Star Wars Flight Yolk?- Anyone see this yet?

[RetroJames]

I am excited to see the reviews and maybe order when I can afford.  I actually don't think 165 is a bad price for a new controller of that complexity.  I know I would spend more than $165 worth of my time trying to put one together and I am sure it wouldn't be as nice as the n'th one that GC builds after RD and Reviews.  

I would consider the following to be important factors regarding the price and marketability;

1. Craftsmanship.  Obviously the thing should look and feel tight, clean lines, no ductape

2. Quality.  Good parts, made to last under stress, no lead paint.

3. Weight?  Not really the word I am looking for, but I can get a flight yoke at the thrift store all day long.  I always think they just feel like toys.  I hope this one feels like a weapon.

4. Support.  What is the support and or warranty anyway?  No one asked that I saw.

5. Design.  It looks good from the pics I saw, but you know how it is.  Some things really look right while other things don't.  

My $0.02

[MameMaster!]

...I believe that I've spawned one of the more lively, interesting and controversial threads in a while!....whoo hoo!

I wants the Yoke, bottom line.......and to think that's how this all started!

The LOVE is back!  

MameMaster!  
PS- Hey Charlie (GameCab) do I get a free one from stirring up so much interest? (just kidding!!!)..... just get in that workshop and make a ton of them!

[GamingGreg]

The price increase was not a markup in the terms that I am trying to milk a large profit.  The simple truth is that the $135 price tag was for the Pre-Order flight yokes only and they cost just as much to make, now add the cost of having all the parts from 4 different vendors shipped in (Do you see a loss??).  These yokes are not cheap to make at the current quantity that I can produce.   In order to gain any discount that would be reflective of a lower final selling price I would have to order parts for and produce over 75 units in one lump purchase.  The risk in loss of personal capital does not justify such a major purchase in my eyes.  The only real thing that matters is making my contribution to the hobby but doing it for free or a loss of personal capital is really not worth my spare time (which I never seem to have).  You can feel free to call it "bad buisness" if that really is what you call working for a minimal profit at $165, although I would have to disagree with that statement for the reason mentioned above.

And to answer one last question - The button cones will sell for under $2 per cone but if you would like to pay $10 per cone I can always donate the remaining $8 to this site in your name.  I'm sure you will not get a tax break for it but you will feel good about doing it.

Thanks again guys

Charlie

Gamecab,

If you're getting your grips from happcontrols, you could save $13.20 per unit by getting them through Bob Roberts.  Happs sells each trigger grip for $23.60/each and Bob sells the same grip for $17/each (see his parts page here).  Doing the math, that's a substancial $13.20 savings.  Also, I ordered my happ joysticks and buttons from him, and he's really good to work with (a lot of people here could vouch for that).

Just thought that might be helpful for you.

[Gamecab]

I guess I owe you an apology too for incinuating (outright stating) that you were exagerating.

Crashwg - I'ts cool, you don't owe me an apology.  I am glad that everyone is able to give input about the yokes and to help out in directing where I can save a few buck.  The Bob Roberts link may help to save a few buck on the price.  If it turns out to be that way then I'll knock the savings off the final price.  I actually have to order grips tonight so I will give him a try.  If he happens to have the quantity that I need that we can all expect a price drop (Wooo HOO!!!)
Trust me, when I had to set that final price I said to myself "Now nobody is going to buy these things" and it bumbed me out becasue I have been planning, testing, throwing out the failures and redesigning for 5 months.  That's a lot of hard work and many many cold days in the GameCab workshop (not to be confused with Santa's workshop because I'm pretty sure the elves do not toss their cigarette butts on the floor and forget to clean them up ).

Gotta run for Now

Charlie

[Gamecab]

The LOVE is back!  

..... just get in that workshop and make a ton of them!

The Love sure is back and it's also 55 Degree's in NY today, and I have been in the workshop all day.  I'm PUMPED!!!  

Gotta run back to the workshop again cause I'm feel GOOD right now!!!

[shmokes]

$165 is  a lot of money, no question.  But it doesn't seem at all incongruous.  I mean, look at a good spinner.  For a Tornado and a knob you're looking at over $100.  It's not like Charlie can have these produced by the thousands in a factory in Thailand.  This is fairly small-scale manufacturing we're talking about, and if you're looking at over $100 for a little spinner, $165 for this, if well-made, should be expected.

I'm not saying that you can afford it, just that the cost is justified.  

[Frostillicus]

If you really want a yoke, that seems like a pretty good price considering the alternatives (build your own, hunt for one on ebay for same price then mod it).  With this you just have to plug it in.  
I love building stuff myself, like most everyone else, but lately I've been even more about picking the battles I can win (this wouldn't be one of them ).  There's no way I could build one of these for the same amount of money and time Charlie takes.  How do I know?  I tried last year.  Twistygrip, spyhunter2 yoke, lowes electrical joiner box sections, etc etc etc.  Argh back to my metal DDR pad....

[Gamecab]

One day i'll post picture of ALL of the flight yoke misfits (I have many of them).  These were the designs that looked great to the eye and on paper but did so poor when I tested them.  I have made so many trips to Lowes and Depot for parts that just ended up in the trash, burnt up by the arc welder, stuck in my hand (long story) or plain old broken.  When all else fails you just learn as you go..

[GGKoul]

Just wondering when we can expect the 2nd batch to be ready?

[Gamecab]

Just wondering when we can expect the 2nd batch to be ready?

The Second batch is already sold out.  Once these are completed and shipped I am going to start working on having these in stock instead of the the current method of ordering parts as the orders come which is causing too many delays.  This is also going to be the same for the GameCab Control panels as well.  In order to do this I will have to basially stop taking orders for products for a few weeks and just devote all of my time to ordering parts and assembly in bulk.  The Problem with 2Checkout has been resolved so I can soon move forward with ordering larger amounts of the needed parts for the Yokes.  I really am looking forward to having a least 5-10 yokes on hand at all times and ready for shipment.  I'll let you guys know as soon as batch #3 is ready.

[GGKoul]

Your up to the 3rd batch already?

How many "Star War Yokes" did you produce for each batches??  Have any been mailed out to people yet?  As I'm still waiting for someone to post there comments on the finish and use of the Yoke.  Before I purchase one...

Can the people who have one these posts there comments???

Many Thanks!!
-GGKoul

[MameMaster!]

.....I was thinking the same thing.

Any one using these yet?

  MameMaster!

[GamingGreg]

I was also curious as to whether the grips are tilted inwards (like the original star wars yoke).  It's hard to tell if they are or not by the pictures on the gamecab website.  To my understanding the tilt makes it more eronomic, and more comfortable to control. Does anyone know?

[GGKoul]

Hey, I'm interested in purchasing one.. I just want to hear from someone regarding the unit before I order.

And if you made 2 batches already.. I'm wondering why nobody has received one and posted there comments yet.

Have these 2 batches been shipped yet?  Send me one and I'll post my review....

[GGKoul]

We  have 2 threads going now...

http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=16968

[MameMaster!]

....OK....I thought I'd give this one more shot-

.....Charlie....does anyone actually own one yet?

....do you have them for sale yet?

...the BYOACer who posted that they had ordered one....have you even received it yet?...are you happy with it?

   
MameMaster!

[GroovyTuesdaY]

I guess I owe you an apology too for incinuating (outright stating) that you were exagerating.  I guess I realy am as Groovy put it "a brick", although I believe he could have been a little nicer about it.  I should have done alot more research into what it realy does cost to make things like this.  You seem like a pretty cool guy Charlie, and I will be glad to do buisness with you... once the price starts to come down  

I too apologise to you  
Charlie is an awesome guy!  If  something is wrong he will make it right! Gamecab is a perfect example of how a business should be run!  Two thumbs for gamecab!!
His heart is definately in the right place!

groovY~
groovy~

[GGKoul]

I have spoken to Charlie.  And he's busy making the yoke sticks.  But remember, he's a one man operation.  So he's turning them out as quick and possible.  And since there's a huge demand for these joysticks.  He's swamped making these joysticks and has little time to do anything else.  Just ask Mrs. Gamecab...  

-GGKoul

[Gamecab]

....OK....I thought I'd give this one more shot-

.....Charlie....does anyone actually own one yet?

....do you have them for sale yet?

...the BYOACer who posted that they had ordered one....have you even received it yet?...are you happy with it?

   
MameMaster!

Mamemaster,

Yes, people own the Yokes as far as my UPS tracking and credit card billing information tells me as well as many hours of work.   So, I think we really should put an end to asking if they have shipped as I can not give the names of the purchasers, even screen names (I'm sure you understand).   As for feedback,  I got some good, some bad.

On a lesser note - I will not be selling any NEW yokes until the end of April / begining of May because I am closing down GameCab for a month to take care of the remaining orders and tend to some personal items that require my 100% attention.   I know you have expressed your interest in the Yoke and maybe once the Yokes are re-released they will knock your socks off (I'm crossing my fingers here).    If you have an questions you can feel free to contact me (I corrected that SPAMMING issue on the GC email so it will come to me this time)

[MameMaster!]

...good luck!....we're all looking forward to them.

I think if they're as good as we're hoping you'll have a real hit on your hands!!

 

MameMaster!
   I guess we'll wait until the Summer for Star Wars!

[allroy1975]

I own one.  It kicks ass.  

I have a makeshift base for it right now though..so I don't really want to show it to you guys on my cab..it's embarassing..but I'll tell you what...I'm taking down record numbers of TIE fighters!!!

I need to figure out EXACTLY how to hack my MS Sidewinder Pedals into it and then figure out how to tweak Spy Hunter and ROAD BLASTERS!  I LOVE THAT GAME!  

Anyway, It's been SOO long since I played Star wars in an Arcade I can't really compare the 2 controllers.  Charlie's design is solid.

Ever since the first day that he announced he'd be doing this (backin like..october said he'd have it out around the end of December) I've been harassing him.  IS IT READY YET?  IS IT READY YET!?  IS IT READY YET!?!?!?  and somehow he never told me to get a life.  He's always been great with me.  Reading this thread was ticking me off cuz he's a good guy making a killer product for the people who want it in this community!  How can you criticize someone who's doing something no one else has?!  My cab isn't made of PVC so I wasn't too excited about the TwistyGrip plans- Great as they may be.  

Charlies Controller looks good.  Obviously the Happ grips give it a good look and a solid feel.  It certainly does NOT feel like a toy.  I've taken parts of it apart and I'm glad Charlie did it, cuz I wouldn't have a clue where to start.  As for it's accuracy, like I said, I'm blasting record numbers of TIEs.  But that's me.  I'm a 28 year old video game junkie.  Maybe I'm just good.  Well..maybe not.  I put my 5 year old Son on it.  He's never played Star Wars.  He's watched me play it a few times here lately so he knew what to do.  He got in there and was tering it up!  I couldn't beleive it.  

Anwyay, it's not much of a "review" but....am I happy with my purchace?  Very.

Am I happy with the customer service, commuication and support that I've gotten?   Very.

that's all I have to say about that.  

Allroy

[crashwg]

Finnaly, a review!  Half-assed as it may be, it's the first time someone has posted anything about wheter or not it is worth the money to buy one of these or not.
Thanks allroy.
A few more good reviews and I think I'll be closer to willing to fork over that kind of dough for a controler.  I guess it may be time to start looking for a job...  

[allroy1975]

since it was so half-assed I'd be more than happy to answer any questions as best I can.  

Allroy

[crashwg]

I did not meen that to offend, you said yourself, "not much of a "review"".  So sorry if you took it in the wrong way allroy.

[allroy1975]

no, I wasn't offended...I can't even figure out what I'd be offended about if someone were to offend me.  I could see my feelings hurt, but that's not someone elses problem in my book, it's mine.  If i'm not secure enough to take criticizm then what?  I cry offended and the others should appologize?  no.  

I was simply stating that because it WAS a half-assed review I'd be happy to answer any specific questions people may have about the product.  

I like the Yoke, and I talked to Charlie quite a bit over the last 5 or 6 months and I like him.  Anything I can do to help the community decide if Charlie's Yoke is right for them, I'm glad to help.  That's all I'm saying.  

Allroy

[Minwah]

If I can add one thing it's that I hope Charlie manages to get overseas orders working - I tried pre-ordering one but at the checkout got stuck because I couldn't pick non-US

[Gamecab]

The Yokes will happen again, "Overseas too!!".  I have to hammer out a few major flaws in the building process that are just adding unneeded hours to the build process of each yoke.  This is the cause of ALL of my GameCab headaches.  I am going to use the down time to hire a machinest (if thats the term) to produce all of the hard to produce parts in bulk for me.  I really wish I could count the wasted hours that I have spent cutting and threading pipe only to find out that it was WRONG!! and then I had to start over again.  Man I'm mad just writing about it!.   Anyway, getting back to the point - As soon as I can get the yoke building process fine tuned I will open up sales to the U.K. and others.   I'll keep you guys updated on the process as usual.

Thanks

Charlie