A340 Throttle quadrant project [Archive]

Westozy

11-08-2009, 10:21 PM

Hi all,
Work is progressing well on the A340 throttle quad project and here are the first pics. Feel free to copy my design work, it should be suitable for B747, B767, A380 throttle quads. This will be the last handcut TQ I make, my new CNC arrives this week!!!

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_01.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_02.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_03.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_04.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_05.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_06.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_07.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_08.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_09.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_10.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_11.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_12.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_13.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_14.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_15.jpg

Gwyn Perrett

dodiano

11-08-2009, 10:40 PM

WOW!! Very nice congrats!!! Amazing craftsmanship!!

Regards,

Roberto

totalflyer

11-08-2009, 11:52 PM

Westozy

11-09-2009, 02:11 AM

Gwyn just amazing. I love the real look of them. I will have to try and do a little duplication and see if I can get a set made for my self. Excellent work.

Just one question? Is it acrylic that you used for the parts?

Thanks,

Jeff

Hi Jeff,
I use 6mm PVC sheeting called "Trovidur", it's quite easy to machine and work with. It's really quite heavy so the finished parts have a real solid feel about them. I use Loctite 424 to glue parts together, it goes off in seconds and produces a very strong weld. All of these parts were made with a bandsaw, a router, a drill press and a Dremel. (Oh and the lathe for the knobs!) I cut my patterns from 3mm aluminium and then use a laminex trimmer tool in the router to reproduce the shapes, this keeps the top parts of the 12 main lever pieces the same size and shape.

Gwyn

Westozy

11-09-2009, 02:15 AM

WOW!! Very nice congrats!!! Amazing craftsmanship!!

Regards,

Roberto

Thanks mate, don't tell anyone I'm buying a throttle from you lol!!!!!

Gwyn

Joe Cygan

11-09-2009, 03:58 AM

Your the King of throttles Gwyn!

Joe

totalflyer

11-09-2009, 07:47 PM

Just wondering when you go to connect them how are you going to do it?
Will they be USB or through another form of connection?

Westozy

11-10-2009, 05:23 AM

Just wondering when you go to connect them how are you going to do it?
Will they be USB or through another form of connection?

I supply my throttles with all the potentiometer drives and switches in place with wiring to terminal blocks. Typically I aim for driving the lever pots through about 240 degrees, this gives a smooth span which is easy to calibrate. (I have only ever used FDT Simboards and they have given me 3 years of excellent performance in my sim). The end user can hook my TQ's up to Open Cockpit/BUO386/SimBoards whatever interface they like just using a small screwdriver. I don't really make plug'n'play because the electronics is a it out of my field. Mechanically my TQs are built tough and should provide years of trouble free service. I use PVC, aluminium and stailnless steel in construction, there are no parts that can corrode. The Spitfire flight controls I made for member "Tony Hill" were plug'n'play because I used a hacked Microsoft Sidewinder joystick for interface, we had a good 2 or 3 hours "testing" them, it worked a treat! It's pretty easy to do for single engine sims.

This is the pot drive on my A320TQ design
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/571/medium/2008_0630TQ0005.JPG

Gwyn

Stijn

11-10-2009, 10:56 AM

Really nice,

I'm working on my 727 quad also.
amazing work really like those levers.

Stijn

Westozy

12-03-2009, 01:52 AM

More progress pics!!!

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_017.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_018.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_019.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_020.jpg
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_021.jpg

Regards, Gwyn

Matt Olieman

12-03-2009, 08:08 AM

Amazing Gwyn, fantastic ingenuity!!!!!!!

Thanks for the update :) :) :)

Westozy

12-03-2009, 05:56 PM

Thanks guys, great feedback is always encouraging!

The proud owner of this TQ is going to fly to Perth from Thailand to collect it in a few weeks time. This will be another TQ I won't want to part with!

Next on the list is a B747 TQ for another MC member here in Perth. We both have CNC machines and we are teaming up to produce his and a few extra B747 TQs to sell. The plan is to convert my drawings to CAD which I am slowly making progress with and then we will both produce the components for assembly.

My new CNC machine is fantastic to watch in action and I've been practicing quite a bit, the Mach 3 software is awesome. I have purchased "Involute" gear cutting software and can now make gears for the TQ lever/potentiometer drives. This will be simpler than the current cable drive method and will be easier to set up. I can now offer plastic gears made to order, any size and ratio.

Matt - I listened to your MC.org & the A2A podcasts yesterday - great stuff, well done! I haven't received your A340TQ order yet!!!;););)

Cheers, Gwyn

pvjen1

12-04-2009, 07:50 PM

so how much does one of these TQ go for? they look very impressive. Also they are full scaled it seems, can you also make them to a different scale?

best regards
Philip Jensen

Westozy

12-04-2009, 08:19 PM

so how much does one of these TQ go for? they look very impressive. Also they are full scaled it seems, can you also make them to a different scale?

best regards
Philip Jensen

Hi Philip,
I specialise in 'custom order', I can build any type of TQ or cockpit component scaled to any size determined by the customer's requirements. I avoid duplicating components already available from other vendors such as the excellent B737 TQ offered by Throttletek. This A340 unit is scaled to fit the customer's already existing centre pedestal which is pretty much full scale in this case. My TQs are priced between AUD$3000 - AUD$3500 dependent on complexity, most take approximately 70 hours to build. My TQs are quite heavy machines weighing approximately 15kgs each and they are built tough to last!

Regards, Gwyn

Westozy

12-07-2009, 06:38 AM

Engine fuel switch posts made!

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_022.jpg

Gwyn

t1dUs

12-07-2009, 07:19 AM

WOW!! Simply amazing craftmanship
Congrats on the good work :D

Westozy

12-09-2009, 12:57 AM

I cut out these pieces for the switch guard on the cnc mill last night and glued it together. I just need to make the trim wheels and the top cover plates and it's ready for painting.

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_023.jpg

Gwyn

Matt Olieman

12-09-2009, 06:45 AM

LOOKS SOOOOOO GOOOOD Gwyn :) :) :) :) What a teaser :) :) :) :)

More, more, more.......

Westozy

12-22-2009, 08:21 AM

I'm so pleased to have completed the trim wheels today, they are always a bit awkward to machine up. They are made from three pieces of 12mm and one piece of 6mm PVC glued together then machined, the new lathe made it a lot easier than the old smaller lathe. The reduction gear drive is for turning the trim indicators that I haven't made yet, they are going to be a bit tricky as they are located on the outside of the wheels - nasty business, sacre bleur!!! I think this TQ will be ready in a week then I'll be making a few B747TQs before returning to work on my own sim in mid February, I'm looking forward to that big time!

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/TQ_004.JPG
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/TQ_002.JPG

Gwyn

Matt Olieman

12-22-2009, 01:24 PM

I am sooooooooooo drooling...................

:)

Are there going to be detents on this unit?

Westozy

12-22-2009, 07:32 PM

I am sooooooooooo drooling...................

:)

Are there going to be detents on this unit?

Hi Matt,
The detents are already installed!
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_018.jpg

The flat plate contains 5/16" ball bearings with springs behind them. The four stainless bolts apply load to the springs and there are three notches in each lever for CLB, FLX & TOGA. It works great and much better than I had hoped for.

In this pic you can see the notches on the back of the levers.
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_11.jpg

Gwyn

Matt Olieman

12-22-2009, 07:57 PM

Gwyn you always amaze me the way you build sim parts, this is fantastic, nice work Gwyn :) :) :)

Westozy

12-25-2009, 07:35 PM

More progress, it's getting close to finished!
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_026.JPG
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_027.JPG
This is the trim drive gear train, I still have to decrease the final drive ratio to 1:1 because I made an error and the indicator turns too slowly. I will mount a potentiometer on the trim indicator wheel to transmit trim commands to FS. There is also a reduction gear drive on the near side wheel so a motor can be fitted to drive the trim wheels.
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_028.JPG
This pic is of progress on Christmas Day, the owner is flying to Perth from Thailand to collect it in mid February, he will be staying with me and I'll be able to show him my 737 sim.

Gwyn

Westozy

12-28-2009, 01:52 AM

More progress pics, it is nearly finished now!

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_002.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_001.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_004.JPG

These are the throttle pot drive gears...
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_005.JPG
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_006.JPG

Regards, Gwyn

Matt Olieman

12-28-2009, 07:25 AM

I'm beyond words..... WOW!!!!

Westozy

12-28-2009, 07:10 PM

I'm beyond words..... WOW!!!!

Thanks Matt,
I could always hand over your TQ unit at the next Leylstad convention hehe!! I start CAD lessons next week and progress should soar from then on. The CNC machine is absolutely wonderful and really cutting down the effort on the quads.

On this quad, my customer has asked for independent microswitches on the CLB, FLX & TOGA positions so that's the next challenge but this quad should be ready in a week. I will make a video of it for Youtube as I have just bought video compression software. This quad will be difficult to part with, it is by far my best work so far and I'm really proud of it.

I am planning to go to the UK in 2010 and want to go when Leylstad is happening so I can pop over the channel take a look and meet some people as you have done. Europe is a very expensive trip from here but I think the throttle business should cover it, (R & D!)

More pics soon...

Gwyn

Joe Cygan

12-28-2009, 07:38 PM

That's about as good as it gets! I am really amazed with this work.

Westozy

01-02-2010, 06:37 AM

It's nearly finished!!! I just have to make the switch top labels and clean up the wiring which is just hanging out of the bottom at the moment and it's ready for collection. I have many of the parts saved in AutoCAD and the new CNC will be making the next one!

This was the TQ after all the parts were painted this morning!
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_042.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_044.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_046.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_047.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_048.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_049.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_051.JPG

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_052.JPG

Regards, Gwyn

Matt Olieman

01-02-2010, 09:40 AM

Absolutely beautiful :) :) :) Fantastic Gwyn!!!!!

weshollett

01-06-2010, 09:36 AM

That is truely some amazing work Absolutely fantastic.

Scandinavian-A330

02-04-2011, 06:41 PM

Hi Gwyn,
Nice throttle there truly pro. I'm thinking of converting a a320 throttle into a A330 throttle. And you are making the A340 one and the 330 and 340 have similar levers. So now I wonder if it is okay to like copy your lever design? And if you might have any scale/measure drawings of them?

Thanks/ Tim

Westozy

02-04-2011, 09:24 PM

Scandinavian-A330

02-05-2011, 12:35 PM

Ah thank you very much Gwyn. I Emailed you yesterday. Hope we can work something out.

/ Tim

flyinjake

03-02-2011, 10:26 PM

Westozy

03-02-2011, 11:41 PM

Gwyn,

I am building my throttle quad and I am interested in how you are controling the tension on the arms. It looks like you are using one rod going throw all the levers at the pivot point. Correct? What keeps the tension on the levers but at the same time allow independent movement of each lever? It appears to me looking at the pictures that if I were to move only one then there is potential for others to move.

You stated that you are looking for a 240 degree movement of the pot? What, if it matters, is a good range for a pot?

Did you start making your own gears with the CNC?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Jake

Hi Jake,
All my TQs have a single axle for the levers to swing on. To move one lever takes less force than two obviously therefore the other levers stay in place if an engine is adjusted independently. The detent mechanisms provided sufficient drag so the levers are not loose. My future Boeing quads will all use the drive train of the DC auto throttle motors to provide movement resistance, this works really well, thank you Mr Sissons for this tip!!
Rotary pots generally rotate about 300 degrees, if possible it is always best to use all of the available travel. The pot will provide a much more stable span of signal and calibration will be easier.
I make my own gears and I can supply them to any size and ratio no problem!

Cheers Gwyn
www.aerosimsolutions.com.au

Grant

09-24-2013, 11:19 AM

Hello!
How the reverse levers locking in the up position?
Best regards, Grant.

Westozy

09-24-2013, 08:33 PM

Hello!
How the reverse levers locking in the up position?
Best regards, Grant.

Hi Grant, it's been a long time since I built that TQ but if I think I made them spring loaded, they have to be held up. To make them stay up by themselves would be easier - the 4mm csk hd bolt that is the pivot axle for the reverser could be tightened to provide enough friction to grip the lever.

Cheers Gwyn

a340-th

09-24-2013, 11:43 PM

Hi Grant, it's been a long time since I built that TQ but if I think I made them spring loaded, they have to be held up. To make them stay up by themselves would be easier - the 4mm csk hd bolt that is the pivot axle for the reverser could be tightened to provide enough friction to grip the lever.

Cheers Gwyn

Confirm they are spring loaded.

Using mostly only 2 of the 4 these days.

Westozy

09-25-2013, 07:27 PM

Hi Erhard, How are you? I trust the TQ is still performing well?? My 737 is in quite an advanced state and I think it will be running in about 6 months time. I sold the rental property this week (the house you stayed in) so there will be plenty of funds available soon to acquire the last pieces. When it is finished I will re open Aerosim Solutions on a much bigger scale!

Cheers Gwyn

a340-th

09-26-2013, 12:52 AM

Hi Gwyn,

we are fine thanks for asking. Retired since one year now and still not bored.
The TQ is still working fine, apart from occasional calbration issues. As I said, I am mostly using 2 throttles. One of the good things about an Airbus pit, you can use it for anything from A318 to A340-600.
I will have to find an excuse then to come to Perth when the pit is up and and running...
Mine is not making a lot of progress but I am flying almost every day. The only real thing I have done is put in 3 55" LED's with which I am absolutely happy. Now running wideview with FSGRW and weather is working beatuifully too. I never got it to synchronize with AS2012.
Give our regards to Leonie...

Pranom & Erhard

samfranklin

10-06-2013, 01:48 PM

Hi Gwyn,

Just sent you a PM about thrust lever dimensions as I couldn't send it from your site.

Sam

RussG

08-03-2017, 10:45 PM

Hi Gwyn,
Hope youre keeping well, I don't suppose you could share the plans? then I could adapt them to use on my A380 sim, plenty of 320 stuff out there but nothing for the big buses, Thanks Russ

Westozy

09-21-2017, 06:48 PM

Hi Guys, I'll have a look to see what I have but I made most of the A340 TQ pre CNC days, it was pencil drawings and hand making the parts. My CNC ad CAD software arrived halfway through this build and I only used it to complete the internals. I'll check out the A340 folder this weekend to see what's in it. I don't really make TQ's anymore so I'm happy to share whatever I have on this one!
Cheers Gwyn