Main > Main Forum
Ram Controls?
Havok:
Anybody heard anything about Ram Controls recently?
I have been anxiously awaiting a repro Star Wars Yoke, and it looks like the last update they did to their website was in July of last year. I hope they are still going strong, and plan to bring the yoke to market...
Donkey_Kong:
--- Quote from: Havok on January 04, 2007, 03:31:36 pm ---Anybody heard anything about Ram Controls recently?
I have been anxiously awaiting a repro Star Wars Yoke, and it looks like the last update they did to their website was in July of last year. I hope they are still going strong, and plan to bring the yoke to market...
--- End quote ---
That would be sweet as my 11 year old keeps insisting on playing spy hunter with like a joy stick or something. Myself, I can't take my eyes off of that 720 stick they got brewing. :o
Hoopz:
Maybe Charlie (Gamecab) went over there to help. . . .
Sizzler:
--- Quote from: HooPZ on January 04, 2007, 05:23:04 pm ---Maybe Charlie (Gamecab) went over there to help. . . .
--- End quote ---
:laugh2:
Daviea:
Hey guys,
This is David, the owner of RAM Controls. I decided it was about time I chime in on Arcade Controls.
First of all, I want to thank everyone for taking such an interest in what I'm doing. I appreciate the attention very much.
Here's the short of it. I took a contract job in Texas a few months ago because it was just too good to pass up. Anyhow, all of the open projects at RAM Controls were put on hold at that time. I recently finished up my contract job and returned home. I've already picked up where I left off with regard to the ongoing controller projects. Namely, the Star Wars flight controller/yoke is at the very top of my to-do list. While I have most of the parts completed, there are a few minor issues I'm dealing with.
Gears - While I was out of state, I missed the delivery of the gears (whoops) so I'm just waiting on the redelivery attempt now.
Handles - I was originally going to machine these from solid chunks of aluminum. After finishing up my fifth revision of the prototype handles, I've decided to go with a casting process. The machined parts just aren't coming out the way I want them to. I believe that going with a casting process will be the best choice which will provide a superior part in a more timely fashion. Casting technology has advanced quite a bit since the days of Atari and I know that the alloy choice, the process itself and the ultimate finish of the handles will surpass that of the original parts.
Wire - Believe it or not, an exact match for the control wire used in these yokes is impossible to find. I tried using many different types of commercially available wire, sampling pretty much everything I could get my hands on. None of them were acceptable, so I passed time and time again. It's too thick, it's too thin, it's too stiff, it's the wrong color, it's shielded and shouldn't be, etc. It was never perfect. Finally, I decided to bite the bullet and contract with a local wire manufacturer to produce the wire. This single item may hold up the project more than the above items combined.
I know what you're all thinking, too. Why so picky about everything? Why not just bring the yoke to market NOW?! Well, if you know me, you already know the answer. I'm incredibly meticulous and pay attention to the details. If it's not perfect, I won't accept it nor will I release it. Hey, I really appreciate the small amount of praise I receive for what I do. In return, I plan to offer nothing but the best in reproduction parts.
So, standby everyone, the SW yoke project is very alive and about to break free. I believe everyone will be pleased with the final product. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact me directly.
David Adams
RAM Controls