RCS replacement springs found!

[edge12674]

For those using the Thrustmaster RCS (rudder control system) you know that the weak point on these pedals is the main spring (known as a torsion spring).  I have been using my pedals for 15 years and average about 5 years on a spring.  Recently my last spring from TM broke.  As TM does not support these pedals anymore I was having a hard time finding a replacement.  For those in the same situation I found a solution.

A company called W.B. Jones Spring Company (http://www.springsfast.com/) manufactures custom springs in small quantities.  I had five springs made up for a total cost of $82.00 out the door.  These springs are equal to if not better than the TM provided springs.  If you wish to order springs from them here are the specs:

Wire Diameter: 0.135
Type of Material: music wire
Inside Diameter: .625
Relationship of Legs: 180 degrees
Number of Coils: 2
Length Leg #1: 2.25
Length leg #2: 2.25
Direction of Wind: right hand
Finish: plain

Yes, I know this seems expensive for springs, but five should last around 20 years of usage.  If you are like me and don't care for the feel and spacing of other rudder pedals out there then this is a viable option.

TShark
=Ghosts=
"If you are alone and meet a lone Zero, run like hell...You're outnumbered" - Joe Foss USMC 26 kills

[Reschke]

Cool I have a dead RCS that needs to have either Hall Sensors or a new pot and new springs.

[edge12674]

The Hall sensor was a little pricey for me.  You can get a replacement pot at Radio Shack.  There should be an Ohm rating on the old pot.  I seem to remember it being a 5K pot, but I might be wrong.

[edge12674]

My error.  100K ohm pot is what I have been using for years.

[Reschke]

I have a hall sensor kit in another RCS set and it works great. A little bit of work to get it in the right place but it works great. Much better than the pots did ever.

[edge12674]

I have a hall sensor kit in another RCS set and it works great. A little bit of work to get it in the right place but it works great. Much better than the pots did ever.

Are you using it with the Cougar HOTAS?  Since the Cougar converts the analog signal from the RCS to a digital signal (pretty much eliminates spiking) I have been wondering if it is worth it.

[OOZ662]

Hmm...I've been needing a source for a small batch of springs for a while now. Thanks.

[Reschke]

Are you using it with the Cougar HOTAS?  Since the Cougar converts the analog signal from the RCS to a digital signal (pretty much eliminates spiking) I have been wondering if it is worth it.

Yes I use a Cougar (not at the moment since it is down for rebuild with U2 from IJ down in Australia) and I love the way it handles. I added in the HS from cubpilot (another cougar world mod guy) and my original RCS works like a champ...even better than when it was brand new. I have a second RCS that I am probably going to mod soon but I can't decided if I want to sell it once modded or just keep it just in case with the need for parts at some point in the future.