Rudder Trim Knob for Under $25

[emerydc8]

This is a home-brew rudder trim switch I made a few weeks ago. I got tired of using a rocker switch with a push button on either side to trigger the fast trim, but couldn't find a five-position switch that was spring-loaded to the center position. This trim knob has been working flawlessly for me. Below are some pics.

I used a 5/8" bolt and nut. I inserted a metal sleeve into the top of my center console, which is sandwiched between the bolt and nut. Two large fender washers were used on both sides. Once adjusting the nut to where it was tight enough to take out the slop but loose enough to allow it to rotate freely, I marked the position and tapped a 4" long (5mm) cap head bolt right through the 5/8" nut (and into the 5/8" bolt). There is a small finish nail inserted vertically into a small hole I drilled at the far end of the cap head bolt that triggers the switches when the arm moves left or right.

I wrapped small strips of metallic tape at the bases of the slow trim switches so they stick out slightly further and are activated first. Further deflection of the trim knob activates the fast trim switches. The four Cherry E21 switches were $2.48 each at the electronics parts store. The switches are stackable and they have two holes for mounting, so I was able to position them and tack two down on each side with small finish nails.

The centering device is just a few rubber bands tied at the cap head, stretched and tacked with a nail. I used a 2 1/2" wooden dowel for the trim knob itself.

PC-7 epoxy was used to glue the trim knob onto the head of the 5/8" bolt after removing some of the wood to allow the trim knob to fit over the head of the bolt. I also used PC-7 in some other areas to reinforce the linkage. The two long wood screws are used as mechanical limit stops on either side.

The whole thing was made for under $25. I admit it doesn't look pretty underneath the console, but all you can see is the trim knob on top anyway. Surprisingly, it is very sturdy. This worked out much better than I anticipated, so I wanted to pass it along to anyone who would like a more realistic rudder trim knob for engine-out maneuvers.

Jon D.

[cagarini]

Very good!  Thx for sharing - maybe one day I can have a similar setup at home :-)