Hello!I'm introducing a new device that's in development. The images shown are well in the process of creating and don't resemble the final product, everything is a subject to change.When designing this, I wanted it to be universal. It will suite any jet with up to 4 engines. Tops of the handles are removable and replaceable which will allow to remove any number of them out of the way and use the remaining ones. Also, for the prop lovers there are going to be replacement handles representing blue and red prop and mixture handles. Spoilers and flaps handles are also present. There will be no fixed positions in them as that will greatly depend on the airplane that you are flying. A trim wheel on the left side will also be added to the device, it's just not shown yet. Also more other features like buttons and possibly knobs will be added. Most likely there will be no separate reverse handles on the throttle handles as that will make the device more complicated, keeping the whole idea of removable handles in mind. Instead, there will be a fixes idle position where the handles will lock, and moving them further down beyond that position will activate the reverse thrust.I also want the device to be as inexpensive as possible, while keeping it at great level of quality. But still it's impossible to give even a rough estimate so far. The prices won't be far fetched as in case of many companies so you can expect a very reasonable price. Also, like I said, I want it to be universal. It may look similar to some Boeing type throttle quadrants but as you can imagine it can be used on any aircraft.The size of the device is approximately 8 in by 6.5 in and 5 inches high (not including the handles) (21 x 17 x 13 cm accordingly), so basically you get nearly a full scale airliner throttle quadrant, and it's a fairly small device that will not get over half of your room but will nicely fit on your table instead. It is not going to be mounted on the side of the table, but it will not slide around on your table, precautions measures are being taken against that on the design stage.What I would like to hear is all your opinions on whether this device is worthy and any suggestions you might have to improve it.I don't expect the first piece to come to life until January 2010, all of this time I will continue working on it. Then it will be some time till the mold tools will be ready to produce all the parts. Once again, the image shows the product well in the production and the reason I show it to you is because I want to make it better.Michael.

Michael,Please be sure this does not grow into anything looking like a sales pitch or advertisement as Avsim does not allow that in the forums.... thanks.

I do not intend advertising the product, as this is not even a product yet and it's still far from there. Just want some general opinions and suggestions. Thanks! ;)

That looks like an amazing design, I would use it for my MD 11, probably just yank out one of the throttles, I hope you would also implement an axis for thrust reverse. I wish you the best of luck, keep us posted.

When designing this, I wanted it to be universal. It will suite any jet with up to 4 engines. Tops of the handles are removable and replaceable which will allow to remove any number of them out of the way and use the remaining ones. Also, for the prop lovers there are going to be replacement handles representing blue and red prop and mixture handles. Spoilers and flaps handles are also present. There will be no fixed positions in them as that will greatly depend on the airplane that you are flying. A trim wheel on the left side will also be added to the device, it's just not shown yet. Also more other features like buttons and possibly knobs will be added. Most likely there will be no separate reverse handles on the throttle handles as that will make the device more complicated, keeping the whole idea of removable handles in mind. Instead, there will be a fixes idle position where the handles will lock, and moving them further down beyond that position will activate the reverse thrust.

I'm curious if you have been thinking about having replaceable grips for the handles (or handles itself) to be able to convert TQ from 4 engines to 2 engines with reverse handles.Also I guess it might be useful to allow user installable parts which will provide dents for the flaps handle and maybe for the spoilers, in this case you should be able to reach all goals: keeping device universal, unexpensive out of the box, and still provide dents for people who needs those.

That product as it stands in your photo is a great concept. It would be very nice to see it come onto the market in the future, this quadrant would definitely be something I might want to buy.

That product as it stands in your photo is a great concept. It would be very nice to see it come onto the market in the future, this quadrant would definitely be something I might want to buy.

I agree but.....why jets only? It should be usable with turboprops also (Q400, ATR etc) and even single engine like Pilatus PC-12.

Sorry Michael, I re-read your first post and see that you have turboprops in mind too. Just another few (hopefully more useful) thoughts:Existing throttle quadrants are often toy-like. This is the result of manufacturing down to a price. IMO, it would be best to use high quality materials even if this raises the price a little. The market for kit like this is price-sensitive but equally it is quality-sensitive. The movement of the levers in their channels should be smooth and free, with just the right amount of friction. Ideally, there should be a friction adjuster, but this could be part of a product development plan. Th mechanism should be bench tested over several hundred thousand cycles so that both you and your potential customers can have confidence in its durability. If you plan to test a prototype I'd be happy to help.