Author Topic: The GameCab Flight Yoke (Read 6840 times)

allroy1975 · « **on:** January 11, 2004, 11:35:09 pm »

man, I think that looks SHARP.

Just gotta wait for the price now.....

Allroy

Minwah · « **Reply #1 on:** January 12, 2004, 04:56:25 am »

Yeah it looks great

Looks easier to mount than I expected, I can't wait to get my hands on one

crashwg · « **Reply #2 on:** January 12, 2004, 05:01:41 am »

Looks a little bulky to me, I'm hoping it can be hacked down a bit.

DarkKobold · « **Reply #3 on:** January 12, 2004, 10:42:32 am »

I agree, it looks ridiculously large on the base. Hopefully it is mostly empty in there. I'd really like to see someone print out a few starwars overlays, and se how they look on it.

usedelectronics · « **Reply #4 on:** January 12, 2004, 10:49:27 am »

It looks like a couple handles hacked onto a pair of plastic radio shack "project boxes" to me.
I wonder if the boxes are plastic, or metal?

RetroBorg · « **Reply #5 on:** January 12, 2004, 11:01:05 am »

I thought I would put a picture here so peolple could see it.

RetroBorg · « **Reply #6 on:** January 12, 2004, 11:02:27 am »

And the other view.

allroy1975 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 12, 2004, 11:04:05 am »

I think the one pictured is wood (covered in formica) but the final might be plastic...

rampy · « **Reply #8 on:** January 12, 2004, 02:58:49 pm »

If it's designed to be stand alone it might *need* to be bulky to counterweigh the yoke itself (and force applied to it)

although I'm no mechanical engineer so I might just be talking outa my rear...

Needless to say I'm intrigued by the product (and I *have* a star wars yoke already)

*shrug*

rampy

SirPoonga · « **Reply #9 on:** January 12, 2004, 03:06:05 pm »

How much is this thing going to cost?

Stingray · « **Reply #10 on:** January 12, 2004, 03:45:55 pm »

Other than Star Wars, what else uses this type of controller? SW is the only game I remeber that used it.

-S

Minwah · « **Reply #11 on:** January 12, 2004, 04:27:41 pm »

Quote from: Stingray on January 12, 2004, 03:45:55 pm

Other than Star Wars, what else uses this type of controller? SW is the only game I remeber that used it.

-S

Empire Strikes Back
Turbo Sub
Hydra
STUN Runner (Y-limited to just up I think)
RoadBlasters (kinda, same shape anyway - X-axis only, optical)

I'm sure there's more, but you can also use the yoke like a 270deg steering wheel

Chris · « **Reply #12 on:** January 12, 2004, 04:39:19 pm »

It would also be perfect for positional gun games, if you don't have a lightgun...

Minwah · « **Reply #13 on:** January 12, 2004, 04:51:09 pm »

Quote from: Chris on January 12, 2004, 04:39:19 pm

It would also be perfect for positional gun games, if you don't have a lightgun...

I think I'd rather use an analog stick, but yes it would work...

It might be cool for some games that *should* use an analog stick tho, eg After Burner - I'd like to try that

Chris · « **Reply #14 on:** January 12, 2004, 04:58:22 pm »

It would bring new life to Tailgunner as well... I loved that game as a kid...

allroy1975 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 12, 2004, 05:24:14 pm »

you sound like Star Wars isn't enough!?!?!

Also Someone mentioend Road Blasters..but also Spy Hunter.

Allroy

Lilwolf · « **Reply #16 on:** January 12, 2004, 05:27:38 pm »

There is a BUNCH that are good.

STV or something... its like starwars but with filled polys..

Also 360 driving games are great with it.

machinegun games are also good with them. But not as good as a good pair of t2 guns of course.

Good all around controller!

Minwah · « **Reply #17 on:** January 12, 2004, 05:53:53 pm »

Quote from: Lilwolf on January 12, 2004, 05:27:38 pm

Also 360 driving games are great with it.

I would have thought 360deg wheel games would be quite poor, as you can't 'spin' the yoke round and round?

Gamecab · « **Reply #18 on:** January 12, 2004, 10:01:41 pm »

Hi Again All,

Thank you for all of the Input. This forum really helps when it comes time to take a design and turn it into a product and your input is always welcomed.

First, Let me address the issue of the Control Base - The base itself is a bit high (8 Inches). This base can always be shorter and is no problem for me to trim down. Actually, I am going to offer a shorter base of the same design as an option when purchasing the yoke. This selection will be done with a pull-down menu and will give you the option of a Long base or Short Base. I should have some updated pics shortly on the smaller base.

Second- The control box (between the Grips) is a diecast metal project box. This was our second choice as far as the design would go. Our first choice was to have a fabricated steel control box created but the cost per unit was a touch too high per unit. The good part is that I don't have to pass the extra cost along in the final price of the yoke. The bad news is that its not very pretty, but you can always place a GameCab sticker on it

or SW artwork.

Thanks again

Charlie

Generic Eric · « **Reply #19 on:** January 12, 2004, 10:55:57 pm »

So...how much is it again?

usedelectronics · « **Reply #20 on:** January 12, 2004, 11:54:52 pm »

Quote from: generic_eric on January 12, 2004, 10:55:57 pm

So...how much is it again?

$165!

TheTick · « **Reply #21 on:** January 13, 2004, 12:23:13 am »

Quote from: usedelectronics on January 12, 2004, 11:54:52 pm

Quote from: generic_eric on January 12, 2004, 10:55:57 pm
So...how much is it again?
$165!

And its not even USB?

I'll keep waiting for an all plastic solution.

bdsjake · « **Reply #22 on:** January 13, 2004, 01:34:37 am »

>>$165<<

sounds reasonable to me, given the target group might purchase a few hundred, couple hundred units from the hobbyists? (just a guess, am I close?), not a few thousand. This might be a good lesson in microeconomics for some. I would probably buy one if I hadn't already bought a SW yoke from ebay! (if fact, if its a pain to install, I might buy one anyway).

Tailgunner · « **Reply #23 on:** January 13, 2004, 01:44:31 am »

Actually it looks something like the prototype XY yoke Atari rigged up for the second Bradley Trainer cab.

Judging from what's involved parts wise for a metal XY yoke, I think Charlie's price is quite reasonable.

@Tick: There's always the Twistygrip.

mahuti · « **Reply #24 on:** January 13, 2004, 04:32:44 am »

I'm in.

I was a little reluctant to buy an original star wars yoke for my MAME addiction. If I use this one, I won't feel bad about wasting a classic on a MAME machine.

Minwah · « **Reply #25 on:** January 13, 2004, 05:20:48 am »

Quote from: mahuti on January 13, 2004, 04:32:44 am

I'm in.

I was a little reluctant to buy an original star wars yoke for my MAME addiction. If I use this one, I won't feel bad about wasting a classic on a MAME machine.

I'm game too

I see people spend a fortune on SW yokes, which are beat up and need interfacing. This doesn't need any of that, plus you aren't taking a part from a SW restorer...

Shame it's not USB tho, I have a Gameport > USB converter and it seemed a bit iffy under WinXP - have you had any problems GameCab?? I just realised the PC I built for my cab doesn't have a gameport

bloodyviking77 · « **Reply #26 on:** January 13, 2004, 05:31:40 am »

[quote author=Minwah
Shame it's not USB tho, I have a Gameport > USB converter and it seemed a bit iffy under WinXP - have you had any problems GameCab?? I just realised the PC I built for my cab doesn't have a gameport

Quote

How about cheapie pci soundcards? maybe you could borrow the gameport from an old soundblaster or something?? Don't have much experience using gameports at all though, so just a thought . . .

Rocky · « **Reply #27 on:** January 13, 2004, 09:26:48 am »

Quote from: Stingray on January 12, 2004, 03:45:55 pm

Other than Star Wars, what else uses this type of controller? SW is the only game I remeber that used it.

-S

Paperboy

allroy1975 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 13, 2004, 09:35:57 am »

price chaned... $135

Allroy

Minwah · « **Reply #29 on:** January 13, 2004, 10:27:24 am »

Quote from: bloodyviking77 on January 13, 2004, 05:31:40 am

How about cheapie pci soundcards? maybe you could borrow the gameport from an old soundblaster or something?? Don't have much experience using gameports at all though, so just a thought . . .

Ahhh yes, I actually have a SB16 in my loft - that should do! Thanks

Well spotted Allroy, $135 sounds great!

Lilwolf · « **Reply #30 on:** January 13, 2004, 11:54:56 am »

and I ment 270, not 360 steering wheels

If you can get these out the door for 135 I think thats a good price!

alternative

Used Starwars controller on ebay.
- 50 for missing parts (and you probably wont get any parts to work with it)
- 75 a good price for a good one
- 100 a good price for a GREAT condition one.
- NOS... I've never seen one sold... I would guess 200+

- 40 - 60 if your lucky on a good quality one that was for another game... but you might not get it to work the exactly the same.

Hacking...

right now you only have one good solution without replacing pots... 1ups MS Dual Strike hack. And they go for about 15 bucks with shipping on ebay.

So for a new great condition one... I think 135 is a Great start.

I'm hoping that there is a way that you can hide 1/2 that box under my control panely myself.

TheTick · « **Reply #31 on:** January 13, 2004, 12:33:24 pm »

I suppose the price is reasonable (more so at $135).

I was thinking about the gameport vs USB (my system doesn't have a gameport), the gameport does make more sense as far as MAME is concerned. With USB there would be no native DOS support for the controller, and that could eliminate some potential customers.

Stingray · « **Reply #32 on:** January 13, 2004, 01:03:35 pm »

Yes, but a Mac has no gameport, which elimnates some other potential customers.

-S

TheTick · « **Reply #33 on:** January 13, 2004, 01:25:11 pm »

Quote from: Stingray on January 13, 2004, 01:03:35 pm

Yes, but a Mac has no gameport, which elimnates some other potential customers.

-S

Very few

The Macs should be able to use the same adapter that was suggested to me, to convert gameport to USB. With DOS, there is no adapter going the opposite way.

Stingray · « **Reply #34 on:** January 13, 2004, 01:45:42 pm »

Quote from: TheTick on January 13, 2004, 01:25:11 pm

Very few

Granted, but since USB has become a cross platform standard, it would make sense to me to use that interface. I was unaware that USB doesn't work with DOS.

Quote from: TheTick on January 13, 2004, 01:25:11 pm

The Macs should be able to use the same adapter that was suggested to me, to convert gameport to USB. With DOS, there is no adapter going the opposite way.

I have an adapter that will allow me to use gameport sticks as well, though it's not USB. I guess there is no one standrd that will work with all possible MAME hardware setups.

-S

allroy1975 · « **Reply #35 on:** January 13, 2004, 01:58:34 pm »

Quote from: Lilwolf on January 13, 2004, 11:54:56 am

I'm hoping that there is a way that you can hide 1/2 that box under my control panely myself.

Charlie already said he's going to make 2 size boxes so you can get the 8 inch one (pictured) or a smaller one.

I'm totally excited about it.

Allroy

SirPoonga · « **Reply #36 on:** January 13, 2004, 02:41:35 pm »

I'm hoping it's affordable.

Minwah · « **Reply #37 on:** January 13, 2004, 02:57:56 pm »

Quote from: SirPoonga on January 13, 2004, 02:41:35 pm

I'm hoping it's affordable.

$135 - see above

DARRYLICSHON · « **Reply #38 on:** January 13, 2004, 03:27:16 pm »

Looks nice now i just need the spare money

SirPoonga · « **Reply #39 on:** January 13, 2004, 04:02:31 pm »

Quote from: Minwah on January 13, 2004, 02:57:56 pm

Quote from: SirPoonga on January 13, 2004, 02:41:35 pm
I'm hoping it's affordable.

$135 - see above

That's comparable to the USB CH Products yoke. cool.

Xiaou2 · « **Reply #40 on:** January 13, 2004, 05:12:18 pm »

Gameport !!! : ( Thats lame. Nobody makes gameport sticks anymore. Why not USB? Most motherboards do not have the port, as well as that making it harder to interface with usb devices. (priority)

Add the extra 5$ and make it a USB version. I think most would agree that it would be worth the extra money.

BTW - does it use 5k pots with convertion or typical pc pots?

SirPoonga · « **Reply #41 on:** January 13, 2004, 05:44:44 pm »

unfortunately there's a bunch of DOS users in this crowd.

allroy1975 · « **Reply #42 on:** January 16, 2004, 10:18:25 am »

Quote from: SirPoonga on January 13, 2004, 05:44:44 pm

unfortunately there's a bunch of DOS users in this crowd.

why is that unfortunate? Dos rocks. I don't use it anymore...but it still rocks.

anyway..who cares? If you use the Gameport cuz you have DOS, then it's awesome that you have a choice. if it was USB what would DOS users do? I don't see how people can complain about having a choice....communists....lol

Allroy

jerryjanis · « **Reply #43 on:** January 16, 2004, 12:45:52 pm »

That thing looks great, and the $135 price sounds reasonable. As far as not supporting USB, I'm sure that the folks around here wouldn't have to much trouble coercing into a native USB interface (by hacking it)

CCM · « **Reply #44 on:** January 16, 2004, 01:59:06 pm »

from www.gamecab.com:

Interface - Currently the GameCab Flight Yoke will connect to your computer via a standard 15 pin game port connector. USB connection can be achieved with the extra purchase of a Game port to USB adapter, this part is available at Radio Shack at a cost of $15.

so, it seems it will be a piece of cake to make it USB, no hacking required!

Techoverload · « **Reply #45 on:** January 16, 2004, 06:42:51 pm »

It beats the tar outa spending this kind of money http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3266164500&category=13718&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1 and still have to build/buy an interface for it

Jedi Master Matt · « **Reply #46 on:** January 16, 2004, 06:52:32 pm »

I'm really tempted to pick this up. Looks really well made.

My only question is devising a quick mounting mech for it. Perhaps a visit to a junk yard to get the mounting mech from a car's headrest would work.

CCM · « **Reply #47 on:** January 17, 2004, 12:04:38 pm »

Does anyone know if gamecab has a showroom? I happen to be on Long Island this weekend and according to gamecab's website they are in Ronkonkoma? And are there any other arcade supply places to check out on the Island?


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