As I said earlier, the force trim release system will be an optional add-on. The stand alone Cyclic is looking to come it at under the £250 mark at the moment. But also there isn't a (that i'm aware of) a realistic trim release system available for the home pc market at the moment, so first versions are always going to be expensive.

As arneh said further up;-

" Well, you don't need this stick at all. In fact you don't need a joystick at all, keyboard control is all you need :P"

At the moment the only stand alone cyclic on the market is 1290Euros, which is around £1090 or $1670 and that's just for the a basic cyclic without force trim. As the market for these types of controllers is so much smaller than fixed wing controls the cost is always going to be higher.

We are going to be at the Cosford Flight Sim Show at the end of August with (hopefully) the full HOCAS Apache flight controls setup. So if anyone is around in the UK come along and see the system and have a go!

Astrasim Expo 2010

Cheers

Rich

To add, we're going to try and be there for the Saturday to show Combat-Helo, Rich has kindly offered to host us on his stand so we can play with his cool toys. For which I'm truly thankful, a chance to try big boys toys.

We're working hard to get the new demo ready in time.

Hi Guys,

Sorry for the lack of updates on these controls. I have spent hours of sanding, spraying, filling, painting, sanding, spraying, filling, pain.... you get the idea!

But at last here is a few shots of the collective just before it starts the mould making process. Hopefully the next time you see them the first one will be cast!!

And hopefully this now looks less like a half eaten Smurf (cheers Flex)!

Mmmmm, licorice on a stick.

Already saving for them
Anyone building an Apache pit yet?

I'd help with the sanding if I could, it's quite a relaxing way to spend a bit of down time. I blogged your progress.

With so much excitement about A10 joysticks it's nice to see something different.

Cheers for that Flex! I think I must check you blog at least 4-5 times a day if not more! Plans are already afoot for a full Apache cockpit!

All sanded now and they are in the moulds. Work on the Virtual Blade is taking up most of my time, but is coming together really well for the show. If it continues there is a small outside chance they will be ready if this moulding process works (the first attempt didn't) but possibly not with the switches etc.. working.

Hi guys,

Sorry for the lack of updates, work has been manic the last couple of months!

I have had a change of approach for the controls. I am now building them in 3D in the computer to export them to Cut3D, which is a bit of software that controls a CNC machine. I will then have them CNC'd out of a block of wood ready for replication and hopefully sale! I have attached some pics of the collective. I have also attached a picture or our Long Shaft Cyclic which wil be ready for purchase in the new year. Also available in the new year will be our new JetRanger Collective Grip with fully working idle release and all the buttons. Will update when all this is ready!

Cheers

Rich

Hello all,

I'm planning to mod a Sidewinder FFB2 into a AH-64D style cyclic stick, and I would like to know if the Right up CT-HB switch and left-down RTS switch(RADIO-RTS-ICS) are toggle switch or push switch?Are they locked or temporary toggle in operate? Appreciate for any hint or advice. thanks!

I don't know for sure, but I would exepct them to be toggles which returned to center. Particulary the CT-HB switch, which selectes between the four HUD modes (C = Cruise, T = Transition, H = Hover, B = Bob-up). I expect each press of CT to alternate between Cruise and Transition, and HB to alternate between Hover and Bob-up. It would awkward to use if you had to return it to center manually too, when trying to alternate between the modes in the same direction.