Lizard skin stick grips

[Podunc]

Greetings all,

I've searched the forum and no one ever addressed an insert for the top of the lizard grip stick grips. I had some inserts machined up and I'm happy to report they work and feel great!

Please find the attached pictures for those of you who would like to use the design.

Cheers,
Po

Kitfox IV
912 ULS
70" IVO Prop

[Podunc]

Here is a diagram/drawing with some dimensions I used and an final install picture. Additionally, I haven't figured out how to rotate images so I apologize in advance.

Cheers,
Po
22723

[ratc]

Which PTT button did you use? In his installation TP uses a button that is quiet a lot larger than the standard.
The larger being much better in my opinion !

[Podunc]

I used the existing switches (Part # 11-14195 (tel:11-14195)) which can be found here: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/av/ptt/cag11-14195.php

Mine have a dust cover which have been worn off!

I too like the larger switch hat, but can't justify the $$ for new PTT switches when these work. Eventually they will be replaced, but not any time soon.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,
Po

[Dbb135]

Hi Po, Thanks for sharing your design. Are those the Lock-On Shorty Grips from Lizards Skins? I just ordered the Lock-On Bearclaw grips and am hoping they aren't too long, or I may have to return and get the shorties.

I am 3D printing the ptt button insert and am using a URTONE UR168 momentary push-button. I will share my design once it is complete. Travelling this week, so hoping to finish it up early next week.

Dan
Kitfox IV
912UL

[Podunc]

You’re welcome. Affirm, they are shorties. Note the bottom clamp holds the grip to the tube and the top secures the PTT insert. Don’t slide the grip all the way down to the bend in the tube or the bend will put tension between the clamp and the plastic portion of the grip. You’ll see how the clamps are attached to the plastic portion with two clips.

It it will be cool to see your design/finished product.

Cheers,
Po

[efwd]

I just got mine in the mail. two different color clamps with N69EF laser etched into them. Going to be nice. No hurry though since Im flying a bunch. Maybe at my annual.

[Podunc]

Please post a pic whenever you get them installed.

Cheers,
Po

[Dbb135]

You’re welcome. Affirm, they are shorties. Note the bottom clamp holds the grip to the tube and the top secures the PTT insert...Cheers,
Po

Here is an update on my PTT switch and control grip replacement. I created a 3d modeled/rendering and 3d printed the button/grip adapter. The 3d printed adapter has with M16x1 threads to allow the PTT button to be threaded directly into the adapter, which eliminates the need to use the provided nut. I removed the control sticks, removed the old grips and PTT buttons, removed the control stick paint and repainted with gloss black. The new button is due to arrive today and the wiring/connectors will arrive tomorrow by Thursday. I chose 4pin JST SM connectors which will allow easy removal of the control stick in the future without the need to cut the wiring. Heat shrink will be place on the wire near the control stick exit hole to protect the wiring.

Total weights:
LizardSkins Bearclaw: 105 grams (x2)
3D Printed adapter: 4.12 grams (x2)
Button: 22 grams (will confirm actual weight when the button arrives) (x2)



Here are a few pics of the progress:

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[Podunc]

Very nice. Shoot, I may go your route!

I like the blue accents next to the PTT button.

[Dbb135]

Update #2:

The push-buttons and connectors arrived and I was able to get one of the control sticks wired up today. I will be going to my hangar in the morning to get these installed and tested! I will post some pics of them installed along with a final parts list tomorrow.

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[Podunc]

Dang! That looks nice. Could you post the part number and where you ordered the PTT switch please?

Did your grip end up like mine, in that only the bottom clamp is keeping the grip on the vertical control tube?

Your mock up on the computer is very accurate with the real thing. Great job. Can’t wait to see how it look in the aircraft.

Cheers,
Po

[Dbb135]

Thanks for the positive feedback Po! Greatly appreciated. The push-button I chose is a UR168. I have used these in my industry (nuclear) and really like the look and the haptic feedback they provide when pressed. The internal LED (if you decide to use it) is 12-24vdc.

Let me know if you would like two of the 3d printed inserts. More than happy to print some off and send them your way.

Pic of the LED illuminated:

22833

[efwd]

I would love to get my hands on a couple of those myself. If the offer extends to others, please PM me. thanks.

[tracstarr]

Could you post the 3d file? I have a printer and would love to try it out.

[Dbb135]

The 3d file can be downloaded from my Thingiverse page: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3783281

Post a 'Make' if you print them! If there is enough interest I can put together a 'kit' and make them available (3d printed parts, pushbuttons, connectors, grips...).

[Podunc]

Dbb135,

In the second picture you have a black connector, did you purchase that connector separately or did it come with it?

Thanks!

Cheers,
Po

[Dbb135]

Update #3:

The LizardSkins and PTT button are installed. The LizardSkins Bearclaw that I chose fits and allows full range of motion in my Kitfox IV, however I recommend purchasing the LizrdSkins Shorty, as Podunc suggested. My control stick does not go past the front of the instrument panel in my Kitfox, however after looking at a friends Kitfox IV, his control sticks go forward an additional few inches past his instrument panel. I ordered a set of Shortys and will swap thing out once they arrive, just to give some extra clearance. The Bearclaws are much too large anyway and I think the Shortys will look better.

Po, to answer your question regarding the black connector, it is a JST SM 4pin Male/Female. I purchased them here: https://www.amazon.com/RGBZONE-20Pairs-Female-Connector-Adapter/dp/B075K3M1TB/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=jst+sm+4+pin&qid=1564709293&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Here is a pic of them installed. I will get a better picture tomorrow (my 10 year old triplets were inhibiting my concentration to get a good photo! lol).

22855

[mike92104]

The 3d file can be downloaded from my Thingiverse page: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3783281

Post a 'Make' if you print them! If there is enough interest I can put together a 'kit' and make them available (3d printed parts, pushbuttons, connectors, grips...).

I'd be interested in a "kit".

[Dbb135]

I'd be interested in a "kit".

I'll put together a kit with instructions. The kit will include the following:

2 switches
2 switch connectors with pigtail
2 JST Male connectors with pigtail
2 JST Female connectors with pigtail
2 3d printed switch adapter fittings

Grips will need to be purchased that have two locking grips, I recommend LizardSkin Shortys, but you choose what you like and what will fit your Kitfox.

I think $30 + shipping is fair. Send me a private message if interested.

Also, I am fairly new to the group, so if selling items on the forum is frowned upon, please let me know.

[DesertFox4]

Also, I am fairly new to the group, so if selling items on the forum is frowned upon, please let me know.

As you are new, the short answer is no you can not advertise and sell products on TeamKitfox.com unless you are a paid sponsor like all the good folks at the top of every page are.

Now, everyone that saw your post and can figure out how to email you behind the scenes (do not post your email in the thread) might contact you that way if they could use your kit.

Do not use TeamKitfox's Private Messaging feature for contacting the poster about this kit. Private messaging impacts my costs for service ever so slightly but emailing does not.

[mike92104]

Installed minus wiring.

[Dbb135]

Looks fantastic! I really like the grips you chose.


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[mike92104]

I think they're pretty sharp! Thanks again. I'd show a picture with the red light on, but I don't have any electrical in the plane yet.

[PapuaPilot]

Have you considered the stick travel and whether they might hit your panel with the elevator full forward? It looks like your sticks are very tall may hit the panel. This problem happens quite often. I had to shorten my sticks so the grips wouldn't do this.

[mike92104]

I think the camera angle makes them look a little taller than they are, but I'll definitely keep this in mind. Thanks for the tip.

[desertdave]

Anybody find an alternate source for the end piece? I emailed Dbb135 and haven't heard back.

[Dbb135]

Sorry I missed your email. Which end piece are you referring to?


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[desertdave]

Great chatting with you. I'll post up pictures when I get things installed.

[4Hummer]

I didn't use Lizard Skin grips as they don't ship to Canada, Amazon.ca had a few but not the style I like and they were well over $100 for the Lock on Shorty grips, Instead I used Spank Lock on Short Grips ($50 for the pair with shipping)

Even tho I have a 3D Printer The "Kit" offered here was cheaper then I could source JUST the PTT Switches and came with the 3D printed adapters, 2 PTT buttons, wiring connectors, and instructions, it is a very complete kit.

I used heat shrink over the sticks instead of painting them.

Spank Grips, PTT, 3D Printed adapter, stick and heat shrink.

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Testing the LED,
23760

Installed: I have it wired so the LED Ring turns on when the radio is powered up.
23761

Installed on my Model IV, I can attest they do not interfere with the dash.
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Super fast shipping (Even to Canada) Highly recommend

[Dbb135]

They look great! Your idea of heat shrink over the control stick tubing is a fantastic idea.


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[Hawkertech]

Did you have to sand the adapter or grip to make then fit? It look like I need to sand some off the adapters.

[Dbb135]

They should slide right into the grip locking rings. Note that they do not go into the control stick tube. There may be a slight edge on the bottom that could be sanded if needed, but nothing too aggressive should be required. Send some pics and maybe I can assist further.


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[Hawkertech]

I dont have the control stick tube yet, just the ptt and grips. This is as far as I can get it in easily. Without sanding or filing.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200111/9a98611e38a614aca96037fe3509d9a4.jpg

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[4Hummer]

I had to sand down the connector, the clip part

See if it will install without the wiring first to see if thats your problem

[Hawkertech]

Just trying to get a few minor things while I wait 18 months for my kit.

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[Hawkertech]

Wasn't the wiring, hand to slightlt file the inside of the grips, and debur the switch adapter. We just moved took a bit to find my files.

[Dbb135]

Glad it worked out for you. What make and model grips did you purchase? I am more than happy to modify and send you new 3d printed parts at no charge. I have only tested these with LizardSkins, so other brands might have slightly difference physical dimensions.

Good luck on the kit and I look forward to seeing some pics of them installed!


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[Hawkertech]

I bought the spank grom grips. And I have 2 extsr ptt assemblys I misread the ebay site and ordered 2, missed where it says they come as a set of 2

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[desertdave]

Like a glove

[Dbb135]

Like a glove

Wow! Looks great. Thanks for sharing!


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[tracstarr]

Here's how mine turned out. Very happy with it. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200314/e903c1d5cf55e5c464430a8c7c5927e4.jpg

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[Podunc]

Looks great! What size heat shrink did you use over the sticks?

[desertdave]

Funny, I ordered 2" black heat shrink about 10 minutes ago from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JMJBTSD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll report back after I install it.

[kitfoxrk]

Hello All,

I was looking for options on grips and ptt switches and found this thread. I am a novice at wiring and of course became confused at what I saw. The switch has 5 wires coming off of it, but the pigtails only have 4 wires. Where does the white wire go?

Thanks in advance for any responses.
Bob

[Dbb135]

Bob, I'll send you a message with my contact info. More than happy to discuss. After our discussion I will post a diagram.

Dan

[Kitfox Pilot]

Looks great! What size heat shrink did you use over the sticks?

I used 1'' heat shrink on my control sticks. They came out good I thought. I'd say 1 1/4 might be easier to make the bends but more to shrink up also.

[dothedr3w]

Nothing like reviving an old thread.

What size bike grips are compatible with the kitfox stick? 31.8mm?