x52 Pro moded for simpit

[Baumer]

I just wanted to share some photo's of my new simpit setup. I've wanted a center mounted stick for some time and since the hat switch was starting to give me problems (after 2 1/2 years) I decided to bite the bullet and attempt to modify it.

Overall I am very pleased with the final configuration, I've only got about 2 hours flying with between last night and this morning, but I can tell that aircraft control is much better. Here's a shot of my setup.


I originally wanted the stick to be mounted flat on the bottom but the throw was a bit excessive for my taste. It would have accurately reproduced the stick range in an F6F or Corsair but it would have meant much more upper body movement (and I'm just to lazy!). So I raised up the base just a bit (by the edge of a 2x4) and extended the shaft 8 1/4 inches. This produces a 12" throw from lock to lock, or 6" from center.

http://332nd.org/dogs/baumer/BBS%20Stuff/x52ProMod/center2.jpg

At the base of the extension I used 2 shaft collars to provide a means for adjustable centering spring tension and it works great!



Here's a shot of my new radio and trim set-up and it works very well. It's nice to have each flight mapped to a separate button in Ventrillo makes FSO a snap for squad comms.



Well I can't wait to get back flying again, working on this the past 2 weeks I've developed a bad case of AH withdrawals!

   Baumer 

[Krusty]

Cool. Does the keyboard retract or something? Seems like it's kind of crowding your stick movements.

[Kermit de frog]

Hey Baumer, I live very close to ya!  I'm also in the US.  You should invite me over some time...

[Baumer]

The stick moves freely underneath the keyboard. I designed it so it's as close as possible to the bottom of the keyboard tray, but as tall as practical, the whole design was directed by sliding this under my desk so the monitor was at eye level.

[morfiend]

Very Nice Baum 

 I like the collar to adjust the spring tension,I might have to look into something like that myself.


 I sure do envy you electronix guys,I have to ask the wife to change a fuze....... electricity scares me!



   

[Kermit de frog]

whoops, my humor needs work...as i live in california.

great work baumer, very inspiring.

[Krusty]

Can't really see, but did you modify the stick much? x52, right? Were I to modify it, since I already was, I might cut off the fingerguard that goes around the front. Never liked that design on joysticks.

Or, am I thinking of the guard on the x45?

[Ghosth]

I think your correct Krusty, and I believe he left that off.

[Kazaa]

Being center mounted, you should strongly think about rotating your stick slightly to the left for optimal comfort.

[Denholm]

What's with the rotary azimuth plotter, Baumer?

[Kazaa]

The setup looks amazing, very clean and simple.

[gyrene81]

What's with the rotary azimuth plotter, Baumer?

LOL...I thought that was how he signaled to his wife whether need wanted a drink, food or a "hummer"... 


Baumer, when are you going to put a 32 inch monitor on there?

[Ghosth]

Actually he has a big TV on the wall not 10 feet away. Been after him to rearrange his basement so that he can use it to fly with.

[Baumer]

Krusty,
Not really modified other than removing the the guard around the front that you're taking about. I did have to repair my hat switch which is what prompted this in the first place. I had a micro switch finally fail and while I was working on it I also noticed that I had actually warn down the hat switch knob. There were flat spots in the shaft where the micro switches made contact. I built up those areas with epoxy and used a Dremel to shape it properly. It works as good as new, now. you can see the slots where the guard was on the grip here.



Kazaa,
It's hard to see in the photo's but it is rotated about 10 degrees and the grip is also canted about 5 degrees to the left of vertical.

Denholm,
I use that to check course and heading info when lining up on bomb runs or using the cruisers 8" guns.

Gyrene,
Actually the plan is to build a 3 screen projector system using the triple head to go. LOL I just need a PC that can handle it and 3 projectors and I'll be all set. When my wife's out of town on business I've flown a couple of times on my 42" LCD and it look great, it just sits up a little to high on my desk. 

[Denholm]

That makes sense.... Thanks for the info.