Mad scientist project

A few months ago I was looking into how to make a trigger-controlled clutch. After testing a bunch of concepts (thanks for the suggestions) I ended up with this contraption. Basically an onboard air compressor and accumulator tank. Air cylinder works the clutch master through a bell crank. The electronics get a position signal from the air cylinder that is proportional to the trigger position mounted on the gearshift knob (scavenged an old xbox controller for the trigger and potentiometer) and powers a high speed air valve that opens and closes the air cylinder. So far all the mechanics work and all the electronics work - Just have to finish up and put the two systems together. Added 12 lbs to the car. It wasn't exactly cheap, but it's definitely grassroots. The black box definitely has a matrix/borg kinda thing going on.

very very cool! I want a video of it working!

Very grassroots indeed, especially scavenging a trigger from a xbox controller

That is really cool. Is this on the MG? How well does it work (in practice)?

So far I'm still testing but the air cylinder has no problem operating the clutch master and all the electronics send the right voltages at the right time. I just have to track down a ground fault in the mg before the final connection. Should happen today.

That is GREAT!!! My MS project put that on the Back burner for me. I am glad to see you carrying on with that!!!