RAM Controls USB Interface

Daviea

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I just wanted to let everyone know that the Star Wars yoke controller USB interface is now complete.

USBInterface03.jpg


I've assembled just over 100 units - they've been tested and they're ready to ship.

If you've already ordered one, they're shipping out this week as planned.

Check it out here: http://www.ram-controls.com/USB001-Interface.html

Enjoy!!

Dave

P.S. Keep watching for more releases. Since the Star Wars yoke project has come to a close, I can focus my attention on other projects which aren't nearly as complicated. It's going to be a great year for reproduction items!
 
We have a lot going on right now. Since the SW yoke is done, I can focus nearly all of my free time on the *many* existing RAM Controls projects.

Here's what we've got coming up next (and will probably be in this order):

Complete controllers:
Lunar Lander thrust controller
Tempest Spinner
720 Joystick
Missile Command Trackball (4.5" AND 2.25" versions)
Food Fight Joystick
Red Baron Joystick
Battlezone Joystick
Assault Joystick
LOGO Joystick
Hall Effect Joystick
Paperboy controller

Individual parts: (also being worked on at the same time as above controllers)
Battlezone/FoodFight/RedBaron centering bellows
Major Havoc control panel
I, Robot Control panel

I've looked at and worked on each of these over the last weekend, so I am well aware of the status of each of these. If you have specific questions, hit me with them. I won't promise specific dates right now, but I will go as far as saying that they're all getting close to completion. :) If you're a naysayer, just look at my current catalog of completed projects! Hah!

I'm excited to get my focus back on these other projects.

Dave

What's in the pipeline?
 
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What do you guys want to see in the PB rebuild kits?

Only reason I haven't put any focus on them is due to the low interest level I've seen over the years, but I do have many of the parts completed.

Anyone care to assist me in coming up with parts for various "levels" of the rebuild kits (basic, standard, deluxe, premium kits, etc)...??

Thanks.

Dave

I think paperboy rebuild kits should be at the top of the list!
 
What do you guys want to see in the PB rebuild kits?

Only reason I haven't put any focus on them is due to the low interest level I've seen over the years, but I do have many of the parts completed.

Anyone care to assist me in coming up with parts for various "levels" of the rebuild kits (basic, standard, deluxe, premium kits, etc)...??

Thanks.

Dave

I already purchased a modified rebuild kit for a Paperboy Controller from you.

I'm familiar with the Assembly Drawing of the controller, but I haven't torn the one I have apart yet. With that knowledge, I'd break it down as follows:

Basic: Pots
Standard: Pots and Gears (This is what I've purchased from you)
Deluxe: Pots, Gears, and Springs

After that I'm not sure of the wear level. I just purchased the Black Spacer as mine appears to be broken, but I'm not sure if that is common. I could see grips added in a premium and maybe buttons.


Glad to see you back in action Dave. Look forward to reading more of your updates. Also, the USB interface looks good. The Plug and Play is sure to help people.
 
I'll have to have a closer look at my paperboy handlebars sometime soon. If it occurred to me that you had a bunch of the parts, I probably would have ordered some of the stuff while I had it apart.

Someone help Dave with his need for an original blue grip!!! :)
 
I'm still waiting on some light blue grips that have not discolored, but I fear that my wait will be in vain. I've found the original Atari color mix used by Hunt Wilde, so I think I'm set. I just wish I had something to color match against, too.

I've already started the process - it's a matter of time. I've already sunk my money into this deal, so it's definitely going to happen. DON'T ask me for a timeframe, though. That seems to put me in a bad place, so let's just leave it at "it's going to happen" and not dig any deeper for now. :)

Dave
 
Here's what we've got coming up next (and will probably be in this order):

Complete controllers:
Lunar Lander thrust controller
Tempest Spinner
720 Joystick
Missile Command Trackball (4.5" AND 2.25" versions)
Food Fight Joystick
Red Baron Joystick
Battlezone Joystick
Assault Joystick
LOGO Joystick
Hall Effect Joystick
Paperboy controller

damn, that hall effect joystick is almost at the very end of the list. let's give this baby a big PUSH ... ;-)
 
I'm still waiting on some light blue grips that have not discolored, but I fear that my wait will be in vain. I've found the original Atari color mix used by Hunt Wilde, so I think I'm set. I just wish I had something to color match against, too.

I've already started the process - it's a matter of time. I've already sunk my money into this deal, so it's definitely going to happen. DON'T ask me for a timeframe, though. That seems to put me in a bad place, so let's just leave it at "it's going to happen" and not dig any deeper for now. :)

Dave

Doesn't the discoloration just add character? :rolleyes:

Best option I had, really hope that you are able to make them pretty for others! Just like the SW yoke, MH Rollergig, 720 joy, etc...:D
 
I'm still waiting on some light blue grips that have not discolored, but I fear that my wait will be in vain. I've found the original Atari color mix used by Hunt Wilde, so I think I'm set. I just wish I had something to color match against, too.

I've already started the process - it's a matter of time. I've already sunk my money into this deal, so it's definitely going to happen. DON'T ask me for a timeframe, though. That seems to put me in a bad place, so let's just leave it at "it's going to happen" and not dig any deeper for now. :)

Dave

That's awesome to hear. I thought you were looking to slice into an original grip in order to get the true color from inside? Is that not going to work for matching for some reason?

When do you think they'll be available? ;) Seriously, I think you'll have a lot of happy customers when they're available, but good move on not setting expectations. :)
 
The only reason it's so far down the list is due to the X-Direction Slide and the Y-Direction Slide as well as the magnets. I'm having trouble finding an easy way to make the slides since I do NOT have the original molds for them. Plus, I'm waiting on results from a lab that specializes in magnetics to match the exact magnet "flux" type for me.

FYI, I will probably end up making the slides out of polyurethane and I bet those magnets are something common that was available in the 80's which means they're probably still around now, just have to dig a little.

Dave

damn, that hall effect joystick is almost at the very end of the list. let's give this baby a big PUSH ... ;-)
 
I received about five samples of the discolored handles. It was my intention to cut into them to get a good color sampling. What I didn't realize was the discoloration would seep all the way through the material. So, instead of light blue, I have teal. Hey, I like teal just as much as the next guy, but I'm trying to hit a target color which is clearly in the BLUE region. :)

I'll treat this just like every other item I reproduce. I'll put a ton of thought and effort into it and make sure it's absolutely perfect. If I cannot find a non-discolored handle to match against, I'll go with the original color codes and eyeball it.

If anyone has any suggestions on matching this color, I'm listening. (ie: possible source for original LIGHT BLUE grips, color codes, something else the color matches to perfectly....anything at all).

As far as when they'll be ready....it's just one process with as many prototypes at the beginning. Each color match test will run me only $50, so it's not a big deal. I will run 100 tests before the production run if I can't get that color just right!! LOL

Thanks guys,

Dave


That's awesome to hear. I thought you were looking to slice into an original grip in order to get the true color from inside? Is that not going to work for matching for some reason?

When do you think they'll be available? ;) Seriously, I think you'll have a lot of happy customers when they're available, but good move on not setting expectations. :)
 
Complete controllers:
Lunar Lander thrust controller
Tempest Spinner
720 Joystick
Missile Command Trackball (4.5" AND 2.25" versions)
Food Fight Joystick
Red Baron Joystick
Battlezone Joystick
Assault Joystick
LOGO Joystick
Hall Effect Joystick
Paperboy controller

No Berzerk joystick in the mix?
 
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