Mechdiy Helicopter Collective Review: A More Natural Way to Fly in MSFS 2024

What difference does a dedicated helicopter collective make in a flight simulator? In this hands-on review, we look at the Mechdiy Helicopter Collective with Twist Throttle Axis, based on a flight test by the YouTube channel Akula DREAMS OF FLYING.

The reviewer puts the collective through its paces in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, testing different helicopters and exploring its setup, ergonomics, resistance, and in-flight performance.

Below, we'll look at what the review demonstrates, explain how the controls work, and share a few practical setup tips for anyone considering a dedicated helicopter control.

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1. Why Use a Dedicated Helicopter Collective?

If you've mainly flown airplanes in a simulator, you're probably used to controlling engine power with a conventional throttle. Helicopters work differently.

A helicopter's main flight controls work together:

• Cyclic: Controls the helicopter's direction and attitude.
• Collective: Changes the pitch of the main rotor blades together, helping control lift and vertical movement.
• Anti-torque pedals: Help control yaw and heading.

The collective is especially important when taking off, hovering, adjusting altitude, and landing. Using a regular airplane throttle for this function can work in some setups, but it doesn't provide the same physical control experience as a dedicated collective lever.

With a dedicated collective, you move the lever in a more helicopter-like way: raising it increases collective pitch and lift, while lowering it reduces collective pitch and lift. This may take a little practice if you're accustomed to airplane throttle controls.

2. First Impressions: Compact, Lightweight and Practical

In the video, the reviewer describes the Mechdiy collective as lightweight, compact, and well-finished. Although its structure uses 3D-printed components, the reviewer finds it solid enough for his simulator setup.

The control layout includes a dedicated collective axis, a twist throttle axis integrated into the grip, two self-centering momentary buttons, and two metal toggle switches.

The buttons are positioned within reach of the thumb, making them convenient to operate while flying. The twist throttle is integrated into the grip, so the pilot can control it without reaching for a separate throttle unit.

The reviewer also comments on the grip's comfortable surface and the accessibility of the controls. He notes that the toggle switches feel a little stiff and that a more extensive button layout or a hat switch could be a useful addition in a future version.

These are useful details to consider: the collective focuses on providing the essential helicopter controls in a relatively straightforward design, rather than trying to include every possible cockpit function.

3. Adjustable Damping: Customize the Physical Resistance

One of the useful features of the Mechdiy Helicopter Collective is its adjustable damping structure. The physical resistance of the collective axis can be adjusted to suit your preferred control feel.

You don't need to disassemble the entire unit. Simply use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten or loosen the adjustment screw on the base.

• Tighten the screw: Increase the resistance for a firmer lever feel.
• Loosen the screw: Reduce the resistance for lighter lever movement.

This means you can adjust how much physical force is needed to move the collective. Whether you prefer a firmer feel or smoother, lighter movement, you can fine-tune the resistance mechanically.

Physical Resistance vs. Software Axis Response

It's worth understanding that physical resistance and software sensitivity are two different things.

Physical resistance determines how tight or loose the lever feels when you move it with your hand. You adjust this directly on the base using the damping screw.

Software axis response determines how the simulator interprets your movement. In Microsoft Flight Simulator and other compatible simulators, you can further customize the axis sensitivity, response curve, and dead zone according to your preferences.

Combining mechanical adjustment with software calibration gives you more flexibility to create a control feel that suits your flying style.

4. Hall Effect Sensors for Precise Axis Input

The Mechdiy Helicopter Collective uses Hall effect sensors to detect axis movement. Instead of relying on traditional sliding electrical contacts to measure the axis position, Hall effect sensing detects movement through changes in a magnetic field.

This design supports precise and consistent axis input. It is particularly useful for helicopter flying, where small, gradual collective adjustments can make a noticeable difference when controlling lift and maintaining a hover.

The reviewer also highlights the precision of the axis input during his flight tests. For helicopter sim pilots who want more control over small movements, this is an important part of the experience.

5. Setting Up the Collective in MSFS 2024

In the review, the creator connects the collective to his Windows PC and configures the axes and buttons in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

The basic setup process is straightforward:

1. Connect the collective to your PC through USB.
2. Open the simulator's control settings and select the device.
3. Locate the collective axis and assign it to the helicopter's collective control.
4. Assign the twist throttle axis to the appropriate throttle or engine control, depending on the helicopter.
5. Assign the buttons and toggle switches to functions you use frequently.
6. Test the movement and adjust the axis response, dead zone, or inversion if necessary.

One important point: the collective axis and throttle axis are not necessarily interchangeable. Different helicopters may use different engine and governor systems. Check the control assignments for the specific aircraft you are flying.

If the collective moves in the opposite direction from what you expect, check the simulator's axis inversion setting. If the control feels too sensitive, try adjusting the response curve or sensitivity before assuming there is a hardware problem.

6. Flight Tests: UH-1H, MH-60, U500 and Alouette 3

The most interesting part of the video is the flight testing. Rather than only showing the hardware on a desk, the reviewer uses several helicopters to demonstrate how the collective behaves in different flying situations.

UH-1H: Takeoff, Hovering and Altitude Control

The reviewer starts with the UH-1H. He demonstrates the startup process, uses the twist throttle and assigned buttons, and then takes the helicopter into the air.

During the flight, he uses small collective movements to adjust lift and maintain altitude. He finds the dedicated lever more precise and natural for these adjustments than using a conventional airplane throttle.

MH-60: Different Aircraft, Different Control Behavior

The reviewer then moves to the MH-60. In his demonstration, the helicopter's engine RPM is managed automatically, so the twist throttle is not used in the same way as it is on the UH-1H.

This is a useful reminder that helicopter control assignments can vary between aircraft. The collective remains important for lift and altitude control, but the role of the throttle axis depends on the aircraft's systems.

U500 and Alouette 3: Fine Adjustments Matter

The reviewer also tests the U500 and Alouette 3. He describes the lighter helicopter as more sensitive to collective input, making small and progressive lever movements especially important.

Across the different aircraft, the main takeaway is that a dedicated collective gives the pilot a more direct physical way to manage lift and make gradual altitude adjustments.

7. Finding the Right Mounting Position

A comfortable mounting position matters just as much as the control itself. In the video, the reviewer recommends positioning the collective on the left side of the seat, where the pilot can reach the grip naturally.

A few practical points to consider:

• Keep the grip within comfortable reach.
• A slightly bent arm is generally more comfortable than a fully extended arm.
• Avoid positioning the lever too high or too far forward.
• Make sure the collective can move through its full range without hitting your seat, desk, or other controls.

The goal is to keep your arm and shoulder relaxed while allowing smooth, controlled movements throughout the flight.

8. Need a Desk Mount for Your Setup?

Not every flight sim pilot has a dedicated cockpit frame. If you're building a desktop setup, a suitable mounting solution can help position your collective within comfortable reach.

Mechdiy also offers a 30 mm hole-spacing flight simulator desk mount made from aluminum alloy. It is designed to work with the Mechdiy Helicopter Collective and the Mechdiy Flight Simulation Joystick.

The mount features a quick-release structure and reinforced components, making it an option for users who want to attach and remove their controls from a desk rather than build a permanent cockpit.

Before choosing a mount, check your desk thickness, available space, mounting position, and the clearance needed for the full movement of your controls.

Note: The desk mount is a separate mounting accessory. It was not part of the creator's hands-on review or flight test.

9. What We Like — and What Could Be Improved

Based on the creator's review and the product's design, here is a balanced summary.

10. Who Is This Collective For?

The Mechdiy Helicopter Collective is worth considering if you:

• Spend a lot of time flying helicopters in MSFS, X-Plane, or DCS World.
• Want a dedicated physical collective instead of using a generic throttle axis.
• Enjoy hovering, low-level flying, and making precise altitude adjustments.
• Prefer to customize the physical resistance of your controls.
• Are building a desktop or cockpit-style helicopter simulator setup.

If you're new to helicopter simulation, remember that the collective does not replace the cyclic or anti-torque pedals. It is one part of a coordinated control setup, and learning to use all the controls together takes practice.

11. Build Your Helicopter Flight Sim Setup

A dedicated collective can be a meaningful upgrade if you want a more hands-on helicopter simulation experience. With a dedicated lift control, an integrated twist throttle, Hall effect sensors, and adjustable physical resistance, the Mechdiy collective offers several ways to tailor your setup.

You can also pair it with a compatible desk mount to create a more convenient desktop control station.

This article discusses a third-party hands-on review alongside product information supplied by Mechdiy. Individual simulator settings and aircraft behavior may vary.

Content Inspiration & Credit: This article was inspired by the hands-on review and flight test shared by Akula DREAMS OF FLYING on YouTube. We appreciate the creator's insights and real-world testing, which helped inspire this article.