Simchair MK III I2C twin throttle collective

thingiverse

IMPORTANT! PLEASE USE LATEST FILES FROM GITHUB: https://github.com/hc625ma/simchair_models/tree/master/Components/Peripherals/Twin%20collective Visit http://hc625ma.org for latest news and manuals! DESCRIPTION BELOW WILL BE UPDATED SOON This is an open source "Bell 412 style" dual throttle collective lever, designed to work with Simchair MKIII or as a standalone PC joystick. It comes with a switch panel mount, as the panel is still in development; you can use the decorative cover for now. Throttles turn 200 degrees like in a real 412. This design is not meant to be an exact scale version of the 412 collective lever, but it's "412 themed" and resembles the real one. Because of its 200-degree turn (standard potentiometers have 300 degrees), you'll need either a step-up voltage converter or calibration in Windows Game Controller Properties. As usual, an IKEA GUNDE chair mount is included. This lever is particularly useful when flying X-Trident AB 412 in X-Plane 11. Parts list: M8x75mm screws * 4pcs M3 50-20 mm screws (all sizes with a 5mm step) M3 regular and nyloc nuts M4x80mm screws * 2pcs M4 nyloc nuts * 2pcs 608zz bearings * 2pcs SS495A hall effect sensor * 2pcs (https://goo.gl/1mxfRz) 10KOhm LINEAR potentiometer with SHORT HANDLE, AROUND 8MM * 2pcs (https://goo.gl/vbi1Zh) 6x6x4mm square magnet * 1pcs wires RJ-45 connector, ethernet cable OPTIONAL: aluminum square pipe 10x10mm OPTIONAL: step-up voltage converter (MT3608, for example): https://goo.gl/pQdAwK OPTIONAL: Arduino UNO with atmega 16u2: https://goo.gl/Pmok1L OPTIONAL: Arduino UNO proto shield: https://goo.gl/1meUh4 OPTIONAL: RJ45 sockets https://goo.gl/HnH48X OPTIONAL: IKEA GUNDE chair You can plug this lever into your favorite joystick controller. If you don't have one, no worries - the software for Arduino UNO is included. Note that you'll need an original Arduino UNO or its exact clone with atmega16u2 onboard. P.S. An assembly video (below) isn't perfect but should give you a general idea of how to build it. How to use the voltage converter: WARNING, IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING, USE SOFTWARE CALIBRATION INSTEAD, YOU CAN DAMAGE YOUR HARDWARE! 1. Power up the converter and adjust its output to 5 volts. 2. Connect potentiometers to converter's OUTPUT, SS495A to its INPUT (!). 3. Turn throttle grips so that voltage between signal legs of potentiometers and ground would be zero. 4. Turn throttle grips to the other side, check voltage between signal legs and ground, should be around 3v. Adjust to 5. 5. Connect the lever to the controller and plug it into PC. Check that grips travel range corresponds full axes travel range in game controller properties window. 6. Fly! How to use UnoJoy software: 1. Upload the "simchair.ino" sketch to your Arduino with an Arduino IDE. 2. Install Atmel FLIP. 3. Turn your Arduino into DFU mode. 4. Your board should come up as an atmega16u2. 5. Run "Turn into a joystick.bat" 6. Replug your board and it will show up as a joystick. Note that ALL analog inputs MUST be either connected to potentiometers or grounded. Ethernet cable connections: White-orange: +5v Orange: Ground White-Green: Collective axis Blue: Throttle 1 axis White-Blue: Throttle 2 axis Use the T-568B standard wire order for all your connections (see picture below). Keep in mind, that if you only need one throttle grip and do not need the collective head switch panel, you can use a simpler, single engine, 300 degrees, version: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2630031.