[simpits-tech] Cougar Mod extension - Request suggestion and feedback

[Marv RR]

Thanks, Steve, for the link.

I have reviewed the pictures that show the grip and its connector.

I don't like the connection method that was chosen for the grip, but looking
at the internal view of the end shows me that I can fashion an adapter that
will allow me to connect it to my F-16 base.  That is really good news.

Frankly, I don't trust their mounting system to hold up to the force someone
might apply to it with a solid F-16 base.  It also does not have the correct
angle to it.  The real grip leans forward.  Besides, I think I could make it
look a little better in that department, too.

I just happen to have, on loan, a real F-16 Block 50 grip to compare with
the pictures and I must say that I am impressed with the Cougar.  I would
love to have one just to compare the feel of the buttons to the real grip.

The real grip buttons are much stiffer than the CH Products joystick I use.
It take decisive force to push any button which has a nice snap to it.

The trigger is two-staged.  The first position is for the camera.  The
second stage, which breaks with a healthy snap action, is the gun.  It takes
a good amount of finger pressure to engage the gun.  Looking at the Cougar I
think it may be possible to modify it to emulate that two-stage trigger.

I am very much impressed with their grip.  Anyone that owns one is lucky and
all I can say is I want one, too.  ;-/

Marv


-- 


> From: "Steve Wilson" <mafsix@attbi.com>
> Reply-To: simpits-tech@simpits.org
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 18:02:42 -0400
> To: <simpits-tech@simpits.org>
> Subject: Re: [simpits-tech] Cougar Mod extension - Request suggestion and
> feedback
> 
> Albert, I couldn't find the image file, but I agree with you.
> 
> I've been considering what I'm sure is a similar extension of the Cougar FLCS.
> Essentially, one simply attaches the Cougar grip to a mount similar to the one
> that our clever bud Marv designed for his own pit.  The base of the Coug is
> then mounted at about deck level directly underneath, only 180 degrees
> reversed.  A short extension cord connects the two electronically.  Then a
> simple, straight extension goes from the base of the grip down to some sort of
> simple cage style gimbal mounted on the base in place of the stick.  Voila -
> short throw Cougar.
> 
> This is 100% harmless to the FLCS side.
> 
> On the other side of the pit, things get more fun, however.  The internal
> wiring of the TQS would very likely have to be cut and extended about five
> inches so that a realistic replica or real world F-16 TQS arm (preferred)
> could be substituted for the shorter arm that comes with the product.  There
> are some great internal pix of the TQS on
> http://mpgnetz.de/images/cougar/sh.html that really feed the imagination for
> this part of the project.  I don't have the Cougar myself, just yet.. :-(
> 
> Lots of wires in there!
> 
> After grafting the handle atop the throttle arm, one also has to figure out a
> suitable way to graft the hub back onto the shaft of the original TQS.  I
> think that will have to be via some sort of indirect attachment via a simple
> linkage, however, to keep things from becoming too encumbered.  A Real World
> TQS arm does have a rather nice ball bearing pivot, and it would be a shame
> not to use it.  ;-)  If one could disconnect the internal plug and interpose
> some sort of extension, that would be cooler, however, and more reliable.
> With a little luck, one may be able to avoid any hacking and slashing, and
> have reasonable hope of maintaining their warranty.  The hard part would be
> getting the somewhat complex and wide plug out through the throttle pivot, a
> not-so-easy task, I fear.
> 
> Still, with relatively little trouble, I'm sure we can completely hide the
> Cougar bases in our F-16 pits, and come away with one good looking, reliable
> and sanity preserving solution.
> 
> Steve
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: A L B E R T
> To: simpits-tech@simpits.org
> Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 5:12 PM
> Subject: [simpits-tech] Cougar Mod extension - Request suggestion and feedback
> 
> 
> Guys, 
> 
> after we talked much the tight space we have got and how much Gene has. I
> spend tonight holding my cougar stick...thinking its not really hard to modify
> to sit in the f16 cockpit to its side stick position...
> 
> I upload the picture to the simpit file section called cougar mod.jpg . I am
> sure Marv has already thought of something. However, this idea came to my head
> and I want to share it with you and get some comment on the design.
> 
> First of all, I am no craftsman...I come up with the idea not know how on
> earth to machine the thing and its really frustrating...especially with metal.
> Second of all, the aim of this design is to minimise the heart break of
> breaking apart a 300 dollars joystick. Finally, I tried to keep the realistic
> measurement in mind. All measurement used in this concept sketch is only
> approximation.
> 
> I first tried my hands on the cougar and was very disappointed that the stick
> still swing quiet alot side by side i.e. its still far too loose compared to
> the real movement on the FLCS. Also, the base of the stick is rather big. As
> you all know. The F16 FLCS has a small base sitting under the stick
> itself...something like a pressure actuator? (Help me here pogo, I seen you
> have a real stick on your site :)
> 
> Due to those reasons, I thought the cougar might be good for the desk. but not
> so much for the pit... But anyway...I brought it! Cant help it...ouch...that
> hurts! and the obvious aim now is to try get the stick into the cockpit.
> That's how I came up with this little design so I dont have to break the
> stick. yet I can still create the base of the FLCS and hide the actual
> cougar's base under the panel. If one day I have to pull the cougar out. I
> simply remove the extension and the stick is back to its normal self again.
> 
> I spend the whole night drooling on this idea. so I started drawing it up in
> Illustrator (I dont know how to use CAD programs). I have absolutely no idea
> how I can make this thing myself. I am not skilled in metal at all...creating
> the screw tracks for the cougar to screw on the top and a male attachement
> like the existing one on the cougar will definetly out of my area of
> expertise. Any comment and suggestion will be appreciated. I honestly just
> want to pay someone who knows how to machine such part for a decent cost.
> 
> Anyway, its sunrise...I better get to bed. My simpit habbit has once again
> ruin my sleeping pattern. :(
> 
> Albert
> Sydney, Australia