[simpits-tech] F-16 Force Transducer Side Stick - Update....

[Marv De Beque]

I don't think it would work.  Most joysticks are made from plastic and
easily break when you start applying forces like that.  My design uses some
pretty hefty chunks of aluminum and steel.
-- 


> From: Matt Bailey <mattb@rtccom.net>
> Reply-To: simpits-tech@simpits.org
> Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2002 22:30:13 -0500
> To: simpits-tech@simpits.org
> Subject: Re: [simpits-tech] F-16 Force Transducer Side Stick - Update....
> 
> Now this is very cool. I was wondering if this was practical for a PC
> joystick device. You know, not just for F-16s but I think for other
> planes this could be a lot more realistic. It would be easy to make a
> lot of force required to move the controls, as opposed to typical
> joysticks that have a fair amount of travel but not much resistance. How
> difficult would it be for someone to buy the transducers and fit them to
> an existing joystick?
> 
> -Matt Bailey
> 
> Marv De Beque wrote:
>> 
>> As all of you may already know, I have been working on a genuine force
>> transducer for the F-16.  Viper drivers have some good news coming.  ;-)
>> 
>> Today was a significant milestone in that project.  I got the first lab
>> prototype transducer working.  I am still running experiments, but it looks
>> quite promising.  Repeatability is approaching less than 2.5% with no signal
>> conditioning.
>> 
>> What does this mean?  Well it proves concept that the force sensors I am
>> using will measure pressure applied to a grip and resolve down 10 bits or 1
>> out of 4096.
>> 
>> That translates into extremely accurate sensors for our application.
>> 
>> The transducer will allow a true no movement F-16 style joystick with the
>> exact dimensions of the real side stick.
>> 
>> The first physical prototype will be completed later next week when my
>> Cougar arrives.  Yes, Cougar.  The Cougar will be the first grip that I will
>> offer direct support for.  So all you Cougar owners can adapt your grip to
>> my base.
>> 
>> The side stick body will have the exact dimensions as the real thing.  You
>> could bolt this up to a real F-16 and it would fit!  This means that you
>> Viper drivers can have the same authentic look and feel as the real thing
>> without sacrificing precious side console space or making extensions to your
>> Cougar's shaft.  If you have seen my gauges you can imagine the way the base
>> will look and feel.  No compromise to excellence here!
>> 
>> Speaking of feel, the base will require the same force applied to the grip
>> as the real thing.  That is, 25 lbs. pull or push will give you full stick
>> in each direction (front back).  10 lbs side to side will yield max roll.
>> 
>> The grip will have virtually zero movement.  Remember, the transducer
>> measures actual force, not movement like a standard joystick.  This means
>> that there are zero moving parts to wear out (like pots).
>> 
>> Hopefully, next week I can post some pictures.  I have a real F-16 grip and
>> base that I can sit next to it and you'll agree that they are identical. ;-)
>> 
>> The base will be aluminum and carbon fiber composite.  It will have some
>> weight to it.  You can mount it with the same mounting screws the real one
>> has or you can use a large threaded hole in the bottom of the base (1/2-20
>> threads) to bolt it to whatever.  I would recommend a sturdy platform since
>> this side stick can handle LOTS of force.  You will want to mount it well.
>> 
>> More information as I progress.
>> 
>> Marv
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