Sokol1_br

2/3 (lower part) is in the traditional Zamac, the remaining 1/3 (top) is in plastic, supposedly to minimize the excessive tilt forward due the design. The two materials separation line is visible in this picture: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71WmfhYnnLL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

I think this RKJ... switch can work as 4 way (N-E-S-W) switch (+ press with above circuit in MMjoy2). And as Encoder + press (without the circuit). One button pressed repeatedly when cycle HAT (N-E-S-W...) clockwise, Other button pressed repeatedly when cycled HAT counterclockwise (N-W-S-E...) But not as 4 way switch and encoder simultaneous.

I have Gladiator "Vanilla" and T-Rudder Mk.II, and have used DevCFG several times for firmware upgrade, profiles, hidden an change axes without any issues. The detail is that for a given firmware only a given version of DevCFG can be used, and VKB Ftp is outdated (abandoned?), new versions of soft and firmware is hidden in someone personal page without much information about new functions and changes. I only have not used the advanced functions of DevCfg for make custom buttons profiles, although GUI is relatively simple, the meaning of functions is very obscure.

This PCB is double face, pads are in the other side. BTW - 2 resistor is used too. Can open the .LAY file with free SprintLayout viewer. This PCB is by-pass for Shift Register connection (IN and OUT), because transistors need power and share 5+V and GND lines. Don't know about electronic circuits, but think that transistor is what switch the connection in right direction and avoid simultaneous center press. Can simplify the circuit removing the Shift Register by pass connections, but don't know if the result will be compatible with diode matrix (due the power connections for transistor).

Is more easy you order the needed PCB in OSPark or other manufacturer. Files in linked Segey_Pe postage. You just need solder 4 diodes and 2 transistors, plus wires.

For practical purposes Gladiator PRO is no longer produced at years, VKB PR is elusive about its discontinuation. :)) Pay attention that you need SCG (Lite or Premium) with rev.B connector for match adapter kit connector.

ice_pbd, This Alps RKJ switch/encoder press the center button when moved in diagonals. VirPil, VKB use then, but their firmware are set for deal with this peculiarity.

Maybe this scheme done for RKJXM switch/encoder simultaneous press issues? https://i.postimg.cc/3xP9M7v6/post-56549-0-46558800-1506775796.jpg

You can easily modify your T.16000M grip, adding to the the 6 buttons on "wrong side" of base, what is easy to to, since each button has their own connection point. T.16000M and X-56 use the same Melexis 3D Hall sensor for X,Y axes. Probable no accuracy difference in between. Gimbal is similar in both, a compressed spring, but X-56 advantage is that you can exchange coils for customize feel. Since twist rudder is important for you a really good upgrade will be: VKB Gladiator ~$90 SCG Kosmosima upgrade kit ~100 Because will have twist stick with contacless sensor. Keep you TWS throttle and sell T.16000M and VKB KG-12A grip that worth ~ $40 and people want, include for use as shift knob in hot hod due their Luftwaffe heritage. :thumbup:

Bad news, Suncon F-15 joystick "Saturn ring" gimbal don't allow this of X,Y axes use. Neither this "mod" address the play of cheap joystick plastic gimbals. This 3D printed gimbal, with bearings and contactless sensor is good and not much expensive upgrade.

In Il-2.ru they talk this week about begin draw molds, so don't count for Christmas. :)

Think that basic drawings for this grip are in that old Mason PDF posted somewhere in this forum.

Look in Virpil software, this button is mapped to a given DX button number, change for another, try stay under #32, for avoid issues in other games, for CS only is OK set up to # 128.

I have see (Reddit, foruns) people working will old versions of these "professional sim" controllers, and in matter of gimbal and electronics, they are more mundane than VKB, VPC.

As said those office computers, if you want a PC for play flight sim games, look for game computers, like Alienware Aurora line. https://www.dell.com/en-us/gaming/alienware https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-pc/ But you have more "bang per buck" if assemble one, ask your friends, someone may are able to assemble for you. And, DCS want 32GB dual channel RAM.

"2D" deadzone: https://i.postimg.cc/3N8gwYsQ/DZ-Master-Cross-jpg-adb826ccfcb3c8cdb0b71b8fc442021f.jpg

Stronger springs will not help much helicopter flight, on contrary, you will fighting springs all time.

~$180.00 :thumbup:

The signal came through column (blue) and if switch is closed go through diode to row (orange). Diode allow signal flow only in this direction. In Encoder signal came from column (blue) and go though diode to row (orange), too only in this direction. The only difference is that diode are after switch and before encoder, but the flow is in same direction. Probable the internal construction of encoder will allow columns mix if diodes are after encoder.

What TARGET do is stored in the own software, not in stick EPROM like is in Cougar, VKB, VPC.

https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=3739994&postcount=456

Debolestis has some in OSPark, you can download. https://oshpark.com/profiles/Debolestis

Can combine two. https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/4000063942693.html?spm=a2g03.12010608.0.0.44f03ef8YI8boz

Wood in MFG? Looks like that structure are all made - by CNC, from composite - Formica like, material.

Bodnar controllers is "PnP" for Windows - use Windows native HID drivers. You can assign their buttons, axes... direct in DCS (or other game) controls GUI. Or use through keyboard emulation (press DX buttons to press keyboards keys), with 3rd part keymapper software like JoyToKey, Xpadder, Joystick Gremlin...