Adding DIY (physical) toe break axes to VKB rudder paddels controller?

[Nes Torb]

Hi all,

I am thinking about a DIY project to add physical toe breaks to my VKB Mk IV rudder pedals. Under game controller settings of the PC the VKB controller seems to foresee 3 axes and 2 buttons but only the one axis is used.

I have read the following posts:
http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?t=2832
http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?t=3626
http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=2679&hilit=BlackBox.jpg&start=15#p27580

I have the following questions:
(1) Can I use the 2 unused axes of the RJ45 connector for a DIY project?
(2) If so, what sensors/boards can I use and where can I get them? I presume VKB Mars sensors would work, but I read they are not for sale. Any other sensors would work here?
(3) If not, can I hook up other (analogue) sensors to the Black Box that came with the pedals (e.g. by using the X3 or X10 connectors) listed in one of the links? Which ones?

Sorry for the noob questions.
Many thanks in advance!

[Ron61]

1. Yes.
2. Only Mars (3pin) or resistor. It is possible to work with halls (from 3.3 volts the lower limit), but to set the correct magnet for it may not work right away. Therefore, nerves are more expensive.
Try writing to sales@vkb-sim.pro about the acquisition of Mars.
3.You have only one 7th axis connected in the pedal BB. The remaining 7 axles are free. If you have the skills of soldering small connectors - go ahead. Good luck in mastering.

[Nes Torb]

Many thanks for your prompt reply!

I'll try and contact VKB about the Mars sensors.
I don't understand what you mean by "or resistor" or "halls".
From the other posts I was under the impression, that since the Mars sensors use a proprietary protocol, I would have to use that protocol if I want to use the RJ45 connector?

Cheers!

[Ron61]

Check out this link for a Hall sensor.

[Nes Torb]

Not quite sure which post I should check out from that site (even with Google translate)

But thanks anyway! I'll try to find it

[Ron61]

Sorry, this tab.

[Nes Torb]

Thank you!

[Sokol1]

I don't understand what you mean by "or resistor" or "halls".

By "resistor" (translator issue) he mean potentiometer*, what work in analog mode (voltage variation, e.g. 0 to 5v).

Since some Hall (contactless) sensor work in analog mode too, if you find one that work with 3.3v can use in place of potentiometer, avoiding their common problems, wear out with use and spikes.

Unfortunately the most common Hall sensor used in DIY, Allegro A1324LUA-T, Honeywell SS495A1, Bi-Tech 6127 requires at least 4.5v.

* Another problem of use potentiometer is, for a joystick/pedal/throttle you need a potentiomter with custom "effective electric angle" trail, between 30º - 60º, models that are not common available in stores, what you find there is 270/300º models.

Anyway CTS 251B12T104A2NB potentiometer used in Thrustmaster T.16000M twist and slider throttle axis has limited "effective electric angle".
I guess between 40º and 60º since the code "2" is not listed in datasheet.
https://eu.mouser.com/ProductDetail/CTS ... NMymwp6A==

Their quality is "so, so", but can be a start point.