Materials list is actually really simple... a dead joystick handle, a little ingenuity, a trip to home depot for some steel pipe and connectors, a trip to a local scrap yard for a universal joint and some scrap sheet. (11 ga) and a friend who knows how to weld. :lol: If you have the time, I really r...

Ray- The top opening you described is exactly my plan, when I have the tools/materials again. (Christmas break! lol) The radial spring arrangement was definitely something I considered, but I wasn't able to put it together in my head. I have a few more ideas how to make that happen now! It might be ...

Lawndart wrote:I may need to pick your brain about a few things on it sometime.

P.S. I fly Part-121... Couldn't tell you about 135-regs.

You bet! Just let me know. Thanks for all the kind words about the poster, guys.

And PS, I should have known Mesa was 121! D'oh!

I have thought about that, but it would certainly ruin my ability to add a case/box around the internals at the base. The "box" is what will restrict the range of motion of the stick, so that part is pretty much non-negotiable. I've been considering adding a spring at each of the midpoints on the si...

I'm pretty sure like... 135.63.43a(c) says you can sequester passengers' laptops...

Got a little work done! http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb167/aaron886/th_P1010149.jpg Now it has some tension. It's too light for now, hopefully I can find some stronger springs (more than 19.1 lb but still around 1.5in long when compressed). Tension is very smooth however, increases linearly ri...

Thanks man! Yeah I've heard the guys who have a thick build with a high blood pressure (i.e. the guys who eat tons of red meat and drink tons of beer) do best.

Thanks guys...!

Gunner wrote:Now since your arm will be resting on your leg, does this mean you will no longer be able to wear a G-suit?

Darn, I guess not! I'll have to work on my AGSM. And get my blood pressure up. Actually that last one is easy, just become a Cubs fan or something.

It's been too long since I've had a hardware project so I thought I'd give building a center-mounted joystick a try. I'm building it around a motorcycle's universal joint, using 4 20lb springs for tension and Leo Bodnar's BU0836A chip with Hall Effect sensors for the axes. (Those will be tough to mo...

The problem with Saiteks is and has always been their movement. They don't seem to understand how flight controls are supposed to be designed... Linear tension beginning with the lightest forces at center, becoming stronger towards the ends of the axes. The stick should center well and upright, but ...

Looks interesting for sure. I'm not a huge fan of the "cyber" modern design (especially on the throttle) but the construction sounds like high quality. Hopefully the stick motion will be better than other Saitek sticks have been.

Congrats gents! Great work!

Ah that's amazing! Talk about having SA in simulation. We have some new 170 degree wrap-around Cessna FTDs here at school, and that feels pretty cool. This must be off the map.

Hah, I think this only happens to paint-on-metal controllers. I tend to beat sticks/throttles to death, but haven't had that kind of cool-factor! Looks good, LD. It's a trophy.

Lawndart wrote:@Beaker, how far along your training are you?

Eh, only working on Instrument/Commercial right now. The way my school does it combines work towards Instrument, Commercial, and Multi into one.