Knobs for Alps Dual Concentric Encoders?

[hemmi]

Anyone know of a source for concentric knobs that will fit the Alps Concentric encoders. The inner shaft Dia. is 3.5mm and the Outer shaft is 6mm.

These do not need to be aircraft specific. Any source brand or style.

Thanks!

[dsnyder]

Been looking for this for quite awhile and just found that VRInsight sells them for about $2.75 EA (!!!!)

I have not ordered them myself yet, but thought I should post the info.

FYI: I ordered some from OpenCockpits but found out the inner shaft diameter on their knobs are 3mm - so no go.

- Dave

[dsnyder]

Quick update...

I just went to order a couple to try them out and found the shipping cost to the US is a flat 35EUR (about $47 USD). Outch.

I will have to wait around here to see if someone else has had any luck with those before I spend $100 on knobs that may not fit.

- Dave

[fsaviator]

Quick update...

I just went to order a couple to try them out and found the shipping cost to the US is a flat 35EUR (about $47 USD). Outch.

I will have to wait around here to see if someone else has had any luck with those before I spend $100 on knobs that may not fit.

- Dave

Dave, what are you ordering, and from who? I may be able to help out on the shipping

Warren

[dsnyder]

Sorry,

I guess that post was a bit ambiguous.

I was looking for the dual concentric knobs from VRInsight (http://www.vrinsightshop.com/shop/step1.php?number=39&b_code=B20111116050601).

- Dave Snyder

[dsnyder]

UPDATE:

I see that Leo Bodnar (http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=75&products_id=196) sells a Dual Concentric Rotary (ELMA E37 w/ 4/6mm shaft diameters) AND the knobs (grey or black) for about $32US.

[fsaviator]

Dave, what are you ordering, and from who? I may be able to help out on the shipping

Warren

Sorry Dave, they want an outrageous amount to ship to Germany too.

[petersm99]

Hello Dave,

Other options would be
for Knobs:
Opencockpits: http://www.opencockpits.com/catalog/standard-grey-concentric-knob-p-273.html?cPath=50, obviously the wrong size as Dave indicated......., then:
Simworld: http://www.sismo-soluciones.com/index.php/shop/knobs
And for Knobs and Dual encoders:
Simparts: http://www.simparts.de/epages/15465782.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/15465782/Products/15-0004 and http://www.simparts.de/epages/15465782.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/15465782/Products/200-0013

These certainly will not be the cheapest solutions but may be a cheaper option when considering the total cost to include shipping.
HTH,

Best Regards,
Marc

[dsnyder]

Thanks for the info, Marc (and thanks to Warren for checking as well).

The Simworld ones seem promising - I sent them an email asking for shaft diameters as they are not listed.

The Simparts dual concentric knobs are 6mm outer and 3mm inner (just like OpenCockpits), so I suspect you would have to drill the inner knob out a bit to fit the 3.5mm inner shaft of the Alps encoder.

By the way, OpenCockpits got back to me and confirmed that customers do just that - drill the 3mm inner knob shaft out to 3.5mm. I have heard then that you then put heat shrink tubing on the shaft of the inner encoder to "grip" the drilled out knob.

Dave

[petersm99]

Hello Dave,

I stumbled onto another knobs offer:
http://www.aviationmegastore.com/b737-standard-grey-concentric-knob-4tb2-opencockpits-4tb2-cockpit-building/product/?shopid=LM50f9a910edb8c64c8e49a9ba0f&action=prodinfo&parent_id=355&art=95911
I have dealt with the aviationmegastore many teams and they are quite reasonable people.
The inner knob is also 3mm so I guess the OC answer to drill out or ream the hole will apply to all the knobs.

Best regards,
Marc

[fsaviator]

Dave,
I was just going to try my hand at printing out some knobs built specifically for the Alps. Unfortunately, my power supply blew so I've ordered a replacement that should get here in a few days. If you want to wait, we can see what I end up with, and if it works for you, we'll go from there.

8316

[Geremy Britton]

Hi Warren, hope you're well, did you get to Lelystad this year? Unfortunuately not for me due to some big work commitments.

In regards to dual rotary knobs, some should be appearing on our website next month.
Otherwise best of luck finding some,

Regards

[fsaviator]

Geremy. I did make Lelystad. Missed you there this year. I'm actually good on knobs, but good to hear you'll be offering them.

Warren

[dsnyder]

Warren,

No problem for me to wait. Keep me posted and good luck!

I have not yet tried my hand a 3d printing, so I am very curious to see how it goes. We have a great Makerspace (http://milwaukeemakerspace.org/) here in Milwaukee with a number of 3d printers, but I have stayed too busy with my CNC machine and the clubs Laser Cutters. I think Knobs are a great application for 3d printers.