These guys plan a universal stick base with grips options:

http://www.splash-one-bandit.com/

BTW - Thrustmaster announce a new HOTAS Warthog.


Sokol1

Wasn't this going to be one of the HOTAS Cougar's most touted features, only to find that nobody ever got around to making alternative stick grips (or the fabled, toebrake-equipped "RCS Pro", for that matter)?

In any case, I really would like to see this happen...especially since the use of interchangeable stick bases provides a really compelling option that Thrustmaster, CH Products, Saitek, and Logitech are all missing (well, maybe not TM with the Cougar's detachable stick, but you'd have to make sure to procure extra stick bases).

Some people prefer deflecting sticks with quality gimbals. Others prefer a force-feedback stick. Still, others prefer a tensometric/force-driven stick (think FCC/FSSB for Cougar, X65F stick, or the real F-16/F-22/F-35 side sticks). And then, for the former two, people might prefer varying stick shaft lengths (say, to better replicate a WWI/WWII-era warbird feel).

With such a solution, you don't have to compromise between preferred stick feel and preferred stick/throttle grips! Bonus points if Splash One Bandit gives their devices programmability on par with CH Products or at least TM's Cougar, as well as allowing us to merge the components into a single DirectInput device if need be (a glaring omission with Logitech's G940 at the moment).

Another informative and interesting post, Sokol1! I wish these guys a lot of success in starting up their company and hope they can meet the goals in the business plan. Looking at how they already have parts listed (buttons, hat switch) that they may be a good compromise between the pre-packaged, wholly completed sim controls and the "here's a 60 year old photograph now go carve a KG13 out of a soap bar" kind of sim control.
I think I have enough skills to attempt the wiring and mechanical steps in some of Mike Powells chapters of BRFS...but it would be great to have some "blanks" of control grips I could use for a more realistic feel.

Thanks again,
Derek

I place my bets on the newcomers rather than Thrustmaster. They appear to have dedication, Guillemot OTOH does not. They are after making big sales. Case in point; their lack of support for the Cougar's flaws. After the Cougar debacle they have a lot of ground to cover. Sorry, paying $300+ for the product only to invest big bucks on community based mods - kudos to the modders who gave the Cougar its raison d'etre - to run it like it should have in the first place, is just wrong. And where are the promised alternate F-15, F-18 grips???
Guillemot has the resources to come with a competitively priced product that for once works out of the box. They better get it right this time, or else quit the sim controllers market and stay with consoles.

Thanks Sokol1 for starting this tread, I'm the one delveloping this HOTAS. i hope to have a prototype ready by spring '10. I'll try to answer every and all questions. i have a post over at checksix http://www.viperpits.org/smf/index.php?topic=5209.0 . if needed or requested, i can do a full post here also.
thanks for looking....Steve

Very interesting work there. I wish you a great deal of success.

Hey, any plans for helo grips?

It would be nice if you could allow for the addition of an extension for the grip. I think short shaft sticks work well only if you are sitting in a simpit.

Man, I might actually wait and let you guys come with the final product, instead of buying Leo Bodnar's interface. That way I won't have to mess with any soldering.

Good work.

Thanks
Its possible to do some helo grips, but none in development at the moment.
Leo's controller is great and cheap compared to the others, its very basic. He offers some wire connectors for sale on his site if your a little rusty at soldering.
Thanks again...Steve

Hello All, got a couple more switch hats ready, the website should be updated shortly.

I might consider putting a package deal together for Cougar users (or anyone), all 3 new replicated switch hats (maybe a forth too) at a discounted price. DMS, Chaff/Flare, Mic, and maybe the paddle if I produce it.


I need a couple favors though, it won’t cost a dime.

First, I need to work out the process for international shipping, so I’ll offer a few people around the world free hat switch covers. But you must be willing to write a review of sorts on what you think about them (hopefully positive). If you’re interested, please PM me.


Second, I made up a replacement for the paddle switch lever for the cougar (or FLCS) which replicates the real paddle switch lever on the F-16 SSC. I used an old FLCS stick and need to know if the cougar paddle switch design is the same. I don’t own a cougar and can’t see how their paddle was designed. Do you think this is something people will want?? Or should I just scrap the project?


Some pic were added here
http://forum.combatace.com/topic/48455-independent-startup-for-high-end-hotas/
http://www.viperpits.org/smf/index.php?topic=5209.0
Thanks....Steve

Thanks for posting the update, Steve. I'm afraid I can't help with either of your requests since I'm here in the states and I'm not a "jet-jockey"...but; I couldn't seem to view the pics you placed on the forums listed above. Unless i was holding my mouth wrong, you have to register for the files to show. I'm having trouble keeping up with the half-dozen forums I'm on now.

Any chance you could post a pic or three here on SimHQ?
Thanks and have a good weekend!
Derek

Casual,

I have a friend of mine that wants to sell his Cougar NIB (only removed for store display) for $100 if you are wanting one in great condition. If you don't want it I am going to buy it.

As for the other PM sent and will help you out in the review department.

Here's some pics, thanks Derek for the info.

Steve

Thanks for the heads up, but not really interested in buying a cougar just to see if the paddle switch will work or not. Hoping i can find a few folks who wouldn't mind trying it out. Check your PM in about 3-5 minutes.

Thanks..Steve

Casual,

Nice paddle, better than Cougar one.
You say FLCS? I have one F22PRO and a BU0836 to use.
You have a HAT cover like one for Cougar tumb device?
I plan replace the "eraserhead" thing with HAT or mini-stick.

Sokol1

Hi Sokol1
All of these switch hats should work with the F22PRO since TM used the same design for the 4-way switches. I used the FLCS as my prototype bench. I'm currently working on the old style thumb hat (not the reverse china hat that’s on the MLU's) that should be finished in a few weeks. When I converted my FLCS/TQS to the BU0836, I bought a 5-way mini switch (up/dwn/lt/rt/press) and replaced the eraserhead. In the design I’m working on, I plan on having a mini-stick for the RADAR cursor.

Steve

Hmmm... interesting! Very, very interesting stuff you got here!

Hey, you could always sell upgrade packs with HATs and stuff, as well as complete joysticks.
The reason I am saying this is that I have 1 FLCS, 1 F22 PRO and 2 TQS. The F22 Pro has Bob Church's Stickworks chips in it, and the FLCS is dismantled. I wanted to mod it, but haven't gotten to it yet.
Does Leo Bodnar's interface have the ability to operate a mini-stick like the Cougar's?? I wasn't aware of that. That's really interesting.

I'm thinking torwards that Monster, a value pack of switch hats... Yes Leo's chip does allow for use of a mini-stick, there was a schematic going around that showed how to wire it up (i made up my own for a more universal application) but it showed the TQS with a 5way radar cursor T1, T11, T12, T13, T14 is what i can remember (this how i have my TQS wired). if you want to use a mini-stick, just wire the 2 extra analogs to it and it should work fine. I will be using a mini-stick of sorts for RADAR cursor control on all throttles.

Steve

aRareKindOfMonster,

Here a schematic to rewire F16FLCS/F22PRo+TQS with BU0836.

http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ub...tml#Post2143104

To use mini-stick use the two "Extra axis" instead T11-T12-T13-T14 buttons.
The micro-switch (button) in mini-stick depress connect in T1 position.

Sokol1

Thanks, Sokol1!

That's great!

I suppose all hats will be different, right?
Are those you make made of cast alloy?
Also, are you currently only making FLSC/F22 Pro hats? Or are you making different ones as well, ie Cougar's mini stick (check picture).
I'd have a request; if you make the castelated hat, please customize it(check picture); I don't like it at all as it come on the F22 and FLCS. That hat's flat surface is just too big.


Also, have you found any decent 4 way switches, like the ones on FLCS or F22 Pro, or CH Products?

I've been trying to get hold of those, but can't find any. Those would be also great for custom throttles. If you do find some of these let me know.

Yep, I will be offering a variety of switch hats.


No, currently I am only making them in casting resin, which feels (in my opinion) better than plastic. Maybe in the future I can offer them in cast alloy, but that process is more expensive and i wish to keep the prices low.


Currently I am making switch hats for the F-16 HOTAS since this will be the first set of grips available. I have collected many different styles of hats from all different kinds of sticks and throttle grips along with some that i developed myself. I have the 2 you are refering to in your picture, but have not made the production molds yet.


I'm not really sure which hat your refering to. The DMS switch hat on the Cougar (lower right, below the trim/POV switch) is incorrect. I have the correctly modeled hat available.


I purchased a few actual aircraft trim switches, but the price for those was extremely high and the switch body was too big. I wouldn't have been able to get 4-4way switches in the stick. I also purchased a few 5way switches, like the type used in cell phones, but at $5-$6 a piece, (that times 4 for each one on the F-16 stick) it wouldn't keep the prices low enough for a business. I decided develop my own switch, which is close to completion, but not ready for sale. Hopefully soon.

Thanks for the question Monster...Steve