Finally got around to changing out the springs in my CH Yoke for rubber bands and what a difference!  I've watched the YouTube video on how to do this, but I guess today I just felt motivated to do it.  So for anyone else that hasn't done this, give it a try (it's reversible if you don't like it), well worth it:

 

 

How to Videos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What about fitting a damper?

I used that mod quite a while ago and although it felt good, there was a nagging feeling that it was 'elastic bands'. Eventually I located a pair of springs that were the same length as the originals, but narrower gauge. Now, the feeling is good and the elastic phobia has gone!

It begs the question, why has CH Products not seen fit to modify their yoke. Surely no-one is completely satisfied with the need for muscles like Popeye!

I have the same story as Ron, I did the same thing with the rubber bands, then ended up taking one of the original springs down to my local hardware store and picked up some lighter springs that were the same size and haven't looked back.

Well it's still a cheap plastic yoke and that feeling remains ... I had thought about lower tension springs but that wouldn't alleviate the spring like noises.  It's no substitute for a well designed metal unit, but these rubber bans are working better than the original springs -- see how long that lasts.  May take on your idea of lower tension springs if these bands don't hold up.

 

 

What about fitting a damper?

 

Not sure that'll work well with all plastic parts and how the CH internals are designed ... would be a lot of work and still have the plastic feel.

 

Ultimately I want to move to a high-end Yoke, but this might hold me over for a little while.  The biggest problem I see with CH Yoke are the potentiometers and/or A/D converters ... RAW data range is 0-255 (or less) ... what's really needed is 0-1024 or higher resolution ... anyone have a high end Yoke?  If so, could you share RAW data ranges?

Guys,

can I ask you the exact specs of the NEW springs you put in? 

None of my "local hardware stores" seem to have anything that could work, and I have to get them online.

 

Could you please share the exact sizes you used? I am sure this would be helpful for lots of people...

 

Thanks!

I used that mod quite a while ago and although it felt good, there was a nagging feeling that it was 'elastic bands'. Eventually I located a pair of springs that were the same length as the originals, but narrower gauge. Now, the feeling is good and the elastic phobia has gone!

It begs the question, why has CH Products not seen fit to modify their yoke. Surely no-one is completely satisfied with the need for muscles like Popeye!

 

I remember saying that! :blush2:

 

I've changed my mind and put the original springs back. It's an example of how easily convinced we/I are/am by our 'peers'. It was something said by A2A's Scott Gentile in regard to CH yokes. (which he and most of A2A's staff use)

He said that the original springs gave a feeling that was, if anything, lighter than the Comanche he was flying.

 

It does keep us out of mischief, all this tinkering, eh? :smile:

Rob

"RAW data range is 0-255 (or less) ... what's really needed is 0-1024 or higher resolution ... anyone have a high end Yoke?  If so, could you share RAW data ranges?"

 

Where would I see the raw Data range ?

 

Thank you

 

Edit

 

Sorry the info Rob was asking I did not realize it was from Jan 2014.

I've changed my mind and put the original springs back.

 

 

So I guess the rubber bands or lighter springs did not make it "smoother" but just "lighter"?

 

Thanks

So I guess the rubber bands or lighter springs did not make it "smoother" but just "lighter"?

 

Thanks

Correct. One thing I've been meaning to ask on Avsim is; does anyone else have, what seems to me, too much 'slop' between the shaft and the 'bearings'? I don't remember them being so loose at the beginning.

I did the elastic band mod on my Saitek yoke some years ago,and the original bands are still in place. 

Got a bucket load of them for about €1 and haven't replaced them yet  

Now the Saitek throttles, they are another story altogether.....

I did the elastic band mod on my Saitek yoke some years ago,and the original bands are still in place.

Got a bucket load of them for about €1 and haven't replaced them yet

Now the Saitek throttles, they are another story altogether.....

Hi Jude,

 

I was just going to post to ask if anyone had done anything like this with the Saitek Yoke, and then saw your post. Is it an easy job to do the same on the Saitek Yokes?

 

Thanks

/\ /\ /\  scrub that!

 

Got it done in 10 minutes! ...... feels great.  It feels really perfect for small GA and LSA (which is what I fly in FS); might feel a little too light for hyraulically powered control surfaces on airliners.

 

I followed these tutorials:-

 

Disasembly:

 

 

Modification:

 

Correct. One thing I've been meaning to ask on Avsim is; does anyone else have, what seems to me, too much 'slop' between the shaft and the 'bearings'? I don't remember them being so loose at the beginning.

 

What do you mean by "too much 'slop' between the shaft and the 'bearings'"?

Do you you see space around the shaft, if you look at the unit front? That could mean the front bearing is not properly fixed in its slot.

When you closed it the last time, did you make sure the 3 bearings (two in the back and now in the front) properly fit in their slots on the case?

 

I had a similar problem last night, and had to take it apart again to put the front bearing in its slot. Now it is fine.

Too much slop, as in too much play. But you make a good point, I'll open it up again to see if I've missed anything. Knowing me, I may well have done!