Custom Made HOTAS Desk Stands/Clamps

RadActiveLobster · Sep 16, 2016

So I wasn't happy with just having my HOTAS setting on my desk like some sort of casual peasant.

As a quick fix a few months ago I just got some drawer rollers and made to slid out platforms on my desk to set them on. This worked alright but it had many issues and I wasn't a big fan of it.

I've always wanted some MonsterTech HOTAS Stands but they are $96 a piece and for a full set + shipping to the US it's $242.27 so there isn't any way that's gonna happen.

I decided to make my own and do it a hell of a lot cheaper. For around $60 in parts (I'm only in it about $45 since I already had the wood, screws, tools, etc... I only really had to buy the clamps and some specific metal bits) you can build this beauty.

Setting Position

Standing Position

Andovar · Sep 16, 2016

Nicely done. [up]
I've been using my rollout keyboard tray. Far from optimal (because it can move), but is around the right height, so I've been lazy about doing something like this.

CMDR MAIN SEQUENCE · Sep 16, 2016

I too am using a pull-out keyboard tray but have been thinking about doing something like this for a while. Have been trying to decide on which HOTAS to stick with before cutting the wood.

OP, where did you get the spring clamps? I'm in the UK but even with a link to a US website it'll give me an idea what to look for.

-VR- Max Factor · Sep 16, 2016

I have a couple of these attached to the arms of my seat:

http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-signal/psg02631b/bracket-pole-mount-vesa75-100/dp/ST02463?CMP=CPC-PLA

With the hotas seated on the flat part, stuck down with industry strength velcro.

Its virtually a perfect matchup with the ingame avatar and great in VR.

IndigoWyrd · Sep 16, 2016

In another thread, someone posted their setup and they have a set of metal, clamp-on brackets almost identical to yours.
Nice handiwork nonetheless. I was a little less creative, and simply installed a shelf under my desktop, as I don't have a keyboard tray, but it works perfectly for me.

-VR- Max Factor · Sep 16, 2016

IndigoWyrd said:
In another thread, someone posted their setup and they have a set of metal, clamp-on brackets almost identical to yours.
Nice handiwork nonetheless. I was a little less creative, and simply installed a shelf under my desktop, as I don't have a keyboard tray, but it works perfectly for me.

I think thats where I took the idea from.

Kingston@# · Sep 16, 2016

I have also contemplating making something similar. I think having them flat is where I'm stuck. I want adjustable angle as well. after many fractures, my wrists hurt while using them on the flat.

CMDR IPL Victim · Sep 16, 2016

MAIN SEQUENCE said:
OP, where did you get the spring clamps? I'm in the UK but even with a link to a US website it'll give me an idea what to look for.

look for 'toggle' clamps.

Pville_Piper · Sep 16, 2016

Sweet! [hotas]

RadActiveLobster · Sep 16, 2016

MAIN SEQUENCE said:
I too am using a pull-out keyboard tray but have been thinking about doing something like this for a while. Have been trying to decide on which HOTAS to stick with before cutting the wood.

OP, where did you get the spring clamps? I'm in the UK but even with a link to a US website it'll give me an idea what to look for.

I got these off Amazon but Bessey Toggle Clamps should be available pretty much anywhere. They are the same clamps MonsterTech uses and they are in Germany so there has to be a European seller somewhere.

RadActiveLobster · Sep 26, 2016

I've made some minor improvements to the setup.

I went and got some sticky backed foam from a hobby shop to better protect my desk surface.

I also got some cable clamps to keep the USB cables tucked away nicely and I hot glued a powered USB 3.0 hub below my desk so I can now plug in the HOTAS without cables going all over the place.

I'll try to get some pictures of the setup tmrw.

Aussiedroid · Sep 26, 2016

Nice work on those mate!

I ended up going a middle route myself with a couple of Fanatec Shifter Clamps and some large L metal brackets. Did the trick, but maybe twice as expensive as your hand made way. Still same result, and makes all the difference when playing at a desk.

Are you going to stain or paint them?

Turranius · Sep 26, 2016

Very nice. I was thinking of doing the same when I saw those metallic clamps, but I opted to fit it to my chair instead. Since I play in VR, I can now rotate 360c (Depending on cables) and still control the ship. Quite strange sitting backwards, trying to steer... =) https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showt...Command-chair-project-)?p=4537892#post4537892

RadActiveLobster · Sep 26, 2016

Coming along nicely.

CMDR Minion Blob · Sep 26, 2016

Great job! I own the Monster Tech mounts and they are very impressive even at that price. I don't have your craftsman skills otherwise I would probably have taken a similar route. Thanks for posting!

BigBANGtheory [VR] · Sep 26, 2016

Having a sit/stand desk is a great asset for gaming, personally I went for the pedestal mount with extension for my Warthog as getting a side and 'between legs' helicopter style stick placement is a tricky thing to achieve.