Originally posted by straffo
Is there a way to increase spring forces ?
Yes, you simply put larger rubber o-rings in. Here is a post I have save regarding the process (I never bothered doing it).
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From "Bob Howell" :
On the bottom of your stick, you will see four small Phillips screws.
There are four more hidden under the little rubber foot pads. The only
thing that holds the pads on are little patches of double-sided sticky
tape. You can safely pry out the pads with your fingernails or a
screwdriver. You'll probably ruin the sticky patches, but you can cut
new ones off a common roll of double sided Scotch tape. Otherwise, I've
found the exact same rubber pads with the sticky attached at most larger
arts and crafts stores.
Once you get the rubber pads off, remove all eight screws and, while
holding the stick upside down, gently remove the base. Don't be afraid
of having something fall out of place that you won't be able to get it
back where it belongs. About the only thing that can slip loose is a
little plastic keeper that helps hold the throttle potentiometer in
place. If it does come loose, it's easy to get back in place and it can
only fit one way. Also, don't be concerned that you will do something
to void your warranty. If you read the documentation that came with
your equipment, you will see that CH encourages owners to go inside
their equipment to attempt to repair problems before sending the
equipment back to the factory.
Once inside, you will be amazed at how simple the unit is designed and
constructed. You will also see how the X and Y stick axis are
controlled by two small springs, each attached to plastic posts. Now,
as I said, you don't have to monkey with the springs. In fact, you
don't even have to remove them. Instead, I recommend using little black
rubber o-rings to do the job. They can be stretched over the posts to
bolster the spring tension.
The o-rings to which I refer are those commonly found at most plumbing
supply and hardware stores. They cost a few pennies each and come in
all different sizes and thicknesses. It is simply a matter of finding
the right size to do the job and give you the feel you want. I
recommend starting with #23 o-rings. One #23 on each set of posts will
bring your handle tension about halfway between that of a stock
Fighterstick and a Thrustmaster. The tension will be very close to
those Saiteks you used to destroy. Two o-rings on each set of posts
will pretty much match a Thrustmaster. I recommend one #23 on each set
of posts. The little buggers are also much tougher than you would
imagine. They are made out of pretty sturdy rubber and I've never had
one break. If and when they do, it is a simple matter to open up the
case and replace them.
With one set of #23s, you probably won't feel a significant difference
while you've still got the unit in pieces. Most likely, you will be
tempted to stretch a second set on. Don't. Once you've put the base
back on and played around with it for real, you will note that one set
of o-rings gives you a lot more tension than you thought and firms
things up quite nicely. Remember that your Fighterstick is much lighter
in overall weight than a Saitek or a TM. If you install a radical
increase in tension, you are going to have to strap the thing down to
keep it from moving about. Besides, it's an easy procedure to open it
back up and add more rubber!
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