Sokol1_br

I think that a more realistic alternative is some Cougar user get a ALPS RKJXV1224005 micro-stick (used in "slew" mod for Warthog), and if need 3D Print a support for this new micro-stick.

Contact MegaMOZG, he sell VPC controllers for DIY.

This (CTS) 252A104B60NB mini-stick was discontinued by manufacturer in December, 2014. https://www.mouser.com/PCN/CTS_Electronic_Components_Mouser_252_EOL_notice.pdf

The switch in L.Bodnar site is ALPS RKJxxxx serie, and has a peculiarity: "Push button is also activated when the stick is pushed in any direction (NESW)." https://www.alps.com/prod/info/E/HTML/MultiControl/Switch/RKJXM/RKJXM1015004.html Then or use switch only as 4 ways or assembly an additional electronic circuit to deal with the center button (see in Debolestis Suncom topics). VKB and VirPil use this switch and deal with this issue in firmware. Can 3D Print and assembly 4, 5 ways HAT's with tactile 6x6 micro switches with various cap format. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3641494

And don't forget the rudder pedals ($80 to $600+). :)

Suncom stick require a new gimbal (e.g. 3D printed with bearings), their original oscillatory "Saturn ring" gimbal is not suitable for place contactless sensor, and require a specific size of sliding potentiometer, apparently no more produced. May can adapt this 3D printed CAM gimbal design for fit inside Suncon base case, that is very small. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2496028 Or more easy, make a new base case. Another 3D printed CAM gimbal option, ED.420. If il2sturmovik.ru require login for see images, can register in il2sturmovik.com. Files (Solidworks): https://cloud.mail.ru/public/4hMm/3gHVQ8ELT Anyway for worth Cougar too require a new gimbal - the original, made in Zamac (pot metal) without bushing or bearings, is a nightmare, with heavy spring and lot of play, but replacement option is available: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=195464 Rel4y has upgrades for Cougar TQS throttle, see their topic there. Suncom SFS throttle is very easy to convert for USB, basically add 3 wires and a ~$5 Arduino PRO Micro with MMjoy2 firmware. The sliding potentiometer used (2) still available and is easy replace with contacless sensor.

Yes, you can use Gladiator MK.II + MCG grip and TWCS throttle without any issues, what will be the best (quality/features) combo with twist (contacless sensor) up to ~$270 (Mk.II~90+MCG grip~100+TWCS~80). For similar price Saitek's (QC lottery) don't have contaless sensor in twist and CH's don't have twist. User opinion about Gladiator Mk.II (vanilla) + MCG Premium upgrade kit: https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=4146727&postcount=70

You don't need buy an (expensive) Warthog stick for use the PCB inside grip, just get an Shift Register CD4021 PCB (e.g. from Rel4y) or make your own ordering the PCB from Debolestis OSPark and soldering few components (that cost ~$10). Solder skill and tools is required for this kind of MOD. This PCB, plus a PS2 connector make this grip compatible with VirPil T50 and WarBRD base, plus this Tm Warthog"magnetic base" - that will be sold standalone in January 2020 ~$160. Debolestis probable can help drawing the connector nut compatible with VPC/Tm, for print in Shapeways in Nylon or metal. See this topic: https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2943388&postcount=113

Is a 3 way switch: up - down and press.

"Best" magnet for contactless sensor is diametrically magnetized rings, as Goblin say. If ring is not available two opposite square magnets - e.g. in the "Bic" assembly, make a bit easy tune the magnet field relatively to sensor, as the magnet field will work like in diametrically magnetized ring. But for short angle movement just one square magnet wok OK, e.g for rudder pedal brake axis.

Looks a nice mod for helicopter flight.

No way, VKB grips has microprocessor inside, use own firmware write in "Nibiru" code and different connector, compatible only with VKB base.

In that site are two files: EasyJoyRepair.exe - is EasyControl v4.0.34 - latest version or firmware. EasyControlRepais.exe - is EasyControl v4.0.35 - latest version of software that allow set/customize firmware (like VPC software). This "repair" is probable translation issue, probable mean upgrade or update.

Is an firmware for Arduino STM32... boards (~$5) for creating an very powerful and customizable joystick controller. The screens show some customization possible, eg. buttons mode. Looks have more options than VirPil firmware.

Yes, VirPil showed that this is a good idea. The funny is: Warthog stick only:$248 Magnetic base + F-16 stick: $160+230 = $390 Difference, that anniversary label. :D

Thing is that Saitek pedal cost twice TFRP, and unless by width don't have nothing 2x better. Probable CH PRO pedal, that cost in between both and is more durable, have better cost/value.

There's a problem, their adapter kit have two parts, a mechanical - that can be 3D printed and an electronic adapter for convert Warghog shift register serial signal in VKB "Nibiru" code. :D An Tm compatible nut was planed for the - cancelled, MCG TM: http://i.imgur.com/MCQ62y3.jpg

Thrustmaster Warthog grip already looks more F-16 grip than A-10C grip. So the "new" is the old. A-10C grip don't have paddle lever, but a lever on tube bellow, painted yellow:

Problem is find one on sales. :D

No, since release in ~2010 Warthog base use Melexis 3D Hall sensor (MLX-90333).

Their lastest "leakage" say: - Enhanced Electronics (Njoy32NG and seem new version of MaRS sensor) - New dust cover - New case - Cams manufactured by new technology. - "Space" cam included in the kit, modified "aviation" cams. - New springs for new cams.

Physically Warthog grip has 23 buttons. But for easy match T50CM2 grip buttons I list POV HAT separately in both, because POV HAT use a specific instruction in firmware (could be 4 or 8 way). So if you add 4 buttons in Warthog, need add 4 buttons in T50CM and the result is the same. Before buy wait someone confirm this, in VPC software you can choose what DX buttons physical buttons will press, but and in Thrustmaster software?

Force sense? Or just a fancy name for the old base - and old grip? http://www.thrustmaster.com/node/9213

TMW base recognize from grip: 19 buttons 1 POV HAT (8 way) T50CM2 28 buttons 1 POV HAT (8 way) 1 Analog brake lever Then you can't use the analog axes (of brake lever) and 9 buttons. For example, create a profile don't using any press button in HAT's, use the middle HAT as 2 way (up-down) the right side 2 way slider as 1 button, 1 button in flip trigger... Can use the brake lever for press an button. Save for an VirPil base. :)

Special modes for buttons only work for the first, up to 32, above this buttons are only standard type (like a keyboard press). In a future firmware version - that MegaMOZG talk about back in this year, may this change.