[simpits-tech] Using pots for position sensing

[Rick Davis]

Roy,

The PFC consol I have here re-working for Bill uses what I would call linear 
pots for the throttles. They are actuated with an aluminium shaft which has 
a spring loaded affair inside. The back of the throttle control is a very 
simple cam which pushes the shaft in. Very simple and robust design. Maybe 
you have used these and are aware of them, but I'll send you a couple of 
pics off list in any case.

I'm in the midst of pouring concrete at the moment but will try to get them 
off later today.

Rick

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roy Coates" <roy at flightlab.liv.ac.uk>
To: <simpits-tech at simpits.org>
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2008 9:27 AM
Subject: [simpits-tech] Using pots for position sensing


>
>
> Chaps.
>      This is something we all an answer too I'm sure !
>
> For all my current projects, I use a cheapo joystick (Logitech Wingman) to
> give me the interface electronics for my project. These are cheap and
> require no custom software since the PC still thinks its a regular
> joystick. All I have to do is mount whatever 100k pots I need to detect
> throttle, pitch/roll/yaw etc.
>
> But.. and the big but is - how to physically operate the pot? With rotary
> pots it's hard to get a full sweep, impossible if you try to use a simple
> bell-crank setup. And linear pots are generally fairly fragile so you
> don't want to put any strain on either end of it's movement.
>
> Have any of you come up with a solution?
>
> In the past I've made little gearboxes to give me a full sweep, or used a
> higher value pot so that I only need a partial sweep.
>
> Ideas people please!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Roy.
>
>
> --
>
> Roy Coates.
> Dept of Engineering.
> Liverpool University.
> E-Mail: r.coates at liv.ac.uk
> Tel: 0151 794 4862
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Lord, If I must have an instrument failure, please let it be the Hobbs 
> meter.
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
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