hberg32

Do you still have one of these? I'd like to buy one if you don't mind shipping to NYC (I'll pay for shipping of course). I assume you have/had four extra because you only needed 1 and the minimum order size is 5? Yeah same longboat here. Would like to avoid yet more e-waste if possible. I really like the u-shape you chose, it might help me solve a problem. I designed a new gimbal but the stick is SO heavy that I haven't found a set of springs that are strong enough to hold it as steadily as I would like and still clear the existing circuit board. The u-shape should eliminate any contact between springs/pcb at maximum stick deflection. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4653219 Henry

Hi - I just discovered this thread after designing a new gimbal mechanism for the Cougar and I'm kinda kicking myself because the last thing I did was think "ahh, nobody will ever use the original pots" and deleted the code for fitting them. I never thought about new sensors shaped like the old pots. Out of curiosity I see that you went to a great deal of trouble to make the new sensors return the same analog range of values as the original pots. I see that other people designing sensors have done that as well but I don't quite understand why. Running the calibration routine in Windows' USB game controller app is working fine for me for adapting to sensors with a different range. Is there another advantage beyond convenience (and the undeniable satisfaction of accomplishment) to matching the original range? Henry

I forgot to mention that it is modeled in OpenSCAD and the source file is posted so it should be relatively easy to modify for other sensor mounts. If you have dimensions for any other particular sensor send them to me and I'll see if I can make them fit. Pot-shaped sensors with large shafts/bodies like the Bi-Tech 6127 are not going to work with this design (at least, not without a good bit more head-scratching) as they will contact the controller housing at full stick deflection. The pivot point for the stick is really close to the top of the housing so vertical space is at a premium. Henry

I've created a 3D printed replacement for the Cougar gimbal that's kind of a blend of the designs by debolestis and olukelo. I'd be interested to hear any feedback if anyone gives it a shot. Right now it is intended to be used with either 4 or 8 springs. I have modeled mounting holes for dual cams but haven't yet worked out how to design cams short enough to fit into the Cougar's base. The parts are really thick so hopefully nothing will break, we'll see how it goes over time. I retained the original metal post in this design on the theory that 3D printed M25 threads might not hold up well. The hall sensors are Littelfuse 55300. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4653219 Henry

How do people generally handle fine-tuning of the centering with designs like this? I've created and printed something similar to this design but presumably the springs all have slightly different spring forces as the stick is pulled a bit more to one side than the other. The only option I can think of is to rotate one of the springs a little more or a little less than the other to add/reduce tension on one spring. Henry