New Replica Joystick

[Galactic Pancakes]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this would be considered spam, and if so please let me know.

 

I just wanted to let you guys know about a project I have been working on for a long time. It is nearing completion and I can't stay quiet about it anymore.

 

I've been designing, and now manufacturing, a new line of replica controls for flight sims.

 

I've wanted to get a full-scale floor mounted stick for a long time, but the few that are available are way too expensive. So, after years of looking on eBay I was finally able to get ahold of a Huey cyclic stick, and Jet Ranger pedals. After taking them apart it was obvious they could be used as a template for a new, custom built stick.

 

So, I've taken alot of time, and not a small amount of money, and started producing controls.

The first item is a replica stick, based on the Huey stick, with the length adjusted for proper use with the height of a typical office chair.

 

The first batch of protoypes is currently being manufactured, and I don't expect to begin sales and shipping until January, but I just wanted to introduce myself, and what I've been up to.

 

There are some pictures over at the website, and I'll post a link if no one objects.

For now, here is a sneak peek at the cyclic, and a wallpaper.

 

Thanks

John

 

http://www.galactic-pancakes.com

 

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0280/6098/products/Catalog_Stick_MKIII-01a_1024x1024.jpg?306

 

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0280/6098/files/GP_Wallpaper-02.jpg?293

 

Edited October 21, 2013 by Galactic Pancakes

[Scrim]

Definitely interesting, wasn't more than a few weeks ago that I googled for a Huey replica stick in vain. By all means, keep us up to date!

[One1way]

Yes same as ^^ i want one as well, so keep up the good work! can you give a hint on the price ?

[txmtb]

Google Galactic Pancakes Joystick and it should be the second hit returned.

[Galactic Pancakes]

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback.

 

I'm aiming to keep everything under $500...$350-$450 if possible.

I know that's still alot of money, but compared to some other floor mounted sticks I think that's reasonable.

 

At the moment I'm waiting for a few different quotes for parts like buttons. They're more expensive than you'd think.

 

I'll keep you updated as things develop. As I say, I'll start getting finished parts back end of next week, so I'll be able to post some pictures of the real thing then.

 

Thanks again for your interest.

John

[Galactic Pancakes]

Trying to decide if the grip should have the wrist relief added to the bottom. What do you guys think?

 

[tintifaxl]

I vote for yes.

[PeroperoDokkiri]

Hello! Would You be interested in selling just grip itself without the rest of hardware? I have my G940 and it has FFB, so I like it a lot. I'd mod it myself and having UH-1H grip would be just awesome. Actually I'd get a long stick if You can regulate it's length as well if You're willnig to sell these. Thanks!

[Galactic Pancakes]

Hello! Would You be interested in selling just grip itself without the rest of hardware?

 

Hi!

Yes that's a possibility. You would have to rig up something to mate the two together, but I suppose if you sent me some measurements we could 3d print a one off adapter.

 

You would still have to wire up the buttons though...

[PeroperoDokkiri]

Dammit I just got an error after writing a long post:( Anyways- here is a quote regarding measurements of the base which attaches to G940 "To attach the tube and the base, can be used aluminum tube of 19 mm and 1.5 mm wall or 18 mm and 1 mm wall(19-3=16mm or 18-2=16mm). I can set with two bolts.

The stick fits perfectly into the aluminum tube 16 mm, just needs a through bolt to secure" (full thread here: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=1386793#post1386793 ).

The reason why I thought it'd be good idea to release just a grip with a stick is FFB really is the best option for helicopters and I cannot imagine giving it up even for such a great project as Yours. If Your grip has double stage trigger for ics\ radio, hat for hoist etc, maybe people would be interested in getting such grip with a simple usb plugin for connection with pc? Please let me know what You think, I would ask my friends over another helicopter sim forum and I'd probably get few more people to order it for sure.

[Galactic Pancakes]

Hi Samek. I can't make any promises just now, but it's a definite possibility. If you could get a group of interested people to sign up on our website that would certainly help. ;)

 

In the meantime, we've added the wrist relief and looks like it's ready to start getting moulds made.

 

[Galactic Pancakes]

Just a quick shot of the 3d printed test article. Everything seems to fit well, and the feel is very similar to the original.

 

Edited October 23, 2013 by Galactic Pancakes

[Galactic Pancakes]

Bit of an update for you guys today.

 

[Galactic Pancakes]

[Galactic Pancakes]

[Galactic Pancakes]

[Galactic Pancakes]

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!

[cichlidfan]

Looks nice.

 

How big is the mounting footprint?

[Galactic Pancakes]

Thanks.

The base dimensions are 19.5cm x 22.5cm.

[PeroperoDokkiri]

Looks great! Good job guys!

[Galactic Pancakes]

Looks great! Good job guys!

 

Thanks very much!

[AV8R]

Make a spitfire loop yoke or Me109 kg13 stick head, and I'm all in

 

What kind of axes sensors are you going to use at how many bits?

Edited October 31, 2013 by AV8R

[Kuky]

oooo.... I like the gimbals with enclosure!

 

Looking at your website $489 for the full stick (-$100 if you pre-order), I am wondering would you sell gimbals+enclosure only and if how much would that be?

 

PS: price is in Canadian dollars?

Edited October 31, 2013 by Kuky

[Strut]

@ Galactic Pancakes, i love your work, im looking forward to see your collective, from my point of view i would like to see both cyclic and collective packaged, i would definitely be interested.

 

Keep up the great work, good luck mate.

[leafer]

Very, very good looking control. Way out of my budget, but I just wanted to say this is by far the best looking set up out of all the ones showing up around here. The website is nice looking, too.