skausal

Sorry for the long silence. Alot has happened in the last year. Had to get a new webhosting service so there's a new web address. www.splashonebandit.com Just got it setup last night so there maybe some bugs that still need to be worked out. Thanks

Most have seen my website ( www.splash-one-bandit.com ) and see that I offer replica F-16 switch hat/knobs for the TM Cougar to give it a more authentic look. So far I have only offered these in urethane resin. The actual F-16 stick/throttle uses urethane resin hat and knobs while the TM Cougar uses all metal. While developing my own HOTAS set-up, I ran a couple test runs on the replica paddle lever I offer for the Cougar using metal (lead-free pewter) and want to know if this is something I should pursue or abandon. The cost will be higher as the metal is more expensive than plastic and using metal wears out the rubber molds faster than the urethane resin. I've sold a good group of the "Cougar Mod Package" and was just wondering if a metal paddle lever (actual F-16 paddle lever is metal) would be something the community would be interested in. Here's the unpainted metal paddle lever. What do you think?? Steve

nope, no background running program. The BU0836 shows as a 32 button/8 axis/1 POV joystick. Lomac and falcon 4.0 have profiles within the game to assign these buttons to certain keystroke actions. not sure about other flight sims. steve

hey cali, thanks fopr the complement. the hotas will use Leo Bodnars BU0836, which is a plug and play, no program running in the back ground. all you'll have to do is assign buttons in the games setup page. Steve

Just sending out some pics so folks know that I'm still "developing" my detachable HOTAS setup. Finially got a F-16 stick mold that I'm happy with. The stick is in its "rough" state (unpainted and thrown together). I just wanted to get some pics out there before i went on "vacation". It's molded from the actual F-16 stick. It's plastic, but I'm thinking about trying to pour a metal one. Feel free to ask questions. ...Steve www.splash-one-bandit.com

Website Updated, Cougar Mod package Available, 4-way switches available. www.splash-one-bandit.com Steve

A quick peek of the prototype mlu radar cursor control for the cougar. should be ready for distro in a week or 2.

Hello Unknown Pilot, Sorry but the paddle or hats are not metal, just urathane plastic. The feedback i'm getting on the paddle is it bends a little, not 100% stiff like metal. I contribute this due to travel while actuating the micro switch (very small travel distance) and the thickness of the paddle itself. To me, this is only noticeable when i look at the switch while squeezing it and is not noticed while flying. The controller is not my design, its from Leo Bodnar ( www.leobodnar.com ), more info can be found on his websight. Thanks for the input...Steve

website updated, new parts added, check it out. www.splash-one-bandit.com Steve

Finished... the DMS and Chaff/Flare switch hats are molded from the real deal. This DMS switch hat is a little bit small from the one I have on the website. The Mic (square) is as close as I could get without an actual switch hat to mold from. Still working on the website update, if you need these now, pm me and we'll work things out. Thanks...Steve

I figured as much, seeing how TM went and made the Cougar all metal. I'm not sure, but I think even the switch hats are metal. Am I correct?? Any info is appreciated. The actual switch hats are a special resin mixed with aluminum (not 100% sure on this, but the ones I have feel this way). The paddle is all metal. I can make all these in metal, but then the cost goes up and I’m looking at keeping things affordable. Maybe I’ll offer both types in the future if there’s a desire for metal ones. Thanks JM for the info. P.S. still debating that lefty stick and throttle set up. Steve

Hello All, got a couple more switch hats ready, the website should be updated shortly. I might consider putting a package deal together for Cougar users (or anyone), all 3 new replicated switch hats (maybe a forth too) at a discounted price. DMS, Chaff/Flare, Mic, and maybe the paddle if I produce it. I need a couple favors though, it won’t cost a dime. First, I need to work out the process for international shipping, so I’ll offer a few people around the world free hat switch covers. But you must be willing to write a review of sorts on what you think about them (hopefully positive). If you’re interested, please PM me. Second, I made up a replacement for the paddle switch lever for the cougar (or FLCS) which replicates the real paddle switch lever on the F-16 SSC. I used an old FLCS stick and need to know if the cougar paddle switch design is the same. I don’t own a cougar and can’t see how their paddle was designed. Do you think this is something people will want?? Or should I just scrap the project? Here's a couple pics of the new switch hats and paddle lever. Thanks....Steve

Well put JM, Just the reasons why i decided to try and start up this venture. Lefty flight grip and throttle set-up?? its possible and i'll keep it on a back burner. Steve

Hello JM, I'm using the KISS system. Hall sensors mainly, no FFB, no strain gauge as these are expensive items (in my opinion) and would drive the cost up. i have been kicking around an idea of making an additional stick base available that moves about 1/8-1/16 of an inch. the stick base will be the most expensive part as it will have the joystick controller (which is the most expensive piece). then you would plugin the throttle base and rudder pedals to the stick base. not planning on doing rudder pedals at this time. not going to make a program. with the BU0836, you get 8 anolog axes, 32 button inputs, and a 4 way POV hat, all to assign as you wish. i re-wired an old FLCS, TQS, and TH rudder as my test platform and havent had any problems. the stick and throttle will available at the same time, but you can buy either seperately, but remember, the throttle will not work without the stick base (joystick controller in the stick base). Hope this helps...Steve

Hey guys, i'm the developer from mentioned web sight. i'm working on the HOTAS daily, hope to have prototypes ready by spring '10, but time, money, and the economy keeps me busy working my regular job. i'll try to answer any questions you may have. i've posted more info over at viperpits http://www.viperpits...hp?topic=5209.0 if needed or requested, i can do a full post here also. Thanks for looking...Steve