The flight sim dictionary I just made up defines the "Dainty grip" as:



noun; the method of gripping a flight sim control slider that is much smaller than it's real world counterparts, notably using the thumb and pinky finger as though one were at a tea-party.

Known causes of the Dainty grip include having hands larger than a 3 year olds, and ownership CH or Saitek throttle quadrants.


So how do we solve this. I've seen some handle extensions for the Saitek quad:
http://www.flightsimpm.com/products#!/~/category/id=8661210&offset=0&sort=normal



But haven't found anything for the CH quad. I'd also like something with a more WWII fighter style look:


^Note the way the manly throttle shaft has a nice ball atop it (it's ok to giggle...)

Anyone know of any off the shelf solutions, perhaps for the CH throttle quad? Or easier DIY jobs?

You mean something sort of like this?

exactly!

I'll take "3D Printed Throttle Quadrants" for $100, Alex.

Care to share the model files for that?

g.

Actually, I'm hoping to start a company selling replica WWII flight controls like this and a few others. I've got this, a P-38 grip conversion for the CH Flight Yoke, a 5-axis throttle quadrant (the one in the picture plus two lower levers), trim wheels, and some more ideas. I just need some funding to get beyond prototypes.

Probably should put up a Kickstarter or a Gofundme or something...

Pics or its not real

That's very cool PlaneEater!

You might not want to go with 100% printed parts though. I'd recommend exploiting what the printer can do best - knobs, odd shapes, etc. and use aluminum plate for building the levers and other "sandwich" components.

Good luck!

g.

The plan was actually to get injection mold tooling made, although I'm having a hard time getting quotes on it. Then use a few aluminum or brass parts in a few places. It's kind of stalled as a project because I don't have the money to start a company right now.

Make sure you're sitting down when you get the quotes for the mold making.

You may also have to change your 3D models to make them "injection friendly". An example would be adding draft angles in order to allow the parts to be ejected out of the molds.

g.

For a short run it might be better to go with the "garage kit" approach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garage_kit), using silicone molds and polyurethane resin. The end result isn't as strong, though, so it will likely have to incorporate some type of fiber or armature. In any case it's a full time job, better study the entire thing accurately beforehand.

AggressorBlue,

you've prompted me to order some round wood knobs for my CH throttle quadrant. My plan is to make some shaft extensions similar to those in your third picture. I'm not sure how I will make the shafts or how I will attach the round knobs to the shafts... Ideally I'd like to make a set such that they can be moved around to be in two configurations: single engine fighter (with the knobs "stacked" one above the other) and twin/multi engine (with the knobs grouped by 2 and splayed out)...

Should be a fun week-end project,
C_G

In for pics

I don't know if it would be possible or feasibly but if you can some metal box tube that will fit on the throttle shafts. Drill a hole through the tube and the shaft the use pins to hold in place. Would give you the ability to change the setup to fit needs.