Elevator Trim Wheel

Cessna 172 Style Elevator Trim Wheel – Flight Simulator Controller (Arduino HID)

This model is an elevator trim control wheel designed for flight simulator use. Both in appearance and operation, it closely resembles the trim wheel of a Cessna 172.

The total mechanical travel is approximately 4.5 turns, providing a realistic control feel during simulator operation.

Main Features

• Realistic large-diameter trim wheel
• Approximately 4.5 turns full travel range
• 5-turn, 10 kΩ helical potentiometer
• Arduino Pro Mini based USB HID controller
• Recognized as a single-axis (slider) input on the computer
• Screw-assembled, easy-to-service construction

Printing Information

The trim wheel can be printed in two different ways:

1. As a single piece, using supports
2. Split into two halves, making printing easier (can be glued or screwed together)

The remaining components are designed as separate parts to improve printability and ease of assembly. They are assembled using M3 screws (various lengths required).

Threads on the opposite side can be:

• formed directly with the screw itself, or
• created using a thread tap.

Electronics

• Helical potentiometer: 5-turn, 10 kΩ
• Controller: Arduino Pro Mini programmed with HID firmware
• Recognized by the computer as a single slider axis

The connection between the wheel shaft and the potentiometer shaft is made using a ~25 mm long, 6 mm diameter fuel hose.
This can be replaced with:

• heat shrink tubing
• silicone tubing
• or any similar flexible shaft coupling solution

Recommended Use

• Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS), X-Plane, etc.
• DIY cockpit building
• Cessna 172 style panel reproduction

If you'd like, I can also prepare:

• recommended print settings (layer height, infill, material),
• a detailed BOM (parts list),
• or a short assembly guide.