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Gimbal Project: Difference between revisions
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simulator cockpit. | simulator cockpit. | ||
This is what Jentron developed:<br/> | This is what Jentron developed:<br/><br/> | ||
[[file:jentron_original.jpg]] | [[file:jentron_original.jpg]] | ||
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As you can see, it's very simple and uses easily obtainable off the shelf | As you can see, it's very simple and uses easily obtainable off the shelf | ||
hardware. In fact, this particular example was built entirely from the | hardware. In fact, this particular example was built entirely from the | ||
resources of his local Ace Hardware. | resources of his local Ace Hardware.<br/> | ||
<br/>I've named his original gimbal design the "Mark I" to differentiate it from | <br/>I've named his original gimbal design the "Mark I" to differentiate it from | ||
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<br/>As you can see, the design elements from the Mk I design are present here | <br/>As you can see, the design elements from the Mk I design are present here | ||
with a couple notable changes | with a couple notable changes: | ||
<br/><br/> | <br/><br/> | ||
The pitch axis bearings are two separate components. | |||
* The pitch axis bearings are two separate components. | |||
* Simpler interconnect for the pitch axis centering arm - no need for a hand-fabricated pitch arm. | |||
* Reduced part count | |||
<br/>Jentron's design is perfectly usable in it's configuration, but I needed | |||
< | |||
to modify it for use with the DIY Cockpit Project.<br>Besides, I'm a geek and | to modify it for use with the DIY Cockpit Project.<br>Besides, I'm a geek and | ||
no self respecting geek can resist fiddling with things. :)</p> | no self respecting geek can resist fiddling with things. :)</p> | ||
<p>Below is instructions on how you can construct this gimbal for use in your | <p>Below is instructions on how you can construct this gimbal for use in your | ||
cockpit!</ | cockpit!<br/> | ||
< | <br/> | ||
<hr> | <hr> | ||
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and how you can build your own.</p> | and how you can build your own.</p> | ||
< | <br/>One important thing to note - the gimbal is designed to be mounted underneath | ||
the cockpit floor. This is what it looks like from above, in the | the cockpit floor. This is what it looks like from above, in the | ||
"operating" position:</p> | "operating" position:</p> | ||
<p> | <p> | ||
[[file:jentron_mk2-3.jpg]] | |||
<br/><br/> | |||
reason for this is that your application may be a bit different and you | This article will only cover the ins and outs of the gimbal itself. The | ||
reason for this is that your application may be a bit different and you'll need | |||
to adjust other parts of the design to fit your situation.</p> | to adjust other parts of the design to fit your situation.</p> | ||
< | <br/>Two "fancy" tools are going to be required to build this project. </p> | ||
* 1 Step Drill. This is used to enlarge the end holes in the single-gang extender box. | |||
* 1/4" Die. This is used for threading the ends of the centering push-rods. | |||
<br/>A cheap 1" Step Drill can be had for less than $30. In case you're not | |||
sure, a step drill looks like this:</p> | |||
<br/> | |||
[[file:step_drill.jpg]]</p> | |||
</ | <br/>Here's a list of some other common tools you're going to need:</p> | ||
* Hacksaw -or- a pipe cutter. Pipe cutters work better for cutting EMT. | |||
* Drill | |||
* Drill Bits - 1/4" and 13/64" | |||
* Pop-Rivet gun | |||
* Jig Saw, Band Saw or a Scroll Saw | |||
* Two 7/16" open end wrenches | |||
* 3/8" open end wrench | |||
* Philips screwdriver | |||
* Vice Grips (2 pair if you can) | |||
* Vice or vice-like device | |||
<br/>Materials needed to build the gimbal box:</p> | |||
* 1 each single-gang electrical extension box | |||
[[file:single-gang_box.jpg]] | |||
* 2 each 3/4" EMT connectors | |||
[[file:emt_connector.jpg]] | |||
* 2 each 3" "T" Brackets | |||
[[file:t-bracket.jpg]] | |||
* 4 each 3/16" Pop-Rivets | |||
[[file:pop-rivet.jpg]] | |||
<br/><br/>Now the first thing you're going to need to do is pop out all the knock-outs | |||
</ | |||
in the electrical box and then drill out the ends using the 1" Step Drill. | in the electrical box and then drill out the ends using the 1" Step Drill. | ||
The hole needs to be large enough to accept the threaded portion of the 3/4" EMT | The hole needs to be large enough to accept the threaded portion of the 3/4" EMT | ||