r/VIRPIL

I wanted a second throttle module for my AeroMax, but of course it was on backorder. I already had one of VIRPIL’s official modules, so instead of waiting for them to come back in stock, I took mine apart, figured out how it worked, and made another one.

I modeled and printed the housing and throttle arm, recreated the PCB in KiCad, and used the same basic setup as the original: a bearing, magnetic angle sensor, and diametric magnet. I also worked out enough of the interface to make it plug-and-play with the AeroMax.

It’s finished and working now, so I’ve released everything needed to build one: printable models, editable STEP files, the PCB design, BOM, and assembly instructions. The STEP files should also make it a good starting point for custom modules, such as larger throttles, a mini helicopter collective, an ejection handle, or whatever else someone comes up with.

There’s also a connection pin on the AeroMax base for a button, or possibly multiple buttons. The corresponding pogo pin is present on my PCB, but I left it without a trace to match VIRPIL’s original throttle PCB. I haven’t verified whether the current VIRPIL firmware supports that input yet, but if it does, it could make custom modules even more interesting.

Here’s my original post with more background on the project:

https://www.reddit.com/r/HotasDIY/comments/1vif3gv/the_virpil_throttle_module_was_unavailable_so_i/

Files and assembly guide:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/3148591-virpil-aeromax-throttle-module

Full project and KiCad files:

https://github.com/ninemind/aeromax-throttle-module

Just wanted to show off my custom 3d printed hiding and sliding mounts for my Virpil CM3 throttle and control Panel 1 attaching to my aluminium profile rig.

The rig is a multipurpose race, flight and general work station which 'converts' in a sense depending on use case. I wanted to have the throttle and control panel mounted but not be in the way when not in use. So now they 'hide' away under the 'wings'.

The Mounts:

The custom 3D printed mounts allow for forward and back motion by sliding in the 40120 aluminium profile slots and also side to side adjustment using 2 x 4040 straight line connectors connecting to the virpil units original underside M5 mounting holes. Those connectors then slide on the 3D printed mounts whose base connects to the 40120 alu profile using 3030 straight line connectors (30 or 40 series will work. I only had 30 series available).

The mounts have 2x M6 holes at the rear to use M6 thumbscrews (not shown in pics) to push into the 4040 straight line connectors to lock the throttle and control panel in their horizontal position although they are already tight enough they don't really need them.

The Wings:

The 40120 sections are 280mm long and have their centre hole at each end tapped. They are held in and rotate on an M8 bolt and t-nut which slides in the smaller 100mm 4040 piece of profile running parallel at each end. The 3D printed handles slot into the adjacent 4080 profile 8mm slots and hold the 40120 profile in position. You pull the handle out, rotate, then push back in to lock the position.