9Thumbs

Cubpilot (of Cougar/Hall sensor fame) had a toe brake kit in the works, although I haven't seen an update for quite a while. His contact info is on his website: http://www.cubpilotshangar.net The alternative is DIY. aRareKindOfMonster gathered a few examples near the end of this thread at SimHQ: http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3069144/3/Converting_TM_Elite_pedals_to_.html 9T

Nope - homebuilt with Hall sensors from Cubpilot and electronics/grip from TM Cougar. Smooth movement with about 5lbs of force at maximum throw. naughty bits"]naughty bits 9T

Most any joystick could be extended that much, but I'm not sure you would be happy with the results. There may be a couple of drawbacks - first, to use it comfortably you would need to limit the range of motion (throw). You can recalibrate for the restricted movement, but you would be losing half the resolution of the pots/Hall sensors. The other problem is the loss of spring effectiveness - no centering and little force needed to move the stick. Some guys actually like that - depends on your preferences. If you really want a floor-mounted stick, I would suggest building your own gimbals and transferring the grip and electronics from a donor stick. Here's a pic of mine. I've been happily flying with it for several years, although I'm working on a FFB version now. floor mount"]floor mount 9T

Hydrasun (UK) was just the first one that came up. Manuli probably has dealers worldwide. Eg. Michigan: http://www.federalfp.com/hydraulic_hoses_fittings.php Guess not all Americans have metri-phobia. ;) You're right, though - if you can't find parts close to home, shipping costs would probably make this extension unfeasible. 9T

$80? That can't be right. I got mine at a local hyd. shop here in Canada. They were made by Manuli, but I'm sure there are other manufacturers. Part nos. M21513-16-36 female swivel with 1" hose barb "light" M11210-12-36 male with 3/4" hose barb "heavy" Here's a couple of links to a catalog with the specs (just popped up in a search - I don't know this company) http://www.hydrasun.com/catalogue/page.aspx?i=7253 http://www.hydrasun.com/catalogue/page.aspx?i=7256 If you could get a center shaft from someone that has replaced the gimbals in their Cougar, that might make the ideal top connector. A hacksaw and dremel or drill with a grinding bit are needed to mod the hyd. connectors to fit, but it's fairly easy. Details/pics if needed. Or you could contact Necroscope - he had an extension custom-made by a machine shop for $10. Around here I couldn't get a machine shop to give an estimate for $10 :D

If you're interested in some off-the-shelf steel connectors that will work with a little modification, I can point you to the hydraulic fittings I used to make my extension. They should be available locally at hydraulic repair shops in most countries - only thing is they're not exactly cheap at $15 ea. (that was a few years back). extension-parts"]extension-parts extension"]extension 9T

I extended my Cougar a while back, and from what I understand the WH uses the same connection - 5pin mini DIN. You should be able to get a plug and socket from an elect. supplier and solder the wires on. You can mod the PS2 to work - break off the extra pin and the center plastic peg of the PS2 plug (check twice before you break off the pin ;) ). For the socket I used a small bit in a dremel-type grinder to extend the center slot in the PS2 socket to allow the peg on the grip to fit. Some guys just break off the plastic peg in the stick grip plug, but that's just cruelty to a Warthog. :D 9T

Frazer, I've been thinking of joining the WartHog Owners Association (WHOA?) but I wanted to have a look under the hood, so thanks for the photos. This is no doubt obvious to everyone else, but what prevents the socket/grip from rotating horizontally - ie twisting? Also, for those thinking of extending the stick, you might consider making a screw-on extension. Here's one I came across a while back made out of garden hose? http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=39694 If you prefer cold steel, I made one for my Cougar a few years ago with a couple of hydraulic fittings. If I was doing it again I would try to persuade one of the guys that have modded their Cougar to part with the center shaft from their old gimbals - just epoxy into the top of the extension. extension-parts"]extension-parts extension"]extension 9T

I made my Cougar extension so that it doesn't lock into the recessed cross in the base - just sits on top. I can loosen the lock nut and rotate the grip to whatever is most comfortable. 9T

I made a short (4-5 inch) extension for my Cougar, and from what I've read the Warthog does use the same connection. M36 x 2 threads. The electrical connection is 5pin mini DIN but I modded a PS2 plug to work. It's been recommended not to go too much longer than that with the Cougar to avoid the risk of damaging the gimbals, but since the Warthog uses a different gimbal system I can't give you any advice about that.