This project shows how to construct a "bare bones" throttle controller for up to four engines. It is essentially a 4-axis, 4-switch analog controller, which plugs into a standard PC games port or can be expanded for those modern computers without such, to connect via a USB port.

Make no mistake, Flight Sims (FS) and many Flight Combat Games (FCG) are complex software.

You’ll typically learn to master them by throttling all engines (assuming a multi-engine plane!) by the same amount at the same time.

But as any pilot will tell you, that is simply not realistic. You need to be able to control the engines individually.

Before we proceed further, a few words about controlling Flight Simulators are appropriate. A twist-handle USB joystick (4 axis – Aileron, Pitch, Rudder & Throttle) is absolutely essential even for the beginner. Taxiing, take offs and landings are pretty miserable without proper rudder control on the joystick.

If you have the readies, this commercial throttle unit (CH USB 300-133) is regarded as one of the best around. Ours is just a tad simpler and a whole lot less expensive!

Don’t be tempted to buy cheap basic joysticks. You’ll regret it! Common good brands are Microsoft, CH, Saitek and Logitech. All of these now use the USB port.

Assuming one has mastered the basics of flying using one throttle control that varies all engines’ RPM simultaneously, it’s time to now proceed to individual throttle control. Unfortunately, though, that control is not available on typical joysticks.

That’s where this project comes in. It allows the "pilot" (you!) to vary the individual engine speed (measured in revolutions per minute or RPM) using Microsoft’s proprietary Control Panel settings in Windows. It would be wonderful if Microsoft would embody say eight or sixteen arbitrary "axis" and the same number of "buttons" in their next incarnation of Windows but for the moment 4 + 4 is the best available.