As some of you know I have been working on a replica Spifire control column, not just the spade grip, as I wanted to replicate the sensations of flying a real Spit, ie pitch axis on the floor and roll axis just above the knees. I made a protoype out of odd bits of tube and wood and designed a mechanism to operate the stub of a basic commercial joystick which I screwed to a board on the floor. My first test flight in DCS Spitfire was great. The column stayed in the position I left it (pitch and roll) so it was really easy to fly hands off.
Manoeuvres were far more controllable and precise. So I decided to go ahead with the project. The main issues were a) replacing the short joystick operating mechanism by electrical components placed at each axis and b) finding out how to make available the 10 buttons we use on our current gear.
Regarding the joystick I have decided to put all the axis components at the base of the column, so I have designed a bottom fitting which works much like the real thing with a mechanical “chain” link from the roll axis.
The Spitfire spade grip started life with a single button on the MkI. I have decided to model the MkIX controls which allows a two position “gun firing” switch, which could be programmed for any functions plus an addition “camera” button on a clip near the bottom of the grip. We need however at least 7 more including a POV/Hat switch. Looking at the MkIX throttle quadrant I noticed that a button was added to the throttle grip, so I decided to add a replica throttle quadrant to the system. This ended up being less simple than I thought as the quadrant will be functional, ie mixture control, throttle control with gate for wep, prop pitch control and working friction wheels. I have just managed after much hassle to integrate the electrical components for both throttle and pitch without altering the exterior aspect of the quadrant.
The remaining buttons will be functionally modelled into replica pitch & rudder trim wheels (I currently use my hat switch for this) and I will add a replica of the radio channel selector box, which sits just above the throttle quadrant, for the remaining buttons.
3D design work is finished on the control column and 90% on the throttle quadrant. I will use my father in-law’s 3D printer to make up the prototype for testing. All electrical components will initially come from my old joysticks, to ensure no issues from this aspect.
Testing of the prototype may mean making some design changes, so there is still some work ahead. If the prototype works out fine our little team would be in a position to make a limited number of sets for other pilots at a reasonable price. If interested let me know.
BTW having problems with pic upload. Have tried several times to upload pics in various formats (png, jpg), but can never see the image when clicking on link.
Then everyone can see them.
(And I had to rotate and resize the top picture.)