This design is one of my favourites to date and is the second part of the heli controls to complement the cyclic.
 
I received a Small Printer Mod (SPM) from Petr, which means that you can print all the parts on a 220 x 220mm bed. Many thanks to Petr for this. Although I have not tested this mod myself, I still recommend a bed size of 300 x 300mm for maximum strength.
 
I used a standard Nema 17 stepper motor as the mag brake, parallel actuator, beep trim, and later on the autopilot drive unit (series actuator).
 
The collective lever is based on plate number 1, and all the switches are mapped but not currently used. The force trim release button is used, as well as the electric beep up and down. I suggest that the other buttons be mapped to other sim functions, such as the view orientation for the second top hat, etc.
 
This is NOT a force-feedback unit because helicopters do not operate like that. The control rods/cables are typically connected to servos. Due to the astronomical forces required to move the controls (between 3-20 tonnes), there are no feedback forces through the servos/controls. This is usually done by linear force feel units (springs) acting on a parallel actuator that can reset the datum point at any position. This is the purpose of the stepper motor in this case. Most modern twin-engined rotorcraft are uncontrollable if full hydraulic servo power is lost.
 
The forces on the collective are substantial. I highly recommend using the trim release for take-off, landing, and large movements.
 
Currently, the collective can be repositioned in any neutral position using the trim release. Once the button is released, the collective will hold that position, and force feel is enabled. Fine-tuning the collective position electrically can be done by trimming the Beep switch top hat in the required direction.
 
I have included a highly detailed plate number 1 grip. If you have a resin printer, I recommend using it for a smooth finish. For those who do not have access to a resin printer, I might be able to produce them for you at a cost, but this will be limited due to the time they take.
 
Please note: I made the collective fitting 25mm so it will fit most aircraft grips.
 
There is no complicated software involved, just Mobiflight, and I hope to issue the exact file soon so that you do not have to program anything. This unit replicates a standard PC joystick, using a Leo Bodnar card to keep things simple. This means it can be used on XP, DCS, P3D, and MSFS!
 
I hope this brings a smile to your face, as it did to many at the EXPO in Lelystad, including real-life pilots!
 
This is a pre-release right now while I construct the Build/Print and parts guide, which will be added here (if you want to start printing.
 
The build guide and components list can be found here.
 
This design requires a print build of 300 x 300mm (A Creality CR10 or similar)