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Is it possible to modify a joystick? - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Is it possible to modify a joystick? (/showthread.php?tid=58421)


Is it possible to modify a joystick? - Junkers - 27.12.2008

This is probably not exactly the right section but I don't know where else to ask. Is it possible to add extra functions to a joystick, I mean like adding extra buttons or an extra axis for prop pitch control. I have a Saitek ST290 Pro and it would be really cool to add trim wheels, a button with a coverswitch for bombs and a prop pitch control. I've heard of guys making there own setups so it can't be too hard to modify one, can it? I would be extremely grateful for any advice. Thanks.

- Ulrich Rudel - 27.12.2008

my old joystuck was 2 saitek aviators merged together, looked like crap but worked great

- Junkers - 27.12.2008

Ulrich Rudel, did you just plug them both in at the same time or did you wire together the two cables. I'm thinking it would be possible to somehow use a variable resistor for prop pitch and trim, and simple push buttons for everything else but I am not sure how to connect them. I will have to take appart my old joystick I think, to see how it works. Thanks for the input so far.

- bolox - 27.12.2008

adding functions to an existing sticks board usually isn't possible,- best way is to get a usb controller board and wire everything to it.

a popular controller is leo's bu0836

http://www.leobodnar.com/products/BU0836/

that'll give you 8 analog axes to play with and 30+ buttons- how you choose to set this up is down to your imagination (and tech skill- tho it isn't rocket science :wink: )

for 'variable resistors'- look for potentiometers- 100k ohm LINEAR taper- if you are looking to do trim i'd highly recomend 'multi turn' pots- ie they turn thru ~10 revolutions for full electrical range rather than 270 deg of standard pots- very good for trim (i have 3). these are~

Re: Is it possible to modify a joystick? - Bearcat - 27.12.2008

Junkers Wrote:This is probably not exactly the right section but I don't know where else to ask. Is it possible to add extra functions to a joystick, I mean like adding extra buttons or an extra axis for prop pitch control. I have a Saitek ST290 Pro and it would be really cool to add trim wheels, a button with a coverswitch for bombs and a prop pitch control. I've heard of guys making there own setups so it can't be too hard to modify one, can it? I would be extremely grateful for any advice. Thanks.

Yes... [Image: X-45mod_0.jpg] but to do what you want to do I recommend what bolox said... I took my X-45 and modded it so that the joystick was all in one but I used the existing board. I just got some new switches.

- Junkers - 28.12.2008

I appologise for my delayed reply. Thanks for all the info Bolox, I should definately be able to use it. Bearcat, thanks for your advice, it is helpful and appreciated. I'll start working on it as soon as possible and I will post pics and info if it works out. Thanks again everybody, I wish you the best of luck in the new year.

- Ulrich Rudel - 28.12.2008

Junkers Wrote:Ulrich Rudel, did you just plug them both in at the same time or did you wire together the two cables. I'm thinking it would be possible to somehow use a variable resistor for prop pitch and trim, and simple push buttons for everything else but I am not sure how to connect them. I will have to take appart my old joystick I think, to see how it works. Thanks for the input so far.
it had 2 cables coming out of it and the throttle levers were replaced with potentiometers

- Junkers - 28.12.2008

Thanks Ulrich.