Galactic Pancakes

Hi, just a quick update; We've completed testing with the electronics package. I quite enjoyed flying around in IL2 BOS, as well as DCS A-10, Blackshark and P-51. Everything is working together well so that's another milestone checked off. Also want to thank everyone from the mailing list that took the time to fill out the quick survey. Some really interesting trends are developing, so we thought we'd open the survey to people on the forum as well. If you feel inclined to answer some questions that will directly shape our future offerings, please follow the link; Galactic Pancakes Survey We had a few issues with customs last week that have caused some delays, but other than that things are pretty much on track.

Thanks, glad you like it ;) Just wanted to update you. Sales have been brisk, so we've had to shorten the pre-order period. You now have until Dec 1 to lock-in the $100 off special price...after that the price will return to the normal $489.99. Thanks for all the interest!

Yes, the collective is about 50% designed, but we need to get ahold of some better reference materials before we can finish it 100%. We do not want to do a Bell 206 collective, we'd prefer to do an MD500. However, if someone can provide some good data on *any* collective, we may just go with whatever that turns out to be. Thanks again for your order!

Here's a sneak peek at the finished grip (minus hat switch). The buttons are rated for 1 million activations. Still undecided if we should go with black, grey or red buttons. Hope you like it.

Just a quick update. Got the first production run B8 grips in. They're pretty sweet. Will post some pictures tomorrow!

Hey, Thanks very much. The support is much appreciated!

Nice work! Learning how to use new materials and processes is half the fun ;)

Yes. I've got a final proof coming next week, then we'll be able to move into series production. Will post up some pics when it gets here.

And one last one showing a short stick setup for testing. Should give you an idea of scale with the grip.

As promised here are some pics of the spring arrangement. (Note, 1 spring is not installed.)

Hi Anton, Sorry for the delay. PM-ing you now.

Wow. Seriously? Those guys must have really pumped right arms ;) With the springs we have currently selected the stick forces at the grip, at full deflection, are about 0.250kgs. Now, that wasn't measured with the best of scales, so that number could be way off. However, it feels pretty good to me. It takes some effort to move it, and hold it deflected, but not so much it's going to be an issue. If there is an issue once people start playing with them, we can adjust the springs either way.

Will post a picture of the spring arrangement tomorrow morning. No, there is absolutely no play or backlash in the gimbal. The sensors mount on the front and side of the gimbal. There are two threaded holes below each axis. Standoffs are inserted there and there and the sensors are mounted on a PCB that is supported by the standoffs. The magnet rides on the end of the x and y axis bolts.

Sweet. Will be in touch with details shortly. Pedals are basically ready to go. The only question mark is do we make cast aluminum replica Bell 206 pedals, or a cheaper, easier version from sheet metal and bar stock. Still wrestling with that one.

Samek, if Kuky just wants the base unit, that means we would have a loose stick and grip. If that is the case I can put that aside for you if you'd like.

Ok, fixed! One thing to keep in mind, the complete unit weighs just under 10kgs...so shipping from Canada to Europe is expensive. We are looking into an option to stage some product out of a UK based warehouse, so orders to Europe will cost the same as North American shipping rates. (around $50) We are doing everything we can to find the cheapest shipping method. Any savings we've managed to find by the time units are ready to ship WILL be passed along to the customer.

That's crazy! Let me fix that ;) Give me 5 minutes...

That gyro looks interesting. I wonder if there's any perceptible lag, and / or drift?

Thanks for the positive feedback, it means alot. The design intent of the unit is to have something we can build on going forwards. We tried to make something that would allow for easy upgrading by the end user. With the unit as it is today, a handy user could modify the gimbal to use cams, instead of the standard base mounted springs we will ship with. FFB as well as damping are also options that will be coming in the next few months. We decided not to include those in the initial model because of the cost. We understand $500 is alot of money for a joystick, and we are determined to bring a serious, floor mount unit to market for less than that. Having said that, we haven't cut corners. This thing is bullet-proof, and probably way over-designed for what it needs to be. Our hope is this is the last stick you will ever need to buy. That's our goal anyway. Thanks again.

Thanks! Prices are in USD (we should update the site to reflect that). Would you like just the gimbal and enclosure, or the complete unit, minus the stick and grip? We weren't planning on it, but again, it's a possibility. Let me work out a figure and get back to you.

We are using Hall sensors with a 12-bit output. A Spitfire grip is a possibility, but to replicate the stick properly would require quite a large redesign. A KG13 grip would be a much easier proposition. Maybe we should start a poll to see what people want next? Thanks for the feedback!

Thanks very much!

Thanks. The base dimensions are 19.5cm x 22.5cm.

Ok, so what are looking at? What we have here is part of the initial run of control columns. Everything is made from laser-cut aluminium, except for the housing, which is made from cold-rolled steel. The housing is finished in black power-caot, while the aluminium parts are left bare. We might decide to anodize them on later runs. These pictures will give you an idea of the finished parts. Currently the electronics are still being manufactured. The stick tubes are also still being made. The opening where the stick exits the enclosure will be finished with a leather boot, and that is also still being finished. So, as you can see, there are still plenty of things to get done before we can start selling them, but we are well on our way! As you can also see, this thing has been designed and built to last a lifetime, and as I've said in earlier posts, the basic framework is modular, so as we think about things moving forwards, they will all be retro-replaceable parts that will work with the base unit. We've spent alot of time and money so far, and I hope you guys think the results thus far are promising, and worthy of your interest. Appreciate any feedback you may have!