Simchair MKIV wiki

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======How to use this page======

This page provides a description of recommended configurations of Simchair hardware, along with suggested order of building things. The best way is to use it along with the [[simchair4:misc_modules_list|Simchair MKIV modules list]] simultaneously so you can see all of the available options.

======General system architecture======

There are two types of devices in the Simchair MKIV system: the master controller, and peripherals. Usually, the master controls multiple peripheral devices. 

===Master controller performs the following functions:===
  
  * provides a single-cable USB interface to the PC
  * provides various complex interactions between components of the system
  * provides the way for simple configuration of the software

===Peripheral controllers perform the following functions:===
  
  * provide analog to digital transform
  * provide input filtering
  * provide identification of devices
  * provide unification of input from devices
  * allow for longer cables to be used

Multiple master controllers can be used simultaneously to extend the possibilities of the system. One device of each type (cyclic, collective, etc) is allowed per master. It's possible to use e.g. two separate collective levers by attaching them to two different masters. Any part of the system can be used separately.

======Suggested configurations and build order======

=====1. Master controller=====

The first thing to build. You can then upload the peripheral software to other devices using it. There are two options for the master: a separate controller and an integrated one. The latter is used for USB collective levers. In that case, it still performs the functions of master (polls the collective head).

If you want just the collective, choose a USB one. If you want other devices as well, you'll need a standalone master, which is called the "I2C" one.

====Available manuals:====
[[simchair4:guide_master_controller_v2|MKIV Master controller v2a (USB, current, peripheral flashing capable)]]

=====2. Collective=====
The collective lever is probably the most popular part of the system with a large number of options available. 

The lever consists of three main parts: 

  * The base
  * Body of the lever
  * Collective head (switch panel)

The following extensions are available:

  * pedestals - provide easily reachable mouse stick, universal knob, additional switches/buttons, radio panel
  * pneumatic mod - allows you to loosen your friction tensioner, making the lever perfectly smooth
  * throttle quadrant - for multi-engine helicopters or general sim use


====Recommended configurations:====

  If you want a USB version of the lever, pick the USB EVO base. If you want a standalone master
  (in case you need other devices besides the collective) - choose an I2C one. Choose the version of the box
  with an extension slot if you want to be able to install collective add-ons (see below).

**a) MKIV simple collective SE**\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_usb|USB base]] or [[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_i2c|I2C base]]\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_body_single-throttle-for-integrated-heads-se|Single throttle lever body for integrated heads SE]]\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_head_simple_se|Simple (integrated) collective head SE (actual)]]\\

This lever is a perfect choice if you want maximum functionality in minimalistic form - it's portable, extremely durable, and has enough mapped buttons/hats on it to be useful in most cases. 

**b) MKIV compact collective SE**\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_usb|USB base]] or [[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_i2c|I2C base]]\\
//this lever is currently in development// 

**c) MKIV Bell-407 style collective**\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_usb|USB base]] or [[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_i2c|I2C base]]\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_body_single-throttle-physical-idle-stop-latch_b206|Single throttle lever body with physical idle stop latch,206 style]]\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_head_b407|Bell407-style collective head]]\\

**d) MKIV UH-1 style collective**\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_usb|USB base]] or [[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_i2c|I2C base]]\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_body_single-throttle-tactile-idle_stop-mark|Single throttle lever body with tactile idle stop mark]]\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_head_uh-1|UH-1 Huey-style collective head]]

**e) MKIV AB412 style collective**\\

If you want a scale collective, choose the twin lever body. If you want functions, pick the single lever body with the throttle latch, 206 style.

[[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_usb|USB base]] or [[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_i2c|I2C base]]\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_body_single-throttle-tactile-idle_stop-mark|Single throttle lever body with tactile idle stop mark]], or \\ [[simchair4:guide_collective_body_single-throttle-physical-idle-stop-latch_b206|Single throttle lever body with physical idle stop latch,206 style]], or \\ [[simchair4:guide_collective_body_twin-throttle|Twin throttle lever body]]\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_head_b412|Bell412-style collective head]]\\


**f) MKIV B206 style collective**\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_usb|USB base]] or [[simchair4:guide_collective_base_evo_i2c|I2C base]]\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_body_single-throttle-physical-idle-stop-latch_b206|Single throttle lever body with physical idle stop latch,206 style]]\\
[[simchair4:guide_collective_head_b206|Bell206-style collective head]]\\

====Collective lever add-ons:====

===Pedestals===

Pedestals are used to add various generic controls to the collective base. You can easily find them with your left hand, without letting go of the cyclic stick, which allows you to fly more comfortably. They are designed for blind operation, so work perfectly in VR.


**a) Simple pedestal**\\
This is basically a VR mouse with some extra switches. It contains a mini stick that you can move the cursor with, a universal knob to turn everything you need to turn in the cockpit, and a filtered zoom wheel on the side.

[[simchair4:guide_collective_pedestal_simple|Simple pedestal]]

**b) VRMax II pedestal**\\

This one includes the simple pedestal, but also contains a radio panel with 4 knobs, 2 buttons, and an 8-way selector switch, that is used to map the panel to 8 different sets of buttons. This thing will let you assign a radio stack and most of the other knobs in the cockpit easily!

[[simchair4:guide_collective_pedestal_vrmax2|VRMaxII pedestal]]

===Pneumatic mod===

The pneumatic mod is used to add some smooth resistance to the levers with heavier heads. However, a friction tensioner, lubricated with lithium grease, provides mostly the same experience and should be sufficient in most cases.

[[simchair4:guide_collective_pneumatic-mod|Pneumatic mod]]


=====3. Cyclic=====

**a) Cyclic with centering system**\\


-- Work in progress --
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