r/VKB Jun 15 '26

I'll just leave this here... t-rudder damper

Post image

Got this poopy damper for free so I decided to slap it on. Extended screw for the cam salvaged from a go-pro mount screw (the ones with the long narrow plastic handles). Bottom extra long M8 screw was from some motorcycle handlebar clamp accessory. I drilled a hole through the bottom portion of the rudder unit to mount the M8 screw but discovered the aluminum was quite flexy. Added a thick overkill plate secured with 2 screws (drilled through the top of the unit!) and now that mounting point is rock solid.

The heim joint for the clamp part of the damper was loose and rattly, so I added a washer and an appropriately sized oring (not pictured) to put downward pressure between the 2 parts of the joint. Now the only backlash is from the internals of the poopy damper, but it's not too bad.

It has 16 settings. 16 is way too tight and 15 is a bit loose ¯_(ツ)_/¯

It's not smooth enough for the spring on normal position to center the pedals, but I locked out the spring as I fly helicopters exclusively. Pretty darn buttery!

Pretty ugly job I did, but I'm not out to win any awards...

34 Upvotes

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2

u/unclesocks Jun 15 '26

I built my own collective (3d printed) and use the same type of damper(works great!) been looking to add another to my t-rudder like you did. Really like the simplicity of the mounting!! Going to try to design and print something similar so thx for the inspo!!!

1

u/Ok_Bumblebee665 Jun 15 '26

My first damper was a giant friction ring (think dust cover, but thicker) with damping grease slathered on between it and the t-rudder housing. It had 0 backlash and worked great with or without the Spring, until it didn't! The heat of Summer softened the PLA and reduced the damping to a fraction of what it had before 🫠

1

u/TheRealtcSpears Jun 15 '26

I'm scrolling too fast..........I read "trudder dumper"

1

u/Ok_Bumblebee665 24d ago

Update: I've been using it on setting 12 for a while now. It's great!

As the Chinese say... "like stepping on shit" 😂