Cheap Sim Heli Collective Build

8/10/2024

First flight, and everything works!  

7/19/2024

Work in progress.  

The objective of this project was to assemble a relatively cheap full-hall effect Helicopter Collective control for a sim rig that could be built without a 3d printer, welder, or any extreme tools.    I tried to limit tools to things a homeowner would typically have.   The main frame is wood (anything you have laying around really) because that's cheap and easy to work with.

Because of the widespread availability of cheap e-bike throttles that fit 22mm bars, I focused on a 22mm (bike handlebar size) OD tube as the foundation for this project.    

The throttle is a generic e-bike twist throttle with the spring removed so it will stay where it's set.

Collective sensor is a rotating hall effect potentiometer attached to the tube at the pivot point.

Collective friction provided by 2" of stick on velcro that rubs on the lever along with an adjustable bolt to pull the two frame sides tighter together.

Collective throw limits are small blocks of plywood glued onto the side panels of the assembly.

Sensors are connected to an Teensy 4.1 (massive overkill for this, but I wanted to play with one) running as a joystick with a USB connection to the PC.  Teensy 4.0 would be cheaper and just as easy.

Parts list is below.