Precision Flight Controls - Yoke

[Kelvinr]

Hi all,

Just though I would mention that I have ordered a flight yoke from Precision Flight Controls (USA) in response my my constant problems with deadzone and pitch issues in FSX/PREPAR3D with the Saitek yoke. I decided to as professional as one can get with Yoke products. So, ordered this one: http://flypfc.com/?/products/yokes/cirrus-beech-yoke1/
I just contstantly have problems with overcorrecting with the yoke and it being a bit on the sticky side due to the small but significant play in the shaft channel. When I get it I will do a little review seeing that I don't think anyone has this product that I know of (it is quite costly).

Cheers,

Kelvin

[Adamski]

QUOTE (Kelvinr @ Feb 7 2012,2:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I just contstantly have problems with overcorrecting with the yoke

I must admit I have great difficulty adapting to a yoke - and do exactly the same thing. Also, the response doesn't seem quite as instant (or sensitive) <??>. Could be "realistic" - who knows - as my "stick time" in RL with yokes is about 30minutes

I'd be interested to know whether a more "professional" yoke fares any better (not that I could afford one).

I end up just using the joystick, as I've been using that for many years ... and all the other RL flying I've done is either been in gliders or the odd Chippie flight - all with traditional control columns.

[Ian Warren]

Your home setup the CH / Saitek appear to be the better (cheaper) option in respect with the extras that come with , this unit has force feedback ? , dose not appear so . Repairs on the latter is an issue and a problem i have recently found so if this one go,s a funky chicken on ya what sort off support inside NZ do you have , at $600US you can buy yoke throttle and rudders .

Jeez i hope they are not selling them on this : These yokes are highly machined cast aluminum with a beautiful durable powder coated finish. ... Its the Micro switch,s that go bung before the unit gos bang .

[brent01]

QUOTE (Kelvinr @ Feb 7 2012,2:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi all,

Just though I would mention that I have ordered a flight yoke from Precision Flight Controls (USA) in response my my constant problems with deadzone and pitch issues in FSX/PREPAR3D with the Saitek yoke. I decided to as professional as one can get with Yoke products. So, ordered this one: http://flypfc.com/?/products/yokes/cirrus-beech-yoke1/
I just contstantly have problems with overcorrecting with the yoke and it being a bit on the sticky side due to the small but significant play in the shaft channel. When I get it I will do a little review seeing that I don't think anyone has this product that I know of (it is quite costly).

Cheers,

Kelvin

Very nice Ian. shame about the auction, bit wierd that

[Kelvinr]

QUOTE (Ian Warren @ Feb 7 2012,5:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your home setup the CH / Saitek appear to be the better (cheaper) option in respect with the extras that come with , this unit has force feedback ? , dose not appear so . Repairs on the latter is an issue and a problem i have recently found so if this one go,s a funky chicken on ya what sort off support inside NZ do you have , at $600US you can buy yoke throttle and rudders .

Jeez i hope they are not selling them on this : These yokes are highly machined cast aluminum with a beautiful durable powder coated finish. ... Its the Micro switch,s that go bung before the unit gos bang .

Always the optimist Ian! Seems a little subjective. i would rather have pulled out the part in the sentence that spoke to self aligning bearings (it just sounds that much better). I have actually spoken to a "real person" in the USA regarding the yoke. They are sold to training organizations for synthetic simulators and home users alike all over the globe so I would do just what they do if it is "funky". They also guarantee the quality of their product (yeah I know they'll say that to get a sale). I have been told the return process is straight forward even if I am abroad and if the product has any defects which they mentioned a few and far between these items. Most returns appear to be handling problems by couriers. I have done much research and asked many questions and I am happy with what I have been told. You never get anywhere in life if you can't "trust the system", and I trust they sell quality gear.

As for Saitek, well i suppose most people just accept that it's "good enough" and that I probably agree. Unlike the VRinsight yoke it actually has programmable buttons (6 of them). The Saitek yoke i might add is a little flaky with its engineering of the shaft leaving a little play so sticks when accomplishing turns. So, this product seems to be the best for the money I could find with the quality I am expecting. The freight is about $188NZD, and even though that's wasted money, that's what you get when your in the far reaches of the south pacific. Nevertheless, always interested to hear your opinions.

Kelvin

[Kelvinr]

...sorry didn't answer your question completely Ian. it does not have force feedback, it would be nice, but not a necessity for me, more to go wrong.

Also, you can also get a really cheap pair of tyres for your car too but expect higher wear and possible higher tyre noise. What you pay for is what you get. :-)

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (Kelvinr @ Feb 7 2012,7:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Always the optimist Ian! Seems a little subjective. i would rather have pulled out the part in the sentence that spoke to self aligning bearings (it just sounds that much better).

Maybe i should create/start , have a little workshop and build repair some off these units , again at cost .. biggest thing , not by me but Austin at Calder Electronics was the 3 plus 4 month wait on micro-switches .. Jeepers , he in the biz and still took that long . Now with a source a MS supplier , ex engineer and being a little creative .. maybe start a fix up shop ... but would sustain me in real life - NAH don't think so .

@ Kelv .. no force feed back and you are to spend $600US for one only unit .. Ooh

@ Brent , worth a try but i started at the bid at 171 ... don't figure ... got out bided at 171 , a DOTCOM moment

Again Kelvin , you get what you get ... following the Trade me dance , the winner got the peddles .. but to give you an idea off DUMBNESS ... a few off us tracked the Yoke .. second hand after 2 years use sold at $265NZ .. Brand New , $285 including the throttle quad .. Some people really are dropkicks .

[frostynz]

Absolutely great choice Kelvin ..... I have been using one for 6 years now without a hitch .... I wish the NZD/USD was what it was now back then :-)

Word of advice , make sure you buy all the throttles you want now, as the freight is hellishly dear down the track if you want to buy more individually.

Let me know if you run into any issues with setup, I can probably save you some time.

Regards Dave

[Kelvinr]

QUOTE (frostynz @ Feb 7 2012,11:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Absolutely great choice Kelvin ..... I have been using one for 6 years now without a hitch .... I wish the NZD/USD was what it was now back then :-)

Word of advice , make sure you buy all the throttles you want now, as the freight is hellishly dear down the track if you want to buy more individually.

Let me know if you run into any issues with setup, I can probably save you some time.

Regards Dave

thanks Dave. Will do. Maybe you can tell me about the throttles as it looks like they will only work with a console rather than mounting on your desk. Can you confirm the throttles have different connectors i.e USB or some other multi-pin connector.

Cheers,


Kelvin

QUOTE (Ian Warren @ Feb 7 2012,8:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Maybe i should create/start , have a little workshop and build repair some off these units , again at cost .. biggest thing , not by me but Austin at Calder Electronics was the 3 plus 4 month wait on micro-switches .. Jeepers , he in the biz and still took that long . Now with a source a MS supplier , ex engineer and being a little creative .. maybe start a fix up shop ... but would sustain me in real life - NAH don't think so .

@ Kelv .. no force feed back and you are to spend $600US for one only unit .. Ooh

@ Brent , worth a try but i started at the bid at 171 ... don't figure ... got out bided at 171 , a DOTCOM moment

Again Kelvin , you get what you get ... following the Trade me dance , the winner got the peddles .. but to give you an idea off DUMBNESS ... a few off us tracked the Yoke .. second hand after 2 years use sold at $265NZ .. Brand New , $285 including the throttle quad .. Some people really are dropkicks .

Ian, yeah I agree it is expensive but that's the nature of the beast as far as worthy products that meet my expectations) go. If you started a buisness it would go well until you run out of NZ based customers hehehe. Any thanks for your input always a pleasure to hear your comments.

[frostynz]

Hi Kelvin,

sorry I should have opened your 'link' first ..... are you not going to consider getting the 'Throttle Quadrant' as well?

Regards Dave

[Kelvinr]

QUOTE (frostynz @ Feb 8 2012,3:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Kelvin,

sorry I should have opened your 'link' first ..... are you not going to consider getting the 'Throttle Quadrant' as well?

Regards Dave

Hi Dave,

Well it looks like the throttle quadrants don't actually come as standalone. Their website says I need a flight console to use it. Does this make sense to you. Are you using the throttle quadrant?

[frostynz]

Hi Kelvin

my setup is as per the following 3 links, obviously there are a few changes such as USB and a couple of refinements over my older kit


http://flypfc.com/?/products/yokes/cirrus-beech-yoke1/

http://flypfc.com/?/products/consoles/thro...drant-console1/

http://flypfc.com/?/products/rudder-pedals...neral-aviation/

http://flypfc.com/?/products/throttle-quad...tles-reversers/

http://flypfc.com/?/products/throttle-quad...prop-condition/

the Rudders, Yoke all connect into the back of the throttle console, you then just attach any of the various throttle quadrants to the front of the console dependent on what a/c you are flying.

feel free to send me a PM if you want chat over the phone

regards Dave

[Ian Warren]

I would actually be quite nice to some off these throttle quads but me,s think i,d better get my peddle first .

[ZKIWI]

QUOTE (Kelvinr @ Feb 8 2012,4:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Dave,

Well it looks like the throttle quadrants don't actually come as standalone. Their website says I need a flight console to use it. Does this make sense to you. Are you using the throttle quadrant?

Kelvin,

When you get your toke i would be interested in your impressions. I am considering one of these at present. I am just waiting on the company to get back to me with freight costs and an explanation of how the yokes can be attached to a table, desk or sim pit.

I have used CH yokes and then a Saitek yoke but it is not as smooth as it was and the lcd display is flickering and has lost display in one off the numbers. I was just going to replace it with another Saitek but with the exchange rate right now i am keen to get a better quality yoke.

[Kelvinr]

QUOTE (ZKIWI @ Feb 10 2012,9:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Kelvin,

When you get your toke i would be interested in your impressions. I am considering one of these at present. I am just waiting on the company to get back to me with freight costs and an explanation of how the yokes can be attached to a table, desk or sim pit.

I have used CH yokes and then a Saitek yoke but it is not as smooth as it was and the lcd display is flickering and has lost display in one off the numbers. I was just going to replace it with another Saitek but with the exchange rate right now i am keen to get a better quality yoke.

Sure thing. It arrived in NZ today and the last update I received was that it was being cleared through customs. I will most likely have it Monday.

[ZKIWI]

QUOTE (Kelvinr @ Feb 10 2012,10:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sure thing. It arrived in NZ today and the last update I received was that it was being cleared through customs. I will most likely have it Monday.

How long ago did you order it?

I have been looking at the Saitek Cessna Yoke but that appears to be exactly the same as the original in it's construction so i think i will run in to the same problems as with my original yoke. I have two saitek throttle units as well and both of those are starting to show problems. One has a very jittery throttle lever which causes significant spikes in it's output and the other is rock solid but is slightly stiff compared to all the other levers. It may be time to look at a new throttle setup as well.

[Kelvinr]

QUOTE (ZKIWI @ Feb 11 2012,7:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How long ago did you order it?

I have been looking at the Saitek Cessna Yoke but that appears to be exactly the same as the original in it's construction so i think i will run in to the same problems as with my original yoke. I have two saitek throttle units as well and both of those are starting to show problems. One has a very jittery throttle lever which causes significant spikes in it's output and the other is rock solid but is slightly stiff compared to all the other levers. It may be time to look at a new throttle setup as well.

Ordered it on Tuesday 7th Feb NZT

[Kelvinr]

OK,

Yoke had arrived earlier than I though but was frozen by customs because GST had not been paid, yes, import GST. Without being obscene the GST tax is a killer $177 extra. It was sitting at the NZ Post warehouse and no-one called me, I had to hound them...

anyway...

Received the yoke and boy what a difference. solid steel shaft with no zero-detent and bearings to glide the axis through their motions. A really nice firm feel. Having flown IRL I can say that the feel is consistent and very much like what I would expect from a light aircraft yoke.

Again, as real as "a yoke" gets! Superb.

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (Kelvinr @ Feb 15 2012,5:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yoke had arrived earlier than I though but was frozen by customs because GST had not been paid, yes, import GST. Without being obscene the GST tax is a killer $177 extra. It was sitting at the NZ Post warehouse and no-one called me, I had to hound them...

....... $177 extra , ... Were is the Molotov cocktail and its time to burn some buildings !