DIY RC System

Re-activate this project again, after being temporary shelf by wife (the wife actually "put it away", so I have to dig it out again.

Here are some photo of the  Logitech Flight Force Joystick  for PS2, in pieces of course:

I pick it up here:

http://www.directbuyhk.com/product_html/PlayStation_1___2_Logitech_Flight_Force_Joystick.html

Not bad for HKD70, with USB, it even works on the PC too! Shame I have to "butcher" it, might get another one to play with on the PC.

This project is based on Ian Johnson excellent blog here:

http://www.ianjohnston.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32:project-rc-joystick-tx&catid=3:hobbies&Itemid=8

and RC Group Forum:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1231017

So far:

1. Gutted the joystick; all the electronics, mounting is gone.
2. Re-wire all the buttons and pots; the button is map using some weird multiplex layout, I ended up just cutting tracks and re-wire all the switch to the connector. The connector only have 6 connection and there is ten switch not including the common wire, so I have add extra cable and solder directly to the buttons.
3. Found the latest version of Ian's software no longer fit on a ATMEGA168 ie. my old Bare Bone Arduino, so have to use my Arduino Nano, which happen to be on the Quadcopter. Just as well, since I just brought a Arduino Mini, thinking of replacing the Nano on the Quadcopter. This means I need a new shield for the Quadcopter! At this rate, I might never finish it! But thats' another story. Second though, might keep the Nano on the Quad and use the Mini on the joystick, since:
• Less messing about with the Quad
• There is a PCB already for the Mini
4. Make up a power cable from battery to Arduino and Corona CT8J. Must remember to put a Power switch in! 
5. Drill holes to mount the CT8J.

Things to do:

1. Make a shield for the Nano so all the button, buzzer, pots can connect to the Nano
2. Load the latest software onto the Nano Mini.
3. Get a pot and switch for the Aux inputs.
4. Drill mount holes for the Aux inputs, Power switch etc.
5. Some how mount battery and Arduino inside the joystick, double sided foam tape may be?
6. Connect everything and re-assemble the joystick (this is the hardest step).
7. Mod. my palm IIIx into a serial LCD display.
8. that's it!

Now if I can find time to do all these.......................

Update: 14/1/2013


Just found these:

ArduinoRCLib

http://sourceforge.net/p/arduinorclib/

and

Open source RC transmitter software for the Arduino | Arduino Radio Control

http://www.reseau.org/arduinorc/

The ArduinoRCLib are a set of Arduino Library, which you can build upon. It got all the ins and outs needed for an RC TX/RX system, but you have to put it all together, which is great if you need something quickly to test, ie. about 10 line of code.

While Open source RC transmitter is a complete TX system, all you need is a TX module and suitable input as in pot and switch.

So making an RC TX never been easier on an Arduino. Now only if I can find the time..........