X52 Hack (lolz)

Mr_Burns · July 24, 2015

I know I know - drop the X52 and get a new one but I just cant justify it yet, it honestly does me fine....but Im bored so Im going to mod it.

Its not going to be exciting but I will post some pics anyway.

I have a few ideas, but the main mod I want to do but am struggling with (or perhaps 2) are as follows:

Any ideas how / if I can wire an XBOX type Thumbstick to a GPWIZ card? I want to replace the i button and trim wheel on the throttle and replace with a hat type switch for which i will use a thumbstick from an old controller.

The slider is garbage - any ideas on a mod for this? Again - my interface is a GPWIZ 40 - i may use a 3 position or 2 position switch for speedbreaks or flaps?

Im also going to add a couple of A10 panels to the back of it it and replace that useless LCD screen realestate for some other usefull interfaces with some other functions to be decided.

I'll probably then get a Warthog Hotas!

Sokol1_br · July 24, 2015

The common "Thumbstick"* is just analog 2 axis + 1 button, so no difficult for wire in GPWIZ, just use analog inputs for the axis and digital input for the button.

* In some PS3 units the "thumbstick" is HALL sensor with 4 pins and require a specific controller, so probable dont work in analog GPWIZ or other USB cards, avoid this models.

Mr_Burns · July 24, 2015

Thank you, will try to find one one eBay/Australia!

Mr_Burns · July 27, 2015

Actually had an old XBOX controller which the dog ruined so last night I took the thumbsticks and some tactiles and the vibration motors off it.

I then took the Saitek apart and at this point I am thinking there is no way I will get it back together - Im not qute sure why they need 20 screws, so I may rebuild with superglue.

The good news is, the xbox controller fits perfectly and it has the central click so it looks like it will be great for trim. This leave me with a spare thumb hat for which Im thinking I will build like a castle switch head.

I also managed to remove one of the xbox triggers (the other ones pins snapped) so I have a spare trigger mechanism for some other future mod)

Edit: I completely forgot the purpose of the message - the two sensors up down - have 3 pins - assume one is up, one is down and middle is earth? I may look for a schematic unless someone knows before I get home :-)

Edited July 27, 2015 by Mr_Burns
Brain Fart

Mr_Burns · August 2, 2015

So the X box controller fir perfect, luckily i tested it before I installed it and unfortunately i comes up as a joystick so cant control anything.

So I was wondering, does anyone have an old broken X52 throttle? The finger "joystick" is perfect.

Looked at making my own as its only 4 micros tactiles but cant work out how to make a ball joint small enough to hold a thumb controller.

So yeah, if anyone has an X52 and wouldnt mind pulling out the index finger controller happy to buy it.

Thanks

Dave

Sokol1_br · August 2, 2015

So the X box controller fir perfect, luckily i tested it before I installed it and unfortunately i comes up as a joystick so cant control anything.

You meant that the XBOX directional work like as joystick? If is this, is normal as they are just "mini-joystick", need be plugged in axis input. :)

ooked at making my own as its only 4 micros tactiles but cant work out how to make a ball joint small enough to hold a thumb controller.

Yes "HAT" in joystick (or real military control grip) is just 4 switch's around a pole - no Alien science in then. :) Build one oly depends on your DIY skill:

http://s30.postimg.org/alfwg9a9d/HAT1.jpg

But use these today common "navigation/directional switch" used in cell phones and similar devices, just pick one that are not "micro size". E.g.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALPS-RKJXL100401V-NAVIGATION-SWITCH-9WAY-/171118888542?hash=item27d77b065e

This one have 4 directions and press button - that you can use or not.

All these solutions will cost less and probable work better that a used Saitek one. :D

Edited August 2, 2015 by Sokol1_br