send you a pic of my setup there's and inexpensive way to remount hardware that works for me anyway. Back to the software I am at the moment taking it real slow and much thought to adding anything else because what I have now works. Not even willing to try tweaks. can I pm you the pic?
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Post by ScottB on Apr 15, 2015 13:31:00 GMT
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Post by MarkH on Apr 15, 2015 16:55:16 GMT
I was tinkering with the idea of extending my CH Flightstick Pro. It looks easy to do mechanically but the wires are tiny (doable) and the spring is already too weak. I was thinking of some kind of external springing, like with bungee cords! Wouldn't look very nice but it might work...
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richts
Almost Aviator
Posts: 21
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Post by richts on Apr 15, 2015 20:54:18 GMT
Ya I didn't do anything in that regard, just soldered in the extra wire and used modified half inch pvc for the extension. Tried to up load acceptable size pic but had three upload failures. Not sure what problem is I don't usually have issues with my microwave internet connection. As for stick resistance it is a little less than real world at least compared to rw Citabrea. But is much closer being lengthened than as it was before the mod so content for now.
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Post by ScottB on Apr 16, 2015 14:31:19 GMT
I was tinkering with the idea of extending my CH Flightstick Pro. It looks easy to do mechanically but the wires are tiny (doable) and the spring is already too weak. I was thinking of some kind of external springing, like with bungee cords! Wouldn't look very nice but it might work... I don't solder the tiny wires, I just twist them together and use heat shrink tubing which holds very well for this application.
My modified Logitech 3D with added rubber bands. It's ugly but, it improved resistance. It didn't help much with slack in centering. It feels more like the real thing, in my opinion.
My modified Thrustmaster. More compact, Hall sensor (more precise), much better centering. Not as realistic in terms of throw. Very little resistance, but I think I actually like it better while flying. I actually used a dremel tool to cut the circuit board in half! Ouch! Haha! I don't need joystick buttons really since I have the switch panel. The handle buttons work on both sticks.
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Post by MarkH on Apr 16, 2015 17:04:18 GMT
My modified Logitech 3D with added rubber bands. It's ugly but, it improved resistance. It didn't help much with slack in centering. It feels more like the real thing, in my opinion. Oh yeah, that looks like a more discreet version of what I was imagining! I may yet give it a try.
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