Aluminum Built - Actobotics / Hall Sensors

[SC-Maik]

SC-Maik what's the distance from the base to the neutral point?

Throttle on upper Z position: Handle base to Throttle base distance = 14.5cm ~ 5.71in
Throttle on lower Z position: Handle base to Throttle base distance = 7.5cm ~ 2.95in
Throttle on middle (Neutral Z) position: Handle base to Throttle base distance = (14.5+7.5)/2 = 11cm ~ 4.33in

Can you also let me know how many pounds of force?

I don't have a force gauge meter, so I can't answer that now. But I would love to know that as well.
BTW in case anyone is wondering, putting just the weight of your hand on the throttle, while rubber bands keep it on neutral position, won't lower handle further down.
You will have to apply force to push it down or pull it up.

Build is looking great!!!

Thanks

I am pretty sure you had something like that in mind.

[Cybertraxs]

Close... Love it though!!!

I've been searching for a Hall-Effect contactless linear position sensors, nothing that is reasonable in price....

But this is what I was thinking...




Here is the page with the specs

http://www.mcmaster.com/#extension-springs/=x4if48

Here is spring that might fit the specs: http://www.mcmaster.com/#9065k193/=x4illz

I'm waiting on more materials to arrive, should be here tomorrow. I'll start a new threat with my build.

[SC-Maik]

I've contact my spring manufacturer for a quotation regarding a custom made tension spring.
I should have his answer about pricing tomorrow.

Looking forward to see your progress.

[SC-Maik]

Fooling around with some cheap springs I've found today (2$/pair).



Unfortunately those are too strong.
I do like though the added resistance on X-axis and Y-axis.

[SC-Maik]

3D printed pcb holders



Redesigning upper handle base to accommodate springs

[SC-Maik]

3D printed magnet shaft



Board in place

[SC-Maik]

I can use a couple of these to mount central spring

[Cybertraxs]

Your build is looking great!!!

I'm going to use these Steel Extension Spring Anchor Stud Standard, 6-32 Thread, 5/8" Overall Length to hold the spring down:

McMaster is selling them for $2.93 USD each http://www.mcmaster.com/#9634k21/=xbao0j

I managed to find 3 of the Stainless Steel Extension Spring Swiveling Anchor Stud Swiveling, 6-32 Thread, 5/8" Overall Length on Amazon for about $5 each, now they are going for $15 USD each. McMaster is selling them for $13.46 USD each. http://www.mcmaster.com/#96376a110/=xbaokg

Can you post the stp file for your base?

I agree we should form up on TS or other voice to play Star Citizen together.

[SC-Maik]

I wanted to live test spring idea, before I go into the trouble changing base design.
So I've improvised. I took one of my wife's hair rubber band and a wooden stick and I put this together.



I've twisted band to add extra resistance and launched Star Citizen. Added some dead zones (10% on X and Y and 25% on Z) and ... it works great!

You don't need to have your hand on throttle all the time

I am uploading a (crappy quality) video to demonstrate.

Btw I have found this on amazon.

Video uploaded. Enjoy. I am getting a web camera tomorrow to upload in game footage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvtsTmh1sKQ

[SC-Maik]

Extension spring is the way to go for sure but I liked that I could adjust stiffness of rubber band by giving it some extra twists.
I need to work on a mechanism to adjust spring depending on user preferences - hand weight.

First of all I have to find a suitable spring to use as reference.
What I am looking for atm is a spring of 2.5in height, 0.5in width, 0.039in wire (63.5mm x 12.7mm x 1mm).