While waiting for some parts from China I had some time to work on something entirely different, which I always wanted to make – a printable 450 class RC helicopter!

3d printable flight simulator hardware and RC vehicles
While waiting for some parts from China I had some time to work on something entirely different, which I always wanted to make – a printable 450 class RC helicopter!
Guys, a quick question, do you want a standalone USB version of the collective that will work without the master controller?
I see it as a lever for those of us who just want to add a collective to their existing system and the master box with one wire plugged in simply does seem really needed in that case.
This lever might have a USB-B socket on it instead of one of the RJ-45 sockets, this way you will still be able to connect extensions, but if the collective and, say, VRMax pedestal is all you really need, you won’t have extra wires and stuff hanging around.
What do you think? I’d like to hear some feedback in comments. Thanks! =)
Also, please fill the poll, that will help me to understand what devices are needed more than others =)
P.S. please leave a comment if you do so I could understand you’re not a robot.
The new controller features 5 I2C sockets for your peripherals, a stronger USB-B socket for durability, and peripheral flashing mode – no need for FTDI232 USB-UART board any more!
Just plug your device into 1st socket of the master, flip the mode switch to “P”, press the reset button (“R”), and flash it! Flip back to “F” to fly or update the master software.
The device is still stackable if you want some insane number of peripherals, the v2b version will be the regular one without flashing capability, meant for use as secondary controllers.
Look for the assembly/operating manual in the wiki!
Something cool has happened this weekend!
While updating the AB412 head code to work with XTrident 412 in Xplane I decided to rewrite it in a better way, and then inspiration kicked in and I have made a few important changes in the firmware structure =)
Continue reading “New “Testing” branch of the firmware!”Long ago, when Simchair only existed as an idea in my mind, I mostly tried to use its prototype to control my Trex 450 and used Arduino UNO as the master controller. It had no native USB support and was generally a pain, but one thing was good about it – the reliable and strong USB-B socket. I was never happy with the micro USB one on the Leonardo – so I finally decided to redesign the controller and addressed a few of its problems. Here’s what was changed:
I will publish the files after some testing.
In the process of building another cyclic, I have taken some photos of improved cable management in the base – this way everything can still be detached for repairs with ease, yet looks cleaner than the old variant. I have also uploaded a pic of what goes where to the rates control panel manual – with it its much easier to get it right from the 1st time.
If you feel that something can be made better – and e.g. you can contribute some photos or a description of the part you found to be hard to understand / badly described in the wiki – please let me know, we will improve it together =)
I am happy to say that Simchair MKIV cyclic base now has its lid separated from the mounting system, and supports different mounts, e.g. 40mm extrusion profile mount. Of course, as a default option, there’s a new twin-rail GUNDE chair mount which is totally awesome! It’s rock-solid, as good as far more expensive aluminum extrusion profiles.
It’s been a while since my last post, mainly because I have been working on the project wiki, which is now filled with documentation! Some stuff was just copied from MKIII manuals, but a lot more has been written from scratch. I am happy to say that we are nearing the point where each of the released components will have a detailed building manual.
New hardware piece is coming soon – the MKIV simple collective.
It’s an awesome thing in its own way – beautiful in its minimalism, inexpensive, compact device that still supports all MKIV features, sporting 2 physical buttons and a momentary switch, which are extended to a total of 12 buttons when used with MKIV base mode switch. It supports advanced throttle features (software idle-stop detent) and can be operated with or without the pneumatic mod. It’s also very portable and can be used with motion platforms. You can also fit MKIV base extensions (pedestals at the moment) onto this lever, enabling you to control switches and knobs in your virtual cockpit with your left hand, which is especially useful in VR!
This is a perfect device for helicopter enthusiasts that have limited space in their sim pit or want an inexpensive but feature-rich device.
The latest software update contains the following changes:
Stay tuned!
The final version of Bell 206 style collective head is now available for download, along with a special version of the lever body with a 104-degree throttle turn range! I have also added its assembly manual to the wiki and updated the firmware to support the new head =)
This one looks really good, and, although simple, has everything one needs to fly helicopters – as its starter button and GOV RPM switch support MKIV collective mode switch functionality.
If you want something scale-looking, this one is definitely an eye-catcher.
If you’re using MKIV software, please update – this version has some important fixes related to throttle operation in ALL of MKIV collective levers and related advanced functions: