[Junkers]

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]

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

[Junkers]

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]

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~

[Bearcat]

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... 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]

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]

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]

Thanks Ulrich.