August 24, 2022
Description
DIY 3D Printed low profile magnetic paddle button. Can be used for gear shifting, in my case it is connected to the Windscreen Wipers button I usually use on my Rally Steering Wheel.
Assembly video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnCEc2bt4_I
Parts needed:
N.B. - Switch arm should be slightly bent with pliers to fit the lower profile mechanism, it is visible in the video
The idea was to recreate the Windscreen Wipers paddle/button you have on modern WRC steering wheels. This paddle is used to trigger quick wipe after water splashes from puddles/dirt accumulation and fast clean the windshield. It is usually behind the wheel on the left side much more inside than a paddle shifter would be. It is also very close to the steering wheel itself - thus I needed small form factor and low profile magnetic paddle.
Additional requirement for this paddle to be low profile is that the wheel itself should clear a static push-pull rally style paddle shifter.
The mechanism is very compact, has nice mechanical feel from the magnets and short travel. Turned out quite comfortable, definitely very immersive in rally games such as Dirt Rally 2.0 and WRC 10. Will upgrade later with some carbon fiber skinning as 3mm thick 3D printed paddle is quite flexible. Printing the paddle in 5mm thickness is much more stable, but adds bulk and I really did not like how it looks assembled.
License:
Creative Commons - Attribution
1,511