Warthog stick male DIN connector and TMS replacement

[loziu]

Today I have discovered that the TMS switch stopped working correctly (2/4 inputs, sticky left position). While removing the stick, I dropped it and broke the DIN connector plastic body, bent the pins/ground and broke the plastic aligner, too.
 

I have already contacted Thrustmaster asking for spares, but I would also like to start searching for possible replacements in case the manufacturer cannot help.
 

I have read that the Otto T4-CK1112 is a good alternative for the TMS, but it quite pricey (basically 90USD where I live). Any other candidates ? 

More importantly, is it possible to find a 5 pin male DIN with a compatible plastic flange ? Google did not help with that. Otherwise, is it possible to to have a floating DIN connector as it happens with the Virpil design ?
 

[McG]

@DeadMeat has replaced his TMS switch with the Otto T4-CK1112. I think previously he had replaced the momentary switches that Thurstmaster use in the switch with Omron switches. 
 

 

[loziu]

Well, after pushing the detent with a screwdriver half of the TMS switch body cracked. So, I need an entire assembly anyway. 
On the other hand, now the switch mechanism is free again and it does not stick .
The first obvious problem with the TMS is that yellow cable soldered on the lateral pins got severed somehow. The other might be a displacement of the internal springs, which imposed  a lot of stress on the plastic body. 
Hence, I might need to get the Otto trim if I do not get a hold of the original part from Guillemot. Something I would like to ask @DeadMeat is the wiring diagram for Otto switched: I had a look  to Ottos' docs and the electric scheme is not really clear.

Regarding the DIN connection, I think I will solder a cheap 5 pin one and I'll leave it dangling. 

[DeadMeat]

Regarding wiring, I have updated my original post with a table showing how to match original TMS wires to the terminals on the OTTO switch if you want 1 to 1 wiring.

It is pretty simple, on the OTTO switch the terminal opposite the direction you're switching connects to the common "C" terminal. On the TM switch it is the terminal in the same side you're switching. On the picture below, you would connect terminal 3 to C if you press the OTTO right (seen from top of the switch) /away from the camera. If you press the TM switch to the left you connect yellow (common) to black wire.

 

You can ignore this and connect the cables as you'd like and just remap inside DCS. Only thing is the common/ground wire (yellow thrustmaster cable) has to go to the common "C" OTTO terminal otherwise the switch will behave strangely.

 

 

[Sokol1_br]

On 12/27/2020 at 8:36 AM, loziu said:

More importantly, is it possible to find a 5 pin male DIN with a compatible plastic flange ? Google did not help with that. Otherwise, is it possible to to have a floating DIN connector as it happens with the Virpil design ?
 

 

Seems that 5 pins connector in Warthog/F-18/Cougar grips is a proprietary model, people have not find then other that with Thrustmaster.

 

This DIN (5 pin) looks very similar

 

This site has some "exotic" connectors: https://www.electronicplus.com/content/ProductPage.asp?maincat=aco&subcat=am2

 

GX connectors has the same pin pattern, but they look bigger.

 

A common male DIN connector can be modified to match the modified for match the female connector in base (see Warthog DIY extension topics).

 

For use a conventional PS2 connector pair like VirPil, will need drill hole for cable in the original base connector - caution with Hall sensor just bellow, and solder wires.

 

Edited December 29, 2020 by Sokol1_br