========Welcome to Simchair MKIV project wiki! ========

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====What is Simchair MKIV?====

This is a 3D printable set of advanced helicopter (and more Projects are under development) controls. If you have a 3D printer and love flying in simulators, this is not only an inexpensive way to get yourself a set of hobby-grade controls, but also a great project to educate yourself in electronics and programming! This is also something cool to build with your kids.

====What simulators are supported?====
Pretty much anything that can use a standard joystick. However, some advanced functions require the game to support more than 32 joystick buttons and more than one joystick. All major sims are supported - DCS, X-Plane11, FSX, Prepar 3D, Flyinside Flight Simulator, etc.

====Is it any good?====

Yes, it is! Functionality wise, it may very well be the most advanced controls system around. Every part is designed to last, with repairability in mind, and also with love for our hobby. It feels fantastic in VR and has some modules that are specifically designed to be used while wearing a VR headset. Precision wise, it's really good - featuring some serious mechanics with metallic axes, with as low as only 0,2mm clearance between an axis and its bearings, and SS495A1 Hall Effect sensors.

The software allows for endless expansion of the set: You are able to connect as much stuff as you like.

====Where can I see the set in action?====
There's a [[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnqZQVCB_kuI86oOomZ1CPg?view_as=subscriber|YouTube channel]], where I post videos whenever something interesting happens. Usually, new hardware reviews - along with testing the product in the sim.
====Is it difficult to make?====
Not really. It's pretty much a Lego-like experience, with some soldering required, and flashing Arduino's involved. During the building process, you will learn a lot of cool new stuff, that will allow you to build your own modules and robotics-related hobby projects in the future! Some stuff has less documentation, than the others, but this wiki is there to remedy that.

====Is it expensive?====
That depends on how long you are willing to wait for your parts. Almost all parts can be sourced worldwide, some harder to find parts can be sourced from the [[simchair4:misc_donor_shop|donor shop]] page. It's affordable, basically a fraction of the price of some of the hobby-grade controls on the market. More expensive than an average entry-level stick or a gamepad though, but the end product is something different.

====Do I need to be a programmer?====
No, not really! Here you are free to customize everything, but if you don't feel like doing that, you can avoid the process entirely - just need to comment out some lines in the configuration tab of the software, to enable your chosen hardware.

====How long will it take to build the whole set?====
Well, it's definitely not a weekend project. Depending on your skills, with printing time included, it may take something like a month. Each small part (like e.g. collective base, collective head, or collective lever body), however, is a separate device and is designed to be assembled in a day or two.

====Where do I start?====
Consult with [[simchair4:misc_assembly_sequence|Assembly sequence and best practices]] and [[simchair4:misc_modules_list|Simchair MKIV modules list]] pages.
=====Please support the project!=====
This is an open-source project, and it's materials are available for free. However, I've been able to get it where it is now solely because of donations, orders, and other support from fellow simmers. The amount of time and resources needed to develop new hardware, software, and documentation for it reached the point where I wouldn't have been able to proceed without your help. Thank you for your support!

You can support the project with a [[https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/hc625ma|donation]]. It is much appreciated. There is also a [[simchair4:misc_donor_shop|donor shop]] page where you can order some harder to find parts in a more convenient way.

Thank you!