walker450 Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Hello everyone! This is my first post on this site. I would like to say thanks to everyone for all of the information that has been shared here over the years. It is of great use to many many people. I will start with a description of my current setup: DCS Black Shark CH Rudder Pedals X-52 HOTAS (Not using the joystick for cyclic) Saitek ST290 (for cyclic) I currently have the spring zip-tied up completely on my ST290 so there is no force on it. The way I have been flying is to just always leave my hand on the stick, and always use the default "reset" trim position. I was previously flying with my X52 alone, and would trim and return to center etc. But then, I had the idea to experiment with taking the spring out of the picture so it would be easier to hold it right where I wanted it. I decided to use my ST290 for this, so my X52 stick would be in normal condition for my other sims like Lock On and IL2. What I am wondering is this: Has any one modded their stick in such a way that it will stay in whatever position you leave it in? (without FFB of course...) I am envisioning taking a normal stick, removing the spring, then adding a bar for each axis that will cause just enough friction that the stick will hold there if you let off of it... Ideas? Suggestions? Thanks in advance everyone! Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted October 23, 2009 Author Share Posted October 23, 2009 I just done something that I think a lot of you may be interested in... I am now able to let go of my joystick and it stays where I leave it!!! I added two layers of duct tape (lol) to the "ball" at the bottom of the joystick. I tried this out with the spring held up with zip-ties and the results were very good. I was so impressed that I simply removed the spring and reapplied the duct tape in a more precise manner. I removed the spring with wire-cutters. Be careful if you do this, parts of the spring can fly off with great force when you cut them. Safety glasses are recommended!!! I will post a video of how this works when I have time! Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted October 23, 2009 Author Share Posted October 23, 2009 Here is the video: Here are a few pictures: 1 Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyBerkut Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 It's not the way I would go at it, but I give you props for a simple solution that could make sense for a lot of people! Way to think outside of the box! :thumbup: [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] There's no place like 127.0.0.1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
talisman Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 This is something i have done and it makes flying a lot easier - Used dampers from motorbike shop. The ones they use for damping road vibration on handlebars are ideal. [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No - Its a Stinger - Damn....... My Pit - http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=42253 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vekkinho Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Nice idea Walker450, welcome to the Forums Eagle! [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted October 25, 2009 Author Share Posted October 25, 2009 This is something i have done and it makes flying a lot easier - Used dampers from motorbike shop. The ones they use for damping road vibration on handlebars are ideal. That was my original idea of dampening. I was thinking of using one for the x-axis and on for the Y and building a stand out of wood the joystick would mount to and mount the dampers to the same piece of wood. Is this what you done? Thanks for all of the comments guys! I am still using this setup and I really like it. It has made my flying much more enjoyable. Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted October 26, 2009 Author Share Posted October 26, 2009 (edited) I added a higher quality video: Detail of tape- Moving stick around (similiar to one already posted)- (Thank you mods for moving this to the proper area. I don't know what I was thinking when I posted it in general discussion...) Edited October 26, 2009 by walker450 Added video 2 Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamran Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 This is something i have done and it makes flying a lot easier - Used dampers from motorbike shop. The ones they use for damping road vibration on handlebars are ideal. Yes I have done this It feel very good when this happened. The more we do the excitement increases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamran Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Function of joy stick is very simple and it helps in controlling the game efficiently. I am using joy stick to play game it's a fun and easier to control game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
talisman Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 I think Kamran might be drinking too much green tea :P I have mounted my cyclic to a wooden plynth, onto which i have added the dampers using wire and jubilee clips. I have one for the x axis and one for y axis. Make sure they are firmly attached or they tend to wander of their own accord. The damping force also feels more like a real aircraft where there is always a little resistance due to the hydraulic systems. [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No - Its a Stinger - Damn....... My Pit - http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=42253 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted October 28, 2009 Author Share Posted October 28, 2009 Cool I'm glad the dampeners are working for you. I may try that myself in the future if I find suitable ones to use. Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted January 21, 2010 Author Share Posted January 21, 2010 Here is an update on everything... I decided to try electrical tape and it ended up working slightly better than the duck tape. I am still using the setup today and it works great!! :D Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connos Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 Here is an update on everything... I decided to try electrical tape and it ended up working slightly better than the duck tape. I am still using the setup today and it works great!! :D Nice man thanks for the info. I want a video of you flying with the mod. [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] ASUS M4A79 Deluxe, AMD Phenom II X4 940@3.5GHz, ATI 6870 1GB, Windows 7 64bit, Kingstone HyperX 4GB, 2x Western Digital Raptor 74GB, Asus Xonar DX Sound Card, Saitek X52 PRO, TrackIR 44: Pro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therion_prime Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 I use two HPI Savage (RC car) dampers, but replaced the oil inside with a thicker one - sorry, I can't remember which one. My DCS movies: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted January 22, 2010 Author Share Posted January 22, 2010 (edited) I want a video of you flying with the mod. I will make one ASAP! :) EDIT: I couldn't sleep... So I am uploading a clip I just made flying with my modded ST290. I'll post the link soon... Edited January 22, 2010 by walker450 Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted January 22, 2010 Author Share Posted January 22, 2010 I have mounted my cyclic to a wooden plynth, onto which i have added the dampers using wire and jubilee clips. I have one for the x axis and one for y axis. I use two HPI Savage (RC car) dampers, but replaced the oil inside with a thicker one - sorry, I can't remember which one. Could you all post post pics of your setups? I am really interested in using dampers for a more permanent solution, rather than electrical tape. :joystick: Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therion_prime Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Could you all post post pics of your setups? I am really interested in using dampers for a more permanent solution, rather than electrical tape. :joystick: This is not mine, but it's very similar: My DCS movies: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted January 22, 2010 Author Share Posted January 22, 2010 therion, what is the bracket on the right hand side of the picture? It looks like that wouldn't let it move fully... Here is a short video of me flying with my setup: Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therion_prime Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I believe it's just to hold the stick in place when not in use. My DCS movies: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 (edited) I was able to go to a RC/Hobbie shop and buy some dampers. I simply screwed some tall wood screw into a board for the dampers to attach to, then screwed the joystick down to the board. To attch the dampers to the joystick, I ran a piece of electrical wire through both of them and then used a hose clamp to hold the wire tight to the stick. I am very pleased with the feel of it and it is very accurate. I will post a video when I have more time :) Edited January 25, 2010 by walker450 Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 Video here: Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therion_prime Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 Looking good, the wood could use a bit of black paint tho ;) but I guess it's more like a prototype, isn't it? I really love my DIY stick - an elongated cougar grip with DIY gimbals and hall sensors from a X52 - which is non self centering, too. No need to trim anymore ! .... except rudder trim of course, but why not apply dampeners to the pedals too and remove the centering spring ? :idea: Damn... my GF will kill me if I spend even more time "screwing around" ;) My DCS movies: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker450 Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 (edited) The wood grain matches my desk. :) This will work for now until I graduate to a more simpot-like setup. I have thought the same thing about removing the spring in the rudder pedals, but I wont be for various reasons. I play other sims where I prefer to have them self-center, and in real life I fly a C-152 and the footwork of my games helps me in the real plane. I'll never forget my first flying lesson... We started taxiing and naturally I turned the yoke like it was a steering wheel... It didn't work lol. A few days later I ordered rudder pedals and that helped me get used to using my feet in the real plane. I had previously only used the keyboard or a twist joystick for rudder control. Edited January 25, 2010 by walker450 Speedpad for Inputs | My Simpit | Joystick Damper Mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sokol1_br Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 I have thought the same thing about removing the spring in the rudder pedals,Bonus in Simped Rudder Pedal, is easy remove/install your spring: Sokol_Br Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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