Cheap rudder?

Hey all,

I'm looking to enhance my DCS/flight sim experience through adding a rudder/pedals set. I'm currently flying with TrackIR 4 and a Saitek X52, using the X52's stick twist as rudder.

Now, my problem is that I don't have a lot of money to spend, probably something like €50,- (being a student sometimes sucks...), but the cheapest rudder set I can find are the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder pedals, which cost €100,-

Are there any other, cheaper, rudder pedals? If not, can I make my own relatively cheap (I've got the possibility to use an CnC mill, lathe's etc.)? I've already looked, but the 2nd handed market in the Netherlands is really small, and those selling 2nd handed rudders still ask like 80 euro's for them.

Although I love flight sims, I don't have the time to play them for hours and hours, so something cheap will work out for me. After 1,5 years, when I graduate and get a job, I'll buy some real Flight Sim gear (TM Warthog etc.).

Hope someone can help me out.

Thanks in advance!

Koekemoeroetoe

Try this thread :) http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2335991/My_DIY_rudder_pedals.html

Try this thread :) http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2335991/My_DIY_rudder_pedals.html

Thanks for the reply, interesting topic! I'm not that much of an electronics man, studying Mechanical Engineering, so mechanical systems are more 'my thing'. To avoid having to solder my own chip etc, I figure I'd be able to use an old joystick with twist functionality as a sensor, right?

No need to use the twist, just rig it so that the side to side movement is transferred to the joystick. This is what my old set looked like.http://dangerdogz.com/forums/topic/3587-diy-rudder-pedals/?hl=rudder+pedals#entry35820 Check the 2nd post down.

They worked fine too ;)

Perhaps try these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/thrustmaster-rudder-pedals-/321264773252?pt=UK_Controllers_Attachments&hash=item4accdf6884

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ch-pro-pedals-USB-/151178987246?pt=UK_Controllers_Attachments&hash=item2332f846ee

Watch out for gameport versions. Win7 doesnt like them :)

Hmm, looks good. Now I come across a second problem: the cheapest joystick with a Z axis will cost me 40 to 50 euro's. So after that, I need to buy materials to modify it + find time to modify it... Maybe 100 euro's for a complete set of pedals, including toe brake, isn't that much after all... Still have to find that amount of money somewhere though :music_whistling:

No need for Z axis :) Buy a second hand one maybe from a junk shop or ebay. Just make sure its a USB :) Not sure how to rig toe brakes. Ask for help at simHQ http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forums/243/1/Controllers.html

Yeah, a clever system should be able to use the X/Y axis for the rudder... Will see if I can get a cheap joystick somewhere...

Thanks ddocg! Unfortunately the seller only ships to the UK, but I live in the Netherlands. Even if he's willing to send it over the me, I'd probably have to pay huge shipping costs + some extra duties at the border.

That's unfortunate however, here's another from the US this time, perhaps worth watching?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CH-Products-Pro-Pedals-300111-USB-Flight-Simulator-Pedals-/121228662130

Maybe keep an eye on these as you are bound to get lucky at some point?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0&_nkw=CH+Products+Pro+Pedals&_sacat=0&_from=R40

can't wait to try the warthog sticks myself... right now i want all CH products and track ir 5!

Thanks for the reply, interesting topic! I'm not that much of an electronics man, studying Mechanical Engineering, so mechanical systems are more 'my thing'. To avoid having to solder my own chip etc, I figure I'd be able to use an old joystick with twist functionality as a sensor, right?

you can use cheaper car-sim pedals as well, if those are same sized then those are good too (accel and brake pedals)

you can use cheaper car-sim pedals as well, if those are same sized then those are good too (accel and brake pedals)

You mean to use as-is or to dismantle and use to build rudder pedals?

I'm considering the Saitek or CH pedals myself and note what CaptainPecan said, which hasn't really helped as now I have to decide if I want better pedals or comfortable ones!! :huh: