Hall Effect Sensors

[Kuky]

I am thinking of making a DIY hall effect sensor for the Cougar Throttle (because the pot I put in few years ago has finally started giving me trouble and not giving full axis range) so I came to ask if any of you have built your own... I am aware that all I need is a magnet and a hall effect sensor, and I am confident I can get it to work after bit of fiddling, but is there anything I should know... some specs on the hall sensor? Can I actually use a round magnet, and can I use only 1 magnet etc... basically if you know about how to get this to work and have some experience please fill me in.

[Sokol1_br]

Good reference here:

 

http://www.checksix-forums.com/showthread.php?t=132677&highlight=nn_apache&page=2

 

Sokol1_Br

[Kuky]

Thanks mate, that link helped (pictures speak a thousand words ;) )

 

I just ordered some magnets, hall effect sensor and resistors... hope to get it working

[Kuky]

Thanks again Sokol1, I got the Hall Effect Sensor working today (after a few hours fiddling around), it was the first time me making something like this so it was quite tricky figuring everything out as I just couldn't get full range and I couldn't figure out why, then finally I tried moving the magnets a tad closer and that fixed it... attached few pictures if anyone is interested. The cost was AUD$33 for the magnets, hall effect sensor and resistor(s), probably could find cheaper but who cares :D

Edited September 2, 2010 by Kuky

[wilkotaz]

Cougar Throttle issues..

 

Thanks again Sokol1, I got the Hall Effect Sensor working today (after a few hours fiddling around), it was the first time me making something like this so it was quite tricky figuring everything out as I just couldn't get full range and I couldn't figure out why, then finally I tried moving the magnets a tad closer and that fixed it... attached few pictures if anyone is interested. The cost was AUD$33 for the magnets, hall effect sensor and resistor(s), probably could find cheaper but who cares :D

 

Hi there Kuky,

 

I wonder if you still have access to the instructions for this mod? (if you ever had some..). I would like to do something about my throttle to improve its performance (currently stock standard).

 

What I really need is to do something about the microstick/radar cursor controller. It is a little spikey and limits me massively in Falcon BMS. Do you know of any mods to fix the microstick pots?

 

Any help greatly appreciated, I am reaching out to you as you seemed to get your throttle working nicely, and you are in the same part of the world as me (I'm just down the road in Tassy).

 

Any help greatly appreciated!

 

Cheers in advance :)

[Sporg]

Hi there Kuky,

 

I wonder if you still have access to the instructions for this mod? (if you ever had some..). I would like to do something about my throttle to improve its performance (currently stock standard).

 

What I really need is to do something about the microstick/radar cursor controller. It is a little spikey and limits me massively in Falcon BMS. Do you know of any mods to fix the microstick pots?

 

Any help greatly appreciated, I am reaching out to you as you seemed to get your throttle working nicely, and you are in the same part of the world as me (I'm just down the road in Tassy).

 

Any help greatly appreciated!

This is a 6 years old thread. :)

 

Anyway, with regards to mounting Hall sensor on the throttle (and even on the stick), there's a guy in this thread making plug-n-play kits:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=160613

 

Regarding the slew switch, I don't know, Kuky might get back to you.

And also, try to look around in the forum and see if you can find something.

 

And welcome to the forums. :)

[dburne]

CubPilot used to make the hall sensor kits for both the Cougar Joystick ( for IJ's NXT Gimbal Mod) and for the Cougar Throttle as well.

 

He is listed as an active member here , perhaps he might be willing to shed some light on it.

[Sokol1_br]

Easy and cheap (~less than 20$), Bi-Tech 612x HALL sensor - potentiometer format.

 

 

http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4223358/Cougar_TQS_potentiometer_pinno#Post4223358

 

BTW - Require DIY skill for make the support and solder 3 wires. ;)

 

What I really need is to do something about the microstick/radar cursor controller. It is a little spikey and limits me massively in Falcon BMS. Do you know of any mods to fix the microstick pots?

 

Replace the mini-stick with PS3 like one (original of Cougar is no longer manufactured, but maybe Tm has in stock).

 

Debolesis use one that have HALL sensor instead (cheap) pot, and make a 3D printed support for then, look there:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2704884&postcount=267

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111354062442?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Edited June 3, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[PeCa_Chuck]

Stick potentiometer used in console controller like above won't fit to Cougar's cursor circuit board.

Check the following image posted by Fakum.

The layout of pins are slightly different from console stick pot, hence you can't solder and fix it.

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2638092&postcount=23

[Sokol1_br]

Mini stick for consoles (PS3 like) work in Cougar, what are in then is just a 3 pin potentiometer, and Cougar circuit board expect a analog signal - vary from 0 to 5 v.

 

This PCB under original mini-stick can be erased if wanted, depend on user DIY skill, although they conveniently act as support.

 

The original is CTS 252A104B60NB - no longer manufactured, their dataseet - case one doubt that are analog potentiometers in then:

 

http://html.alldatasheet.com/html-pdf/346430/CTS/252A104B60NB/59/1/252A104B60NB.html

 

Joystick manufactures don't use parts with "Alien science" or "military secrets" in then, they use the more affordable (read cheap) components. :)

 

The one in my previous post - with HALL sensor, thus better that original in Cougar - need different PCB support as have 4 pins in sensor, 2 pins will be wired together, but was tested by Debolesis in Arduino-MMjoy circuit, that work in the same way of Cougar circuit, both is just a USB device, expecting a analog signal for axis. Joy pot use 30~60 degrees.

 

Video how to to replace:

 

[ame]

[/ame]

 

 

 

The only restriction for replace joystick potentiometer is their "electric angle" - the travel angle in what the voltage vary from 0-3.3*-5V (* cheap USB joy circuits use 3.3v for reduce noise" - due this, commercial pots, typically 270 degree of "electric angle", is not properly suitable.

Edited June 4, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[Kuky]

I don't have any instructions for the throttle hall sensor mod and I don't know if there is anything similar (or better) to replace the mini stick. Years back I bought a replacement for the mini stick (original part) to keep as spare in case it goes bad and that's about it. Sorry I can't help further.

 

I can't even remember now if this is still in my throttle, but I think it is, and throttle axis is still working great.

 

What you can do is look for some small but strong magnets (orient them north to south), get yourself a hall sensor (that works on same voltage) and connect it to the wires coming out of throttle pot connector (make them long-ish so you have place to work with) and just experiment with it (see if once cougar is restarted, it'll pick up throttle axis properly.

 

As far as I remember the outer 2 connectors on the sensor are + and - and inner one is signal (you can also see which wire is connected in the image in my 2nd post). The hall sensor should have wiring diagram and you can look up Cougar pots wiring diagram. It's not too complicated. Once you get it working and see what distance you need to keep magnet at (should be fairly close) and axis is working in good range, super-glue it to the throttle as in my pic.

Edited June 5, 2016 by Kuky

[wilkotaz]

This is a 6 years old thread. :)

 

Anyway, with regards to mounting Hall sensor on the throttle (and even on the stick), there's a guy in this thread making plug-n-play kits:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=160613

 

Regarding the slew switch, I don't know, Kuky might get back to you.

And also, try to look around in the forum and see if you can find something.

 

And welcome to the forums. :)

 

 

Ha, yeah I noticed the date but was desperate!

 

Thanks for the advice, I had already found the thread about Miles's awesome mod and have PM'd him and am awaiting his reply.

 

Also I got some advice for some of the guys over at bmsfalcon.org about the slew switch and luckily I was able to fix the issue by slightly increasing its deadzone. Still I will have to go hunting for another switch to use for a backup if anything goes wrong/gets worse with the one I already have.

 

Thanks again for the heads up and appreciate the welcome!:)

[wilkotaz]

CubPilot used to make the hall sensor kits for both the Cougar Joystick ( for IJ's NXT Gimbal Mod) and for the Cougar Throttle as well.

 

He is listed as an active member here , perhaps he might be willing to shed some light on it.

 

 

Thanks dburne, however I appear to have solved my problem.

[wilkotaz]

Mini stick for consoles (PS3 like) work in Cougar, what are in then is just a 3 pin potentiometer, and Cougar circuit board expect a analog signal - vary from 0 to 5 v.

 

This PCB under original mini-stick can be erased if wanted, depend on user DIY skill, although they conveniently act as support.

 

The one in my previous post - with HALL sensor, thus better that original in Cougar - need different PCB support as have 4 pins in sensor, 2 pins will be wired together, but was tested by Debolesis in Arduino-MMjoy circuit, that work in the same way of Cougar circuit, both is just a USB device, expecting a analog signal for axis. Joy pot use 30~60 degrees.

 

 

Hi there Sokol1_br,

 

Thanks for your advice. I am a little confused between what you and PeCa_Chuck are saying. Is it true that if I purchased one of these PS3 ministicks

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111354062442?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

I would need to have a new microstick PCB made in order for it to fit? Sorry for my ignorance, I am not too great with electronics at this level..

 

Also, the Bi-Tech 612x HALL sensor you mentioned, can that be used for all three of the Cougar throttle pots (i.e Ant Elv, Man RNG and the Throttle)?

 

More specifically, can they simply be wired into the existing wiring on the Cougar throttle PCB without changing any circuitry? I hope I am making sense.. sorry for my ignorance with electronics:(

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[wilkotaz]

I don't have any instructions for the throttle hall sensor mod and I don't know if there is anything similar (or better) to replace the mini stick. Years back I bought a replacement for the mini stick (original part) to keep as spare in case it goes bad and that's about it. Sorry I can't help further.

 

I can't even remember now if this is still in my throttle, but I think it is, and throttle axis is still working great.

 

What you can do is look for some small but strong magnets (orient them north to south), get yourself a hall sensor (that works on same voltage) and connect it to the wires coming out of throttle pot connector (make them long-ish so you have place to work with) and just experiment with it (see if once cougar is restarted, it'll pick up throttle axis properly.

 

As far as I remember the outer 2 connectors on the sensor are + and - and inner one is signal (you can also see which wire is connected in the image in my 2nd post). The hall sensor should have wiring diagram and you can look up Cougar pots wiring diagram. It's not too complicated. Once you get it working and see what distance you need to keep magnet at (should be fairly close) and axis is working in good range, super-glue it to the throttle as in my pic.

 

Hey Kuky, Thanks for your response 6 years later! :) It looks as though a bit of work has been done in this space over the last few years and I am currently waiting to hear back for MilesD who has made a sort of 'plug and play' kit to fix the Cougar throttle 'acceleration' pot

 

(see here http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=160613 ).

 

Really appreciate the help and its great to hear your throttle is still in fine form!

 

Thanks again

[Sokol1_br]

Is it true that if I purchased one of these PS3 ministicks

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111354062442?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

I would need to have a new microstick PCB made in order for it to fit?

 

Yes will work, is the model tested by Debolesis, but require some work for adapt maybe make a new support PCB.

 

As you are newcomer in electronics will be more easy if get a analog mini-stick (with potentiometers).

 

In the topic linked above, the guy don say that PS2 mini-stick don work because pinout are different...

 

He say that are with difficult to unsolder and remove the old mini-stick from PCB, and since he abandon the topic short after, is unknown what he did - probable opt for "easy way" like the majority do, put the Cougar in recycle bin and buy a Warthog.

 

Also, the Bi-Tech 612x HALL sensor you mentioned, can that be used for all three of the Cougar throttle pots (i.e Ant Elv, Man RNG and the Throttle)?

 

Bi-Tech 612x is a good solution for throttle axis.

For ant and range probable are too big to fit in the available space, in datasheet are the dimensions.

 

Other issue is that one of the two (ant an range) are a potentiomenter with a momentarily switch be pressing the axis. This HALL pot dont provide this.

 

More specifically, can they simply be wired into the existing wiring on the Cougar throttle PCB without changing any circuitry? I

 

Right, no change in circuit is need, just matter to solder 3 wires that come for potentiometer in 3 pins on HALL, respecting HALL datasheet pinout.

[wilkotaz]

Sorry Sokol1_br still a little confused.

 

From my interpretation of PeCa Chuck's post he was saying that the although it is difficult to remove the original analogue mini-stick from its PCB, the PS3 mini-stick would not 'mate' with the original mini-stick PCB? I wonder specifically if I was to buy one of these PS3 contollers, would I need to have an electronics company build a new PCB that would be compatible with both the new PS3 controller and my Cougar throttle? (Obviously I would also need to 3D print a new mini-stick support also).

 

I am really not that keen to put another analogue potentiometer stick in my cougar as I feel like the problem will only reoccur later on. And as for recycling my Cougar - I could NEVER do that - Sacrilege!! ;)

 

Thanks for the information on the Bi-Tech 612x and its capabilities also. I spoke with an electronics company here in Hobart and they believe they could help me, I just have to get the throttle in to them to have a look. I will keep you posted if I have any success with it.

 

Thanks again for your time :)

[Sokol1_br]

If the original PCB holes don't fit with PS3 pins - make a new PCB with breadboard.

 

End be more easy than unsolder the original mini-stick, industrial solder is not easy to remove if you dont have practice.

 

My point is, the original - that is not a "PnP" replacement, as require unsolder/solder - is no longer available, so one need be creative to replace the worm out mini-stick, options are, just require some work. :)

 

For several people the easy solution was send Cougar for recycle bin and buy a Warthog. :)

 

BTW - In SimHQ Debolesis say that is not advantage use the PS3 mini-stick with hall sensor mentioned previous, because this model has low output voltage and will require a amplifier to achieve full resolution.

 

Maybe you can fit HALL sensor (Honeywell SS495A1) in original mini-stick in that way:

 

http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4098966/Re:_MMJoy_-_Build_your_own_USB#Post4098966

 

In pictures Tm HOTAS X pot' modified with HALL - this pot external dimension is similar to pot in mini-stick, around 11mm AxW. Attention that wires in HALL sensor pins is not same as in pot'.

[wilkotaz]

Ahh ok it all makes sense now! :) thanks for your help Sokol1 Br!

 

At this stage things are working ok with the throttle but should they fail I will look at doing a mod with something like the Honeywell SS495A1.

 

Thanks again, I really appreciate your help :)