AV8R -02 Mapping and External Aileron Sensitivity

[SEE]

Please note that its the Elevator Sensitivity not Ailerons as I stated in the thread title.


This thread maps the key functions and controls of the AV8R - 02 Stick for Xbox consoles.

Part one deals with re-assigning the controls using additional switches located in a more convenient location and re-mapping the top hat switches if desired.



Important.

Please note that whilst the AV8R is a very easy to modify, any modification will void your guarantee.

You must check that your model matches the information shown below, particularly if the connector blocks appear different. Changes in colour code may or may not be significant.

If you use the stick for Ace Combat 6 then you will also be affecting the controller functions for that game.

This extent to which these sticks can be modified is shown below, mine is modified for SIM flying.








The AV8R has two internal Circuit Boards one of which is the main board with a number of connectors. The second PCB hosts the switches located on the rear of the Joystick . The function of these switches is to ground (connect to zero volts) a particular wire in order for that function to be enabled. The type of switch is a 'press to make' or PTM and these are available in various sizes. The ones I use are commonly available in a wide range of colours.

Any additional switches will need a Zero volt connection (Ground). The simplest method is to 'daisy chain' each additional switch to a common earth point.

Earth Point. The easiest is located on the Headphone/Mic socket. Behind it you will see a small PCB. On the extreme right (stick inverted + base removed) is an insulated braided wire this is a zero volt ground rail.

Each Connector block is identified by its CN number. The wires are colour coded and appear in the relevant box along with their functions. Only those that are of interest to most players are shown. Two examples of what is involved are shown below. Drilling the holes and fitting the new switches is not covered, only the method.





E.g. 1. Zoom located closer to throttle using additional switch


The zoom function is found on CN3 - Lilac - top right of the connector block. Follow this wire to the PCB that incorporates the switches. Note that it is soldered at the edge of the board and easy to assign an additional wire on top of the existing solder connection. Adhesive is used to prevent these wires falling off due to vibration, carefully remove any adhesive then solder an additional wire to the existing one (leave the original in place). Link the new wire to the vacant terminal of the new switch.. The other terminal should be earthed as described above. (The original switch will function from the rear as normal but you have now added a second switch in Parallel that does exactly the same)

E.g. 2 Map function assigned to Top Hat X button and X function (Bombs, etc) re- assigned to a new switch closer to throttle.

Note:- The top hat switches are earthed already.

X Button function located CN6 - Orange -top left. Check you have the correct one by following it to the stick where it will disappear. Snip this at a convenient point that allows you to solder new link wires in order to lengthen them if necessary. The cut Orange wire that exits the stick must now be soldered to CN2 Lilac (Map - LB function). Once again, trace this wire to the solder terminal on the rear PCB (as above in e.g.1) and connect to that. Use heat shrink sleeving to cover all exposed soldered joint when lengthening cables.

The remaining Orange wire that goes to the CN2 terminal block is (extended if necessary) connected to the new switch. The new switch is now the X function and the top hat X switch is the map function.



Part 2- Elevator Sensitivity Control

I am currently evaluating this modification but worth mentioning as it means you no longer have to use the option menu and the sensitivity can be left at maximum. So far it seems to work on the Spits, P47 and P51-D but have to fully test it on all the a/c before posting tech details.

Fully anti -clockwise gives full sensitivity (LA5FN e.g)
As you rotate the knob the Elevator sensitivity will be reduced.

The control can be adjusted anti-clockwise during flight and at the first sign of twitching in a tight turn just ease it slightly c/w.

[stealth finger]

Nice, if I was more electronically minded I might be inclined to try it.

[bobbysocks]

nice mod. way beyond my abilities. i can actually deal with most of the original set up but would like the flaps close to where you have it set.... and i would like to see the POV on the throttle...so i could work it with my thumb. but great job...