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.