Worn CH Throttle Quad

[jdriskell]

I've been using the same CH throttle Quad and controlling  it using FSUIPC for about 18 years.  Both have served me faithfully thru the various versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator .  But lately I think the potentiometer values in the Quad have changed enough that it's becoming difficult to calibrate.  Currently I run MSFS2020 with FSUIPC controlling my CH Yoke, Pedals and Quad. 

 

Here are the values FSUIPC sees on the 6 throttle levers:

 

            Max   Mid   Min

Lever 1     14847 10663 -16384     

Lever 2     14719 11313 -16254

Lever 3     15487   9232 -15604

Lever 4     14335 11313 -16384

Lever 5     14591 11053 -16254

Lever 6     14591 10272 -16384

 

With the exception of #3, the levers seem consistent.  However, I would think the Max values would come closer to the Min values if the Pots weren't so worn.

 

I can calibrate the various axes but the control between chosen levers isn't consistent.

 

Should I expect more consistent values in a new quad?  I'm thinking it's about time for a new one.  Please advise.

 

Jim Driskell

[John Dowson]

On 11/8/2024 at 11:06 PM, jdriskell said:

I would think the Max values would come closer to the Min values if the Pots weren't so worn.

No - they would be further away. The max value should be 16383 and the min value -16485. I do not understand what your 'mid' value is though - is this the value when your axis is roughly in the mid position?

On 11/8/2024 at 11:06 PM, jdriskell said:

I can calibrate the various axes but the control between chosen levers isn't consistent.

What do you mean by ' isn't consistent'? You can easily calibrate for the max and min values, and the centre values are only really relevant for certain axes (elevator, aileron, rudder), and you can calibrate for the off-centre mid values by using a calibration slope.

On 11/8/2024 at 11:06 PM, jdriskell said:

Should I expect more consistent values in a new quad?  I'm thinking it's about time for a new one.  Please advise.

Well, you would probably get the full range for a new controller, but you should be fine with those axes values really. Are you having any issues, and if so what?
You can also try calibrating your devices/axes in windows (game controllers) first - this may improve the axis range values seen by FSUIPC.

John

[jdriskell]

Hi John,

The mid-value is read when the throttle lever is at the neutral detente on CH Quad before its either advanced or reversed.  The third lever's values are inconsistent with the other lever's values.  Some my sim aircraft use direct inputs so the inconsistencies can be a problem.  Additionally, the reverse thrust position on the throttle levers doesn't always work because I think thee is some dead areas in resistance when I move the throttle lever to reverse.  I could replace all the potentiometers but that's a lot of work. So, I bought a new CH Throttle Quad. 

Since my old and new quads are the same, can I simply unplug the old quad and plug the new one in.  I would reboot my machine, then remove the old one, reboot again to clear the assignments, the shut down an plug in the new quad and reboot.  Will FSUIPC recognize the new one and accept the existing axes and button assignments?  I've always labeled my CH controllers alphabetically  after they have been discovered so I'm hoping to save some work.  Of course, I'll re calibrate those axes on the Quad to take advantage of the new potentiometer values.

Thanks for the advice,

Jim Driskell

[John Dowson]

2 minutes ago, jdriskell said:

Since my old and new quads are the same, can I simply unplug the old quad and plug the new one in.  I would reboot my machine, then remove the old one, reboot again to clear the assignments, the shut down an plug in the new quad and reboot.  Will FSUIPC recognize the new one and accept the existing axes and button assignments? 

This depends on whether the new one is assigned the same GUID as the old one or not (and if the names are the same)). If so, no issue, but it will probably be assigned a new GUID, in which case you will need to manually edit the GUID of the existing letter in the [JoyNames] section of your FSUIPC7ini file (for your old throttle), and delete the new letter entries. Also change the name if that has changed.

John

[jdriskell]

Hi John,

Thanks for the quick reply.  Your suggestions verify what I had thought so I'll give it a try.  As usual, your support is par excellence.

Jim Driskell

[jdriskell]

Just an update.  I removed the old quad and plugged the new one in.  I didn't have to edit the .ini file.  FSUIPC recognized all the button assignments but I had to re-calibrate the throttle axes.  The new values are equal and smooth so dealing with worn potentiometer values is a problem of the past.  But I got 18 years service out of the old CH Throttle Quad.

Jim Driskell

[John Dowson]

Sounds good - thanks for the update.

John