DESKTOP FSSB R1 and R2 Pat. Num. P200400509.

Customer list. EADS CASA, US Air National Guard, Holland Air Force, Lockheed Martin, AIDC.. and the best home pilots.

The Hotas Desktop System is an upgrade for the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar. It replaces the Cougar's original gimbal system and pots with a completely different system that uses force sensors to measure the displacement of the joystick. The joystick barely moves replicating the displacement values of the real F-16 side stick controller. Similarly, the forces for maximum displacement are replicated although these can be reduced to suit personal preferences.

This upgrade uses as many parts of the Cougar as possible to ensure that such a high fidelity product is affordable for the flight simulator enthusiast.

The modification is available in two models:

The FSSB R1: The R1 uses industrial quality force sensors found in tests laboratories of major car manufacturers.

The FSSB R2: The R2 is for the elite as it incorporates the same sensors used for stress tests by the likes of the European Space Agency, Airbus, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority etc. These sensors are guaranteed by the aeronautics industry quality standards, and have been in use for the last 60 years or more, being redeveloped and improved continuously over that period.

An FSSB R2 modified Cougar can be differentiated by the presence of a laser engraved identification top plate with crown (see picture). The FSSB R1 has a flattened top plate.

Both models offer 4 different force settings for each axis independantly, selectable using dip switches.
 

THE FORCE CALIBRATION:

During the last development phases we found that there was a big difference between the required pressure to fly with comfort and the high pressure that is required if you want to simulate the real thing. Due to this big difference, we decided to allow each customer to select the pressure that suits him best. This force selection can be achieved with the SWY and SWX micro switches mounted on the plate

On each microswitch you will find 25-17 on the left side and 6-8 on the right side. If the switch is placed to the ON position (right) force will be less. If it is placed in the OFF position (left) force is increased.

The adjustment can also be made in small steps for the X and Y-axis, allowing a customized adjustment.

In this way, the customer will be able to select and change the force in their own home, with the FSSB force select dip-switch . But let me assure you that the 17 to 25-pound selection needs to be secured as firmly as possible to the cockpit or the desk.

Adjusting or Mounting compensation

The sensing system uses a suspended arrangement to offset dimensional variations between different Cougar bases. The FFSB electronics provide two potentiometers that can be used to calibrate the installed system to zero out any effects of these dimensional variations. The adjustment of these potentiometers is very simple and we would like to explain why you have to perform it.

As you will see, the FSSB is fixed to the base by 4 M4 screws to the Cougar’s base. These screws make the FFSB hold firmly onto the Cougar’s base, but as this base is made of a low fusion injected metal (to keep the cost low) some deformation might appear when screwing the FSSB onto the base. These deformations will be detected by the sensors and interpreted as an applied force. The potentiometers PY1 and PX1 will therefore be used to compensate these false inputs and reset the zero position

Technical data

Independent force sensor for each axis
Green anodized fixation element
Stick fixation 4 M4
Sensor fixation 4 M3
Measurement electronic with separate channels
Independent zero adjust for each channel
Force selection in 4 levels for each axis
Inox AISI 304 Laser engraved Id plate
Required screws and nuts included
Electric connections made by connectors. No soldering required.
Max. Applied force 35 Lbs
Max. allowed force 45 Lbs
 

Installation manuals

Spanish www.realsimulator.com/Doc/FSSB_manual_Spanish.pdf
English www.realsimulator.com/Doc/FSSB_manual_English.pdf
French www.realsimulator.com/Doc/FSSB_manual_French.pdf
German www.realsimulator.com/Doc/FSSB_manual_German.pdf
 

FSSB FORUM

Price
R1 320€ + Shipping cost
R2 450€ + shipping cost
European Community Citizens must add the European taxes
Contact sales@realsimulator.com for ordering information or use credit card belove

Availability:

• FSSB R1: in stock

• FSSB R2: in stock

Testing and R+D dev. pictures

Here are some pictures of the quality control process and of the force displacement curves.