Cast Aluminum Grip

[Guest]

I have recently built a set of anti torque pedals for my sim. I am now working on a cyclic. I have the means to build cast aluminum grips. Since there is a fair bit of work to make the pattern I'm wondering if there are any other builders interested in getting one. Also while we are at it:1) what would be a good design for a generic grip ?2) How many buttons and/or hat switches3) What would be a good and fair price? Send me your wish list and I'll see what I can do.ThanksMike

[blave 0]

To be honest, I think I'd rather just have a plastic grip on the cyclic - no helo that I'm aware of uses metal for this. Metal gets cold 8^) .What I *would* be interested in is a cheaper alternative to the cyclic offered by Flight Link - the USB version is $800! http://www.flightlink.com/hardware/rotorwing/gs2plus.htmlIt seems to me that a USB cyclic, based on the innards of a high-quality joystick (e.g. CH FlightStick), could be built for $300 or less. I just don't have the mechanical know-how (or tools) to do it myself.I have been wanting to build some sort of cockpit setup for quite a while; Antti's excellent Dauphin has moved my thoughts toward a helicopter-focused arrangement rather than fixed-wing. One of the first stumbling blocks is the cyclic...I'm also trying to figure out how to solve the collective problem. I would like to have one that is similar to what's in the JetRanger - i.e. a switch box on the end, and also a fuel controller twistgrip. So far I'm thinking that I might be able to modify the one that Flight-Link sells, but again their stuff is more pricey than I'd like.regarding the buttons and hats: I'd want at least what I already have on my CH Combat Stick - two hats (mine are both 4-ways, although the newer USB version has an 8-way which would be nice) and several switches here and there - trigger (radio), A/P disconnect, load pickle, etc.Let us know how you get along with your project... Dave Blevins

[Guest LeoL]

Al must be pretty tough to work with. Have you thought about using the same kind of soft metal used for Hot Wheels die cast cars? I used to have fun as a kid melting them and pouring it into wood molds. Of course, now those same Hot Wheels sell on ebay for thousands $$$ to collectors! :_(Just a thought.-Leo

[Guest]

Hi Dave. Thanks for the reply. I Just took a look at the link you sent. I have seen this one before. There are quite a few manufactures. I think that the grip on that one is ABS plastic. What it comes down to is that I am set up for aluminum not plastic. :) And yes I do agree that the prices are a bit scary. I think I seen a price of $800.00 US which is almost $1100.00 Canadian ! Put the three pieces together and it will cost more than the PC.I will keep you in mind and e-mail you with any developments. I guess I better make a list of names.Thanks for the reply and please feel free to send any other sugestions.Mike