Helicopter Force Trim System

[KomodoSim]

Hi,

 

The new parts are arriving for my new Force Trim System. This will be a mechanical system in the base unit of my Cyclic control, so it will work with any flight sim or helicopter or fixed wing for that matter. No software is needed to run the system, as long as its plugged in it will work.

 

Internals have all been designed, just waiting for them to come back from the printers so I can build the first prototype.

 

BR

 

Rich

[Gruman]

This sounds interesting. Can you explain a bit more how this is going to work?

[KomodoSim]

The system will work by holding the Cyclic control in a position when the unit is plugged into the computer via USB. You will be able to move the cyclic from this position under spring force and it will return to this position. If you press and hold the Force Trim Release (FTR) and move the cyclic there is only hydraulic force and no spring force, so you can move the cyclic as normal. If you then release the FTR the cyclic will stay in the new position and will return to this new position if displaced without pressing the FTR.

 

Does that make sense?

 

BR

 

Rich

[Gruman]

Yes, it does make sense. Sounds fantastic.

I assume since it works indipended of the game, that this whole function is done by a electronic circuit which controls this?

 

Will this base replace the old base for your cyclics or will they also need new cyclic-stick because of the new FTR-Button?

 

Any estimated prices on those new force trim base mounts?

[Flagrum]

Is that FTR button exposed as DX Button to the outside? For DCS it would be necessary to know when the button is depressed and also when is released. Maybe not that important for the Huey as the trim there does exactly what you descrived. But for other helos, there is more to the trim button as it acts as input for an AFCS or autopilot.

 

Also interesting to know: can the simulation activate that FTR function as well - is your device perhaps even registering as force feedback device? Because it would be ideal if the sim can disable the forces of the stick - just think about disabling the force trim system in the Huey itself.

[KomodoSim]

Hi,

 

@swissMAG

No, I will have both available to buy still. But unfortunately the grips won't be interchangeable due to wiring differences to make the Force Trim work. Yes it uses various circuits and magnets as well as springs to make the system work.

 

Haven't got a final price yet, will have a better idea when the first prototype is finished to see if any parts need changing or re-designing.

 

@Flagrum

Its not at the moment, but I can easily change the switch to a double pole one to allow that function. Hadn't thought of that, thanks for pointing it out. Its not FFB on this design, it is something I'm looking into but that could a while off yet. That needs software as well as hardware to make it work. This is a purely standalone system that can't receive inputs from the sim.

 

BR

 

Rich

[outlawal2]

You mention spring forces.. Is the spring tension adjustable?

[KomodoSim]

No the spring force is fixed. The springs are just there to return the cyclic to the 'centre' if moved without the FTR button being pressed. The springs aren't part of the system when you press the FTR, only the hydraulic damping is.

 

BR

 

Rich