Hi,
My Orbiter Simpit project is progressing and lately I have been spending some time sketching an idea for an integrated motion controller that would fuse my Saitek 52X Flight Control System (FCS) Joystick as a Rotational Hand Controller (RHC), throttle and a Translational Hand Controller (THC), per the attached schematic.
The THC would resemble that built by Sergio Curci:
http://sergiocurci.blogspot.ca/2013/04/translational-hand-controller-for.html
Having access at a FabLab, I am tempted to 3D print the two type of THC handles used on the space shuttle and Apollo programs.
All three controllers would feed into a Arduino UNO R3 micro-controller, the Saitek FCS being routed through a Arduino USB Host shield. Since the USB Shield is Android Development Kit (ADK) compatible, I am thinking of recycling an old HTC Google Nexus One smart phone I've had sitting around. The smart phone would become a Motion Control Panel and would provided added computing oompf if the Arduino hits its limits. The smart phone could read the vehicle identity being flown and set the Saitek FCS profile accordingly.
For example, I'm thinking the throttle could be reconfigured to support a scramjet and retropropulsion, using the throttle stops available on the Saitek throttle.
The integrated motion controller would interface to the Orbiter simulation via a WiFi connexion and OrbConnect. The WiFi connexion would be established vusing a AdaFruit CC3000 WiFi shield.
Finally, I am thinking of setting-up a configuration of the integrated motion controller without the throttle that would serve as a controller for a rear-facing payload specialist station in the Simpit.
My nephew, who is eons ahead of my in 3D CAD has volunteered to help me develop the mechanical elements of the THC enclosure and handle/knob. In the payload specialist version, the THC would also include a guard like that found on the Space Shuttle rear-facing payload station THC.
We plan to visit the FabLab (called echoFab) here in Montreal next Thursday to see how we can use their facilities (3D printing, numerical CNC, PCB printing and all that kind of cool stuff).
Please let me know what you think and how I can improve the idea while it's still on the drawing board.
I'll post all schematics, Arduino sketches, 3D CAD, schematics (developed using KiCAD) and ADK source code on GitHub as they evolve.
Cheers,
Ron
My Orbiter Simpit project is progressing and lately I have been spending some time sketching an idea for an integrated motion controller that would fuse my Saitek 52X Flight Control System (FCS) Joystick as a Rotational Hand Controller (RHC), throttle and a Translational Hand Controller (THC), per the attached schematic.
The THC would resemble that built by Sergio Curci:
http://sergiocurci.blogspot.ca/2013/04/translational-hand-controller-for.html
Having access at a FabLab, I am tempted to 3D print the two type of THC handles used on the space shuttle and Apollo programs.
All three controllers would feed into a Arduino UNO R3 micro-controller, the Saitek FCS being routed through a Arduino USB Host shield. Since the USB Shield is Android Development Kit (ADK) compatible, I am thinking of recycling an old HTC Google Nexus One smart phone I've had sitting around. The smart phone would become a Motion Control Panel and would provided added computing oompf if the Arduino hits its limits. The smart phone could read the vehicle identity being flown and set the Saitek FCS profile accordingly.
For example, I'm thinking the throttle could be reconfigured to support a scramjet and retropropulsion, using the throttle stops available on the Saitek throttle.
The integrated motion controller would interface to the Orbiter simulation via a WiFi connexion and OrbConnect. The WiFi connexion would be established vusing a AdaFruit CC3000 WiFi shield.
Finally, I am thinking of setting-up a configuration of the integrated motion controller without the throttle that would serve as a controller for a rear-facing payload specialist station in the Simpit.
My nephew, who is eons ahead of my in 3D CAD has volunteered to help me develop the mechanical elements of the THC enclosure and handle/knob. In the payload specialist version, the THC would also include a guard like that found on the Space Shuttle rear-facing payload station THC.
We plan to visit the FabLab (called echoFab) here in Montreal next Thursday to see how we can use their facilities (3D printing, numerical CNC, PCB printing and all that kind of cool stuff).
Please let me know what you think and how I can improve the idea while it's still on the drawing board.
I'll post all schematics, Arduino sketches, 3D CAD, schematics (developed using KiCAD) and ADK source code on GitHub as they evolve.
Cheers,
Ron
