The throttle is functioning as of a few minutes ago! I still need to do some calibration on it, but it is definitely good to have it working!
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I don’t have that kind of talent so it costs me a little bit more.
…… Ok , lots more.
Well done sir!
nice. The buttons are a nice add on as well.
I’m using an Arduino for my rudder and brakes. Released, the brakes make noise like you’re collective. I set a dead zone in the MSFS axis settings. Might work for you too. Make sure you have it set up as a slider.
All the fabrication, wiring, and assembly are done. Hopefully it will be fully functional tomorrow! I still have to figure out how to configure the two switches on the throttle with the Arduino board and MobiFlight.
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I have the controller fully working now - the throttle and the switches function. Figuring out the assignments in MobiFlight is another story though. It is quite the experience to fly the R66 with manual throttle control!
I think I am going to build a set of non-centering torque pedals next. My Thrustmaster rudder pedals are less than ideal when it comes to helicopters. That will be a while though.
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Have any of you heard of MicroHelis? They are currently building components for home setups like the ones that have been posted here in this very thread.
Here’s their website:
MicroHelis
I hadn’t seen them before, but prices like those are why I am doing it myself.
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I know, right?. I bought a used Snapmaker, and built my collective, for less than a commercially available collective cost. Not to mention all the money it’s made me and the other “stuff” that I’ve built. You’ve probably seen this (Another collective for your consideration)
Yeah, I have seen that. Very nice! Projects like yours make me want to pick up a 3D printer.
A used Snapmaker A350 can be had for under $600. It’s a great tool but has a little bit of a learning curve. A lot of people lack the patience and critical thinking skills this machine requires. Which is why they can be had for cheap. The CNC and laser just add so much value too.
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Hi, very nice project, I was considering trying it out for myself. My main concern is does the collective/hand brake have damping? Does it stay in place when you let it go, or do you have to hold it in place while flying?
Yes, it will stay in any position I leave it in using friction in the pivot point. The friction can be changed by adjusting the tension on the pivot bolt.
Ok! Thanks a lot, I’ll give it a try then.
I finally got around to figuring out how to get the switches on the throttle to work today using Mobiflight! So now I have the collective and throttle fully configured with the throttle on the twist grip, idle stop on a switch, engine starter button on a switch, and landing light on a switch. The starter and landing light share the 3-way switch. The first Mobiflight configuration I made for it is for the Taog’s Hangar Hughes 500C/OH-6a. Next with be their Huey and then I will start working my way through the default helicopters.
edit - And I should add a picture of the complete setup now with the ugly cyclic I built several months ago as well. This setup and my new Quest 3 make for an incredible experience!
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Now that the collective is done and working properly, on to the next project! A proper set of anti torque pedals. The linkage will drive a potentiometer connected to another Arduino board and Mobiflight. All the small parts and electronics have been purchased, just need to order the steel and begin fabrication.
The pedal arms will be removable and I am working on a design for a second set that incorporate Cessna style brake pedals. Probably spending just as much building these as buying a fancy set of Winwing or other high end pedals, but half the fun is designing and building my own!
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