Star Wars Yoke Arriving

[Daviea]

Hey everyone,

I have not been on the forums much lately as I've been knee deep in "real" work, spending what free time I do have working on RAM projects and little time talking about them. Anyhow, I managed to make two last minute changes to the yoke and now I've gotten things back on track with shipping. You guys should start to notice a lot of people chiming in about their yokes.

Enjoy!! I'm glad it's over with.

Friz, you need to chill out. Things happen. With that in mind, I decided to pull the plug on shipping to make some very last minute changes which benefit everyone who BOUGHT a yoke or plans to BUY a yoke. Since you are in neither category, there's no reason for you to keep pouncing on me. I delayed shipping. End of story. That doesn't make me a liar or a duck. It makes me eccentric at best and anal retentive at worst. Either way, it's all part of me paying extreme (read: over the top) attention to specific details.

You have nothing invested into this, so all you're doing at this point is taking a poop in my Wheaties. The yokes are shipping now so it's about time you get over it. Why don't you do something more constructive? If you'd like to reproduce something, I would be SO willing to help you. Heck, I would even give you limited access to my design services if you have no 3D modeling experience. Anything, let's just find a positive use to tap that seemingly unlimited energy of yours.

Enjoy those yokes, everyone!!!

Dave

 

[FrizzleFried]

EDIT: Not worth it...

Just deliver your product and I'll have nothing else to add.

 

[Daviea]

I do have respect for my customers, which is why I respond to them when they contact me. Don't mistake not posting on a forum as a lack of respect. I felt that I had to choose between working on the problem or talking about the problem (which is what we're doing right now) in an open forum. Though, I have to admit that keeping people in the loop on the forum makes the most sense.

If you want to equate no time on the forum as a lack of respect, feel free to do so. Do others really feel this way? If so, I seriously miscalculated. In my world, as busy as it is, a few weeks pass by like nothing. It's not a lack of respect, it's a byproduct of having too much on my plate, so to speak. And, to be quite clear about this point, I am very sorry about this and I have apologized for it on several occasions. I find myself working instead of writing about working. I should probably force myself to write more often. I don't set out to keep people in the dark, it's just one of those things I seem to excel at without even trying. And I don't mean to make light of it, either. I really am sorry if I've worked anyone up over anything I'm working on. I want the hobby to be FUN and remain intact as long as possible.

In the past when I do take the time to explain, I still get reamed over it. Granted, it's much worse when I do fall off the radar for awhile, but still. I just can't please some of you no matter what. Since actions tend to offer more, it seems that maybe I should spend less time on the forums and more time working on projects? Oh wait... I've already been doing that. But that means melt-down time on the forums and Friz spear-heading the entire thing. LOL I just can't win. So how about I just do whatever feels right. I'll keep making kick ass products and get on the forums as often as I can. That should do it.

For the record, I never told you to "shut up". However, I did ask you to cool off a bit and stop dumping in my breakfast. In fact, I believe I have been respectful of you and your feelings the entire time you've been badgering me. Badgering me when you have absolutely no interest in what I'm doing. I don't know what you get out of it, but you're surely entitled to both your opinion and your right to free speech (as long as it's within forums guidelines, obviously). Personally, I think you live for the drama, nothing more. If you did want to contribute more to the reproduction cause, I even offered to help you. See what a nice guy I am?

Have your opinion. Enjoy it. Love it. Abuse it.

Dave

Edit: Friz. Man, I'm sorry about all of crud. I'm looking forward to putting it all behind us so we can talk/gripe about other things more important.

 

[FrizzleFried]

ME: Opinionated Asshole

YOU: Self Proven BS Artist

That's fine. I'll deal deal with the label. Deliver your product and I'll have nothing else to say.

PS: You lost me as a customer back in 2008 when you failed to deliver on (yet another) promise to have the yokes ready by years end... what was it that time? Oh yeah... powder-coating issues. But whatever...

 

[Daviea]

I'll admit....I CAN talk a good talk. BUT I never intentionally set out to lie or BS anyone about my intentions. I'm too generous in thinking I can finish things much more quickly than I do. Anyhow, the talk a good talk is all part of trying to keep the peace in a mild tone while trying to maintain sales. I need some serious help with logistics for RAM Controls, though. That, more than anything else I can do, would help immensely right about now.

I'm sorry I lost you as a customer. I always hate to hear that. As much as I try, I can't please everyone. ...and I do know what my failings are. Communication (this is one I always try to work on, but it comes in spurts) and estimation (I always blow through my completion dates which sucks!!). Anyhow, you can always purchase from Mylstar or any number of other places that I supply with my products.

Peace!!

Dave

 

[Daviea]

The handles on my reproduction yoke controller are actually based on the Atari pre-production (Red: prototype) handles. These prototype handles as well as my reproduction handles are both machined out of solid (billet) aluminum. The pros are many. The handles are more precise as far as fitting together (base and cover), they're stronger (no more falling apart where the screws attach to the handle shaft), they get a better finish on them (ie: no weird bumps in the powder coat!). I could complain for days and days about the powder coating and the handles!!!

Anyhow, the main problem (to some) is that the handles don't look exactly like the full production handles that Atari released. The production handles were made from cast aluminum and were more "rounded" on the edges than the prototype (and reproduction) counterparts.

When I had a chance to try out original handles and prototype handles, I found that I liked the feel of the prototype handles much better. I had a several others try them and I got nothing but positive response on the prototype version. As such, that's the way I decided to go.

In the end, it's still based off an Atari design. That's the only way I could justify making them that way. Otherwise, I would have just gone with making mine mimic the production version.

Each and every part of this controller has a long story behind it. Luckily, only a few of these parts actually caused quantifiable delays. Could you imagine the wait if ALL the parts were as problematic as the handles were?

Having completed this project, I can see why EVERYONE else who ever looked into reproducing this controller had to call it quits. It was a difficult project, but I'm persistent, resourceful and thick skinned. ....oh, and a little bit nuts, probably. Afterall, I'm never going to make a profit on this one! LOL That's OK, I'm still in this for the fun more than anything else.

Enjoy the yokes. Come on people, start posting about them!!!

Dave

Sweet! How do you like the handles? Some people have been nitpicking they aren't exact. I personally like them better - it's what Atari should have put out back in the day...

 

[ArcRevival]

Or he could not bullshit people and say the product is "DONE AND SHIPPING" on December 27th of 2009 when it wasn't...

Give me a break Dave. This kind of crap does nothing to assist Dave @ Ram... as you KNOW I will respond.

So he fucked up. But I think everyone here knows he will deliver and it will be a quality product when he does. So knowing what you know now, would you rather he deliver late, or would it have been better if he never started making any parts to begin with ? Because I promise you that people see the heat he is taking and will feel like it just isn't worth it to bother trying to reproduce parts. At least he tried and has something to show for it. Personally, I would rather see people try and hit some bumps along the way than not try at all. I appreciate people sticking their reps and wallets on the line for the benefit of the hobby.

PS: You might want to wipe off the dirt on your pants around the knees...

Classy....

 

[splattergatz]

i want one and how much?

i dont have a STAR WARS so im in no rush.

do you have one ready to ship ?

 

[Dokert]

Frizz just so that you know, some people do have real jobs unlike myself.

 

[FrizzleFried]

So knowing what you know now, would you rather he deliver late, or would it have been better if he never started making any parts to begin with ?

I think this is a discussion that would be better had in person/private rather than in this thread because I've said what I have to say here about David/RAM and it wouldn't really be fair for me to continue in this discussion because of your curiosity. If you REALLY want to know my opinion on this matter, feel free to give me a buzz, PM me, or talk to me about it one day in person... as you well know, I am not shy about expressing my opinions.

As for the "knees" comment... I apologize... that comment wasn't fully warranted... I could have expressed myself a little less crudely.

 

[FrizzleFried]

Frizz just so that you know, some people do have real jobs unlike myself.

Don't make a commitment you can't keep...over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over again. That is what people (and David) should take away from this ordeal.

 

[ArcRevival]

I think this is a discussion that would be better had in person/private rather than in this thread because I've said what I have to say here about David/RAM and it wouldn't really be fair for me to continue in this discussion because of your curiosity. If you REALLY want to know my opinion on this matter, feel free to give me a buzz, PM me, or talk to me about it one day in person... as you well know, I am not shy about expressing my opinions.

As for the "knees" comment... I apologize... that comment wasn't fully warranted... I could have expressed myself a little less crudely.

You have 21k posts, what is one more to answer that question ? For arguments sake, lets say Dave were to continue on the way he is now, a little sporadic but slowly getting quality stuff out to us( although personally i think the situation will improve over time). Would it be better to keep going or better to close up shop ? Should he have never started any of his to begin with ?

 

[dezbaz]

Thanks Dave for the effort in posting your several replies to this thread

I admit I now feel better about my small back order

 

[FrizzleFried]

You have 21k posts, what is one more to answer that question ? For arguments sake, lets say Dave were to continue on the way he is now, a little sporadic but slowly getting quality stuff out to us( although personally i think the situation will improve over time). Would it be better to keep going or better to close up shop ? Should he have never started any of his to begin with ?

If you insist... 4 years of broken deadlines... 4 years of repeated "untruths"... which includes saying "I will not accept another pre-payment" then advertising he's accepting pre-payments again (Early 2008 I think it was)... which includes "It's 98% complete" (2008).... and "It's done and shipping" (December 2009)... (and there are quite a few more, but I'm not about to go dig around the BYOAC archive)

I'd say this community would be better off if he closed up shop.

Why? Because people make their own commitments... people make plans... people set their own deadlines on projects assuming Dave isn't BSing.

I know I did. I know I'm not the only one (based on more than on PM i've gotten over the years).

IF Dave were simply "a little sporadic" that would be one thing. That isn't the case here at all. "A little sporadic" isn't "I'm 98% complete" in 2008. A little sporadic isn't "THE YOKES ARE DONE AND COMPLETE" in December 2009 when they sure as hell were not. A little sporadic isn't waiting for months for a part that is done and complete (see the post of the member still waiting for his Atari buttons above). A little sporadic isn't the ungodly amount of times Dave has blamed the USPS/UPS/FedEx/Pigeon Carrier for parts not being where they should be. That is called "BS"... Not sure how else to put it.

I might be an opinionated asshole drama queen... but my word is bond. When I say something, I do it and I expect the same from the people I deal with. That isn't the case with Dave.

Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining.

Thanks.

EDIT: For what it's worth... I'd suggest (again... the first time was over a year ago... but he didn't take my advise then) that Dave use the "IT'S DONE WHEN IT'S DONE" motto when it comes to any future projects. That way people have no expectations. No expectations = no disappointment. No expectations = projects not canceled based on Dave's inability to meet self-defined deadlines.

 

[Level42]

I'd say this community would be better off if he closed up shop.

I've been keeping outside of this but I really feel that's total bull shit.

What have YOU produced to help others in this hobby so far Frizz ?

I know that my SW cockpit would not become the same thing as it will soon without Dave's parts. The yoke parts are perfect. The wide T-molding is the cherry on the cake.And I'm forever thankful for it.

And if you can't accept the fact that Dave is doing this APART from his daytime/real-life world stuff, then fine, don't buy anything and don't bother, but leave us waiting (yes, i've had some waiting to do a couple of times too, but Dave always pulled through in the end)
if we so desire to.

Dave: Brilliant work. I knew it would be done one day. Love the handles ! They are SO much better, it's not even funny

 

[Spyridon]

Thanks Dave for the effort in posting your several replies to this thread

I admit I now feel better about my small back order

And that's all it would have taken. I think everyone agrees that Dave puts out great products and I don't think anyone has a problem with delays. As long as the delay is communicated so people aren't wondering why their product hasn't arrived.

 

[Jeff F]

Yeah, someone just joined the "ignore" list with that rant.

Better off without Dave and people like him? Wow is about all I can say and still honor my Mother's wish of not saying anything if you don't have something nice to say.

 

[copious]

David can you stop ranting and mail my Frakin yoke?

 

[metahugh]

I'd say this community would be better off if he closed up shop.

Damn Frizz... that's way too harsh. You really should try making something first before writing Dave off. Its a hell of a lot of work. Your point about adopting a "When its done" mentality is correct but saying Dave should be out of business? WOW. If Dave didn't do it no one would I am 110% sure of that.

Dave, you did a super job on the Yoke. I would definitely adopt a When its done motto though

 

[FrizzleFried]

I've been keeping outside of this but I really feel that's total bull shit.

I have an opinion the same as you do... I didn't even want to express it but was egged on by ArcReival...

What have YOU made for this community to make your opinion more relevant then mine? Hmmm? Why does anyone have to "produce" anything to have a relevant opinion anyway? It is what it is... one mans opinion. Take it, leave it, do what you wish with it.