New Hall Sensor kits

[AndreZero]

I managed to get my throttle dead space out using the technique described in your updated calibration video. Since I am using the throttle plugged into the stick, along with the HOTAS Cougar Control Panel, I found DIView gave me inaccurate numbers. It appears that the stick stores the calibration data and will report different values to the pc. So instead of using DIView I had to use the Cougar Control Panel.

 

These pictures may clarify what I mean. The range in the cougar control panel is 0 to 571. With my current placement of the magnet ring, that is limited to 134 to 560. DIView shows 0 and 255 for raw values at those points.

 

 

One other minor point is that the loss of precision means I sometimes register as being on the other side of my detents. I'll have to play around and see if I can adjust for that.

[Reaper]

Hi gents,

 

wondering if there are any reviews from customers available yet. :)

[ggerman]

Hi gents,

 

wondering if there are any reviews from customers available yet. :)

 

I'm waiting on a replacement mobo for my sim rig, so I haven't had a chance to try mine yet :(

[Mack_F4]

Hello,

 

Ive just fitted the kit to stick only and im having a deadspace issue.

 

On the Y axis it measures zero precisely at stick full forward however is runs out of values at 65535 at about an inch of travel measured at the top of the stick before the stop.

 

Same story on the X axis, full left produces zero however full right runs out of values at 65442 again around one inch before the stop.

 

All values are from DIView, I have tried to recalibrate though the cougar HOTAS control panel.

 

Can you suggest a fix?

 

Mack

Edited April 14, 2016 by Mack_F4
Mixing up my axis

[MilesD]

Hey Mack

When I first launch DiView I have to move the joystick to all of its limits before I get a good read. Anyway is sounds like your hall sensors may be to close to magnets or maybe slightly twisted. You can just pull them back a little with your finger away from the magnet. You will notice in Di View your overall range will be decreased immediately. You will then probably move off zero a bit also. Then you can re-calibrate. You can also slightly twist the sensor to get it read dead center before calibration. It only takes a small amount of a twisting movement to make these fine adjustments. I will make a stick calibration video tonight showing these adjustments. I make these adjustments before shipping but they may get moved during shipment.

Sorry for the inconvenience, please let us know how you make out.

 

Miles

Edited April 14, 2016 by MilesD

[Sierra99]

Thank you Sokol.

 

From what I read in that, the 10% loss on the throttle axis is not large enough to be noticeable in 8 bit or 12 bit. However, the difference between an 8 bit and 12 bit throttle is noticeable because 8 bit is 0,216mm of throttle adjust per degree and double what the hand can sense.

 

So don't get a TUSBA to mitigate the 10% loss, get a TUSBA because your throttle will be more responsive, despite the 10% loss.

 

So front what I'm seeing, the TUSBA and this kit are compatible. My question is, is it better to run the throttle modded with TUSBA and the stick with the hall mod as seperate units or use stick and throttle as designed?

 

Sierra

[Mack_F4]

Thanks Miles, your instructions worked. Working as advertised now.

 

I will try the throttle kit later.

[Sokol1_br]

My question is, is it better to run the throttle modded with TUSBA and the stick with the hall mod as seperate units or use stick and throttle as designed?

 

 

IMO no reason to use TUSBA unless for use the throttle as standalone unity with other joystick brand.

 

Or if resolution of throttle axis through Tm controller are too low - e.g. 8 bits, TUSBA is 14 bits - and plan use the throttle as collective, as for throttle axis this resolution in practical way dont matter, is not need increase throttle 0,5% increments... :D

Edited April 15, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[ddocg]

I received my parts last week and fitted the TQS mod last night - with TUSBA - and I couldn't be happier with the results.

 

Installation is very simple, just watch the TQS video posted earlier in this thread for what you need to do.

 

After installation I ran Realsimulator calibration to set Min, Max, Idle and Aft positions thereafter, checking in game, I am delighted with the response from my TQS - no more dead spaces in the TQS travel, it's now extremely responsive to physical input.

 

This mod has breathed new life into my TQS, I recently installed a new Z axis pot from TM and still had dead space issues now my TQS is finally working the way it should have from the beginning.

 

If you have any dead space issues with your cougar throttle axis then this mod is what you need, it's inexpensive and just works.

 

Brilliant, can't recommend it enough.

[Sierra99]

Hi Sierra

I am still on windows 7 & XP on most of my machines. I think I was the last DOS holdout thinking Windows was just a fad, with all this WYSIWYG stuff. I know I was the last guy using Lotus 123 with always. ah the days of cd\tetris. I just use the cougar as a standard joystick, with DCS mapping software being so good I see no reason for additional software. I made a replacement PnP board for the F22 pro that turned it into 2 USB 32 button joysticks so you had all of the buttons with 2 functions, all with the stock joystick drivers. I made one for the TQS that turned it into USB also. Sorry got off topic.

 

Miles

 

Miles,

 

Any chance your TQS USB board would work with the Cougar Throttle? I'm ready to smash mine with a hammer at this point because I am unable to get them to work properly with Windows 10. Some functions work... Others not so much.

 

Warthog...no issues. Cougar...Pffffft. Might as well put them back in the box.

 

Sierra

[MilesD]

Hey Sierra,

I know the PCB form factor is different, so I would have to make a new PCB. If there was interest I am sure I could make it work. The TQS would just be recognized as a standard USB HID 32 button joystick without any drivers required. You would not be able to use TUSBA because it would be USB already. Axis would also only be 10bit (1024 positions). If there was interest I could probably do a PnP board with microcontroller for $50.00USD.

 

Miles

[Sokol1_br]

You need make a cable *, use the connectors bars provided with BU0836.

 

Follow this table:

 

[TABLE]BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 1 +5V TQS PIN 1 +5V

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 1 GND TQS PIN 5 GND

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 1 Inputs TQS PIN 10 Mini-stick X axis = Windows X axis

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 2 Inputs TQS PIN 11 Mini-stick Y axis = Windows Y axis

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 3 Inputs TQS PIN 14 Throttle axis = Windows Z axis

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 4 Inputs TQS PIN 12 Anthena axis = Windows X Rotation

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 5 Inputs TQS PIN 13 Range axis = Windows Y Rotation

 

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 1 TQS PIN 6

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 2 TQS PIN 7

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 3 TQS PIN 8

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 4 TQS PIN 9

 

BU0836 ROWS PIN 1 TQS PIN 2

BU0836 ROWS PIN 2 TQS PIN 3

BU0836 ROWS PIN 3 TQS PIN 4

[/TABLE]

 

"TQS PIN" can be the 16 pins connector on PCB inside throttle case or the 15 pins DB-15 male connector on cable - for use this is need buy the correspondent female connector (IMO - Unnecessary complication).

 

Is used pins 1 to 14.

 

* IF your DIY skill (and tools) is not sufficient for this, well... buy a Warthog throttle. :D

Edited April 27, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[Sierra99]

I have a BUO836...Not sure how to go about connecting the two.

[Sokol1_br]

You need make a cable *, use the connectors bars provided with BU0836.

 

Follow this table:

 

[TABLE]BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 1 +5V TQS PIN 1 +5V

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 1 GND TQS PIN 5 GND

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 1 Inputs TQS PIN 10 Mini-stick X axis = Windows X axis

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 2 Inputs TQS PIN 11 Mini-stick Y axis = Windows Y axis

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 3 Inputs TQS PIN 14 Throttle axis = Windows Z axis

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 4 Inputs TQS PIN 12 Anthena axis = Windows X Rotation

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 5 Inputs TQS PIN 13 Range axis = Windows Y Rotation

 

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 1 TQS PIN 6

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 2 TQS PIN 7

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 3 TQS PIN 8

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 4 TQS PIN 9

 

BU0836 ROWS PIN 1 TQS PIN 2

BU0836 ROWS PIN 2 TQS PIN 3

BU0836 ROWS PIN 3 TQS PIN 4

[/TABLE]

 

"TQS PIN" can be the 16 pins connector on PCB inside throttle case or the 15 pins DB-15 male connector on cable - for use this is need buy the correspondent female connector (IMO - Unnecessary complication).

 

Is used pins 1 to 14.

 

* IF your DIY skill (and tools) is not sufficient for this, well... buy a Warthog throttle. :D

Edited April 25, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[Sierra99]

You need make a cable *, use the connectors bars provided with BU0836.

 

Follow this table:

 

[TABLE]BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 1 +5V TQS PIN 1 +5V

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 1 GND TQS PIN 5 GND

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 1 Inputs TQS PIN 10 Mini-stick X axis = Windows X axis

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 2 Inputs TQS PIN 11 Mini-stick Y axis = Windows Y axis

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 3 Inputs TQS PIN 14 Throttle axis = Windows Z axis

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 4 Inputs TQS PIN 12 Anthena axis = Windows X Rotation

BU0836 ANALOG INPUTS PIN 5 Inputs TQS PIN 13 Range axis = Windows Y Rotation

 

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 1 TQS PIN 6

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 2 TQS PIN 7

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 3 TQS PIN 8

BU0836 COLUMNS PIN 4 TQS PIN 9

 

BU0836 ROWS PIN 1 TQS PIN 2

BU0836 ROWS PIN 2 TQS PIN 3

BU0836 ROWS PIN 3 TQS PIN 4

[/TABLE]

 

"TQS PIN" can be the 16 pins connector on PCB inside throttle case or the 15 pins DB-15 male connector on cable - for use this is need buy the correspondent female connector (IMO - Unnecessary complication).

 

Is used pins 1 to 14.

 

* IF your DIY skill (and tools) is not sufficient for this, well... buy a Warthog throttle. :D

 

OK...I Goofed.

 

I have a BUO836X not the BUO836...which is why your original reply was confusing. (I remember now I originally bought the 836X to bypass the whole button matrix issue when I was going to modify a Suncom F-15 throttle.)

 

Can this be done with the 836X without too much hassle or would it be easier to simply purchase a 836? I'm not concerned about being able to use the Thrustmaster software, as long as it's recognize by DCS it's fine.

 

I actually have pretty good DIY skills...:smilewink:

Edited April 25, 2016 by Sierra99

[MilesD]

I think I am going to make a smaller version of this available for the cougar

It would be a USB ready direct replacement without the ps2 connector shown, which was for external inputs. I crunched the numbers and I think I could do it for $35.00USD

Miles

[Sokol1_br]

I have a BUO836X not the BUO836...which is why your original reply was confusing. (

 

Can this be done with the 836X without too much hassle or would it be easier to simply purchase a 836?

 

I actually have pretty good DIY skills...:smilewink:

 

With BU0836X you need by pass this PCB inside Cougar TQS for connect the grip buttons/HAT's, as BU0836X dont need use diode matrix.

 

So plug the BU... pins in the female connector in the cable that come from grip. Use this picture as reference:

 

 

What BU0836X have more than BU0836 is "Shift Register" (the 3 extra MCP23S17 mc) so although you have 2 connections per button, one of this connections (Gnd) is shared with other buttons, what allow save some wire.

 

Is the "Out-R#" in above picture.

 

Pay special attention with +5V and Gnd for grip axis (Anthena, Range, mini-stick X, Y) they can't by mixed. :D

 

The cable for throttle axis connect direct in BU... Z axis input (# 3 axis input, but this dont matter, ca be used any).

 

BTW - Easy way to have a "PnP" solution is use this jumper cable:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120pcs-Dupont-Wire-Female-to-Female-Male-to-Male-Male-to-Female-Jumper-Cable-/181846678573?hash=item2a56e81c2d:g:lbgAAOSw3ydViBG4

 

- Female to female if use BU0836

 

- Male do male if use BU0836X.

 

:thumbup:

Edited April 25, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[Sierra99]

I think I am going to make a smaller version of this available for the cougar

It would be a USB ready direct replacement without the ps2 connector shown, which was for external inputs. I crunched the numbers and I think I could do it for $35.00USD

Miles

 

Pfffffffft... If it's compatible with your Hall sensor kit, for $35.00 you can sign me up!

 

I'll PM you an email address!

[Couger_guy]

Sensors for a Modded Cougar

 

Hi MilesD - The hall sensors I bought from CubPilot (http://cubpilotshangar.net) died and I tripped across this forum looking for a replacement.

 

I modded my cougar guts some years ago with Ian Johnston's U2NXT gimbal mod, so the internal layout is different (I attached a picture). Do you think there is a way to apply your sensors to the new gimbal?

 

I'm just next door in Mass so I'd be willing to ship it to you if you wanted to work with it. Time's no issue, the stick has been down for 2 years.

 

https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/jQ95fT4jBJ5db8gUiMLyFgZTB7EmKOw3lSpSLw3BlD4?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

[MilesD]

Unfortunately, all the parts that this kit attaches to are gone on the gimbal mod. Are your original hall sensors no longer available?

 

Hi MilesD - The hall sensors I bought from CubPilot (http://cubpilotshangar.net) died and I tripped across this forum looking for a replacement.

 

I modded my cougar guts some years ago with Ian Johnston's U2NXT gimbal mod, so the internal layout is different (I attached a picture). Do you think there is a way to apply your sensors to the new gimbal?

 

I'm just next door in Mass so I'd be willing to ship it to you if you wanted to work with it. Time's no issue, the stick has been down for 2 years.

 

https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/jQ95fT4jBJ5db8gUiMLyFgZTB7EmKOw3lSpSLw3BlD4?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

[Sokol1_br]

This sensor used in Cougar mod still available, is Midori QP-2HC (single axis).

 

Around 100$ each in Midori USA.

[Sneakpeek]

Hi Miles,

 

any news on this project? Are you still shipping?

 

Cheers

[Lev]

Just received the throttle and stick sensors. Took about 40 minutes to install both. Absolutely worth every penny. I can say with confidence my Cougar's performance is better then when I purchased it new.

 

Miles you are a gentleman and a scholar. Not only did this Mod work better than advertised the price was reasonable. I can tell the parts where manufactured to careful tolerances, everything fit right the first time with out excessive play or needing to be modified. :thumbup:

[soldano]

Miles

I am interested in you hall sensors for the Cougar Throttle and Stick, can you tell me its Price and shipping charges ?

Thanks

[MilesD]

Hey guys,

I am glad the kits are working well for you , I hope they are working as well for everyone. Please PM me if you are having any issues. I do have some in stock now. I am trying to fill a order for Germany and I am waiting on some sensors that are back-ordered. If you are interested just PM me with your state or country, and which kits you want. I will send a paypal invoice when your kits are ready to ship. Unfortunately, these kits take me a lot of time to fixture and cnc machine, but the price is still $30.00 USD for the throttle and $50.00 USD for the joystick. I slightly raised the shipping cost to cover shipping, shipping supplies and paypal fees. Flat rate shipping for up to 2 kits is $6.75USD in the U.S. and $17.50USD in and around Europe.

 

Thanks for all of your support.

Miles

Edited May 5, 2016 by MilesD