Motorized Potentiometers for TQ Conversion

[FredK]

I am in the process of converting a real 737 TQ that I recently acquired.  I am essentially following much of the pathfinding guidance supplied by Rob and Scott in this and other forums.... many thanks as such has been invaluable!

Does anyone here have any experience or thoughts regarding using motorized potentiometers for throttle control/movement? Refer to the following link for what I am talking about:

http://www.onlinecontrols.com/mpots.htm

These devices are a combination of a DC motor, potentiometer, and adjustable slip clutch all in one unit. A single pot turn, 1K version like the #MC2E or #MC2P should work I think depending on what kind of drive wheel is attached.  The drive shaft is only 0.25" so you would need to go with a hobby type roller chain system like they use for model railroad locomotives (I don't think this would be an issue since the throttle mechanism in the real TQ is nicely balanced and does not take a lot of force to move).  According to the schematic the pot appears to be positioned on the drive wheel side of the unit as is required for our purpose.

It is Saturday so I don't know what the cost is.  I would bet about 300-500 dollars.  However considering the cost of buying a motor, string pot, and slip clutch separately it may be within a cost consideration range (and of course cost is never a consideration with this hobby anyway).  The main advantage is that it simplifies the setup significantly.

Would be interested in the wisdom of those in the know.

Fred

[Maurice]

Based on the size of the motor, I wonder if it is powerful enough to move real TQ levers which are fairly stiff to move. Also they don't seem to mention whether the pots are linear types but they probably are unless they are meant for audio volume control applications (like the one in my Sony receiver).

Just a few things to consider before shelling out the money 

Maurice

[XOrionFE]

Interesting product find Fred.    The only issue Icahn see is the size of the shaft as you pointed out it mainly because there will be a side force on it as you tighten the tension on your chain and pulleys to make sure they are tight.   But having the pot, slip clutch and motor all in one seems pretty nice.   Like Maurice pointed out check the pots of course to make sure they are right.  Also would be nice if they posted some operating torque values.

Scott

[fsaviator]

I wonder how these would work for force feedback controls?

Warren