Joystick Mod - extended shaft - complete

[TX-Rahman]

Gents,
            I modded a joystick just like the one I own...  Found one on ebay for 9.99 so I bought it to mod.  I extended the shaft around 7 inches I guess...I'll have to measure it...  Here are pics of the unmodded and modded stick.  It's taking me a while to get used to the new configuration.  I apologize for not taking pictures as I modded the stick....I just got in a groove and completed it start to finish.

            I used 2 different sizes of copper tubing with pvc connections to join the pieces.  I extended the cables for switches etc with a small gauge wire....was pretty straight forward.  Bought one of those "Cold Heat" soldering irons....they actually work!  I'll try to take some video of the stick in use to give you an idea on how it feels...  Here's the pics

Unmodded Stick Head On


Unmodded Stick from the Side


Unmodded stick as I was using it in the cockpit


Another Angle



Here's the unpainted modded stick


Another Angle


Painted stick post mod.


Modded stick as it is in the cockpit


Another angle of it in the cockpit


Stick as it would be in use...  my legs are usually further apart...for more travel...posed for the pic..


Another shot of the same


Last pic is to show the texture of the paint I used.  Not just flat silver... Ignore the jagged plastic at the bottom of the grip...it's hidden from view when in use  Had to cut the grip...


Regards,
TX-Rahman
"WHITE 6"

[GAU-8]

looks good!i see what you mean by the "hammered" effect on the paint.groovy

[TX-Gunslinger]

Whoaaa! Rah.How does it feel to fly with the extension?Are u getting used to it?Black 2

[TX-EcoDragon]

Hey that's very cool Rah! Yeah, tell us how it feels. . . it will be a major change to get used to but I think you will find that you have far more precise control and not only that but look at how much more cockpit like that pit looks with a stick! Very Cool!  Do you think that it needs rails around it to act as stops or is it sturdy enough as it is? If I did this it would be on the X-45. The nice thing about the X-45 is there are no buttons on the base to worry about, but the base is also pretty small, so I think it would have to be mounted onto a board to keep it stable. . . I guess if I made a stop box around it that I could use that. I was thinking of using that semi-soft foam that is used as plumbing insulation around the box. . . that way you could sort of feel when you near the limits of travel. With my ham fisted fliying that might be handy so that I don't destroy the innards.S!TX-EcoDragonBlack 1TX-Squadron XO

[TX-Rahman]

I made three small videos showing the stick and it's throw.Grab them from the ftp: http://ftp://69.56.198.2/videoRegards,TX-Rahman"WHITE 6"

[TX-EcoDragon]

Oh and so I can save Baldie's Reply where I can find it. . .http://forums.ubi.com/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=400102&f=23110283&m=6151018752^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Here is what I can tell you about the X45:You will have to cut the wires if you want to shim the slop out of the gimbal. Its a royal pain to do, but the stick is designed so that you can not shim the upper gimbal without cutting.Take the base apart and you'll see how it works. Its all pretty straight-forward.If you want to lengthen the stick, you'll have to cut the wires anyways, so you might as well shim the gimbals while you are at it. Any slop will just get worse as the stick gets longer.Once you remove the gimbals you'll see the axle covers. Play with it and you'll see where the slop comes from. Remove the covers and wrap small strips of aluminum foil around the plastic axles. You'll have to guestimate to get the best fit, but start with too much and work your way back. When done, grease it and reasemble.For a stick extension, use a suitable length of 1/2 inch PVC pipe. Just cut the part that inserts into the stick handle. Its best to half-assemble everything, check where you want to cut, and then pull the plastic piece out and cut it. Leave enough so that you can cram it into the PVC, and then stick the PVC onto the stump sticking out of the base of the stick. I couldn't put the spring back into mine, but I didn't want too anyways... I've been flying springless for years (not that its any advantage, I just can't stand the hand-cramps).I had to use a dremel tool to enlarge the inside of the PVC pipe a bit. Once you are absolutly sure of proper operation (check, recheck, and then have a friend check again), you can use a bit of pipe glue to secure it all together. This should be the very last thing you do, so make sure you add a bit extra wire...the handle will need to be put on last.These instructions make no sense unless you have the stick apart.One more thing: You might find, as Rahman, that the stick travels too far forward. You'll probably want to build a base that angles it the whole thing towards you. You may also want to twist the stick handle to the left for comfort the same way the Su-25 stick is, but be forwarned, it will throw your aim off the first time you use it.-BaldieJr^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^S!TX-EcoDragonBlack 1TX-Squadron XO

[TX-Rahman]

LOL!Regards,TX-Rahman"WHITE 6"