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Gamecab yoke...

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Generic Eric:

--- Quote from: mahuti on June 09, 2004, 11:52:37 pm ---I got an email from them the other day saying that the yoke is now on hiatus :( Too bad. I would buy one if they were available.

--- End quote ---

That is too bad!

Everyone needs a yoke.  I hope he gets back on it soon.

Tailgunner:

--- Quote from: generic_eric on June 09, 2004, 11:57:49 pm ---this is the pic that shows the collar where the yoke connects to the base.  it is a bit smaller than the one on the atari yoke.  have you used an atari yoke?  how does it compare?  mine (atari yoke from ebay) didn't even ship to me as a fully assembelled unit, so i don't really have an idea on how it operates...

just curious.
--- End quote ---

Yep, I also have a real Atari yoke and about half of another.

Actually that's the one weak spot in the Atari yoke design. Generally speaking, they're built like tanks, but the Atari yoke uses a two piece main shaft that is held together with three screws. When the screws loosen up over time, they start acting like like a milling machine and they'll chew up the shaft pieces. I actually bought the second yoke for parts to repair the first, and it's main shaft isn't in much better shape.

Gamecab:

--- Quote from: Tailgunner on June 09, 2004, 02:13:12 am ---Overall, I like the basic design, Charlie has done a good job of creating a functional yoke out of mostly off the shelf parts. The build quality doesn't impress me, but not everyone has access to a fab shop full of tools and machinery so I'll cut him some slack in that regard.

I was dissapointed by his choice of wood for the base side panels, they're made from  3/4" Masonite and as the pictures show both pieces have split almost completely in half. There are quite a few metal burrs on the internal parts that need cleaning up, though that's more of a cosmetic issue than a functional problem. The grips are off centered side to side, but I should be able to adjust the rod they're mounted on to sort that out.

The yoke is a little "notchy" in it's movement, though that should smooth out with use as the gears wear in.  I dunno how it actually works in a game, I was more interested in it's guts and took it apart before plugging it into a computer. ;)

--- End quote ---
Wow!!!  I would have taken pictures of all the parts for you.  If you need help getting everything aligned and calibrated just send me an e-mail.  If you want to ship it back I'll also put it back together for you.

I am impressed by the review.  Lets face it, I always use the feedback to improve the units, so I thank you for purchaseing the unit just for this review.

Thanks

Charlie

Generic Eric:

--- Quote from: Tailgunner on June 10, 2004, 12:54:20 am ---
--- Quote from: generic_eric on June 09, 2004, 11:57:49 pm ---this is the pic that shows the collar where the yoke connects to the base.  it is a bit smaller than the one on the atari yoke.  have you used an atari yoke?  how does it compare?  mine (atari yoke from ebay) didn't even ship to me as a fully assembelled unit, so i don't really have an idea on how it operates...

just curious.
--- End quote ---

Yep, I also have a real Atari yoke and about half of another.

Actually that's the one weak spot in the Atari yoke design. Generally speaking, they're built like tanks, but the Atari yoke uses a two piece main shaft that is held together with three screws. When the screws loosen up over time, they start acting like like a milling machine and they'll chew up the shaft pieces. I actually bought the second yoke for parts to repair the first, and it's main shaft isn't in much better shape.

--- End quote ---

Ok

How does the GC Yoke compare in that respect?

Tailgunner:
Sorry for the delay in answering, I wanted to check my Atari yoke to correct my earlier statement.

The Atari yoke's main shaft is a single piece. There's a steel collar welded inside the grip half that attaches to the main shaft with three screws. The wear I described happens between the steel collar and the main shaft.

Gamecab's grip half attaches somewhat similarly, excepting he's using a weathertite electrical box for the grip half's housing. He's using a steel collar on the outside of the box, and since the box is aluminum it can't be welded to the collar. Gamecab's collar is held to the main shaft via setscrews, Atari went one step further by drilling and tapping the mainshaft. As pointed out above, this isn't necessarily a good thing as it wears out both the shaft and collar over time, the screws protruding into the shaft can damage the wiring running through it, and since the collar is welded in place it's much more difficult to remove for replacement.

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