Wiring the removable co-pilot stick

[bruceh]

I like the idea of having dual controls, but also want to be able to remove the co-pilot stick when not needed. I have 2 Tosten grips (9 wires). Hardwiring the pilot stick is done. I ran the wires down the stick tube and out the bottom. Wiring in the co-pilot stick presents a couple of options. I could run the wires out the side of the tubing above the quick disconnect button and use a connector (db-9 type), or try to go down and out the bootom of the stick tube. Coming out of the side seems easier, but the connector is going to potentially interfere with the control movement. It doesn't look like there is much space between the stick and the seat pan cut out for a connector. Going down the tube and out the bottom doesn't have enough room for the connector between the control tubes for the ailerons.

I like the idea in this thread, but maintenance would be impossible.

What have others done here? Photos would be appreciated.

[alpinelakespilot2000]

Bruce-

I struggled with this too. Ultimately, and b/c I followed Vans SB to bolt the stick in place anyway, I chose to hardwire the PTT on the copilot stick.

In retrospect, what I realized is almost never will the plane be flown PIC from the right seat. Consequently, were I do to it again I would just do like Van's does on their demonstrators and put a PTT switch on the panel within easy reach of the co-pilot

[Lars]

I also have a Tosten grip on the passenger stick. I used a quick disconnect button like others have posted about. I found a 2-pin Molex connector small enough to fit inside the stick, then ran the wiring out the bottom. Protected the wires against chafing with some mil-spec "chinese finger" loom similar to what Tosten supplies on their grips.

I dropped a large snap bushing into the stick socket so the Molex connector on the fuselage end of the wiring couldn't fall through, then put a zip tie around the wire behind the connector so I could fish it out when needed. Not the best photo, but maybe it conveys the idea.

[Mel]

My passenger PTT is on the panel!

[Lars]

Originally Posted by Mel

My passenger PTT is on the panel!

Which means it's a heckuva lot simpler to wire up, too. Had I been more focused on simple when I was picking components and designing my wiring architecture, I probably would have done the same thing...

[Mark Burns]

Originally Posted by bruceh

I like the idea in this thread, but maintenance would be impossible.

Data point.
3-1/2 yrs and 640 hours....no maintenance required yet.

Mark

[Larco]

PTT switch and Mini Trim toggle sw. on panel in front of Co-Pilot. Love it. Larry

[rv7boy]

First big cross-country I took in an RV was as Co-Pilot to Sun'n Fun. My friend wanted me to occasionally use the radio to check weather, talk to other pilots, etc., while he remained PIC. (This was circa 1997.)

Every time I keyed the PTT on the Co-Pilot's stick we either gained or lost 20 feet or more in altitude. (Remember I was not flying, just talking. He was still PIC.)

That experience told me right then that when I finish my RV, the PTT for the Co-Pilot will be on the panel.

[BillFear]

Ours in on the panel, works out great and good to have a backup for the pilots side switch. Sure is nice to take the passenger control stick out for my wife.

[Mike D]

I have the tosten grips on both sticks in my -6a. I used a 9-pin mini din connector. The connector fits in the stick so there in no need to route the connection outside the stick which would weaken it.

There is some fine soldering to do and I needed to also put heat shrink tube on each solder joint. But it does work and it is easy to remove/replace the stick as needed. I wrapped the wire around a screwdriver to make a coil that easily takes up the slack when the stick is incerted into the base.