Lever n°1 for Virpil/Thrustmaster Joystick Grips

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With the DCS module Mi-24 being released, I wanted the matching joystick. I added the missing brake lever to my joystick.

Materials:

• M3x 10mm bolt + nut.
• M3x 16mm bolt + nut.
• an optional compression springs (5mm in diameter, 20mm in length and 0.8mm wire diameter).
• a rotary potentiometer. 
• 5-pin JST PH male connector (plugged into the Virpil base).

Electronics:

Plug the potentiometer wires either:

• on an Arduino Leonardo/Pro Micro, get the joystick library and follow the examples in Arduino tutorial chapter 3.
• on a Leo Bodnar BU0836,
• on the Virpil base board:
  • Check first if your circuit board looks like mine on the picture. 
  • On the joystick's base, look at the bigger circuit board. Look for the 2x 4-pin connectors (1 on each side, each one for a hall effect sensor) There are 2 free pins next to them. That's where the signal from the potentiometer goes. Take the + and the ground from the free “AUX” 5-pin connector. Check the picture for more details.
  • When the wiring is done and the grip is connected, open the VPC Configuration Tool, define 2 new axis (double click on a free axis) and calibrate them. That's it. Just take your time, it's easy.

Notes: 

• If you own a Virpil, this variant is more resilient.
• 3D-printed plastic isn't as resilient as the grip.
  If you can make the structural parts out of resin: do. If it's not an option: use PLA or better, choose at least 90% infill and print the parts with an angle (potential crack to filament layer). Adapt the joystick response curves so you don't yank your stick like a mad man. Then it'll be fine.