3D Printed Helicopter Collective for MSFS2020, Xplane & DCS

This project started five years ago in my tiny shed in Brunei. With the help of a few pilots, we were able to prove that the unit could be created from 3d printed parts, and the stepper motor could be used as a mag brake, parallel and series actuator. This allowed the design to be much smaller and achieve some design parameters we have not seen in other builds. These are:
Collective hold,
Force Trim/Force Feel,
Beep Trim (electric increase/decrease of the collective)
and autopilot input (still very much a work in progress)
This video is the first of 3 in the series.
Video 2: cyclic build
Video 3: wiring and programming.
If you would like to help support the channel and the build, our Patreon link can be found here:
PATREON
/ 737diysim
STL FILES HERE:
www.737diysim....
CAD & STL files for purchase here:
www.737diysim....
The Plans/Designs/Parts and wiring diagrams are available at:
www.737diysim....
Facebook: Boeing738v2
Instagram: 737DIYSIM
A massive Thank You to Sebi Woelke for the Intro and Logo!
0:00 Intro
2:30 Learning To Fly
8:50 Force Feel Build
12:28 LHS Frame Build
15:16 RHS Frame Build
17:06 PBA Build
22:33 Main Body Assembly
27:00 Twist Throttle Assembly
31:52 Stepper Motor Rigging
32:48 Collective Grip Build
41:29 Collective Box Build
43:00 Collective Faceplate Build
47:23 Cable Idents and Wiring
53:43 Collective base and Grip Mating
58:35 Collective Force Feel Rigging
1:00:00 Collective Balance Rigging
1:02:45 Outro

[@drubradley8821]

WOW.... As an engineer of 40 years, it really takes allot to catch my attention, let alone, hold my attention. I have spent almost all of my life time cramming info into my dinky bean brain. Now, with that said, I am highly and exceptionally impressed with this. The video editing is top notch on the audio and video. You explained what you were doing at an elementary level, that allot of high IQ people fail to be able to do and you did that wonderfully. You didn't take for granted that somebody "just already knows what you know as second nature". I would like to thank you for the amount of time that you set aside to make this happen as that I can only assume, was well over 200 hours, if not more than that over the years of honing the R&D aspect of this design. I was thoroughly entertained. I even learned a few things from your video here today. Thank you. This was an easy click to subscribe to your channel and I look forwards to the next videos of this simulator build. I did I quick skim-through of your older video titles, just to see what you have showcased already, I think I will enjoy watching those as well. Well done.

[@helimech8152]

Hello and once again I find my self humbled by the words of others. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

[@AdvistaVideo]

Brilliant. Just love your engineering. Thanks for these videos. Cheers ! ✈

[@rjc0234]

an incredible project, and even better instructions. Many people would half-do the instructions, or point to already assembled / unfinished parts!

[@helimech8152]

Thank you, The build part is done in the hope it stops a million emails coming my way asking how to do a certain part!

[@arthurwilliams3479]

If I can make a suggestion on the throttle, some PTFE Teflon spray or even PTFE powder as used by bicyclists on plastic parts would make that throttle as well as other parts without bearings run really smoothly. Really superb build. Thank you for sharing.

[@rafael.a.aponte]

(This is just a 'drive-by' comment.) I haven't watched much of the video, but after seeing the thumbnail image and clicking on it, I just had to say that you build amazing stuff, and your videos inspire me to learn a lot more and to put that knowledge into practice in my own sim, which is very much in the planning stages. Thanks.

[@squatchusmc9133]

Just started taking serious interest in these, glad I came across this video.

[@helimech8152]

Thank you! I'd taken a lot of time and effort to get to this stage.

[@richardcranium9887]

Well done with the flying! I follow your channel because I'm an engineer who migrated to the cockpit of the 737 too many years ago, but I love to tinker. I have also tried flying rotary several times and as my instructor friend once said its like trying to "shave and w#nk at the same time" its dangerous! Excellent channel!

[@roadrebell2632]

Hey Karl, although I dont have any expierience in programming or 3d printing, I am glad i found your videos. Until my son was born 2 years ago, I loved to fly both Gazelle and Huey in DCS with a VR Headset. I am really looking forward to seeing your rudder plans. In a couple of years I might have a bit more time to spent. Hopefully I will then find a reasonably priced 3d-printing service near me ;-) greetings from Germany

[@motskater]

VR helped me so much in helicopter flying

[@helimech8152]

Thats actually my next thing to see if it helps. Also means i dont need the wrap around screens.

[@marvinbrooks2601]

Once again. You have set the tone for flight sim world

[@helimech8152]

Humbled, thank you

[@arthurwilliams3479]

I suggest using inexpensive pipe cleaner brushes inside the springs to silence them, as well as putting heatshrink on the ends.

[@HeathRho]

I am not going to lie, I bought this the moment I first saw this video. I was mesmorized! Several hundred dollars later and a few months later, it is almost finished! I didn't anticipate just how much it would cost to order the large variety of nuts and bolts, mis-identified switches and buttons (finding equivelants on US amazon/ebay) among many other twists and turns. You made this look so easy and here, after all that, I'm almost there! I can't wait to get the set all plugged in and calibrated! just waiting on the stepper drivers and we're off!

[@HeathRho]

I ran into a few small quirky issues. the ones primarily giving me problems are the springs. I just can't seem to find springs to match the ones you've used and either mine are too strong or soft for the application. The worst offender has been the cyclic spring attached to the frame. I've also printed the collective grip a couple of times and the tolerances for the heatset inserts just are too large and I haven't found a good work-around that doesn't involve modifying the stls. I love the design though and all I have left for the set is wiring everything up.

[@patty1086]

i am so happy to watch this mate, thank you | am glad to find your channel.. i just saw your a320 sidestick video. good luck mate

[@92jurassic]

Two years ago I flew S58's for a summer drying cherries. It was impressive how much of a difference a correlator makes, and ultimately I didn't notice a whole lot of difference flying without a governor. It's inspiring watching your videos and seeing how far one can go with a simpit. Eventually I would like to build one of your collective and cyclic's. Keep up the amazing work.

[@HomecockpitsAndMore]

I worked as a cherry picker in New Zealand for one season and was surpised they use helicopters to dry the cherries after a rainfall, no wonder cherries are so expensive! Haha must have been a cool job flying over the orchard for some time!

[@helimech8152]

Thank you!

[@FlyingFighter]

Ok you just managed to design the most advanced and realistic helicopter controllers available in the entire world, that's truely amazing.. As an helicopter engineer too and trying myself to design a collective I've been confronted to the force trim issue and you just popped in my recommandation with the solution i'm amazed and jealous not being able to find a proper way by myself ! Aesome work !

[@helimech8152]

Hello fellow engineer! Thank you for the very kind words and feeling very humbled. I remember waking up one day and thinking, why not use a stepper as the mag brake? 24 hours later, the basic principal was proven and this was the end result.

[@FlyingFighter]

@@helimech8152 I'm glad you woke up with this idea! Can't wait to know more about your cyclic!

[@ChipMIK]

I work on a full motion helo-sim of a medium size "transport-ish" helicopter. Fantastic job you have done for a home-sim 👌💪

[@helimech8152]

Thank you! It took a lot of prototyping to get this far, but i think the result has been more than worth it.

[@pilotmike797]

My late father worked the the Boeing Vertol sim lab he would love to have this for the Helicopter museum where he volunteered. Great work

[@helimech8152]

Hi Mike, Thank you and sorry for your loss. Now i have to get the cyclic build done to go with it!

[@pilotmike797]

@@helimech8152 Thank you 🙏🏼

[@joelbosshoss9029]

Truly impressive. Enjoyed seeing the functionality come together.

[@helimech8152]

Hi Joel, Thank you! Defo one of my more indepth videos. Kind Regards, Karl

[@Flying_Jorts]

Great job! Your engineering skills are superb. I just put together a pretty basic instrument panel for X-plane to mimic the Avidyne Entegra avionics sweet for instrument currency at my house. The simming community is wild.

[@helimech8152]

Thank you for the kind words, The sim world is pretty cool, you meet a lot of very talented people. Im also hoping to show, if you dont mind doing DIY builds, you can produce something pretty epic.

[@ViktorJaneba]

This is... brilliant. I went for hydraulic damper and a bit of counterweight, but this solution is genius.

[@JohnScherer]

Fantastic build. I’ll be building this for sure, and the cyclic when you get that done!

[@helimech8152]

Hello, Cyclic next, already carrying out a few addons after so many suggestions from this video!

[@DiscusRussell]

British engineering at its best. When the rudder pedals are finished will you be getting one of the Heli pilots to give you their thoughts on this best sim heli controls outside of Fort Halsted (say no more) You know what I'm talking about Russell

[@xen5780]

100 % agree with Dru Bradley, please keep up the good work and i look forward to more content from you especially on Helos 😉

[@britishideas]

This is such a professional well made, clear and easy to follow video. Love it!

[@helimech8152]

Thanks so much! Humbled by the kind words!

[@StigBSivertsen]

Again, just amazed at the work involved, truly impressive... 🙂

[@helimech8152]

Thank you very much!

[@dustingilliam5881]

I'm halfway through building the cyclic right now. Can't wait to start the collective right after!

[@helimech8152]

Good luck! Let me know how you get on, and what you think when your flying with them. Kind regards, Karl

[@randysteven88]

Mad Skillz! Starting my own 737 build soon, so much thanks for the time and effort that you have put in to it and that you are willing to share it :)

[@helimech8152]

Hello and Thank you for the kind words! Good luck on your build!

[@bruhmanflight]

HES BACK, welcome back KARL!!!!!!!

[@helimech8152]

Hopefully starting a new year full on!

[@cptairwolf]

This has to be one of the most impressive 3d builds I've ever seen. I'll be purchasing these plans soon!!

[@helimech8152]

Thank you, Humbled by your words.

[@simonbaxter8001]

Another great project Karl. Looking forward to the next in series.

[@helimech8152]

Thank you, already working on the next video. A lot to print!

[@Nate-ip4qo]

That's really impressive. Can't wait to see the other videos in the series.

[@helimech8152]

Thanks! I need to get a move one and finish the next one! Its already been a week!

[@Timboslicce]

you're the man another awesome build for the books

[@helimech8152]

Thank you!

[@indyjons321]

Yep…. I need this in my life. Aviation + DIY engineering.

[@helimech8152]

Hello, Its a really simple build and I think it works really well. Just working on an apache grip for it right now.

[@Combayn37]

Seen it in action, works awesme!

[@helimech8152]

Thank you Jiri! Great to hear from you!

[@pascalperrin-bonnet7119]

Travaille magnifique et quel bonne idée de créé cette manette pour hélicoptère trop rare malheureusement dans le commerce. Vivement la suite j'ai hâte.

[@helimech8152]

Merci, je travaille sur la vidéo cyclique en ce moment !

[@hydrolisk1792]

What an amazing bit of kit you made here!! Well done Mate!!

[@helimech8152]

Thank you! and Cheers!

[@stellarnexusio]

your work is just fantastic.

[@helimech8152]

Thank you so much 😀

[@stef8455]

Nice video! 👍🏼 I actually worked with you a few years ago won’t say too much on here but good to see you’re well. Came across your channel by chance, look forward to seeing some more.

[@helimech8152]

Hello stef, you have me very much I intrigued. All my details are on the website. A big hello from me!

[@stef8455]

@@helimech8152 just sent you an email 😁

[@B747-4OO]

Hi Karl! Nice to see you back in the new year. Excellent design and very comprehensive video! 👍 Looking forward to second episode!!

[@helimech8152]

Hello! I should start that ASAP, parts printed just awaiting for some steppers to arrive. Thank you for the knid comments as always!

[@JeronimoStilton14]

15:28, reading quality is higher in a hall sensor but really its for futureproofing. Pots WILL die, and sometimes fairly quickly, its what kills pretty much all flight controls on the market eventually and so people would rather spend a little more and have a hall sensor which as far as I have heard will last at least double but theoretically for a lifetime.

[@stephenroberts403]

Been looking forward to this build video. As usual, you didn't disappoint.

[@helimech8152]

Glad you enjoyed it! and thank you!

[@johnmcgloughlin9403]

A very happy New Year Karl. I've been looking forward to these particular build videos. Simply amazing!! I'll definitely be giving this a go!

[@helimech8152]

Hi Jogn, Thank you and i hope you do give it a go. Its a great project and i dont think there are many like this out there (Yet!)

[@matka5130]

Amazing work, your page is fantastic

[@helimech8152]

Thank you so much!

[@luuk341]

That is AMAZING!

[@helimech8152]

Thank you!

[@lars-sorensen]

Wow - I am not really interested in aviation sims, but I just stumbled on this video and now I really want to build one of these!!

[@helimech8152]

Go for it, I had the first build shown back to me yesterday and was so impressed with their effort. I think it would be worth it! Kind regards karl

[@JakeItsTheCops]

Wow that is amazing!

[@helimech8152]

Thank You!

[@sikupnfed]

I love this and your Cyclic builds. Will you consider kitting all required items in the future? I would love a kit as I don't have the desire to hunt parts down.

[@helimech8152]

Good suggestion, but I don't think I have the funds to go and create part kits right now. Buying the hall sensors alone would run into thousands.

[@TheRealOzWookiee]

Wow this looks incredible!

[@helimech8152]

Hopefully works incredible too! Thank you!

[@Rvcoops]

Awesome design and work on this bit of gear. Am really impressed and this has widened my eyes on the possibilities for using 3D printing. Would like to incorporate something like this on my Learjet sim. Thanks for your work. Subscribed.😎

[@helimech8152]

Hello and thank you for the kind words, I hope it has given a few ideas to help with your sim! Good Luck!

[@_PSantos]

Hi.... looking good.

[@helimech8152]

Hello, and Thank you! Straight in with the first comment!

[@_PSantos]

@@helimech8152 just wish you´re closer to us.... Azores.

[@FlevopolderAviator]

Amazing build once again.

[@helimech8152]

Thank You!

[@MeppyMan]

I wan to set up an H145 cockpit. Just been talking to my neighbour about printing your controls and how much that will cost, etc. He has both types of printer so that's good. I Will have to design my own handle and modify your cyclic. Thought it was funny you have a 212 cyclic and an 139 collective grip! :)

[@helimech8152]

Hi Mark, The cyclic was because i worked on the 212. The AW139 collective was because i had access to it and pilots to test it. If i had stayed in Brunei longer, i would have done the 139 cyclic too.

[@DaveWrightKB9MNM]

Karl, I was just thinking about how to make one of these. Amazing work! Only thing is, I gave up 3D printing because I couldn’t get my printer to print properly. Looking forward to seeing the other 2 videos!

[@helimech8152]

I also have 1 printer that drives me mad, its so unrealible compared to the others. Cyclic vid next once i finish printing more parts.

[@DaveWrightKB9MNM]

Just picked up a Creality 3 V2 that has upgraded firmware today. I’m getting all sorts of ideas!!!!

[@georgelza]

confused... @16:30 you called it a hall sensor... well hall sensors normally work with magnets on either side, and they are small... yours, it's big, then you fitted a gear onto it and called it a hall pot... which it looks like more...

[@jamescooper5372]

Do you sell the parts to make the collective ?

[@helimech8152]

Hello, Not as a package! Just the odd parts to make it better for people that don't have the big expensive machines

[@jamescooper5372]

@@helimech8152 ok no problem.

[@jamescooper5372]

@@helimech8152 ok no problem.

[@EugeneFist]

Wouldn't it be a better solution to put adjustable hydro dampers instead of the counterbalance springs?

[@kraaijer]

Excellent video, very colorful too :-)

[@helimech8152]

Thank you, after filming the cyclic prototype in black, it was so hard to make out the different parts. Multi colours has solved that issue and gets rid of all the coloured filament i never use!

[@MazeGP.]

What is the BOM cost if I want to do it myself?

[@VR_Aviator]

Incredible design. I'm thinking of building a collective that uses window counter balances.

[@helimech8152]

Hello Conrad, Id like to see that! let me know how it goes!

[@guilhermebrito4837]

Outstanding work!

[@helimech8152]

Thank you kindly!

[@schappenberg]

Hi there, how big is the handle of the collective, I'm planning to buy a SLA printer and if I maybe build the collective, the printer should be able to handle these parts (at least the top plate and the two parts the hand grip is made of) Thanks a lot

[@jplorge]

Happy new year, happiness & health i'm just amazed for the work done, super impressive... 🙂

[@helimech8152]

Thank you for the kind words! Happy new year in return. Kind regards, karl

[@Capt.Safety]

very cool, any plans to do the TADS system and the front cockpit? for us gunners

[@helimech8152]

Defo, I just haven't had the time to revisit anything yet

[@MeppyMan]

Just started watching this and heard you mention putting in some right pedal… that’s when I realised the Cabri is a French helicopter!

[@helimech8152]

I have been used to the bell which has a rotor head that rotates the other way to most european aircraft.

[@MeppyMan]

@@helimech8152 I learned to fly in a Huges 300, have flown 500s, Jet Rangers, Sikorsky, Robinson (yuck.. once and never again), but never the Squirrel unfortunately. I figured in real life it would come naturally as you lift off, to correct the way it needs it... but I would imagine it would take some getting used to at first.

[@StraitD2]

You earned my like and subscribe! Amazing!

[@SurfFlights]

There are two awesome products that you had create! Got the cyclic product from your website already as a christmas gift. Try the best helicopter for MSFS 2020 the H145 from Hype Performance Group. (definitely worth the price) I am looking forward to see to upcoming Helicopter content! I hope that you create some Helionix cockpit parts for the AgustaWestland or the H145 Helicopter. That will help me to create my home cockpit.

[@helimech8152]

Hello, I actually started with the 145, and we used that at the flight sim expo. Defo one of my favourites!

[@MeppyMan]

@@helimech8152 +1 for the H145. I flew Hughes helicopters that had no hydraulics, but the 145 is my dream sim setup for SIM. This is likely going to to be my first 3D printer project!

[@SurfFlights]

What 3d printer bed size I will need for the parts?

[@tseckwr3783]

Good try in that flying. Helis are unforgiving. Thanks for doing the build vids

[@helimech8152]

Thank you for the support and kind words!

[@No1sonuk]

With the size and complexity of that head box, I'd be tempted to put a Leo Bodnar board in there and run just the USB out. Also, why didn't you feed the throttle cables into the tube as well?

[@mrclassic2284]

Amazing build. Is this design complete for hook up to MSFS? I watched thru the videos but did not see the details of connecting the cyclic and collective to the the PC and then setting up MSFS for the controls. Do you have details on this? ty.

[@nickroyle4805]

I'm modifying an old Microsoft Sidewinder force feedback stick at the moment. Have you tried using one as a cyclic?

[@helimech8152]

Hello, and no I have not tried the side winder option. I may be missing out. But I wanted the heli controls to feel like the real thing so decided to go my own way. i'm not sure that the side winder can do that. This was just my take on producing something a real pilot would say, yep that's how it should feel. And even then, that's the problem with creating a is gel unit for multiple aircraft, they all feel different and have different forces involved. However, I can say this is how the basic principle works. Thank you for taking the time to comment, kind regards karl

[@nickroyle4805]

@@helimech8152 it's a brilliant solution you've put together. I'm sure it is far superior to the sidewinder option but have a look at sidewinder extension videos. I want to put an extension between the base and a new stick, much like the one you have here but not quite as long.

[@jharesc7418]

I'm sure you don't have a shortage of projects. Anything in the works for a force-feedback yoke interconnected with a trim wheel? I'm looking for a guide to tear apart my honeycomb yoke and add some servos.

[@cksauerland]

Hi, great build and I think about building one with your files. I just have an Ender 3 V2 and wonder if the biggest parts fit on the build plate (220 x 220mm). Can you please give a short feedback on the biggest dimensions part. THX Cheers Carsten

[@helimech8152]

Hi carsten, you need a bed size of 300 x 300mm. This thing is almost life size and the forces invoked are huge

[@cksauerland]

@@helimech8152 thanks for your feedback 👍

[@treasend-o7]

this is amazing, i was wondering dose this have an advantage over ffb steering limits like you have in a ffb steering wheel other then seemingly less noise?

[@helimech8152]

This is based on true helicopter controls. There is no dynamic force feedback in Heli controls. Helipilots don't wont a workout when they fly. Its grab the cyclic by the thumb and forefinger and make the aircraft work for you.

[@treasend-o7]

@@helimech8152 i see i thought my setup was too loose but maybe not

[@thomasneal4775]

AMAZING design job, assembly and presentation. I wish there was a detailed description of the purpose of the "Force Feel" system. Presumably, it produces the aerodynamic forces present in a helicopter in flight; but it isn't clear to me how these forces effect movement of the Collective . Also, there's a comment toward the end of the video that due to the high forces involved 'most pilots release the "Force Feel" whenever they are moving the Collective. So the "Force Feel" system keeps the Collective from moving away from its present set position if released? *If* I understand correctly, in a real helo; the Collective is free-moving with an adjustable friction control to maintain its present position without applying constant pressure, and these high forces don't exist during Collective movement?

[@jamesbrady8484]

Force feel just makes the collective(or cyclic or yaw pedals) have a weight feel so that it isn't too light and can't accidentally raise or lower. In real life we use a spring balance to measure how much force it takes to move the collective and there is a tolerance that it needs to fall within. It is not to replicate "feel" of aerodynamic forces, and doesn't increase or decrease. Trim release is essentially a quick action to remove all force feel so that the cyclic or collective can be moved to an exact position without fighting force feel. It is a momentary action by holding a button down. When released, the stick has a "new zero" position that it will stay at with trim set. You could say beep trim is a fine trim, and using trim release is a coarse trim.

[@thomasneal4775]

@@jamesbrady8484 Hello James, thanks for the reply. I'm trying to make my Collective respond as realistically as possible, so I'd like to recreate the forces required to move it. Q1. when moving the Collective control from the full down to the full up position is the required force the same throughout the full range? Q2. can you tell me approx how much force is required to move the Collective on a typical (or specific) helo?

[@hobbysim9071]

nice work. Please something for the ka-50 dcs please 🙏

[@helimech8152]

One day perhaps, my my build queue for DCS has become huge recently lol

[@georgelza]

... what would be the smallest print surface required to be able to print this? I got a Ender 5 Pro... looks touch and go on size.

[@leo_bysse4004]

Amazing👏

[@helimech8152]

Thanks 😄

[@assamita81]

I see you use the RKJXT1F42001 hat switches. Do you know if there is a version of it without the rotary encoder? I haven't been able to find it, and I could use one without a rotating knob

[@jasonausman]

First off, awesome engineering, build, and video! I've already printed the collective and throttle. I did resin for the grip and a few small parts too. I'm having trouble with the counterbalance springs. Do you know what size you actually used? I've tried all the springs in the Amazon assorted spring kit. They are either too weak and don't do anything, or too strong and make the collective float at the top but never return to it's resting position. I can't get it just right where it returns to its lowest position but just helps it stay up when raised. At this point I'm buying individual random springs on Amazon until I get it right.

[@helimech8152]

Hi Jason, you will have to remind me about this. Much better to send a message in the website chat window so it logs and i dont forget!

[@kodywillnauer9422]

If I had like .001% of your talent I’d be a happy guy. Bravo for your designs and ingenuity. One question, when you’re printing in different colors, is it by material, function of the print, or just to see contrast between mating parts?

[@helimech8152]

Hello, Thank you for the kind words. 7 years ago I had no idea what CAD and fusion was, Over that time, the learning curve has been huge, but also very enjoyable and satisfying. Its amazing what you can create at home now. The purpose of te different colours is purely for camera purposes. The last video had all grey black parts, and you cannot see the diffrent parts on camera. Hence i get to use all the aweful colours i have that i never use lol.

[@sampaano6329]

Thank you for sharing such an awesome design. I am going to purchase your stl for this, and wanted to know what 3D print bed size is required? Some of those parts look rather large for my Anycubic Viper print bed.

[@billyjoe3309]

This guys is cool, I really think so!

[@helimech8152]

Thank you!

[@Scoobydcs]

iv just bought the cad files to this and plan to mofdify to suit me. what size ar ethe 6203 bearings? i cant find the sizes for them

[@johnnicol5009]

Awesome!!!! I want!

[@helimech8152]

Hi John, I hope you have a 3d printer or know someone who has!

[@alejandrolopezposada3990]

amazing

[@JoeSmith-zv4ic]

Half way though printing, Thankyou for this! I have a question though.. Would it be possible to program the steppers to follow auto pilot in the H145?

[@JoeSmith-zv4ic]

yes, yes it is. I've cracked it.

[@jamesbrady8484]

​@@JoeSmith-zv4iccan you give more info please on how you achieved that?

[@JoeSmith-zv4ic]

@@jamesbrady8484 relays two relays to break the hold. But allow the motors to move. Double out the wiring from the mega to the steppers. So you have the basic 4 wires for the stepper on pin 1 2 3 4 then another set of wires for the force move on pins 5 6 7 8 all going to one stepper driver. Then you also need a relay to cut out the signal feed from the potentiometer of that axis. I could send you my wiring diagrams but not sure how on KZbin.

[@thomasrichuno]

Hi Karl, what an amazing project! I am wondering if you can give a rough estimate on how much PLA it takes to build both the cyclic and collective? Im new to 3d printing and im trying to see what jt would all together cost to make it. Fantastic channel i am really enjoying all the project. Thanks for sharing! Have a great day 😊

[@helimech8152]

Hi, I have no idea, but I would guess at less than a roll for each unit. It's honestly not something I keep track of, especially as just feed old rolls into the printer

[@thegaminggemini317]

I wounder if I can use the old steper motor off my old 3d printer?

[@jamesbrady8484]

If it is a nema 17 you could use it on the cyclic.

[@U812-k7j]

Fantastic build sir, by any chance do you do any Fusion 360 tutorials? Your ability to draw these parts on 360 must be at another level.

[@helimech8152]

Hello! I have done a few tutorials for people but there are some masters out there which are must better than me to watch. Thank you for the kind words

[@ttpechon2535]

How did you find the gear ratio between the hall effect sensor and the stick?

[@helimech8152]

I caluclated the angles in fusion, Then divided them to find the gear ratio

[@ingmarm8858]

Brilliant!

[@helimech8152]

Thank You!

[@flashmetalstorm551]

Looks good are you going to mock up a whole cockpit

[@helimech8152]

I would love too, but i has so many different projects on the go right now!

[@andreacucchini449]

hello do you realy need force feedback on helicopeter like AH64 or black hawk ? Thanks

[@helimech8152]

Hello, its not force feedback, its force feel to give the pilot some feedback. The stepper just replicates the mag brake, parallel and series actuator of most twin engined rotary aircraft.

[@TwelveZVal]

you should build a a320 cockpit

[@MI325A]

Hi. I suppose you've been asked this a time or two.😊 What do you charge to make a collective ready to sale? I don't have means of a printer and even if I did, I couldn't do the wiring. Thank you for sharing your talents and time to post. Take care and have a great day. -- Matthew

[@helimech8152]

Hello, I do get asked all the time, but I do not have time. I am designing 24/7 and my printer is now solely used for prototyping. Sorry!

[@cztheday1073]

Terrific video! It looks like the same approach(especially from the cyclic video) could be used to make/modify a yoke that would respond more realistically to trim input for example. Have you considered such a project? Do you know if MSFS20 or XP11/12 can provide the output that could be used to set the appropriate hands-off yoke position based on elevator trim tab and airspeed conditions? What about simulating the feeling in the yoke from a loss of control surface authority at low speeds?

[@helimech8152]

Hello, i have already created a yoke system that has a parallel actuator which exertsmore pressure on the controls as the airspeed changes. its something i will revisit later this year!

[@buzzlite3]

Great work. Which Hall effect pot is that? Is it a 360 rotation? or limited rotation? 5V DC I'm guessing.

[@helimech8152]

Hello and thank you. Its the 5v, 360 rotation hall sensor on both amazon and eBay.

[@ripplerable]

Amazing work! Thanks very much, I've bought your files for the collective and cyclic already! Quick question for you, what were the spring dimensions you used in the end for the load and balance springs? I've got an assorted spring box but the included wire diameters look a little too thin for the job.

[@jimabraham7275]

Another question, Karl. I now have access to a printer with a 300x280 bed. will it be large enough? Fingers crossed.

[@helimech8152]

The largest part is 280 * 210mm. So that should work no problem

[@dukenoookem]

Maaaaaaaaaaaate! I have wanted to build a proper collective for over five years, then main reason for not doing anything about it yet was because I couldn't resolve how to do the twist throttle; now I have no excuses. I have been going through the rest of your clips, about one of the only worth while resources I have come across. Kudos to you bloke, keep it up. Just one question, are you using Mobiflight for all of you interfacing? no custom arduino? I am keen to make a gaming sim pit but I want it to do my space-sims as well, so I am just curious if you use anything else... Keep it up bloke and Cheers!

[@helimech8152]

Hi Dave, Thank you for the kind words. It also made me laugh. I do just use mobiflight, as it interfaces with my stuff either with or without connection to a sim. Its simple and theres no need for me to reinvent the wheel. Kind Regards, Karl