Star Wars yoke pots and microswitches

[kspiff]

I'm rebuilding my Star Wars yoke currently (build a standard CP first? nah..) and all I really need now are replacement pots and microswitches to fully refurbish it.. the microswitches aren't likely going to be a problem since I can just measure them and order replacements from Cherry (or Digikey, or maybe get them local if I want really cheap ones).. but finding is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.. none of the electronics distributors' catalogs have enough info or they'll lack a picture or technical diagram so I can be sure I'm ordering the right ones.. is there anyone who knows a specific model number/ distributor I should get?  Or possibly a reliable, personable company that will actually look at some pics and help me choose a replacement..?

For reference the pots are round, 5K Ohm, full turn, 3/4" shaft length (?), haven't measured shaft diameter, and pot is tapered (think that's what it's called) down to the threads for securing it.  It also has a small metal shim on one side for properly aligning/centering.

TIA.

[1UP]

Happ Controls has replacement game pots.  Maybe they have what you need.

Are your pots missing?  If not, have you tested to see if they may still work?  My pots were still working when I got my yoke, and are still doing nicely.

BTW, if you need help hacking the yoke to work with your PC, look at the writeup on my site: http://1uparcade.com/project-swyoke.html

I bought replacement switches from Radio Shack (sorry, don't have the part #) that were just the same.  (The original thumb switch actuators were totally worn down.)

[kspiff]

I think if I actually sit down and measure the pots exactly I can find something.. but no the pots are not lost and no I haven't tested them so I likely should.. they don't move as fluidly as I would like but shouldn't restrict motion and seem fairly sturdy (quality Mexican craftsmanship  ).. the microswitches I will check for at RS, I guess..

Hmm.. in case you read this thread again, any recommendations for a cheap USB analog joy for hacking some Steel Talons sticks, btw?  

[PoDunkMoFo]

At this link the guy shows the type of microswitch he used (Radio Shack).  
http://www.appolo.com/projects/starwars/starwars_project.htm

Also I believe you want linear tapered for joystick use.

[1UP]

I think people usually recommend against using just any pots for yoke replacents, as they receive much heavier use in game applications.  Your everyday RS or Fry's pots likely won't make the grade.  You should probably go with the Happ pots if possible (sure they're pricey, but you only need 2 of them, and they should last longer.)

[PoDunkMoFo]

Nah I think that would be overkill.  Remember this things not going to be in an arcade anymore.  Most joysticks that you buy in a store nowadays have this enexpensive type of pot.  I mean if you really wanted to go all out you could throw a couple of Hall Effect sensors in there.
http://www.clarostat.com/NEWhalleffect.htm
These bayby's are guaranteed for something like 100 million cycles and there are no internal mechanical components.  I doubt they would be more than half again as much as the Happ pots.