[simpits-tech] True Force Sensitive F-16 Stick

Tue, 25 Jun 2002 02:28:18 -0400

Sounds perfect ... these are truly high end toys for our cockpits!!!  I'm
impressed.

Sukit Sittisudjatum 

-----Original Message-----
From: Marv De Beque [mailto:mdebeque@woh.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2002 8:45 AM
To: simpits-tech@simpits.org
Subject: Re: [simpits-tech] True Force Sensitive F-16 Stick

Sukit,

The Force sensitive stick is very much on the bench.  However, right now I
am focusing on the servo driven gauges.

We are very close to a deal with DTS and final pricing is being worked on as
I write.  I hope in the next few days that Paul can release this as an
exclusive DTS product.

I think this is going to be an exciting product that will exceed everyone's
expectations in realism.

Once that product is successfully launched, I'll be working hard to release
the side stick.

We have two flavors on the drawing board.  The first is using strain gauges.
This is a high end industrial quality design that should offer unparalleled
accuracy and feel.  You are right that there are issues with strain gauges
and their construction.  I have found a company that can provide a robust
version for my side stick that meets and exceeds our simulation
requirements.

Not far behind is a force sensitive stick using a new technology in force
sensors.  This system promises performance that should be very close to the
strain gauge version, but at a much lower cost.

Both designs are user adjustable for force and center position.  So you can
make your stick highly sensitive to the touch or set it up like the real
McCoy and have yourself an arm wrestling contest.  ;-)

We are looking into an aluminum cast grip if costs permit.  However, we
should be able to mate the new Cougar grip to the side stick and that may be
what we offer.

Also, if you happen to have a real functioning F-16 base and grip I am
working on a interface board that will drive the real base and provide out
put to the PC, EPIC, or equivalent system.  It will be a plug and play
solution.

Additionally, a lower cost version of my rudders is on the design board
using all aluminum, of course.

There are other things in development that will fill in the voids for the
viper driver that seem to be available no where else.  Should knock some
people's socks off.  So Stay Tuned!!!

On that note, I have officially started my own company to make everything
legitimate.  The company name is in honor of my late son:

DBQ Engineering

I hope to provide lots of great products that are ultra high quality as fast
as I can.  I will be working closely with Paul at DTS to get these things
off the drawing board and into everyone's cockpits.  Should be fun for
everyone.  ;-)

Marv

-- 

> From: "Sukit, Sittisudjatum" <SukitS@state.gov>
> Reply-To: simpits-tech@simpits.org
> Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2002 20:59:35 -0400
> To: "'simpits-tech@simpits.org'" <simpits-tech@simpits.org>
> Subject: RE: [simpits-tech] True Force Sensitive F-16 Stick
> 
> Marv,
> 
> I'm wondering if you still have this project somewhere on your workbench!
I
> remembered once we had the explanation how the stick work using strain
> gauge.  I and my members visited the F-16 squadron last 2 weeks
> (unfortunately, they didn't open the canopy ... cause they didn't want us
to
> fly the viper away), we had so many topics exchanged with the viper
drivers.
> Then the force sensing stick came to my interest again.
> 
> He said that 'Once you think you want to roll the bird to the right, the
> bird rolls right !!!'  man... I want to get my Cougar out of the box
(yeah,
> the cougar still sleeping in the its box) while having the force sensitive
> (internal assembly) mod kit (e.g. the base with adaptor) ready for that
> feeling!!!
> 
> I tried to find more information on the strain gauges.. and found some
from
> www.howstuffwork.com which lead me to some other sites.  Those sites are
> more likely provide online catalogs, not really giving a 'how to' stuff.
> Then I imagined that it has to be at least four strain gauges placed on
the
> opposite side of the X and Y axis. A small software and interfacing needs
to
> be done to compare outputs from the two gauges of one axis.. convert into
> something that sending signal 0-255 for the joystick game port. A software
> will compare outputs and fine tuning for 'null zone' when no force applied
> (but some 'errors' caused by yield or pre-stress force need to be
considered
> and calibrated).  Do we need the gauges installed in a bridged circuit?  I
> don't really know.
> 
> I'm not form the electronic or control school... this is all I know.. it's
> all my guess.
> 
> Sukit Sittisudjatum
> Bangkok, Thailand
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