Hmm, with all due respect, I think that pushes the limits of my definitions of the words "simple" and "elegant". But that said, I've got an idea now. Anybody want to donate a Graupner mx20 to the cause? I'd hate to wipe out mine.
FYI, here's my current setup. I'm thinking of using a footpedal for CTRL 8 (and/or CTRL 7). BTW, if anybody wants to download this PSD file, let me know, and I'll post it as a template. I find it very useful to plan changes to my TX setup.
I think I know where your going with this.... If it's what Im thinking I think it's a great idea and technically shouldn't be too hard to do with the correct tools... Josh
I think I want to try it first, but suffice it to say I'll share if it works. Probably won't if it doesn't.
I'm researching using the Graupner control sticks that have a proportional rotary control on the end of the sticks, figuring that I could keep flying the copter but control tilt by rotating the top of the throttle stick for 2-Axis work, and perhaps yaw by a rotary control on the top of the right hand stick. Not sure if the workload will be so high that it turns out to be impossible to fly and control the 3-axis though. The Graupner part numbers are 4112 (early model stick) or 33000.12 (not yet available but shown on the MC-32 Graupner accessories web page http://www.graupner.de/en/products/33000.12/product.aspx. They appear to be slightly longer than the 4112 but it is hard to see. I really don't like taking my hands off the sticks because, the way I fly, things go wrong too fast.... Seriously, I'm interested in being able to fly more smoothly while at least control tilt in 2-Axis single-op. Forum member Cedric has apparently done something similar...although I've not seem him on the forum recently. Andy.
Got to be a good way to induce vertigo too. But Cedar's a damn good pilot by all accounts so I give him full kudos for the idea. Andy.
Anybody know if/where I can get a schematic for the mx20? I would love to see how the pots and switches are connected, and their values, etc.
Good question, Steve. I recall that Mrs. Google has no clue where there is one on-line. I suspect Graupner view it as proprietary, but I have found that Graupner.de responds to their email very promptly. Andy.
Nick: Yeah, they would be given that I can get V-eastonline to install them. That's the problem I'm working right now. I'll keep you posted. Andy.
why not just get a controller with slider paddles on the side like the Graupner MC-20? They work great for single pilot tilt and you never have to take your fingers off the sticks.
Bryan those side sliders or the sliders in the middle work fine. Doesn't hele the thousands of MX-20 out there though.
Love these ideas. While in some situations I can take one hand of the controls and use the tilt knob, a 'third hand' (or foot or head) would be much more versatile. Why not simply use a head tracker like on this video.
Bob the USA Grupner dealer quit selling Graupner and may actually have gone out of business. Only way to get the rotary's installed is to send it to Graupner service in Germany, at least that's what I found when I was thinking to the do the same thing. I was unable to even get an estimate of time or cost to do the work so gave up.