Hi pit builders,

I would like to show the gimbal layout I am currently working on.
I use the principle of the real aircrafts "feel and centering unit". Ball bearings are rolling on CAM plates (one for each axis) as the stick is moved. The CAMs forcing the bearing holder arms up and down. These arms lifting the extension springs.

The good thing is, that with different profiled CAMs I can produce different stick characteristics.

I will also use rotational fluid dampers (one for each axis) which will damp the movement of the stick to get a nice smooth realistic feeling.


gimbal by csaba.moharos, on Flickr

Any suggestions and comments are welcomed:)

Wow, very impressive. Are you planning it as a deskmount, or a full-sized floor mounted stick?
You've probably got some alternate cam designs already, but I would suggest one with an arc, rather than a V to reduce/eliminate the center detent feel. IJ and his NXT has spoiled me and probably many others in that regard.
Looking forward to seeing a prototype.

9T

Hi 9T,

thx for your input. The gimbal is designed for a full scale control column. As you said, the round CAM shape is very important. The CAM is not V but more like an "U" to eleminate the center detent. The radius at the bottom is quite critical. If it is too big, then the movement can be very floppy around the center. The good thing is that it is easy to make different CAM shapes for experimenting. I don`t know if this design will ever get into manufacturing, at the moment it is more like an experiment. will see..

I made a short video about the CAM movement.



cheers
MM

Amazing design , Csaba.

MMmaister,

Good job, you are in right way.

Bauer (avi-sim.ru) use similar concept in your devices.
He say that changing the CAM profile you get different centering feel.
http://avia-sim.ru/forum/files/f17_236.jpg
http://avia-sim.ru/forum/viewforum.php?f=34&sid=b88d4030213b3ed7d7ca9e4e90201b3b

BTW - Accord him, the way to get acceptably cost in manufacturing process is use laser cut metal, instead milling, machining...

Sokol1

Hi Sokol,

Baur`s work is truly amazing. He uses the sheet metal very creatively for sure. As I can see his CAM shape is similar to mine, and that is a good sign for me:)
I will finish up the design keeping in mind the goal of simple and cheap machining. I still have a long way to go. I have done any calculations neither on the resulting stick forces or on construction strength. I will do this, then I can optimize the design. After all I will ask for some quotations and then I will see the price of dreaming... CNC is never cheap when you make one single piece.

That is how it looks like today:


gimbal2 by csaba.moharos, on Flickr


gimbal3 by csaba.moharos, on Flickr

Let me know when you get ready to get some prices. I know several different CNC machine companies around my area of the world that I used to deal with that would love to be able to at least quote the project.

Thank you for the offer Reschke.

Currently I am fine tuning the CAM, to have a linear spring extension. Also I am compressing the design to have a more compact size. I am close to the goal, but some more detailed stick force calculation and strength calculation is required.

Great job VO101MMAISTER.Looks very promising. Can't wait to see the conclusion

Thanks Propman!

I have done some more calculation.
Due to the long stick, de gear ratio is quite big. It is ca. 1:18
It means that with the usage of 630N springs, the resulting max. stick force will be 35N what is equal to ca 3,5kg.
It sounds like a comfortable stick force, however I could live with a bit more, especially on the elevator side. I will have a look on this.

On the strength side I have a lot of reserve, so I can have stronger springs and I can change a few part to aluminium instead of steel.