Am in fairly desperate need of some office space back in the games room now so I had another push at getting this done yesterday. It's not there yet but probably two more evenings and we'll be all back together and just down to needing tweaks.
So, the other half...
Back on phone camera for the moment as I forgot and left the camera in the house.
First up I actually remembered a "before" shot this time round so a quick snap which shows the general condition of things. No damage, but eeewwww, I'm really not surprised we ended up covered in black muck when we dismantled the machine for transport.
Speed was the essence of things here so no more pics of the base. Essentially the same was done as last time though. A full dismantle, strip down and thorough clean, inside and out. This time round I left the fan alone though. Hopefully it'll work when powered back up this time.
With it all back together and cleaned up as far as the upper frame I stood there and puzzled for a while but couldn't for the life of me remember where stuff went. I guess thats what you get for taking it all apart in a rush and then sitting on my laurels for a few weeks in between the left and right sides. Where exactly does this lot go??!!
After thinking about it for a bit I came up with the idea of fitting the control panel which basically solved the problem as I could then work out a good wiring route even if it wasn't exactly how it had come apart - but I think it is.
Snap of it re-assembled as far as it is right now:
I can actually see in that pic a wire clip that I've not glued back down. Must fix that
Today, I took the plunge and rang Sega to get some spares on order:
- New artwork for both sides of both bases
- 2 sets of new side art (ID3)
- New artwork for the bit that sits on the panel behind both the seats
- 2 new 5K pots, just in case
- 2 new "timing belts" - the belts that do the force feedback
- 2 new RHS stainless "finger trap" covers for the pedals as the old ones were mashed out of shape
I also have another control panel still to come which will give me a decent steering wheel and some other bits. Must chase that up as it's gone quiet on that one even though it's paid for.
After all this, I had the bright idea of taking the cover off the steering mech to see how it all works, and even power it all up to see if I got any clues as to why the other side is so clunky and sounding like it wants to self destruct (which, incidentally, I realised I couldn't do once I discovered how it works!).
The good news is that I reckon I've sussed that out - or at least a good chance. Attached to the "lid" of the steering box is a big rubber stopper. As well as that, there's another stopper that is free to spin around attached to the main spindle - kind of difficult to describe but it makes sense now as it's how the wheel can have more than 360 degrees of travel!
When I was looking, I noticed that both of the rubber stoppers are spilt and generally a bit buggered (technical term!). I figure stick a new drive belt on, replace those rubbers and make sure everything's done up well and we should be good to go. Just one problem, I just ordered from Sega and I'm damned if I'm paying £11(+VAT) delivery for a tiny order that will fit in a jiffy bag. Considering this is going to get light private use though I think I can manage a repair with the existing rubber stops and some duct tape or something, then get the replacement parts some time in the new year if there's something else I need.
Unless anyone else is ordering from Sega and would be prepared to post on for me? Please let me know if you are.
On top of that, I reckon I've worked out a way to convert this to a 270 degree mechanism with just a bit of welding, or maybe if my mate is feeling adventurous, a new bracket making up. We'll see on that one. No need for the moment until I want to play other games.
More soon I guess. I'm desperately trying to have it all back up and running in time to have some mates round before or over xmas with their kids so maybe more this week if I can wake up enough.
