Cougar HOTAS Throttle Detent Plate

[Hellbat]

Hi,

 

I recently bought a second-hand Cougar HOTAS to fly the Viper and unfortunately the throttle detent plate wasn't built in.  I've contacted the seller to see if it this part is somehow still available, but I'm guessing it is probably long gone.  I definitely want this particular functionality for the throttle and wondered if someone with this plate could provide some detailed photos/dimensions, so that I could attempt to construct my own.  Or furthermore, if someone does not want their detent plate, I'd be willing to buy it (I'm in Germany).

 

Thanks.

[Habu_69]

Cougar throttles do not have detent plates. The detents function by means of 2 adjustable metal rings on the throttle handle's main rotating cylinder inside the throttle base, and detent function can be disabled simply by rotating the rings to a non-functioning position. Suggest you open the throttle base and determine whether you can get detent function by adjusting those detent rings.

Edited December 16, 2020 by Habu_69

[Hellbat]

Hi, thanks for the response.  Maybe I didn't use the correct term to describe the issue, but there should be a metal plate mounted in the base such that the adjustable ridges create the clicking/detent feel.  This "plate" is not there; I am not sure why it was removed, because as you say, you can just rotate the rings to a non-functional position.  Here is a photo of my base:

https://ibb.co/wdZ0JW8

Edited December 16, 2020 by Hellbat
Image upload didn't work

[sirrah]

On 12/16/2020 at 3:23 PM, Hellbat said:

Hi, thanks for the response.  Maybe I didn't use the correct term to describe the issue, but there should be a metal plate mounted in the base such that the adjustable ridges create the clicking/detent feel.  This "plate" is not there; I am not sure why it was removed, because as you say, you can just rotate the rings to a non-functional position.  Here is a photo of my base:

https://ibb.co/wdZ0JW8

 

 

To be honest, you ain't missing out on much. The detent clicks you refer to, are "meh" at best... I find the clicky sound to be more annoying then useful actually. I can imagine though, that without it, the throttle becomes too loose/wobbly.

 

I am going to create a proper detent for my Cougar at some point. I have a few ideas in my head, but they need some more polishing before I'm confident enough to start drilling in my beloved Cougar throttle 

 

 

 

[Zoltenburg]

On 12/18/2020 at 4:23 PM, sirrah said:

 

To be honest, you ain't missing out on much. The detent clicks you refer to, are "meh" at best... I find the clicky sound to be more annoying then useful actually. I can imagine though, that without it, the throttle becomes too loose/wobbly.

 

I am going to create a proper detent for my Cougar at some point. I have a few ideas in my head, but they need some more polishing before I'm confident enough to start drilling in my beloved Cougar throttle 

 

 

 

I too bought the TM cougar Hotas with the same problem, the metal piece missing from the base. With it missing, the throttle falls forward into after burners on its own. Do you know where I can get a replacement for missing piece or  is there a mod for this issue?

[Zoltenburg]

On 12/18/2020 at 4:23 PM, sirrah said:

 

To be honest, you ain't missing out on much. The detent clicks you refer to, are "meh" at best... I find the clicky sound to be more annoying then useful actually. I can imagine though, that without it, the throttle becomes too loose/wobbly.

 

I am going to create a proper detent for my Cougar at some point. I have a few ideas in my head, but they need some more polishing before I'm confident enough to start drilling in my beloved Cougar throttle 

 

 

 

Please let me know if you come up with something. I  need the same piece.

[sirrah]

3 hours ago, Zoltenburg said:

Please let me know if you come up with something. I  need the same piece.

Are you asking me?

I don't need any piece, my Cougar is complete.

 

If I were you, I'd just create something from an aluminium strip and place it where the missing piece should be. It just comes down to adding some friction to the throttle axis. You won't hear the clicky detent sound, but as I said before, you don't need that.

[Hellbat]

I resolved the looseness by getting some tape with a smooth back and taping 2-3x around the throttle shaft where it contacts the rubber pad.  I added a small amount of silicone lubricant to prevent sticking.  Sticking damages the tape and after a week or so you no longer have smooth throttle operation.  I have only tightened it to the point that it doesn't fall forwards and it has been fine so far.  People have proposed more sophisticated approaches by gluing aluminium foil etc. but the tape is easily reversible and if I have to replace it after 6 months, so be it.

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

50 minutes ago, Hellbat said:

I resolved the looseness by getting some tape with a smooth back and taping 2-3x around the throttle shaft where it contacts the rubber pad.  I added a small amount of silicone lubricant to prevent sticking.  Sticking damages the tape and after a week or so you no longer have smooth throttle operation.  I have only tightened it to the point that it doesn't fall forwards and it has been fine so far.  People have proposed more sophisticated approaches by gluing aluminium foil etc. but the tape is easily reversible and if I have to replace it after 6 months, so be it.

You could also try adding a 1-2mm width washer to the turning knob that tightend the rubber pad.