Antenna Elevation Pots and FSSB R2 repair
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So I found a few used cougars at a local electronics store. The guy said a couple were broken but offered me a good deal so I got them with the intention of repairing them and selling them. When I got home I found a few of them had dead air brake and dogfight switches and the antenna elevation pots on all of them were dead. From searching online it seems thrustmaster has stopped supplying the antenna pots and CTS has stopped making them. I haven’t found a post on here or DCS or anywhere else listing a part number for replacement. Being mechanically inclined this land of electrical stuff is confusing but I’m trying to learn. I know the original CTS pots were 100k Ohm but somewhere I read 10K or 300k will work. I looked on digikey and mouser but I’m not sure which to get. I am wondering if anyone here has recently replaced their antenna pots and can provide the model number for the one they used?
Second question 2 of the sticks have FSSB R2. On one of them the X axis is dead and I was wondering if anyone knows whether realsimulator can fix those or has an up to date email address so I can get in contact? I sent an email to the sales and general info email addresses listed on their site 8 days ago but so far haven’t heard back.
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Update for everyone in the future that might have this issue.
Realsimulator got back to me and said if the FSSB 2 breaks you are SOL. They can’t repair them due to the strain gauges being epoxied to the board.
I found a replacement pot for the antenna elevation. The bushing diameter is a smaller than the CTS one but it still works no problem with the washer that comes with it.
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/tt-electronics-bi/P160KNP-0QC20B100K/987-1659-ND/4780750 -
Nice find! Does this one also have a center detent/notch like the OEM one?
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Unfortunately no center detent on that one. That same series (link below) has a center detent version but it was out of stock and the minimum order qty was 1,200.
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Bummer. If it would help solve your fit problem, there are these available -
Thinking the 6mm one might be the ticket?
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Oh there isn’t a fit problem the pot works great. Pretty much a drop in replacement. What I mean is the bushing on the pot is slightly smaller M7 instead of 3/8 like the CTS was so there is a small gap around the pot. Digikey includes a washer that is large enough to cover the gap and keep the pot from moving.
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Ahhh. Gotcha.
I’m left wondering why the El wheels I linked come in two different shaft sizes - thinking that either there’s a diff between the Cougar and the real thing, of people are finding at least two alternative pots?
May the bridges I burn light the way
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Fender sells a bass (guitar) blend pot, 16mm CTS, 100K linear with a center detent. Only difference from the original ANT pot is that it has a solid 1/4" shaft instead of a split splined shaft. You could drill out the ANT knob and epoxy it, but I just used a big set-screw knob that I already had.
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I think the real knob has a set screw, so I’m thinking you only upped the cool factor by doing that…!
May the bridges I burn light the way
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I bet the real one has two set screws, and probably mounts to a D shaft.
What my cougar needs is a new microstick. I’ve read that suitable replacements are available (unlike the XYZ pots). If anybody has a recommendation, I’l love to hear it!
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I think it just has the one; some of them I’ve seen also have a single screw on top -
https://www.flickr.com/photos/klafaille/6169711001/in/photostream/
I imagine there are a few flavors of these out there…I just missed a buying set (real grip, arm, and SSC replica with FCC3) over on ViperPits…talked myself out of the auction because I already have most of the rig - excepting a real throttle grip. Really would like to have one of those…
May the bridges I burn light the way
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Right on.
I don’t know who Keith LaFaille is, but some similar interests. Those BHW barrels are tack drivers.
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Hi Guys
Any newes about where to get a ant level potentiometer? -
Hi buzzkill
Found this for the microstick but dont know what ohms it is from Polish site.
Hope this is helpful to you.https://botland.com.pl/en/joystick-modules/13642-thumb-joystick-switch-41-directions-10x10x10mm.html
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Hi buzzkill
Found this for the microstick but dont know what ohms it is from Polish site.
Hope this is helpful to you.https://botland.com.pl/en/joystick-modules/13642-thumb-joystick-switch-41-directions-10x10x10mm.html
Thanks, but I tracked down some of the original microsticks several months ago (10K instead of 100K, doesn’t matter). I scored a couple for myself, and led the herd here to the rest of the supply, in a somewhat non-linear fashion maybe.
