DSD Sequential Shifter - finished

[Derek Speare]

Finally!

Ok gang,

Here it is:

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae109/derekashley1967/Shifters/seqshifter_final.jpg

I have a long list of names who want one - I mean l-o-n-g. Everyone will get one who wants it, but it may take a bit of time. I've been making the various prototypes public as I've been developing this component, but it's finished. What you see in the photo is 99% of the final device. There may be a cosmetic change to the shell and I may change the fasteners holding the gate plate (may), but that's really it.

It measures 4.5" x 4.5 x 8". The shaft is .52" stainless steel and the shaft/knob extends about 3.5" above the gate plate. The action is light and the mechanism is rated for 5,000,000 actuations. The six buttons will bind as you'd like, and those who know me, know I have to put a button on it if I can! It's a USB interface, and like all of my goodies, plug up and go race...simple!

The price will be 79.75 plus shipping. I am still sorting out the shipping details, but it will be under 20 US$ for internationals and 10.95 for US addresses.

READ CAREFLLY I am going to let this thread run for a week to 10 days before I take orders for it. I have received an enormous amount of interest for this. To be fair to everyone, I will make an announcement about 3 days prior to when I will open up ordering and then put the ordering link on my site - the time of which will be announced in advance. The shifters will be built in groups and then be shipped according to the committed delivery dates. Please don't ask me to move your order ahead as I will not. Also, if you write me and ask me questions that I've answered here, I will send you to this post.

Ok - I have spent some time on this component. My product development philosophy is that function and economy must be met. My previous prototypes were all getting too unruly for costs, and I am not trying to compete in those markets. I like to save a few bucks and my customers do too. This shifter will do the job every time and still leave you some bread to purchase some of my other goodies! ;)

Listen, I engineer function. I don't create art. You guys are gonna love this thing and I am looking forward to everyone using it.

Cheers,

Derek

[phntomF16]

First Dibs!!! :laugh:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dibs


Dibs: A claim expressing priority over an object. Similar to the equally definite process of calling something.

"If you kill yourself, I have dibs on your IPod"

[Derek Speare]

You're a lock ;)

[Derek Speare]

Hi gang,

One thing anyone in business should know is that the market makes the rules - and ignoring that axiom is learned to one's personal pain. I've been thinking considerably on my sequential shifter. Recently I released the latest prototype of my sequential shifter, one aimed at a more economical pricing bracket. The response was favorable, but somewhat cool. As a realist I recognize that my "Econo-Sport" may not impress some of sim racing's "saltiest dogs", and that many of use are, well, jaded. I understand that my latest design may leave some room to please...

My previous shifter met with essentially overwhelming support and interest. That interest was driven by the expected price point and the action of the device. As anyone who knows my components would say, I want to deliver the greatest bang for the dollar (Euro, Pound, etc) that I can with all of my components. I like to keep prices down and I am not an outrageous profiteer. One of the overriding factors in shelving the Pro Sequential was the fact that I would have to move the price point up in order to offer it as several of the components needed to make it are quite pricey from a per piece side of things. And then there's the time to make it.

I have since reconsidered everything when it comes to releasing a sequential shifter. Please look here:

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae109/derekashley1967/Shifters/HPIM0896.jpg

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae109/derekashley1967/Shifters/seqshifter_final.jpg

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae109/derekashley1967/Shifters/HPIM0850-1.jpg

Videos of both of them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhSxmTvam0o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO3EyUYhhuU

I've included a poll above for your voting pleasure. I'd like to get a really good feel for what to expect as I will make both of these components available in the next week or so. Please vote with a fair mind, and ask yourself seriously which one you'd buy for yourself. If neither are acceptable, that's fine, but I think I have the correct balance. I am sincere when I say that it would be a disservice to the sim racing community if I chose one over the other.

Pricing:

Pro Sequential - 158.75 US$ plus shipping (10.95 US, 16.95 Intl)

Econo-Sport Sequential - 79.75 US$ plus shipping (same rates)

Have at it race fans. I'm very interested in your various opinions. Note that these are the final release versions and other than a few minor cosmetic changes, they are what I will ship. Also note that the Pro-Sequential has a threaded shaft 0f 1/2" - 13 TPI and you can put any knob you want on it. The Econo-Sport's knob is fused with some space age resin and won't come off. Like all of my components, both are USB Plug up and race for perfect compatibility. The Pro-sequential is designed to mount to your rig with the Ram Mounts. The Econo can be mounted with your favorite method, and I recommend the Ram.

Thanks for visiting with me :)

Derek Speare

[pjj1180]

Sweet. Might be an early Christmas present. The mounting system is perfect for my cockpit!

[Derek Speare]

I will begin taking orders on Monday, September 5th, 2011 at 12 noon EDT (UTC 1700) for both shifters. Pricing for the Econo-Sport will remain the same, but I may drop the price a tad on the Pro Sequential for this introductory roll out. I am advising a minimum of 4 week lead time for shipment. Depending on the volume of orders, I may have to extend this period of time. Thanks again!

PLEASE NOTE - I will have a link on my web site for ordering. I updated my site earlier today with some preliminary information on the shifters, and on Monday there will be the necessary update so orders may be made.