VBS ProStart Huey Collective WIP

[KomodoSim]

Couple of pictures of the progress of the new VBS ProStart Huey Collective. Just about finished the the design work, will then get a prototype made and tested and then it's good to go. Haven't got an idea of cost yet, but will keep this thread updated.

 

BR

 

Rich

[Suchacz]

I love your work guys, but unfortunately it is a little bit pricy for me :cry:

 

I would like to know if the cyclic control stick is a force feedback compatible, or it has a some other trimming mechanism? How is it controlled? By the simulations software (for example FSX or DCS) or by the stick's own firmware?

 

Please would it be possible to create some video?

Edited February 3, 2014 by Suchacz

[KomodoSim]

Hi,

 

No the cyclic isn't Force Feedback at the moment, although I am looking into it.

 

The cyclic uses small hydraulic dampers to lightly hold it in position when you let go, it's a sort of trimming system. It allows you to fly for much longer periods without you arm aching so much.

 

The controls are compatible with any game the recognises a normal joystick, the axis' and buttons are the same and can be allocated specific functions the same way as you can a normal joystick.

 

BR

 

Rich

[Suchacz]

Oh now I understand, thx for the answer. But your damper system doesn't seem to be realistic, it lacks the "force trim" simulation.

 

I would like to have a stick with a trimming system like this...

 

[KomodoSim]

Well it depends on which helicopter type you are comparing it to. Not all helicopters have force trim or any other type of SAS system. Although very good, the system in the video isn't that realstic either. The return to position spring is far too strong, if it did that in a real helicopter it would probably give you some bad whip lash at the very least. The SAS system should 'fly' you back to the previous position if displaced without pressing the trim release.

 

But as I said this is something I am working on

 

BR

 

Rich

[Suchacz]

The return to position spring is far too strong, if it did that in a real helicopter it would probably give you some bad whip lash at the very least.

Thats why the force trim, or force relieving system is there to prevent that :thumbup: If you watch some Mi-8 video, you should hear a trim clicking sound very frequently.

BTW - the centering force can be regulated on shown device.

The SAS system should 'fly' you back to the previous position if displaced without pressing the trim release.

Which helicopter are you reffering to? :huh:

Every chopper simulated in the DCS World has the force trim function simulated in the way shown in the vid...

[KomodoSim]

It just seems a very violent manoeuvre, both in the AW109 I fly now and the SK76 I used to fly certainly wasn't that violent. It was a very smooth return to position.

 

Having said that I might be wrong, I have never flown the Huey, KA-50 or Mi-8 so this might be right. It my experience of flying real world this seems very violent.

 

BR

 

Rich

[KomodoSim]

Update on the Huey Collective.

 

I've totally re-designed the whole unit in new CAD software today. More accurate and a better overall finish. This is now off to the printers to get the first prototype made.

 

BR

 

Rich

[KomodoSim]

Couple more tweaks and its ready!

 

BR

 

Rich

[KomodoSim]

Back from the printers, couple of things to adjust.

 

BR

 

Rich

[KomodoSim]

Finally getting somewhere on this now. What I hope to be there production model is due back from the printers in a week or so. The new 'Starter' underneath the collective is on place, engraving is all done and sourced all the correct switches as well. Really pleased with the switches they have a very smooth but solid movement to them. Couple of pics below with a video as soon as its ready.

 

Updated on production as well. I'm now building the base units in batches of 10, so that will clear out just about everything I have orders wise and will put a couple into stock for the collective bases and the pedals. My dad is now working with making all the base units which frees me up to concentrate on the making the grips and will also give me more development time for new projects as well.

 

BR

 

Rich