Biggles2010
03-05-2014, 07:03 PM
I've had some Saitek rudder pedals for years. They work quite well, apart from the fact that they are designed for use under a desk. Consequently the foot plates are too flat for use in a home cockpit. The originals are about 37 degrees from the horizontal, whereas they need to be about 65 to 70 degrees.
I made some very simple mods to mine,involving only basic woodwork and a small alteration to the plastic moulding. Bear in mind that this will invalidate any warranty if your pedals are relatively new.
The process is obvious from the attached photos. The wedge shaped section is cut to a 30 degree angle.
The old footplates come off by sliding off the top pieces while depressing the spring loaded buttons. The lower pieces are each held on by 6 screws.
Compare with the photos and cut off the lower ends of the plastic housings. This is necessary to allow the heel bar to be at suitable height.
The rest is woodwork. The new footplates are mdf with moulding glued to the edges, then sprayed silver grey colour.
In use I find the braking action much improved by the more upright pedals, and the appearance is more realistic.
John
I made some very simple mods to mine,involving only basic woodwork and a small alteration to the plastic moulding. Bear in mind that this will invalidate any warranty if your pedals are relatively new.
The process is obvious from the attached photos. The wedge shaped section is cut to a 30 degree angle.
The old footplates come off by sliding off the top pieces while depressing the spring loaded buttons. The lower pieces are each held on by 6 screws.
Compare with the photos and cut off the lower ends of the plastic housings. This is necessary to allow the heel bar to be at suitable height.
The rest is woodwork. The new footplates are mdf with moulding glued to the edges, then sprayed silver grey colour.
In use I find the braking action much improved by the more upright pedals, and the appearance is more realistic.
John