Behind the scenes

Solving the loose USB contact issue in the Honeycomb Alpha Yoke. It has been reported in some cases that the USB connection to the computer sometimes broke down. Wobbling or pushing the connector in the USB port could restore the connection, but in the same manner, cable or connector movement could interrupt the connection. This is not really a fault, but the result of cumulative tolerances on the small USB-C system. In some cases the USB port is a little bit too deep inside the Alpha housing, preventing the USB cable to go deep enough to insure reliable electrical contact. On the picture below, the USB port is “buried” a little too deep inside …

Installing the Xplane 11 Honeycomb Configurator for Xplane 12 NOTE : This tutorial ONLY applies if you DO NOT already have a working configurator installed for Xplane 11 ! If you have a working XP11 Configurator installed already, please follow this tutorial HERE This isn't an official compatibility statement. Xplane 12 Configurator is still worked on. Please download this driver : https://freeware.aerosoft.com/forum/downloads/AS_HONEYCOMB_XP11_WIN_V2.zip Extract it and then open the Setup_V210 Folder : (Do NOT run AS_HONEYCOMB_XP11WINDOWS_V2200.exe) Once in the folder, run Setup.exe as administrator : Click Ne…

Vincent at Honeycomb suggested that I download your Honeycomb Configurator for XP 11/12. I see what appears to be a version for Windows. Do your have a version that will run on my Mac Studio M3 Ultra chip? Thanks. Andy

Using the Xplane 11 Honeycomb Configurator in Xplane 12 There is a quick and dirty fix to be able to use the current Honeycomb Configurator for Xplane 11 in Xplane 12. NOTE : This tutorial ONLY applies if you already have a working configurator installed for Xplane 11 ! If you DO NOT have a working XP11 Configurator installed already, please follow this tutorial HERE This isn't an official compatibility statement. Xplane 12 Configurator is still worked on. The basic idea is simply to copy the whole Configurator files from the Xplane 11 folder to its exact counterpart location in Xplane 12. Then start the conf…

Fixing loose levers on the Honeycomb Bravo Throttle If you experience lever loosenes, especially the left one (usually speedbrake) that the tensioning knob cannot solve and if you can hear sound of loose parts in the housing, then this fixing method could help you. The retaining circlip at the end of the lever shaft, also used as a tensionning rod most likely popped out from its groove. That explains the looseness of the levers and the loose part sound in the housing. First, carefully open the housing. Make sure you don’t damage the USB connection between the connector plate attached to the removable cover and the chassis inside the unit. …

Expanding your cockpit with Spacedesk NOTE : We don’t sell, support, promote, guarantee or even deeply know this product. This post isn’t a guarantee it will function with your computer or modules or display. It is purely informational within the scope of a free open forum Spacedesk is a utility allowing to add extra displays to your computer by linking multiple computers or tablets via a Local Area Network (e.g. Ethernet or Wireless) As per the Spacedesk website : The Primary Machine where the simulmator is installed runs the spacedesk DRIVER software. It includes network display server software and disp…

Replacing the printed circuit of a TCA throttle module. This short tutorial will show you how to replace the internal printed circuit of a Thrustmaster TCA spoiler module. The same procedure can be applied to the flaps module. You first need of course to purchase a replacement board : STEP 1 : Remove the module from the main throttle module. STEP 2 : Remove the 4 rubber feet. STEP 3 : Remove the mounting screws underneath the rubber feet. STEP 4 : Remove the knob of the lever by unscrewing the 2 mm Allen set screw. STEP 5 : The lever is now free to slide off the plastic housin…

Removal of the Gear lever of the Bravo Throttle STEP 1 : Remove the hollow knob by pressing the little latch down. Knob is removed : STEP 2 : Remove the detent spring inside the housing. STEP 3 : Remove the 3 screws holding the gear assembly. Assembly is removed : STEP 4 : Unscrew the lever holder screws. The lever holder is removed : STEP 5 : CAREFULLY unlock the lever attachment with a flat screwdriver. Do not force. This is the tricky part… Lever is removed :

Using a USB graphic adaptor with RealSimGear GNS-530 The RealSimGear modules require a free graphic port to connect their built-in display onto wich the existing instrument in the simulator will be dragged-dropped. If all the available ports of your graphic card(s) are used by the outside views or other modules, you need to add an extra graphic card. One option to avoid the cost and installation hassle of an internal card it the use of an external USB graphic adaptor This post will show you the implementation of such an adapter, the StarTech USB32HD2 https://www.startech.com/en-us/display-video-adapters/usb32hd The cost of this adapter is a…

Behind the scenes : Hall sensors vs resistive potentiometers To measure values, for instance pitch, bank, throttle settings, we need to measure the displacement or position of a physical device. (Yoke handle, throttle lever, etc.) There are to commonly used systems to do this : The resistive potentiometers and the Hall effect sensors. 1 - RESISTIVE POTENTIOMETERS : A potentiometer is actually a resistance bridge (R1 & R2) with a variable (displaceable) middle-point. (For info, this assembly is also called a Voltage Divider) The simplified formula says that the middle point voltage is proportional to R2 / (R1 + R2) So, if the …

Behind the Scene : Main differences between the Alpha Yoke and the Alpha Yoke XPC internals This picture shows the few differences between the standard (PC/MAC) Honeycomb Alpha Yoke and the XPC version (XBOX/PC/MAC) internals. From a purely mechanical standpoint, both units are 99,99% similar. --> Same pitch linear dual carriage, same bank sliding mechanism... MAIN DIFFERENCES : 1 – The resistive potentiometers are replaced by Hall sensors in the XPC 2 – The interface board includes a connector to the XPC hub and a PC/XBOX selection switch in the XPC 3 – The cable routing is more tidy 4 – Extra Xbox-specific…

Behind the Scenes : Just for fun – A customer setup we helped developing. Years ago, a customer of our daughter company, SimWare Simulations, wanted to build a B737 setup in his apartment. The customer has a stressful job with heavy executive responsibilities. The simulator is his way for freeing his mind after work ! SimWare helped him to build a rather complete simulator, on a reasonable budget in a very limited space. The setup includes : A modified Agronn Xtop (the instruments parts was replaced by a 17” display on wich a modified (panel.cfg) 2D instrument panel was dragged. An OpenCockpit B737 yoke A VirtualFly TQ-6 t…

Behind the Scenes : How does the Honeycomb POV Switch work ? As we had to make some repair to a defective POV switch on an Honeycomb Alpha yoke, we took this opportunity to show you how this specific switch assembly works from an electrical standpoint. When the front plate is dismantled, we can see the printed circuit onto wich the POV switch switch is mounted : The system is made of 4 dip-switches, installed 90° from each other. The POV button itself is connected to a small rod . When the user pushes the button, the rod will enter in contact and press one of the 4 buttons. 4 buttons but 8 positions ?? Indeed there are o…

Behind the Scenes : Replacing two rocker switches on a Honeycomb Alpha yoke The two right rocker switches of a unit apparently broke. The nut, lockwasher and knob went missing. STEP 1 : Unit is received and unpacked STEP 2 : Damages are confirmed STEP 3 : Removing the plate STEP 4 : There are the switches STEP 5 : Replacement parts are ready. STEP 6 : Removing the old switches and installing new ones. STEP 7 : Mounting them on the plate STEP 8 : Plate is back in place STEP 9 : New caps are mounted STEP 10 : Testing the repair S…