Opinions on this alternative to the BU0836X

[boris4356]

Hi Everyone,

I originally wanted to purchase Leo Bodnar's BU0836X, but it doesn't look like he is coming back anytime soon. While I have been waiting for him to come back online, I started searching for a viable alternative. I came across this: http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/i...roducts_id=235

It seems to be very similiar in a lot of ways to the BU0836X, but with a little less capability. If I remember correctly the BU0836X could have 16 rotarys. This one can only have 2, and it has digital axis, and I'm not really sure what that means. Can you still use it for throttles and flaps etc.. or do you have to have analog axis?

What makes it appealing is that it is cheaper, and shipping to Canada is by US Mail for only $9.00. This avoids the hefty brokerage fees that companies like DHL and UPS charge for delivery to Canada.

I would really appreciate any comments and opinions on this card.

Thanks
Bill

[ian@737ng.co.uk]

hello bill......
first, i still have no idea what is up with leo. i've sent him a few mails and forwarded him some other peoples enquiries, but nothing heard and i'm starting to get concerned.
ok, i was looking at the datasheet for this product.
seems to me it is pretty similar to the bu0836x. i may be mistaken but the way i see it is that you can attach upto 32 button/switch inputs and the usual potentiometers.
however, looking at the pdf file, i think that the 'rotary's' they mean is an actual rotary switch and not the 16 rotary encoders you possibly mean.
i cant see any reference to rotary encoders on the sheet at all.
maybe i'm wrong.
however that being said, it does seem like a 'cost effective' way of getting inputs into your sim.
maybe someone here has one of these and can advise.
have a great day and regards from wales.... ian

[No Longer Active]

Seems pretty good to me mate!

like Ian says, not to sure on the encoders! you will have to enquire!

As for Leo Bodnar.......Ive given up completely! Theres no point in even bothering with the bloke now, or he would of atleast replied to emails and forum questions etc!

I'd try Desktop Aviator Boards Instead!

[ian@737ng.co.uk]

ah! a slight problem here, i'm not sure that leo wasn't telling me he had a hand in the chips and the software for the DA boards.....hmmm
have a look here
http://www.desktopaviator.com/Produc...2090/index.htm
looks awfully similar to a standard bu0836
then have a look at the 'utility' image and then look at the bu0836 utility. only the names have changed
but i'm sure if leo doesn't surface, some enterprising soul will surely come up with an alternative because obviously there is a market for high level low cost input boards.
regards ... ian

[No Longer Active]

Ian, from your expert opinion, what IS the best alternative on the market that ACCEPTS enoders!

I do agree with you on this, this says nothing about encoders, this is designed for 12 pos rotary pots etc!

[autocadplease]

Has anyone built a Mjoy16? Are they too much hassle to build?

How about Opencockpit's usbaxis http://www.opencockpits.com/catalog/...ml?cPath=21_36 Not as good as BU0386X, but seem OK.

[boris4356]

Thank you everyone for all your replies! I think I will go ahead and give it a try.

Thanks
Bill

[autocadplease]

Thank you everyone for all your replies! I think I will go ahead and give it a try.

Thanks
Bill

Which one Boris groovygamergear or desktopaviator? I think I am going to buy one of the GP-Wiz40 MAX USB or even the econ model (I don't mind soldering).

[boris4356]

Hi Grant,
I ordered 2 GP-Wiz40 MAX USB today. Should be interesting to see if there are any customs duties.

Bill

[XOrionFE]

ah! a slight problem here, i'm not sure that leo wasn't telling me he had a hand in the chips and the software for the DA boards.....hmmm
have a look here
http://www.desktopaviator.com/Produc...2090/index.htm
looks awfully similar to a standard bu0836
then have a look at the 'utility' image and then look at the bu0836 utility. only the names have changed
but i'm sure if leo doesn't surface, some enterprising soul will surely come up with an alternative because obviously there is a market for high level low cost input boards.
regards ... ian

I have used the Desktop Aviator Super Rotary 2090. It works pretty good but you have to get the right encoders and make sure you set the software right. The pots work great also. Steve is also a real stand up guy and very responsive. I just bought an extra one of his regular analogue boards for a seperate throttle quad I am building. I believe he collaborated with Leo for the software....

Scott