Idea for using Brunner FFB base without losing full Virpil grip functionality

[X-31_VECTOR]

I want to switch from a Virpil VPC WarBRD base to a Brunner CLS-E force feedback base, but as I understand it, I will lose a lot of functionality in my Virpil Alpha grip (scroll wheel, analog stick, several buttons, and all the programming flexibility of the VPC software).

I've got an idea for a work-around that seems like one of those "if it were that simple people would already be doing it" kinds of things, so I'm hoping for feedback on whether this might actually work. The idea:

1.) Mount the Virpil Alpha grip to the Brunner base via a short extension, with a hole drilled/cut in the side of that extension.

2.) Instead of using a normal PS/2 extension between the grip and the base, connect the single end of a PS/2 Y-splitter to the grip, and connect one of the two dual ends to the Brunner base but run the other one out the hole in the side of the stick extension.

3.) Connect that second end of the Y cable into the Virpil WarBrD base (which would be mounted to the side of the Brunner base with no grip attached.

4.) In this fantasy of mine, DCS would see two devices (a Brunner and a Virpil) and receive button inputs simultaneously from both. I would only assign functions to the X and Y axes and trim button(s) from the Brunner, and I would assign every other button/switch/encoder/min-stick axes etc. through the Virpil like normal, with no button/switch assigned in both devices.

So... dumb idea, or do you think it could work?

And if you do think it would work, any idea where to order a single female to dual male PS/2 Y-adapter? Most I've found online are the single male to dual female. I'd prefer not to trust to my crappy soldering skills. 

Thanks as always for any feedback!

[MAXsenna]

I think you're over complicating it.
First. It's not a PS2 connector. It's a 5 pin DIN.
What happens if you plug the base without a grip? Won't DCS see it? You're only interested in the axis, right? So no need to split the signal I guess. Re-route it with a correct male connector, into the Virpil base. This is what people have done with their modded MS FFB2s.

Cheers!

Sent from my MAR-LX1A using Tapatalk

[X-31_VECTOR]

6 hours ago, MAXsenna said:

I think you're over complicating it.
First. It's not a PS2 connector. It's a 5 pin DIN.
What happens if you plug the base without a grip? Won't DCS see it? You're only interested in the axis, right? So no need to split the signal I guess. Re-route it with a correct male connector, into the Virpil base. This is what people have done with their modded MS FFB2s.

Cheers!

Sent from my MAR-LX1A using Tapatalk
 

Thanks for the feedback. The only issue with that solution is that I think for the force trim features of the Brunner to work (e.g., to hold the stick in a new center position when flying helicopters), you have to program a trim switch in the Brunner software itself, rather than just programming the trim function in DCS. So I need the Brunner base to see at least one switch on the grip, in addition to seeing the axes. 

(And yes, that was my bad: PS/2 uses a 6-pin DIN rather than the 5-pin used by TM, Virpil etc.)

[MAXsenna]

Thanks for the feedback. The only issue with that solution is that I think for the force trim features of the Brunner to work (e.g., to hold the stick in a new center position when flying helicopters), you have to program a trim switch in the Brunner software itself, rather than just programming the trim function in DCS. So I need the Brunner base to see at least one switch on the grip, in addition to seeing the axes. 

(And yes, that was my bad: PS/2 uses a 6-pin DIN rather than the 5-pin used by TM, Virpil etc.)

Oh, you have to use a button on the stick to get to the Brunner software sort of? Well, that is not necessary in Windows supported sticks. It's handled in DCS entirely. I can use whatever and DCS sends it through the FFB protocol or something like that. I can even hook up multiple MS FFB2s and they will all get trimmed, even if I use a non FFB stick.

Sent from my MAR-LX1A using Tapatalk

[X-31_VECTOR]

Yeah, as I understand it, the Brunner does not natively support DirectX Force Feedback, so the Force Trim (or as they call it Mechanical Trim) has to be set in the Brunner software using a button connected to the Brunner. 

That said, there is a modification using an Arduino Micro and software created by @Chuls that may make it possible to do exactly as you describe: pass the DIN-5 connector cable out the side of the extension tube directly into the Virpil base, bypassing the Brunner base altogether and only using it for the X/Y axes.

I may just bite the bullet and give it a try soon. I'll report back on my success of failure regardless. 

[cordite]

Can you post of picture when you’ve done so?
 

I’m just concerned about the wear/strain on the Virpil cable when the grip moves from side to side.

 

edit: also, since an extension tube is not recommended with the brunner, I'd rather avoid using that.

Edited November 4, 2022 by cordite

[X-31_VECTOR]

Happy to post pictures. I've ordered the Brunner, extension and the Arduino, but it may be awhile before I can get everything together given a lot of travel over the next month. I'm using the shortest extension I can get, and I'll try to stabilize the cable connections on each end as well as putting in some sort of strain relief or abrasion protection where the cable exits. We'll see... 

[markturner1960]

Planning on getting the Brunner, I want to use with my Virpil Alpha grip, what will work and what wont please?

 

[X-31_VECTOR]

I'm happy tp report back once I get the Brunner and the time to set it up. Meanwhile, there are folks in this community who I'm pretty sure use the Brunner and Virpil grips already and can comment on what's possible without the work-around I'm going to try. My understanding is that a) you lose the ability to program in the VPC software, since you're not attached to a Virpil base, and b) some of the buttons/axes are not recognized, depending on the grip. But I defer to the folks who have actually done it of course.