Using stepper motors to synchronize 2 Saitek Pro Yokes.

FLIGHT SIMULATOR using Stepper motors.

I am new at this, but I have a pretty good understanding of electronics and some programing.
I am building a full-size Boeing 767 ER cockpit simulator.
Got the mechanics and basic instrument panel done and programed (20 USB!)

I have 2 Saitek Pro Yokes, one for captain one for 1st officer. Although I can synchronize them mechanically, this is cumbersome and my wife is getting on my case. I thought it would be quite elegant to synchronize the two Yokes electronically using stepper motors connected to each axis (X and Y). The good thing is that there is a freeware open source program named FSUIPC that allows control of everything, input and output, including settings for a motion platform if one so desires. Anyway, I would like to know what is required as far as circuits using Arduino. I would also like to get recommendation from engineers or someone who understands stepper motors, which motors I should get (maker and number). The pressure on the yoke is about 1 1/2 pound for the Y axis (up and down) and less than 1 pound for the x axis (roll). I have open the yokes and can "transplant" the "innards into another chassis. So space is not a problem. The yokes will be mounted on a 3 inch PVC pipe with cables to roll and a triangular gear pivoting and rotating a potentiometer for up/down. Maybe there would be a better way to do this using light pulses being counted in each axis. Anyway, any help would be most welcome. I live in Phoenix Arizona and am a Physician. I was a nerd in HS and an amateur radio. I built receivers, transmitters, did "moonbounce" at around 1.2Ghz to communicate with other crazy people on the "cutting edge" in the 1970.s. I also participated on the construction of the first Amateur Radio Satellite; OSCAR-10, which is still in orbit and occasionally shows intermittent signs of life. I know basic circuitry but am somewhat lost as it comes to integrated circuits... (looks like a bunch of short circuits to me!).
Hope someone can bring me into modern times.

Sergio

This sounds much more complicated than a simple mechanical interconnection - what's wrong with doing that?

I presume the idea is that the yokes will stay synchronized even if the two pilots are trying to move them in opposite directions. If so the forces could be high.

How are the yokes synchronized in a real aircraft? How does one tell which yoke should be synchronized with which?

I think stepper motors would only be suitable if there is no possibility of the physical forces overwhelming the motors and causing them to lose position.

In any case, as well as the motors, each yoke will need a position detection system that would be used to tell the stepper motors where to position the other yoke. And if there is a position detection system maybe it could be used as part of a feedback system that would allow position keeping with regular DC motors. With a feedback system there would be no risk of missed steps, and the system could always recover synchronicity(?).

I've always been looking for evidence that physicians are too well paid :slight_smile:

...R