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We found a vendor in Europe that is still selling the
Simped F-16 Rudder Pedals
Note: When we first purchased these rudder pedals they were the
only type of flight simulator rudder pedals on the market besides the
CH Products Pro Pedals. Now, Saitek and Logitech are selling very
good rudder pedals and the Simped F-16 pedals are a less attractive
option because of their cost and overseas shipping.
German Rudder Pedals
These are flight simulator rudder pedals made in Germany, and they
look awesome, don't they?
They're the Simped F-16 USB rudder pedals
We made a little modification to raise the pedals and prevent them
from sliding across the floor.
And it attaches to our existing Floor Unit made from PVC pipe.
We used two 1x4 boards cut 18" long for the foot rails
and two 2x4 boards also 18" long,
with the rudder pedals attached to the top
Now we want the 1x4s to be perfectly parallel, so I'll show you how we
did that.
We start by drilling a pivot point in this 1x4
Measure down 3 1/2" to make an exact square.
Then measure half the square
And measure half again to find the exact center of the square
X marks the spot.
Repeat that at the end of each 1x4
Drill a hole with an 1/8" bit
We're attaching this 1x4 to a 2x4 and you see we're using a block of
wood and a builders square to keep the boards aligned with each
other.
So the 1x4 becomes a guide to drill a pilot hole into the 2x4
So the deck screw goes in nice and straight.
We just repeated that with the remaining corners and created a square
frame.
The idea is that we can adjust the square until the 1x4's are perfectly
aligned, then fasten it permanently.
You can make tiny adjustments by tapping the corner of the frame and
checking it against a builders square.
Now it's right where we want it, so we hold it in place with a couple
more deck screws
and attach another 2x4 board.
This board has served its purpose so we remove it.
We've brought the rudder pedals down to the workshop and taped the
USB plug so it doesn't get dirty.
Now we're going drill holes into the rudder pedals, but don't panic,
You see inside the base there are no internal wires or circuit boards
So we can drill here and here without damaging any vital components.
....
Again, we're using a board to help keep things square.
And attaching with round head wood screws and washers
We've been using Saitek rudder pedals and they work just fine. We
can replace them with the German rudder pedals without altering the
Floor Unit
You might choose to attach the pedals with Velcro if you need to adjust
the position for different pilots.
Or you can use a few more deck screws.
Notice in modern rudder pedals, they already provide mounting holes
for screws. Deck screws fit perfectly.
Now the rudder pedals are raised higher and fastened securely in
place but before we call this project a success, let's do one more little
thing.
Remove the pedals one last time
and paint the wood with some flat grey paint. In this case, we're using
tinted primer. Allow it to dry overnight.
Almost done.
Our heels are going to rub this surface and eventually rub off the paint.
We can protect that surface and our shoes with this aluminum foil tape.
This is great stuff. It's sold in hardware stores near the duct work and
ventilation supplies.
It's like aluminum foil, but sticks like tape.
It creates a smooth, metallic surface for our heels to slide on.
One last thing. These pedals tend to flop down at the most
inconvenient moments.
So use a small loop of rope to lasso the return spring like this. We still
have full usage of the pedal.
Now we can roll up to our existing Floor Unit and hold the office chair in
place with these Velcro straps
They're the same great rudder pedals, but so much better with these
simple little changes.
Simped F-16 Rudder Pedals
Note: When we first purchased these rudder pedals they were the
only type of flight simulator rudder pedals on the market besides the
CH Products Pro Pedals. Now, Saitek and Logitech are selling very
good rudder pedals and the Simped F-16 pedals are a less attractive
option because of their cost and overseas shipping.
German Rudder Pedals
These are flight simulator rudder pedals made in Germany, and they
look awesome, don't they?
They're the Simped F-16 USB rudder pedals
We made a little modification to raise the pedals and prevent them
from sliding across the floor.
And it attaches to our existing Floor Unit made from PVC pipe.
We used two 1x4 boards cut 18" long for the foot rails
and two 2x4 boards also 18" long,
with the rudder pedals attached to the top
Now we want the 1x4s to be perfectly parallel, so I'll show you how we
did that.
We start by drilling a pivot point in this 1x4
Measure down 3 1/2" to make an exact square.
Then measure half the square
And measure half again to find the exact center of the square
X marks the spot.
Repeat that at the end of each 1x4
Drill a hole with an 1/8" bit
We're attaching this 1x4 to a 2x4 and you see we're using a block of
wood and a builders square to keep the boards aligned with each
other.
So the 1x4 becomes a guide to drill a pilot hole into the 2x4
So the deck screw goes in nice and straight.
We just repeated that with the remaining corners and created a square
frame.
The idea is that we can adjust the square until the 1x4's are perfectly
aligned, then fasten it permanently.
You can make tiny adjustments by tapping the corner of the frame and
checking it against a builders square.
Now it's right where we want it, so we hold it in place with a couple
more deck screws
and attach another 2x4 board.
This board has served its purpose so we remove it.
We've brought the rudder pedals down to the workshop and taped the
USB plug so it doesn't get dirty.
Now we're going drill holes into the rudder pedals, but don't panic,
You see inside the base there are no internal wires or circuit boards
So we can drill here and here without damaging any vital components.
....
Again, we're using a board to help keep things square.
And attaching with round head wood screws and washers
We've been using Saitek rudder pedals and they work just fine. We
can replace them with the German rudder pedals without altering the
Floor Unit
You might choose to attach the pedals with Velcro if you need to adjust
the position for different pilots.
Or you can use a few more deck screws.
Notice in modern rudder pedals, they already provide mounting holes
for screws. Deck screws fit perfectly.
Now the rudder pedals are raised higher and fastened securely in
place but before we call this project a success, let's do one more little
thing.
Remove the pedals one last time
and paint the wood with some flat grey paint. In this case, we're using
tinted primer. Allow it to dry overnight.
Almost done.
Our heels are going to rub this surface and eventually rub off the paint.
We can protect that surface and our shoes with this aluminum foil tape.
This is great stuff. It's sold in hardware stores near the duct work and
ventilation supplies.
It's like aluminum foil, but sticks like tape.
It creates a smooth, metallic surface for our heels to slide on.
One last thing. These pedals tend to flop down at the most
inconvenient moments.
So use a small loop of rope to lasso the return spring like this. We still
have full usage of the pedal.
Now we can roll up to our existing Floor Unit and hold the office chair in
place with these Velcro straps
They're the same great rudder pedals, but so much better with these
simple little changes.
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