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#4207005 - 12/17/15 08:11 AM Spogooter's Sim Stuff *****  
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I've been lurking around here for quite while, just looking at the amazing projects for ideas and inspiration. I'm starting to make some progress on my projects, so I thought I would start a thread as a sort of journal of my progress.

I'll tidy it up and make the images more forum friendly soon.

For now here's an assortment of project images:
http://imgur.com/a/Wgr4z

Here's more specific images of my sidewinder extension project:
http://imgur.com/a/VrXg1

P-51 Engine control panel (my very first print on my own $220 printer!):
http://imgur.com/a/0wB5X

P-51 Rudder pedal (not complete, just testing to see if my printer could run for 18 hours without screwing up):
http://imgur.com/a/4FRAp

More and bigger things to come!

Inline advert (2nd and 3rd post)

#4207075 - 12/17/15 02:06 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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A friend and I both purchase this prusa i3 kit on aliexpress . It looked sketchy, but we kept running into people online who had it and were pleased with it. I've printed down to .1mm layer height and I think he's toyed with .05mm.

#4207172 - 12/17/15 06:20 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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I'm liking the look of the Sidewinder extension....I've dabbled before with a hybrid FFB2 base and Saitek X52 Pro stick and button-box but not attempted an extension.

How is the spring coping?....if I recall the 'Precision 2' stick doesn't have a particularly strong spring so have you upgraded it in any way or is it coping with the longer stick and throw?


On the Eighth day God created Paratroopers and the Devil stood to attention.
#4207190 - 12/17/15 06:58 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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I just used a precision 2 as a template. I fly with it on a ffb2. The motors do ok, it will center itself, stiffen with speed, and move when trimming. In dcs the buffeting feel in the stick has improved my on-the-edge flying quite a bit. I love it!

#4207298 - 12/17/15 11:50 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Nice!

But, I don't want to discourage you, but have you tested those printed parts? 3D prints look sturdy but believe me, they're more often than not, very fragile. The layers tend to separate, so better if the force is applied parallel to them.

Last edited by WileECoyote; 12/17/15 11:52 PM.

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#4207309 - 12/18/15 12:55 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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You have a point but it's ok, I'm not discouraged. These aren't ready to go yet and I'm modeling them as replicas. I will modify the design for strength and functionality in the ones I use in my sim pedals. They will be strong enough for a bit of abuse. I've bent and broken plenty of 3d prints at my job so I am aware of their strengths and weaknesses. I've been printing for about 6 months now, it's just that this is my first printer, so I can hog it all to myself and run 24 hour builds if I want to. The pedal forks will have threaded steel shaft running through them and be printed in ~80% solid abs. Plus they're only going to be for me to start with, so I don't have to worry about them being stomped on.

#4207356 - 12/18/15 03:32 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Nice work,minimum wall thickness I would go for with sticks is 3mm and pedals 6mm.Panels are nice but aluminium is a better option in fabrication.Parts that are originally cast or made out of bakelite are the best things to focus on.

#4207401 - 12/18/15 07:11 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Thanks for the tips. Do you print in pla or abs? No doubt that aluminum would be better for panels. Just using the printer for fit test prototypes. Right now I'm working modeling all the flight controls one by one. I'll figure out fabrication options down the road.

#4210614 - 12/28/15 07:10 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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More progress on my pedal project:


#4210688 - 12/28/15 03:06 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Looking good spogooter!
I ordered the same 3D printer model you got after I saw your pictures, crazy affordable!
Been sitting the entire holidays and researching so that I can get that 0.1mm print resolution goodness aswell!

Cheers!
Robin

#4210706 - 12/28/15 04:03 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Thanks! Glad to hear that I helped get someone else into 3d printing. I got into it the same way wink

Let me know if there's anything you need help with, our printer can be a bit wonky but once it is set up correctly it prints just as well if not better than my company's makerbots of ten times the cost. My only issue currently is the included power supply is a bit weak so I'm not able to achieve the high bed temps needed for abs printing. I have printed at .1mm just to test but I usually use .2 or .25. Everything I print in pla are just prototypes, and when I print abs I'll be acetone vapor bathing to get rid of the lines anyhow. I did some small abs tests with acetone and the results were amazing! We can print high quality knobs no problem.

Here's a couple vapor smoothing test prints:



The one on the left has some random details added to see how they came out after. The one on the right was sanded with 220 before vapor smoothing. More pics here: http://imgur.com/a/cL2vQ

What sort of gear are you looking to print? I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

#4210719 - 12/28/15 04:28 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Nice parts, bad Takerbot. smile

g.


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#4210865 - 12/28/15 10:54 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Those came out great, they show what's great with 3d printing, cheap parts you can make at home without a workshop and with a little polish you can achieve nice results!

I will try to make entire panels in the end, have ordered some different filaments to see if you can print the base plate with enough strength to make it feel solid. And it's mostly an experiment to see how cheap you can make it too, since I don't have access to a CNC/Laser.

And also some bits and bobs around the cockpit. Buttons, boxes, ejection seat parts etc.
At some point when my CAD skills get up to speed again I would like to make a Gripen HOTAS, compatible with my TM warthog.


Thanks for offering help, will surely need it at some point smile

Cheers
Robin

#4210873 - 12/28/15 11:21 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: Lobinjaevel]  
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Right on. It sounds like we are really on the same page. Working on simple stuff to improve my skills and learn enough to eventually make replica quality flight controls. I've been experimenting with panels as well, using black and white filament in the same print to do lettering. The realistic thickness of 1/16" is a bit flexy in plastic, but you don't have to go much thicker for a sturdy panel. My P-51 engine control panel is 3mm thick and does the job nicely. I think once I'm happy with my panels I'll have them cut from acrylic locally. I don't think it's too pricey and there's usually a sign shop around that can do the job.

What filaments are you experimenting with? I've run abs, pla, carbon fiber abs, and bamboo pla through mine so far with good results. I still have some stainless steel pla and flexible filament waiting for a good test application. I ordered them all from Global Filament Sample Depot

In case you haven't seen this site, I got the measurements for those test knobs from EHC Products. The pdf catalogs actually give you the dimensions, so it's pretty damn handy for modern stuff.

What CAD software do you use? I'm learning with Autodesk Fusion 360 and I love it so far. Very capable and feature rich app especially considering it is FREE for anyone making under 100k. As far as printer software, I was using Cura but recently switched to Simplify3d and I have to say that it's worth the money.

I've got so many little projects going at the moment it's hard to stay focused. Too many possibilities with 3d printing! Right now I'm working on a hall sensor gimbal for what will eventually (hopefully) be a 100% custom HOTAS.

#4211070 - 12/29/15 02:48 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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I've ordered some nylon and some PLA filament for the simpit stuff.
http://feedtheprinter.com/nylonfilament/orbi-tech-nylon-1-75-mm-94/orbi-tech-nylon-1-75-mm

When I get better prints I will also order some carbon fiber PLA:
http://feedtheprinter.com/specialfilament/carbon-pla-filament/carbon-pla-1-75-mm


I've made my old models in Sketchup, but will probably move over to FreeCAD. Might check out Fusion 360 since I learned Autodesk Inventor in school years ago.
But I will probably need to re-learn all of my skills anyway, so I will go with the program that's cheap/good layout/capable enough for my needs.

Will definitely check out Simplifi3d, keep hearing god things about it!

Looking forward to seeing more of your progress!

#4211082 - 12/29/15 03:15 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Definitely give f360 a look. The tools are all there, and the way you can view/organize your projects and save to your autodesk account is super handy. I do wish I could turn my toolbox vertically, but other than that the layout is very nice. It has good 3d printing/stl support, lets you easily import models from mcmaster or elsewhere. I didn't think I'd care about render options or animation, but it's got that along with stress simulation. I swear I don't work for them wink

Here's yesterdays progress. I drew up this gimbal last night in f360 and woke up to a nice little pla model. It's basically just a testbed for different sensor configurations:





Now it's time I learn at least a lttle bit about the electronic side of this stuff :/

#4211557 - 12/30/15 07:55 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Not my normal sim stuff, but I printed my own blackshark "module" for my helimax axe ez. Turned out pretty good considering I fully expected a failure biggrin



More pics of the process here: http://imgur.com/a/se0Dk

#4217059 - 01/14/16 10:53 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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I printed a couple spitfire flap lever keychain tests based on photographs and scaled from the blueprint provided by another forum user. Still trying to coax the shine out of this pla, but it's a great start, the stuff feels great in hand, very heavy. I printed it almost completely solid. Vertical at .1mm, flat at .05mm. It comes off the printer looking like cast metal!

More pics of the print process here: http://imgur.com/a/4IunM
Info on filament here: http://www.proto-pasta.com/collections/retail/products/stainless-steel-pla






#4217218 - 01/15/16 01:18 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Gimbal. do have foto dissassembled, or work log?

#4217225 - 01/15/16 01:26 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Here's the design. I will take a few photos when I get to work today.

It's just a frame for a car/atv balljoint with a spot to embed a 3d hall sensor and a teensy. Photo will explain the hall sensor better. The rubber boot provides a nice smooth stick force, and the polished metal ball is prepacked with grease so it is smooth also.

#4217309 - 01/15/16 04:37 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Originally Posted By: spogooter
car/atv balljoint with a spot

show me please were to find this (ebay/ali).thank you.

#4217347 - 01/15/16 06:19 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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I accidentally purchased one that was far too tight for a joystick, but my brother in law had purchased one too many when working on his atv so I got to play around with this in my hand. Any ball joint that moves freely would probably work. I was going to drill a spot for a magnet on the bottom of the ball, but after drilling through the outer casing, I found there was already a hole there! I will get ahold of him and try to determine the model of this one and let you know.




#4217370 - 01/15/16 07:31 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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spogooter
ok. now understand. What sensor and controller?

#4217410 - 01/15/16 09:43 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Sensor: http://www.melexis.com/mlx90333
Controller: https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/teensyLC.html

I need to build the proper circuit to get a clean signal from the mlx90333. This gimbal is a test bed for it.

#4218995 - 01/19/16 04:56 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Newest project: functional B-5 grip (P-51) replica

Work in progress gallery here: http://imgur.com/a/iBeQ7



Now to tackle the intricacy of 3d printed knurling!

#4219086 - 01/19/16 08:42 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Originally Posted By: spogooter
Newest project: functional B-5 grip (P-51) replica

Work in progress gallery here: http://imgur.com/a/iBeQ7



Now to tackle the intricacy of 3d printed knurling!


I have a real one of those if you need/want any reference pics or specific dimensions (machinist with calipers here). I can't see from that angle, do you have the top button on it?

It was the stock grip in my sailplane that was destroyed in a windstorm. Back in the day however, I would make machine gun sounds while I pulled the trigger and pretend to shoot down other ships 'stealing' my thermals :p

#4219095 - 01/19/16 09:07 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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That is very kind. I may very well bug you for dimensions at some point. A friend at AirCorps Aviation recently sent me some photos with a ruler in. His is a slightly different model though, without the nut/screw doodad on the side. I'm not quite sure what it does. Maybe holds some internals in place. I assume the brass flat screw up top is to adjust the trigger spring tension. Looking to source something for that, as I'd like to make mine adjustable as well. Really neat to hear you had one in your plane! It's a very comfortable grip. I do have the top button printed, I'm just fiddling with the design to accommodate cheapo switches at the moment. I'm sitting in the shop "pew pew pewing" now biggrin

#4220248 - 01/22/16 04:23 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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I've been experimenting with my printer now for a couple of weeks now, work takes to much time though frown.
I think I got the basic setup going pretty good from start, will try to improve my 0.1mm prints now with PLA.

Any good tips on speed, retraction, heat settings and so on?

I will post some progress pics when I've printed my first panel.

Cheers!
Robin

#4220275 - 01/22/16 05:12 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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PLA is pretty straight forward. I usually heat the bed to 55-60 just to keep it from possibly warping, and it never has. The PLA I got with mine prints very nicely compared to hatchbox and several other brands we have at work. I run the nozzle at 195 with it. I haven't altered my extrusion multiplier (1.00) or retraction (1mm) from the defaults in simplify3d. It's an expensive program, but worth it imo. Especially with the money I saved getting this ridiculously cheap printer biggrin
I sometimes run the speed a 4000mm/min and it still prints fine. Any specific stuff you're having trouble with?

#4220420 - 01/22/16 10:46 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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I finally went out and got a nice cloth wheel to buff the flap lever printed in stainless pla...


Pretty happy with the results.

A couple more pics here: http://imgur.com/a/rhAzH

#4220434 - 01/22/16 11:49 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Nice mate smile

#4220449 - 01/23/16 12:46 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Thank you, and thanks again for the ref image wink I've got a pair of mustang pedals growing next to me right now, should be done in...13 hours. I had them fail once tonight because my support material spacing was still set for pla "easy release". I think I've got it dialed in. Fingers crossed!


#4221054 - 01/24/16 09:10 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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You can print PLA on cold glass if you like.

g.


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#4221109 - 01/25/16 12:45 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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I use 2mm aluminium ;)Keeps the heat beautifully..

#4221112 - 01/25/16 01:13 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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I like to heat the bed to 50 for pla if I'm printing onto glass. I've had it curl up a bit without heat. My important stuff will all be printed in ABS. I think brushing the mustang pedals with acetone will give them just the look I'm going for. The pedal print failed last night. Layers delaminated so today I built an enclosure. Just putting the door together now. It's not pretty but for 15 bucks at home depot I think it will do the job.





I'll probably add some insulation board to the interior walls.

#4221128 - 01/25/16 02:43 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Hmm. Up until now I haven't been very impressed with 3D printed tech outside of shapeways. I might be getting one of these and doing some sand casting. smile
Keep the prints coming.

#4221133 - 01/25/16 02:56 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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If you're willing to put a little extra effort into finishing, you can get some pretty nice results. I'm curious to try casting as well. I wonder if I could make an abs mold, fill that with wax, then put that wax into a sand cast? I have no idea when it comes to casting.

#4221156 - 01/25/16 06:11 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Originally Posted By: spogooter
If you're willing to put a little extra effort into finishing, you can get some pretty nice results. I'm curious to try casting as well. I wonder if I could make an abs mold, fill that with wax, then put that wax into a sand cast? I have no idea when it comes to casting.


Talk to LocNar. He's quite knowledgeable about casting.

#4221172 - 01/25/16 07:07 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Will do when the time comes, thanks. I knew that name sounded familiar (beyond this thread). I just looked him up by name, and I realized I've found his threads from numerous google searches in the past. I love those hall pots he did smile

http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3674791/1

Last edited by spogooter; 01/25/16 07:09 AM.
#4221188 - 01/25/16 10:36 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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He also posts as "Thadiun Okona" over on the Star Citizen forums. He recently posted some very detailed information on casting over there.

#4221587 - 01/26/16 03:28 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Silly project for the evening: cheapo momentary switches in a printed 3 way toggle...





Installed in a previous silly project: dual color mustang engine control print



It works! I can certainly improve the curves and tolerances for a nicer click. smile

More pics here: http://imgur.com/a/Y5JhD

#4221943 - 01/26/16 10:58 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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care to sharethe switch stl smile


//FOXTWO Multi-Role ​Combat ​Pit Build http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=134745
#4221945 - 01/26/16 11:04 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Certainly, one I refine the design a bit. Gotta get it just right wink

#4221949 - 01/26/16 11:19 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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I decided to freehand knurl my original b-5 grip protoype with a triangular file. It works pretty well. It would look nicer if I'd have traced out a few guidelines and got the angles right. Still it was fun, and now I know that abs is easily knurlable XD




More pics here: http://imgur.com/a/LBzWu

#4221950 - 01/26/16 11:30 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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skunk160 Offline
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Impressive....most impressive


//FOXTWO Multi-Role ​Combat ​Pit Build http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=134745
#4222010 - 01/27/16 02:29 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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453Raafspitty Offline
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Nice..Never thought of doing a grip that way..

#4222042 - 01/27/16 04:56 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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spogooter Offline
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I got the idea from watching this video too many times:

https://youtu.be/qUXoNUzAyvk?t=15m55s

Definitely watch the whole thing if you've not seen it.

Those tools would make things a bit easier for sure.

#4226965 - 02/09/16 12:01 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Update on my mustang pedals:

The enclosure I built for my fakerbot has vastly improved my ABS print quality (as in, it doesn't fail now) allowing me to print the parts with 5 shells. This means the pedal itself is solid plastic except for a bit around the tube. It is heavy and very strong. The fork is printed with the same settings with the parts fastened together with threaded rod. I fused the parts with ABS "glue" as well. Here are some pics of a test fitting. Now it's sanding time!

Lots of pics here: http://imgur.com/a/czCsb







I got some nice coated steel cable from a surplus store, and will be using it for control lines just like the real thing, only they'll run into a loop under the "floorboard" plywood base. I got some nice 28mm needle roller bearings for the top of the fork, and I'm using skate bearings in the pedals. The whole contraption will use 3 or 4 hall sensors and a teensyarduino to get singals into DCS. It was really exciting to finally put it together today and feel the swing motion of a real mustang rudder pedal. Oh and yes, that grease fitting is functional smile

Last edited by spogooter; 02/09/16 12:02 AM.
#4228122 - 02/11/16 10:49 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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f15sim Offline
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That looks fantastic! Great job!

g.


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#4229635 - 02/16/16 05:26 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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spogooter Offline
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Thanks! I've got a basic spring and cable system set up, and spend a few hours tonight cutting up needle roller bearings. I accidentally ordered capped ones, so I printed new outer sleeves. I sprayed everything with the closest shaker can stuff they had at the hardware store since I was tired of looking at it in black. Screwed down some stainless skid plates and varnished the plywood. It's pretty now, but unfortunately the abs forks are just too flexible even with the steel rod reinforcements. the inner fork leg bends when I press the pedal, so I think I'm going to have to build my forks from fiberglass. I should be moving out of my tiny apartment into a house with a little workshop/shed, so I can make a serious mess smile

Here's some pics from tonight:







#4229811 - 02/16/16 04:12 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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f15sim Offline
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Instead of using a round rod core, you might try some 1/8" thick rectangular bar stock. That would resist bending quit a bit.

g.


Proud owner of 80-0007
http://www.f15sim.com - The only one of its kind.
http://geneb.simpits.org - the Me-109F/X Project
#4229832 - 02/16/16 05:10 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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spogooter Offline
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You're right about that bar stock. I might even be able to get someone around here to weld it to a tube section and then I could enclose that in a printed skin. It would still be hundreds of dollars cheaper than having someone fab the complete forks, and would maintains the replica look. I think most of the bending is coming from the curve and the tube. Those sections are dense honeycomb, but I'm going to print it 100% solid before moving to metal or fiberglass.

I'm going to the hardware store in a few hours to look at metal. I need to make several small metal bits for the proper replica pedal adjustment system. I'm lucky it's about 100 yards away, but it's hard not to go every day and blow money. For a small store they've got a great selection of supplies for our kinds of projects. A few times I've just run through taking pics to browse later biggrin http://imgur.com/a/PNFhi

#4231582 - 02/20/16 10:05 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Internet

#4231628 - 02/21/16 12:20 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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spogooter Offline
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Thanks, I had seen that one. I do all my own cad though. It's the only way to be sure. Plus, aircorpslibrary.com recently added the spitfire to the technical drawings library smile I'll be working on spitfire stuff after a few more mustang things. Can't wait to get started!

#4231655 - 02/21/16 01:27 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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453Raafspitty Offline
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35033-67-D Two Tread Rudder Pedal wink

#4231853 - 02/21/16 04:12 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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spogooter Offline
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Damnit I'm trying not to look until I can devote time! XD

#4249485 - 04/13/16 06:14 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Wow, great to see what the possibilities are with printing your own parts!

#4249606 - 04/14/16 08:48 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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453Raafspitty Offline
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For sure,most of my Camel Instrument panel is 3D printed smile

#4249611 - 04/14/16 09:52 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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AndyB Offline
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HI,
Very nice build - very realistic looking pedals.

Could you not cut a slot down the side of each fork and epoxy a strip of steel in it, then fill and paint ?

That would surely beef it up enough to stop it bending.

Cheers,

Andy


Andy's simpit: http://www.simpit.me.uk
#4257579 - 05/07/16 09:31 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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spogooter Offline
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I've been busy moving into a new house, but I've finally got my little workshop set up and started printing again. Here are a few knurling tests for the B-5 grip project. I let the acetone vapor work its magic longer than I normally would, just to see how far it would go. This is .2mm layer height, no finish work, just straight from the printer into the acetone vapor bath:




The replica look I'm going for will not be glossy, but since this looks like such a toy, I couldn't resist printing some red buttons for it smile





Now that I've learned how to add knurling to irregular surfaces in my 3d models, it's all about getting the angle and depth right. After that I'm working on an adapter to mate these grips to the warthog base. Electronics are ready to go smile

#4258257 - 05/09/16 03:00 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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f15sim Offline
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Very nice! I've recently heard that folks are doing Acetone smoothing by using plant misters instead of vapor and they're getting good results.

g.


Proud owner of 80-0007
http://www.f15sim.com - The only one of its kind.
http://geneb.simpits.org - the Me-109F/X Project
#4258305 - 05/09/16 04:25 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Thanks! I'll be using liquid application for the final product, since they'll all be scuffed to a matte finish after. Everything I've tried except vapor has left a slightly uneven finish or color, but that won't matter pre-sanding, and liquid will allow me to control which areas get how much treatment. Once I get this thing perfected, it will turn into my first molding project smile

I fixed the print settings so each layer starts at the mold "seam" on the back, and the knurling angles are accurate now. Getting close...

#4258401 - 05/09/16 08:14 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Getting closer! biggrin


#4259755 - 05/13/16 03:55 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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fbfan Offline
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I am very impressed with your work. Outstanding!

I have the same 3D printer. I was also pleasantly surprised with it, but I have not achieved the same quality work product as you have. (Most likely it's the operator and not the equipment.)

I am especially interested in the P-51 stuff as I am building a P-51-ish simpit.

I have been considering subscribing to Aircorps. Have you found it worth the subscription price?

Are you thinking of selling the parts you are making or would you consider donating the STL files to the community? I would love to take a stab at printing them for myself.

In any event, please keep posting your progress. It encourages me that what I want to do can be done.

#4260001 - 05/14/16 05:46 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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spogooter Offline
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Aircorps is fantastic for for Mustang alone, but there are many more planes in the fighters collection, and more being added slowly but surely. Not just blueprints, but parts guides and manuals of all sorts as well. I love browsing it!

As far as print quality, most of the stuff you see here is abs that has been sanded, vapor bathed, or both. They don't look so smooth right off the machine.

I am looking to eventually sell the grips when I've streamlined the production, but that doesn't mean I won't release STLs as well. I've got the rudders and grip about done, then it will be time to start on the throttle. A few grips I'm working on are strictly for free STLs, but those are a ways off.

Thanks for the kind words smile

#4264798 - 05/28/16 05:00 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Looking good! Can't wait to fly a DCS P-47 with one of your stick grips!

#4268876 - 06/10/16 03:08 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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spogooter Offline
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My grip is complete smile




Now I'm finishing up my engine control panel:




This one runs on a cheapo generic pro micro from ebay. I bought one stateside for $6.something just to get it quick, but they're available under $4 from china. I'm eventually going to hook the supercharger indicator lamp up via DCS-BIOS. I really need to start digging in that software. So many awesome project ideas...

I've got my pedals "rigged" to work right now until I sort out some design issues, but as of last week I'm flying with HOTAS and pedals for the first time in my life! No toe brake mechanism yet. It ain't pretty but I've been dreaming about it forever biggrin My throttle is just a spare sidewinder with the springs removed and the roll axis locked to the right intenrally. Anyway, thanks for checking out my progress!


#4269586 - 06/13/16 07:01 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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453Raafspitty Offline
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Looking good smile

#4274938 - 06/30/16 08:57 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Barrett_g Offline
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Is your grip completely done? Even the wiring?

#4276380 - 07/06/16 04:17 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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spogooter Offline
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The wiring is very simple, and yes it's complete. I'm printing an adapter to fit the grip to the 1" pvc shaft on my ffb sidewinder. After that I just have to solder three connections and I'm good to go! smile

I'm working on a standardized adapter to fit all my grip projects to the warthog next.

#4276436 - 07/06/16 12:35 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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spogooter Offline
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I got the adapter printed and everything is soldered and assembled! I flew with the grip for the the first time last night. There's something so satisfying about watching the on screen control stick and triggers respond to their real life counterparts biggrin

Next bits for the Mustang setup will be working toe brake mechanisms and a collar to properly limit control throw. Right now the roll axis looks 1:1 with the DCS cockpit, but the pitch needs to be restricted a bit.






#4281071 - 07/22/16 11:54 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Woohoo! I finally own a warthog stick! I'm printing a coupler to attach my Mustang grip, and all of my replica grips from now on will have the capability to screw right on to the warthog.




I was surprised by the weight of the warthog! Shame everything BUT the gimbal is overbuilt, and I now understand the complaint with the very abrupt detent in the center. I'm drawing up a set of couplers to attach to 1" PVC pipe of whatever length someone would like for custom extensions. I've got several other mod projects I've been thinking of for this stick, but never had one to test with until now. Exciting stuff!

#4303398 - 10/15/16 09:00 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Barrett_g Offline
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Any updates?

#4303482 - 10/15/16 06:31 PM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Just waiting on an actual B-5 grip to use as reference. The proof of concept went very well. My printing and finishing technique worked just as I had hoped. I've got my functional prototype, but I want to check that the shape is 100% accurate before building them for sale. Someone from AirCorps Aviation said they're going to dig one up for me, but they're busy people so I've just got to be patient. The pay off will be worth it. If it includes switches, I'll be able to better select components for realistic trigger feel. The other option is buying one, but I just don't have the cash for that. That's kind of the reason I started this project to begin with. I'd like to be able to give Mustang fans an affordable way to have the "real" thing.

I've been modeling components from the Warthog for fun while I wait.

#4305862 - 10/24/16 07:39 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Barrett_g Offline
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Awesome stuff! I can't wait till you have the final version nailed down!

#4323563 - 12/27/16 01:32 AM Re: Spogooter's Sim Stuff [Re: spogooter]  
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Pretty sweet work man. I'm still getting my sheetmetal shop together, so I'll have to wait some more for my printer. smile

Still checking in to the cool stuff you're making!

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