Summary of BUILDING A DIY FLIGHT YOKE FOR FLIGHT SIMULATOR
This article describes a cost-effective DIY flight yoke built by Michel Rechtin using repurposed parts to avoid commercial costs. The project centers on an Arduino Micro that processes inputs from potentiometers for pitch, roll, and yaw, alongside buttons for simulator functions. Construction utilizes old 3D printer components like linear bearings and rods for smooth movement, plus a custom throttle setup. Files are available on Thingiverse for replication.
Parts used in the DIY Flight Yoke:
- Arduino Micro
- Potentiometers
- Buttons
- Old 3D printer components
- Linear bearings
- Rods
- Throttle setup
- Switches
Flight yokes are key to getting an authentic experience when playing a flight simulator, but [Michel Rechtin] didn’t want to pay big money for a commercially-available solution. He ended up building a design using a lot of parts he had laying around, which saved money and worked out great.
The build is based around an Arduino Micro, which reads a series of potentiometers from the yoke and pedals to control pitch, roll, and yaw, A series of buttons are then added to control ancillary functions for the plane and simulator software.
Much of the build uses old 3D printer components, including linear bearings and rods for the pitch axis for smooth operation. There’s even a throttle setup and some more buttons and switches for a more complete flying experience.
Files are available on Thingiverse from anyone looking to replicate [Michael]’s build. We love to see a yoke built from scratch, though we’ve also seen creative builds repurpose PlayStation controllers for the same purpose. Video after the break.
Source: BUILDING A DIY FLIGHT YOKE FOR FLIGHT SIMULATOR
- Why did the builder create this flight yoke?
To get an authentic experience without paying big money for a commercially-available solution. - What microcontroller controls the system?
The build is based around an Arduino Micro. - How does the system control pitch, roll, and yaw?
An Arduino Micro reads a series of potentiometers from the yoke and pedals. - What components were used for the pitch axis?
Old 3D printer components including linear bearings and rods were used for smooth operation. - Can users replicate this build?
Yes, files are available on Thingiverse for anyone looking to replicate the build. - Does the design include a throttle?
Yes, there is even a throttle setup included for a more complete flying experience. - What other methods exist for building flight controllers?
Creative builds have also been seen that repurpose PlayStation controllers for the same purpose.
