Translation Hand Controller

The Translation Hand Controller (THC) provides the capability of manual commanding simultaneous accelerations along the spacecraft axes, that means translational manoevers. It is also used to initiate several transfer commands, to transfer the spacecraft control from CMC to SCS control for example. The real THC is basically a kind of joystick, but with some significant differences. The main functions are simulated by configuring an external joystick with the Project Apollo Launchpad Configurator, for some functions the panel is used.

Panel switches

Location of THC switches

In order to use the THC it need to be powered, which is done by switching the TRANS CONTR PWR switch A to the upper positionI.

Additionally to the translational movements the real THC may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. This isn't done with an external joystick, but with a small "bitmap THC" A in the lower left corner of the main panel.

• The clockwise switch (CW) will transfer spacecraft control from CMC to SCS. It may also transfer control between certain submodes within the SCS, see the Service Propulsion System for example.

• The redundant counterclockwise switches (CCW) provides for a manual abort initiation during the launch phase. A signal is fed to the master sequence controller, a SECS component, which initiates other about functions.

Joystick support

Translational control is provided by a joystick, the Launchpad Configurator allows the use of one or two joystick. But unlike the RHC the axes of the real THC is different to the axes of a joystick.

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#I The TRANS CONTR PWR switch receives power from the SCS CONTR/AUTO MNA/B circuit breakers on panel 8 
#References

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