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