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Yet another doorgun controller 3d printed joystick project! (Version 4)


hannibal

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I will be looking at designing a super simple easy build of a joystick device in anticipation for Mi8 (and future CH47) doorgun joystick support functionality, after the heels of amazing joystick support for doorguns on the UH1H and Mi24P.

My first design goal achieved a controller that resembled the M134 minigun. The Second design attempted to find a smaller form and to resemble the M2 browning, but unfortunately it was still too big to mount on a motion platform. My third design goal achieved a smaller form to successfully mount on my motion platform.

after hearing news that Mi8 will at some point have joystick support for the doorguns, it has now inspired me to try to design a super easy 3d build for a joystick that will control the doorguns. i hope the design will be something that people would be able to make, so that it not only brings some additional immersion to the DCS virtual reality doorgun experience, but maybe push future modules to support the feature and experience!

Although mouse works great for Mi8, SA342, Mi24P and UH1H doorguns, its not as immersive and sometimes you just get that "Window out of focus" message 

DCS + VR headset + controllers is truly amazing. 

 

More news to come here. Thank you ED Team!

 

Notes:

Minimum DCS Axis Controls and Button Assignments mappings for DIY doorgun controller:

  • axis doorgun slew LEFT/RIGHT, 
  • axis doorgun slew UP/DOWN
  • VR Re-center (under UiLAYER control drop down) 
  • Fire Weapon
  • Move Camera View Right
  • Move Camera View Left
  • Move Camera View Up, 
  • Move Camera View Down
  • Move Camera View Forward
  • Move Camera View Back
  • Toggle decouple | trackIR on/off

STL files shared on thingiverse

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6243235

Required Parts 

(2) 10k Ohm Knurled Shaft 3Pins 10K Ohm Potentiometer https://www.amazon.com/GUMIFA-Single-Joint-Potentiometer-10K-Resistors/dp/B0BGLBL1Q2/ref=sr_1_18?crid=13383W3HJGQX1 

(3) SH R8016A-P14 3Pin Momentary MOM-OFF-MOM SPDT Mini Paddle Toggle Switch https://www.ebay.com/itm/182340027352

(3) 12mm Momentary Push Button SPST https://www.amazon.com/Twidec-AC250V-Momentary-Pre-soldered-R13-507-5C-X/dp/B08JHVLK84

(6) 1N914 Switching Diodes https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079KJ8V7D

(1) USB Micro controller (BU0836A 12-bit joystick interface https://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=204  OR Arduino Pro Micro

(4) M2 pan head screws M2 x 6mm and (2) M2 pan head screws M2 x 12mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBOD98K

(6) #4-20 Thread Size, 5/8 Thread Rolling Screw for Plastic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GDYYMD8

wires with dupont connectors
https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-Breadboard-Prototype-Assortment-Raspberry/dp/B077X7MKHN

For joystick calibration to windows and DCS, follow this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDZze4OxaIg

20230929_085207.jpg

20230929_091132.jpg

20230929_092304.jpg

STL FILES HERE ALSO! 

DG Arm 90mm.stl DG Arm Pot Base.stl DG Base Cover.stl DG Base Housing.stl DG Riser.stl

DG Arm Pot Cap.stl


Edited by hannibal
  • Like 2

find me on steam! username: Hannibal_A101A

http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197969447179

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  • 2 weeks later...

Step one, print parts 

 

20230930_195859.jpg

Step Two: Acquire diodes switches potentiometers, usb controller board and buttons!

_A630001.JPGstep three : solder Diodes and wires to switches. Pay attention to diode polarity and orientation 

20231014_145336.jpgstep four. Solder wires to potentiometers,  buttons and switches

 

20231016_142542.jpg

20231016_141942.jpgstep five: take riser and screw the rise to the switch/button housing using the plastic thread forming screws.

 

20231017_083538.jpg

20231017_083330.jpg

Step six : mount buttons and switches to the switch button housing

 

20231017_084417.jpg

20231017_084424.jpg

Step seven, screw pots on to the pivot fixtures

20231018_085409.jpg

16978098787227096849963645992717.jpg

16978099098602640180185044708846.jpgStep eight: merge wires as per wiring diagram to electrically form button matrix for USB controller board. Solder and heat shrink if u have skill, if not twist wires together and cover with electrical tape.

 

20231017_145519.jpgconnect dupont connectors or solder wires to wires with dupont connectors

 

20231020_114502.jpgconnect pins to USB controller board as wire diagram posted above and assemble base cover

 

20231020_162915.jpg

20231020_212834.jpg


Edited by hannibal
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find me on steam! username: Hannibal_A101A

http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197969447179

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Thanks for your first design!

Using a BB32 board as well.

Almost done! Made the pistol grip as well!

001.jpg

 

 

  • Like 2

"Yeah, and though I work in the valley of Death, I will fear no Evil. For where there is one, there is always three. I preparest my aircraft to receive the Iron that will be delivered in the presence of my enemies. Thy ALCM and JDAM they comfort me. Power was given unto the aircrew to make peace upon the world by way of the sword. And when the call went out, Behold the "Sword of Stealth". And his name was Death. And Hell followed him. For the day of wrath has come and no mercy shall be given."

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20 hours ago, Hawkeye60 said:

Thanks for your first design!

Using a BB32 board as well.

Almost done! Made the pistol grip as well!

001.jpg

 

 

amazing!!

wow your going for both builds? the smaller form factor pistol grip is great for my motion platform.

you got through the tough part of printing them out.

two other areas of difficulty are (1) mounting the hall effect sensor, especially for the pistol grip version and (2) wiring for the bass shaker (if you are adding one)

 

the relay box is if you are to add a bass shaker, you will need relays AND wire the trigger so that it controls relay coils to turn on/ off - NOT part of the button maxtrix ( instead wire up the trigger input as part of the relay the relay out put)

the reason for this because if any audio shake telemtry comes out of simshaker, it will activate the shaker even though you are not firing the doorgun control.

example... you are on the huey, and you fire your mini guns, hence there will be shake. but if you dont include the relay wiring, if the pilot fires the side mounted flex guns, then your controller will also shake....

 

i will try to make a sketch wiring diagram for the trigger & relay when i have a chance...

 

GREAT JOB.. once complete.. its fun as hell @Hawkeye60


Edited by hannibal

find me on steam! username: Hannibal_A101A

http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197969447179

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I  have just about finished it.

All that is left to do is wire the main unit.

I will post some pics of the complete assembly, and the controller box I made.

I used auto lamp connectors, 8 way,

as they will not come apart, and are bullet proof!

(pun INTENDED!)

I have no motion platform, but it will mount on a swing out bracket/arm.

this way. it can be moved when not in use.

Looking forward to the compact design!

I also made a Mossie stick and other controls.

And a P-47 throttle!

Pics soon!

Thanks for you work,

and for sharing!

As you state, GREAT FUN!

A LOT of work, worth every moment!

 

Cheers!

"Yeah, and though I work in the valley of Death, I will fear no Evil. For where there is one, there is always three. I preparest my aircraft to receive the Iron that will be delivered in the presence of my enemies. Thy ALCM and JDAM they comfort me. Power was given unto the aircrew to make peace upon the world by way of the sword. And when the call went out, Behold the "Sword of Stealth". And his name was Death. And Hell followed him. For the day of wrath has come and no mercy shall be given."

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020.jpg

I modified it a bit to accommodate a duel switch, and hat switch. the hat switch has a better top than pictured here.

Duel rocker switch on the right handle.

017.jpg

The control box, It has a BB64 now to add more connectors and functions.

018.jpg

The auto connectors

019.jpg

base with rotation stops.

015.jpg

Gun Pistol  Grip!

016.jpg

The Side Gunner Controller!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Like 1

"Yeah, and though I work in the valley of Death, I will fear no Evil. For where there is one, there is always three. I preparest my aircraft to receive the Iron that will be delivered in the presence of my enemies. Thy ALCM and JDAM they comfort me. Power was given unto the aircrew to make peace upon the world by way of the sword. And when the call went out, Behold the "Sword of Stealth". And his name was Death. And Hell followed him. For the day of wrath has come and no mercy shall be given."

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I will admit, your base is much better  than mine.

Being broke, I used what was at hand, buying a few bearings to fit.

May not be pretty,

But when the Shells start flying,

You will not be looking at its beauty!

Only its ruggedness!
And I built it like a brick sh*t house!

Pics when mounted and fully functional.

Perhaps even a vid showing it in action!

Thanks for the kind words.

Keep up the great work!

 

  • Thanks 1

"Yeah, and though I work in the valley of Death, I will fear no Evil. For where there is one, there is always three. I preparest my aircraft to receive the Iron that will be delivered in the presence of my enemies. Thy ALCM and JDAM they comfort me. Power was given unto the aircrew to make peace upon the world by way of the sword. And when the call went out, Behold the "Sword of Stealth". And his name was Death. And Hell followed him. For the day of wrath has come and no mercy shall be given."

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 4 months later...

I found my mounting was not strong enough to support the whole assembly.

It is heavy!

I do not have a desk in front of my sim pit.

I must mount it to the side, to allow it to swing into place when needed,

And away when not.

The new ,mount design is in development thinking stages.

Thanks for finishing them!

A great add on!

And Free!

Very generous of you to share.

Cheers!

"Yeah, and though I work in the valley of Death, I will fear no Evil. For where there is one, there is always three. I preparest my aircraft to receive the Iron that will be delivered in the presence of my enemies. Thy ALCM and JDAM they comfort me. Power was given unto the aircrew to make peace upon the world by way of the sword. And when the call went out, Behold the "Sword of Stealth". And his name was Death. And Hell followed him. For the day of wrath has come and no mercy shall be given."

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It came to me at three this morning!

Woke me up!

So I dug though my studio equipment looking for a cymbal stand!

I found a drum practice pad stand that fit the bill!

It is surprisingly stable, (Pun Intended!) and because little effort is needed to rotate the gun,

I can use it without it rocking to and fro.

A bonus is the angle adjustment for fine tuning the position.

This is a brilliant solution, even if I do say so myself!

And the cost is small if you buy used.

another bonus?

Fold the legs up and place it out of the way when not in use!

mount-001.jpg

mount-002.jpg

Epiphone guitar is a REAL bonus!

I run Cubase 5.1

 


Edited by Hawkeye60
  • Like 1

"Yeah, and though I work in the valley of Death, I will fear no Evil. For where there is one, there is always three. I preparest my aircraft to receive the Iron that will be delivered in the presence of my enemies. Thy ALCM and JDAM they comfort me. Power was given unto the aircrew to make peace upon the world by way of the sword. And when the call went out, Behold the "Sword of Stealth". And his name was Death. And Hell followed him. For the day of wrath has come and no mercy shall be given."

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  • 3 months later...
On 3/9/2024 at 2:16 PM, Hawkeye60 said:

It came to me at three this morning!

Woke me up!

So I dug though my studio equipment looking for a cymbal stand!

I found a drum practice pad stand that fit the bill!

It is surprisingly stable, (Pun Intended!) and because little effort is needed to rotate the gun,

I can use it without it rocking to and fro.

A bonus is the angle adjustment for fine tuning the position.

This is a brilliant solution, even if I do say so myself!

And the cost is small if you buy used.

another bonus?

Fold the legs up and place it out of the way when not in use!

mount-001.jpg

mount-002.jpg

Epiphone guitar is a REAL bonus!

I run Cubase 5.1

 

 

im just now seeing this...

wow! amazing!

hows it work for you in the game?

my build works for UH1H, Mi24, Mi8, adjusting the axis tune parameter "y saturation" to my liking..

it works for SA342 gazelle.. but it has a limited slew range

find me on steam! username: Hannibal_A101A

http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197969447179

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I found a couple 2.5 lb lifting weights, placed around two legs

Provided much better stability in use

In the heat of battle, the whole stand would want to tilt if i was not paying attention

It is easy to get carried away!

This was the final soulution

I had the weights laying around

No or low cost is the goal

Thanks to your brilliant design, the Helo's in DCS are a whole new game!

I have yet to try the OH-58 gunner

Vietnam has stolen my heart!

Thanks again for sharing

The only issue is,

I now have, lets see...... 12 home made boxes and or controllers

I need a new room!

"Yeah, and though I work in the valley of Death, I will fear no Evil. For where there is one, there is always three. I preparest my aircraft to receive the Iron that will be delivered in the presence of my enemies. Thy ALCM and JDAM they comfort me. Power was given unto the aircrew to make peace upon the world by way of the sword. And when the call went out, Behold the "Sword of Stealth". And his name was Death. And Hell followed him. For the day of wrath has come and no mercy shall be given."

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