Collective Controllers
for Bell 206 type helicopter simulators
Since the release of the DodoSim 206 FSX helicopter software from Dodosim Flight Simulation, the enthusiast built Bell 206 helicopter simulator has gained considerable respect for how close we can come to a realistic training aid in a relatively low cost simulator. The accuracy of this software makes it suitable for real world helicopter training applications for home based simulators or as an effective tool for helicopter flight training schools. The main problem now is finding flight controls that resemble the real controllers, as well as controls that work similar to the real thing. Some simulator builders are converting real controls that have been obtained from ebay or aircraft wrecking yards, but these are hard to come by and vary greatly in condition and cost. Installing real collectives in some simulators could also be a little complicated, as they were not designed for this purpose.
On this page you will find the collective controls that I have been fabricating for other 206 simulator builders including commercial training simulators. The collectives are made from 6061-T6 aluminum and the parts are machined individually on a lathe/mill. The collective controller is intended to be permanently mounted to the seat base of the flight deck.
The spring loaded mechanical idle release button has a detent position that interacts with the rotating throttle grip to control fuel to the engine. The system allows realistic 206 startup, run-up, flight, and shutdown procedures. These collectives will mimic the real 206 collective when starting and cutting fuel to the engine, when using them with the DodoSim 206 FSX for Flight Simulator 10. The DodoSim 206 FSX settings dialog allows the calibration of a throttle grip equipped with a mechanical idle stop/release button.
Although these collectives were built for the realistic assignment features of the Dodosim 206 FSX aircraft, they can also work as a collective/throttle controller for other flight simulator helicopter models in FS9, FSX, and X-Plane.
The switches on the collective include a working push button starter switch, a three-way landing lights switch, and a two-way momentary governor "beeper" switch. The DodoSim 206 FSX for Flight Simulator 10 has functional dual landing lights. The 3-position landing light switch on these collectives will control one light or both landing lights together.
As well as the familiar rounded Bell 206 switch head displayed in FS9 and FSX, a rectangular style switch head version found in some JetRanger models is also available. The controllers are built to order, and usually require some lead time depending on what parts I may have completed and in stock.
The parts for the collective are machined from 6061-T6 aluminum stock.
Routing a rectangular aluminum switch head with milling machine.
Parts are pre-assembled for fit and then disassembled in order to apply black powder coat and bake the finish.
Finished collective mounting base with friction control.
Bell 206 Type Collective
(prewired with color coded wires for connecting to builders' existing interface controller)
Collective lever with twist grip throttle and mechanical idle release detent/fuel stop button.
Rounded Style Switch Head
Rectangular Style Switch Head
USB Interface Controller
(Optional)
A prewired and tested USB interface module is an option for new simulator installations.
Additional connectors can be added to the USB interface for quick connection of my cyclic and/or pedal controllers,
when sharing the same USB interface.
Dual Control Collectives
(for teaching and trainer type simulators)
* Note that these dual collectives are designed for a flight deck seat base that incorporates a rearward sloped step-down cutout,
to allow the main connecting tube and throttle rod to run just below the rear of the copilots seat.
Dual collective levers with synchronized throttle control.
Primary collective throttle linkage
Secondary collective throttle linkage
Secondary collective lever has cork covered throttle grip with a turned aluminum end cap.
For information on purchasing collective controllers, please E-mail or call.
E-mail: jjellen@nrtco.net
Phone: 613-646-7249
Computer Repairs//Jess Jellen
Box 477, Cobden,
Ontario, Canada, K0J1K0
