Better yoke mounted PTT - 3D Print

[Twing207]

Hello all, I'm new to Mooney Space but I've learned a ton here - thank you for all the great info! I'm the builder/owner of a Long Ez and I recently bought a '66 M20C. I wanted a better solution for the Yoke mounted PTT switch. I don't like the velcro strap variation we've all seen and my airplane still has the vacuum PC system so replacing the PC disconnect valve wasn't an option. I had a spare yoke / control wheel and I 3D scanned it, then modeled a switch mount around the top of the yoke. The mount is an interference fit and snaps onto the yoke. Below are pictures of the installation, I'll share more once its installed in the airplane. 

Its meant to work with 6mm momentary switches available from various sources, but I used these ones here: https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/131/1104/7400K111

The files could be modified for any switch or expanded if additional switches are needed. 

Attached is an STL file. - Disclaimer: check with applicable regs and your A&P before using. I recommend using a plastic that isn’t biodegradable.

PTT-Yoke-66M20C.stl

[1967 427]

Awesome, now I have a reason to buy a 3D printer! !

[Echo]

I moved vacuum dump to panel and installed mine in the hole for the vacuum.  Like it there and also prefer the PC on/off on panel instead of holding down button.

[BDPetersen]

Introducing tewing207; the new owner of my under utilized “C”. Should be interesting for all. (He says I can still fly it.)

[dkkim73]

I think it's even cooler he built a Long EZ. I was seriously planning to build a Cozy back in the 2000's. 

[Twing207]

9 minutes ago, dkkim73 said:

I think it's even cooler he built a Long EZ. I was seriously planning to build a Cozy back in the 2000's. 

They are also great airplanes, but there’s more room in a Mooney!

Pictured here; my Long Ez (finished in early 2021), and my wife and I at Burt Rutan’s home in ID that same summer. We’ve been all over the country in it, but my family has out grown it with the addition of our daughter

[dkkim73]

*Great* pictures! 

It looks really clean and somewhat fighter like with the wing tanks. 

Very cool also you met The Great Man. I've heard him speak at Oshkosh years ago but never met him. I wonder how his new project (the ski amphib) is going. 

Thanks for sharing! 

[jamesm]

is it held on by tension?  here is my cheap attempt to do a similar thing less creative by using aluminum angle and a hose clamp.

an older picture.

 

 

Edited April 27 by jamesm

[Raymond J1]

J'ai monté sur le bossage central logeant la montre. 

Edited April 28 by Raymond J1

[Fly Boomer]

4 hours ago, Raymond J1 said:

J'ai monté sur le bossage central logeant la montre. 

Looks like a handy place.  Clean looking modification.

[Twing207]

14 hours ago, jamesm said:

is it held on by tension?  here is my cheap attempt to do a similar thing less creative by using aluminum angle and a hose clamp.

an older picture.

 

 

Yes, it’s meant to just fit tight enough. It sorta ‘snaps’ over the yoke. 

[1967 427]

What type of material did you use(PETG Filament)?

[Matthew P]

if the leveler doesn't work, use that location for the new PTT, just thumb operated as opposed to index finger

 

[jeremyc209]

On 4/26/2025 at 6:46 PM, Echo said:

I moved vacuum dump to panel and installed mine in the hole for the vacuum.  Like it there and also prefer the PC on/off on panel instead of holding down button.

What button did you use for this? Got a pic?

[Echo]

On 4/30/2025 at 12:54 AM, jeremyc209 said:

What button did you use for this? Got a pic?

Do you mean for push to talk?  I bought a yoke with it installed.  Vacuum dump is a push pull.  I have another I would sell if interested.  Scott

[Hank]

This is how my PTT is installed. No 3D printer needed, just a scrap of metal and a couple of screws. The right yoke is even easier, as there's no clock in the way, but I can't find a photo right now. 

[jeremyc209]

6 hours ago, Echo said:

Do you mean for push to talk?  I bought a yoke with it installed.  Vacuum dump is a push pull.  I have another I would sell if interested.  Scott

Yeah I was just curious which button was used for PTT and what you used for the vacuum dump. I'm in the process of getting my PC system running again and considered the panel vac dump + yoke PTT replacement. 

[1967 427]

I hated my old PTT button that was Velcro strapped to the horizon section of my yoke.  The button was starting to stick on, and I was starting to get in the habit of having to pull the button out after every transmission.  I finally had enough of that, now I have to get used to barely touching the button.  Absolutely love my new PTT button, thanks for attaching the file to your thread.

 

 

[corn_flake]

Thanks for sharing.  Impressive work.  Did you use 3D scanner to get the exact profile of the yoke?  

I too am a 3D printer nerd and designer.  I have been trying to introduce the idea of 3D printing capability to my local flying community.  It is a surprising difficult concept for people to adopt.  Builders that have built multiple RVs would still prefer to shape things out of metal, wood, etc... Anything but 3D print.  I suppose it is the hammer they know and knew well. 

I'll definitely be making one for my Mooney.    

[gwav8or]

I love this!  I have a buddy that is gonna print one for me.  I have a couple dumb questions.

1. Will it also work for the copilot side on the right side of the yoke?

2. You got the part #7400K111 ?

[MarquezJC]

On 6/30/2025 at 11:15 AM, gwav8or said:

I love this!  I have a buddy that is gonna print one for me.  I have a couple dumb questions.

1. Will it also work for the copilot side on the right side of the yoke?

2. You got the part #7400K111 ?

I was wondering the same.  Looks like its designed for the rectangular body of the 7400K111...  I opened the file in a 3d viewer and it has a cut out in the bottom for it.  

[1967 427]

3 hours ago, MarquezJC said:

I was wondering the same.  Looks like its designed for the rectangular body of the 7400K111...  I opened the file in a 3d viewer and it has a cut out in the bottom for it.  

 

3 hours ago, MarquezJC said:

I was wondering the same.  Looks like its designed for the rectangular body of the 7400K111...  I opened the file in a 3d viewer and it has a cut out in the bottom for it.  

Not sure what the designer had in mind, but obviously the deep cutout is for the switch, I used the shallow cutout to lay the wiring in.  Once I had the switch mounted, I taped over the crossover opening area between the switch and mounting relief, then I poured non-conductive epoxy on the switch.  I did about 4 layers of epoxy to fully encapsulate the switch and filled the channel, which acts as the strain relief.  When the final layer was setting up, I took a course file to shape the back side.  Then sanded to a nice finish.  Sorry no images.

Also, the printed part does have a nice fit to the yoke, but I added some double sided tape in the pocket to help secure it to the yoke.  My fat thumb was more than the double sided tape could handle, so I switched to a small dap of RTV.  Now it is mounted like a rock.  Absolutely love it.

[MarquezJC]

Anyone have any issue with the file opening up but in a tiny scale??? Anyone know a fix?  Attached pic is what I get when opening it to print. Thanks 

[Hank]

Change the scale. Set it to 25.4, that's one inch instead of 1mm.

Be sure to do all three axes!