Building a trim block for a flight simulator

I took the original Trim Wheel project and changed that for myself.

The enhancements I made:

I added 2 more encoders with buttons for 2 additional trim axis: roll and rudder.
Under the table mount
Larger case with back cover which can be opened.
I used STM32 with FreeJoy firmware+configurator.
Front panel with no indicator since I fly in VR (I took a remix of the project)

My modified files for 3D printing is here.

Wheel was tricky to print but I managed that after fine tuning of the 3D Printer.

I took remixed front pannel without indicator since I fly in VR.

I used usual STM32 (Blue pill) board with extra bread board which is not really necessary but I just had it hanging around from another project.

To make things simple I just drilled 2 holes in the face plate 7 mm diameter for the encoders which fit nicely. I used KY-040 rotary encoders from AliExpress with came with knobs. That's looked perfectly. I might print out bigger knobs in future but for now it looks and feels good.

It took 10 hours for case to print on my printer.

I designed back cover and larger case in TinkerCAD and Fusion360 learning both along the way.

Fits my sim setup perfectly.

When I flew it first time it was amazing how realistic trimming with FFBeast controls are. I have experience flying on Cessna 150, and straight away my brain picked up well learned mechanics of trimming the aircraft by releasing pressure on the stick.

Comments

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