r/HotasDIY • u/ninemiind • 24d ago

The VIRPIL throttle module was unavailable, so I built one

The Aeromax throttle module from Virpil is normally inexpensive, but it was unavailable when I wanted a second one. As anyone who's purchased from Virpil knows, their products are nearly always on a long backorder, so I decided to see whether I could make a replacement.

I modeled and 3D-printed the housing, throttle arm.. etc, designed a PCB in KiCad, and used the same bearing, magnetic angle sensor and a diametric magnet just like the original. I also had to reverse-engineer enough of the module/interface behavior to get it working with the VIRPIL hardware so that it's completely plug & play.

It is now a finished, working unit rather than just a prototype.

https://reddit.com/link/1vif3gv/video/8c9qqo3u41ih1/player

https://reddit.com/link/1vif3gv/video/zxwk3q8351ih1/player

The 3D files and assembly instructions/BOM are available on MakerWorld currently.

https://makerworld.com/en/models/3148591-virpil-aeromax-throttle-module#profileId-3556232

The entire project, including the KiKad project is available here:

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

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2

u/w_33_by 24d ago

Wow, great job! I have an Aeromax and just yesterday was thinking about attempting to make a custom throttle module for it. Would be amazing to learn more about the protocol and electronics here.

2

u/ninemiind 24d ago

Thanks!

I've been working on getting this cleaned up & adding instructions. I should have something within the next day or two and will update the post. This should be able to be used to create a custom throttle module that looks nothing like their existing one as well. Also, I noticed the interface on the Aeromax for the PCB supports a button as well. Though I'm not sure if Virpil's firmware already supports it. Could make for some pretty fun mods.

1

u/w_33_by 23d ago edited 23d ago

Thank you! I'm currently working on a DIY throttle module and might try some add-on for the joystick if it's not too hardwired.

Do the throttle modules even have any pcbs inside them or are they entirely controlled by the Aeromax hardware? I noticed that the joystick has two unused axes in the management tool, assuming these are for the side modules. Buttons probably should be addressed by their pin numbers and I'm wondering how much can be used if so.

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u/ninemiind 23d ago edited 23d ago

The throttle modules do have PCB but it's powered by the joystick, so the PCB is quite simple. One of the pins is for a button (or buttons?) but I haven't done anything with it myself just yet. I know Virpil themselves are working on button modules for the Aeromax but I'm not sure yet if the current firmware enables it.

I've gone ahead and posted most of the project on MakerWorld as of now. You can checkout the assembly guide and 3d models there for now. I will try to get a GitHub repo up with the KiKad project soon.

EDIT: I actually got the GitHub repo going quicker than expected. Here ya go! https://github.com/ninemind/aeromax-throttle-module

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u/wild_eye_pr 24d ago

Sweet! Good work!

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u/ninemiind 24d ago

Thank you!

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u/ninemiind 23d ago

I've updated the post to include links to GitHub/MakerWorld where you can find everything you need to build this project yourself or expand upon it.

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u/qdubbya 9d ago

Commenting so I can comeback to this later.

I’d be interested to see if this is possible to modify to mount onto the KBD using their side plate adapter.

I’m not sure if the electronics are close or could be modified using their existing middle throttle lever.

Great work, anyhow! I’ll post if I end up building it.