CH Fighterstick/Throttle solid mount in Volair Sim?

[spectralsarah]

I want to solid mount a CH Fighterstick and Throttle in my cockpit (Volair Sim).

What are the dimensions of the screws I need to affix each to a steel plate? Do they replace the screws that attach the bottom cover?

[The Fugitive]

I have a swing out unit I made for under my desk. Instead of screwing it down I used a couple pieces of velcro.  Solid as a rock and never had any trouble with it.

[FLS]

If nobody knows you can try here: http://www.ch-hangar.com/forum/index.php/forum/13-hardware-help/

I assume you don't mean the layout dimensions, just the screw size and pitch.

CH products aren't designed to be easily screwed down so the Volair may not have matching holes.

Since they are fairly light weight I would use Velcro tape as Fugi suggested.
If you go that route don't use too much, you can add more if you need it.

The trim wheels on the joystick are best fixed in place to maintain your calibration.
They lack the fine control you want for trim.

[Zerstorer]

May also want to search the forums over at SimHQ () and/or ask for information on the Controller / Home Cockpit forum rooms.

[spectralsarah]

I bit the bullet and pulled one out myself. They're #4 x 1" sheet metal screws. I need them to be about 1/4" longer for mounting to compensate for the distance of the hole below flush and the thickness of the plate and a washer.

I found them here, though I'm not yet sure whether I need an A or AB tip.

#4-24 x 1-1/4" Phillips Pan Head Sheet Metal Screw Type A, Zinc
#4-24 x 1-1/4" Phillips Pan Head Sheet Metal Screw Type AB, Zinc

[FLS]

Type AB is a finer pitch than type A. Since they are self cutting you may want to match the current screws. If I had to guess I'd go with AB.

[morfiend]

Why anyone would use a philps screw is beyond me,Oh right you yanks dont have Robertson screws down there!

  Fortunately I can use a square drive screw for just about any application,except drywall screws......

  Back to the topic,I have most my controlers screwed down but used velcro for my ch throttle,it hasnt moved but isnt quite as secure as the rest of my controllers. It's not enough though for me to go to the trouble of fastening down with screws!


   YMMV.


   

[FLS]

Morf do you happen to know if CH uses the finer pitch thread?

[Chalenge]

Use large rubber bands. You can get a ten year supply at office supply for less than $20.

[spectralsarah]

Morf do you happen to know if CH uses the finer pitch thread?

I think they do but I bought both kinds just in case. Screws are cheap so why not.

[zack1234]

I have my CH gear secured to my steel plates on my gaming chair by heavy duty velcro

You need two hands to pull joystick off plate

Cheers for the CH link

[FLS]

The key to snapping off your stick is a securely mounted base. 

[morfiend]

Morf do you happen to know if CH uses the finer pitch thread?

  I never opened the throttle up as I found the velcro to be just fine!

   I would assume they use a fine pitch thread,most the other controllers use fine pitch Philips screws! I tend to junk those as soon as I find them and replace them with square drive/robertson screws. Now if I could only find square drive drywall screws and I could throw all my philips drivers in the garbage where they belong!


   

[spectralsarah]

All the hardware and new CH devices (throttle and pedals) arrived last night. After determining the proper hole pattern, I used a hand punch to make the necessary 1/8" holes in the 1/16" steel plates.

The A and AB tip screws appeared to be identical, so I just used the A tips. They threaded in just fine. I also used some lock washers to keep everything secure.

Full part list (CH joystick and throttle on 1/16" steel plates):
8x #4-24 x 1-1/4" Phillips Pan Head Sheet Metal Screw Type A, Zinc
8x #4 18-8 Stainless Steel Heavy Split Lock Washer

If you decide to solid mount your own CH devices, note the screw pattern is not square on the joystick and throttle. It's pretty obvious on the throttle but not so much on the joystick. Ask me how I know...  

[FLS]

That hand punch is a cool tool.

If the threads are the same on the screws the difference is likely chip clearance. One point will have a notch for easier cutting.

I won't ask about the holes if you don't ask how I know about snapping sticks.