1999.03.31 -- Here's a design that I came up with that might work as a temporary control stick. With it, one could determine whether the sensitivity of the stick is acceptable as compared to the normal yoke. If one was to want to implement this system for an extended use, perhaps aluminum stock would be preferable in fabricating the device. For a proof-of-concept design, perhaps fabrication from a hardwood might be acceptable since most people have the tools readily available for fabricating something from wood. I suspect that the proper wood should be sufficiently strong for this system's intended use.
1999.04.02 -- Instead of starting on my taxes like I should be doing, I've started the fabrication of the Tri-Yoke device. It appears that with the propery joinery, it is not necessary to have both the front and rear portions full length. Even without any bolts, I've been able to get it to support my entire weight with the new design. The joinery is not the most elegant, but it appears to be sufficient. If it was to be a permanant fixture in the aircraft, perhaps it might be worth the extra effort to utilize a more secure joint. On the other hand, if it was to be a more permanent fixture, one would fabricate it from metal instead of wood or one would sacrifice the appropriate number of trees to the FAA to get a real control stick STC. I have yet to go to my aircraft to do the last portion of the custom fitting, but I have both the stick and the horizontal support portion completed. Even with a hole drilled for the PTT switch and wire, it has sufficient strength. Originally, I had thought that I would fabricate it from oak, but realizing how difficult oak can be to carve with only hand tools, I switched to poplar. There's a couple of pieces with this design, hopefully the following diagram will made it clearer.
