I modified a Virpil WarBRD joystick so it is more ergonomic, looks cool and can be used as a joystick and throttle simultaneously.
The original idea comes from the APU mech in the Matrix Revolutions movie, The Expanse's Rocinante, Mech manga and this video.
Materials:
optional rotary potentiometer
optional 5-pin JST PH male connector plugged into the base.
Assembly:
See pictures for details.
Assemble and tighten from bottom to top.
You can plug the potentiometer wires either:
in an Arduino Leonardo or Pro Micro, load the joystick library and follow the examples in Arduino tutorial chapter 3.
in the Virpil base.
When the wiring is done and the grip is connected, open the Virpil's configuration's tool, define 2 new axis (double click on a free axis) and calibrate them. That's it. Just take your time, it's very easy.
Known Issues and Planned improvements:
Designed to also fit the Thrustmaster F-16 grip, but untested.
Use this if you have issues with the balancing of the grip.
Disclaimer:
Plastic isn't as resilient as the metal of the grip. If you can make the lower lock out of metal: do. Otherwise consider resin. If it's not an option, don't be cheap on the plastic. Use PLA or stronger, go 100% infill and print with an angle (potential crack to filament layer). Adapt the joystick response curves so you don't yank your stick like a mad man. Then it'll be fine.