aelfewulf

Hi, I’m using the Vipergear VFS-WE, really happy with it. Stepping up to the FSSB R3 gives you customisable force levels and many other cool stuff.

The biggest weakness with the old TM TQS (not Cougar) is the plastic detents. Firstly the plastic gets worn down, and the detent becomes soft. Secondly setting both idle and AB detent shortens the throttle working range. My solution to this problem: digital detents programmed via Joystick Gremlin. How does it work? Pushing throttle to the max physical limit gives MIL power. Then by pressing a button, the afterburners are engaged. Throttling back disengages it. Quite intuitive actually. Pros: intuitive, won’t accidentally engage AB or idle cutoff, extended throttle working range + precision Cons: unrealistic, needs some work to setup via Joystick Gremlin/game controller setup, and AB stages are not simulated

By using Joystick Gremlin to program keybinds. Short press is one keybind, long press is another keybind. In Falcon BMS it’s even simpler, everything can be setup within the game.

Red “eraserhead” slew replaced with PSP ministick. Since this ministick doesn’t have a push button, Cursor Enable is now the added blue Omron tactile button. Another FUN button is that big black arcade button. This is a high quality Japan SANWA part, very reliable and meant to be mashed, abused and slapped. That’s why I designed it as the F16 slap switch (countermeasures program 5). U can literally slap it! Or press and hold to EJECT. EDIT: the stock brake pad mechanism totally removed. Just the application of Nyogel 767A makes the throttle action feel smooth and dampened. Resistance is easily dialed by tightening/loosening the bottom enclosure screws. Simple.

My love for the F16 style throttle continues… … and this time it’s the ancient, all plastic TM TQS! I’ve upgraded the main throttle axis to hall sensor, using 3D printed parts, Allegro 1324 hall sensor and N52 magnet. Powered by Leo Bodnar BU836A + matrix board. All 32 digital inputs, 4 POV and 8 analog axis are fully utilised. Acrylic panels are laser cut/marked. The fonts are not perfectly white, but serve the purpose well. I especially love the F-ACK and MASTER CAUTION industrial switches… long smooth firm actuation, loud CLICK. I find myself mashing them just for the heck of it LOL This is WIP…but it’s 95% done. Just need to shorten the bottom row of 4 screws so they don’t stick out. Not shown in the above pics are 2 additional push buttons + 3-way pinkie switch on the throttle grip, and a PSP ministick replacement for the red “eraserhead” cursor slew. The ministick performs well in testing, but needs a large dead zone. I feel this modded TQS looks much cooler than my Cougar mod…what do u guys think? Will update with more pics soon!

This is a pre-emptive measure, to prevent stick play from developing. So yeah I’d say it is effective.

If u can take a pic of your entire hotas collection, that would be a sight to behold

Hi Viper1970, I’m very VERY interested in your Cougar throttle detent mod!

Hi, this is using Helios

Does the “black magic electronics” allow user to customise force sensitivity? Also, it would be great if your future FCC PCB/controller can support additional axis and inputs. Users can then drill holes in the stick base to add switches, buttons and rotary knobs

As as alternative to the shift registers offered by rel4y, one could also install a Leo Bodnar board. It can support rotary encoders. So the HDG & CRS will become rotary knobs instead of toggle switches. (even though the tiny flat lip toggle switches works great for me)

The mod is possible thanks to the PCBs, controllers and sensors by rel4y. For more info u may refer to his thread or drop him a message. He also provides instructions on how to setup mmjoy2. Switches and buttons can be found online at electronics suppliers eg. Mouser, element14 etc.

BluTac onto the monitor. Simple solution

Rearranged the positions of the shift registers. Connectors are now more accessible, and wiring is shorter and neater. Here’s the finished setup... Cougar modded with Vipergear FCC3 White Edition. Those decorative gold screws really create a premium look, don’t they? And the throttle + MISC Panel

Here’s a pic of the innards... And a button box modelled after the F16 MISC panel. Acrylic face plate from Hispapanels. ALT REL button will be used as EJECT button. It sits flush with the panel, so embarrassing mishaps are unlikely. All connector wires can be easily disconnected for serviceability. A bit of masking tape ensures they don’t get loose and disconnect. Throttle friction mechanism totally removed. I replace with Nyogel 767A, the feel is incredible! Throttle friction adjustable by simply adjusting the tightness of the 8 base screws. Well, I’d love to, but since I’m based in Singapore, the shipping costs 2 ways would make it impractical...