X-Arcade Joystick Question

[joeH]

Maybe someone can help me with a X-Arcade question. I just got me and am trying to set the 2nd joystick as a 4-way. I've removed the c-clip and reversed the washer. I've also slightly bent the switches 1/8 inch outward. This has helped greatly.  However, while playing ms. pacman and super pacman, I can't really make quick, sharp turns. The actual joystick feels "loose", for lack of a better work. Is there another modification, short of replacing the joystick itself, that will make it feel "tighter"?  If I do have to replace it, can anyone post a link with pics showing how?  Thanks for the help.

[rampy]

Well the Joysticks in the x-arcade will never feel like a "real" 4 way (mostly because they aren't =P) even if you flip the actuator and bend the levers it will just be a less sensitive 8 way =P

One idea if you were averse to swapping out the joystick (which wouldn't be that hard but really depends on which 4 way you pick up -- might require some wood working, and/or a mounting plaet -- sorry no diagram for you) is to get a set of oscarcontrol joystick restricters  (direct product link)

they do just what you'd think they do... they prevent the joystick from physically going into the corners.

Ultimarc sells a 4/8 way stick that is easily switched and *should* (i don't know all the dimensions for x-arcade or this stick... so your mileage may vary) be a drop in replacement ... let you play in 4 way mode and if need switch out somewhat easily (you'd still have to get at the underside of the joystick ---> but you wouldn't have to mess with any c-clips =)

Good luck!

Rampy

[Spaced Invader]

I'm one of the few people on the board that actually like the x-arcade sticks...but a four way it ain't (works better for this than most eight ways though). I think you're gonna hafta replace it. Old WICO leaf switch four ways are always a good choice IMO...if you can find them (EBAY?). As for how...well...do you have an x-arcade panel or did you build a panel with x-arcade componets? ie. What's your level of involvement in the creation of this thing? And, like Rampy said, it's gonna depend on the stick you choose (may have to make a mounting plate or rebuild your CP top).

[joeH]

My level of involvement is that I paid $149 for it.  I was probably thinking of just replacing the joystick.  The whole point of getting it was so that I could have my 8 way on the left, and have a 4 way on the right.  I'm the only one using it, and didn't care about using it for 2 players.  My question about diagrams came up because when I opened the bottom up, I saw that the joystick was mounted with brackets and not screws. Is there a proper way to remove the switch wires?  Just slip them off and put them back on the new joy?  Appreciate the help.

[aust_txv]

My level of involvement is that I paid $149 for it.  I was probably thinking of just replacing the joystick.  The whole point of getting it was so that I could have my 8 way on the left, and have a 4 way on the right.  I'm the only one using it, and didn't care about using it for 2 players.  My question about diagrams came up because when I opened the bottom up, I saw that the joystick was mounted with brackets and not screws. Is there a proper way to remove the switch wires?  Just slip them off and put them back on the new joy?  Appreciate the help.

Joe a small issue, the Xarcade 'base to the joys' are a shade smaller than say a Happ Super base.  So you might have to drill out the holes a tad to make another joy base fit in the Xarcade screw holes. Hope this makes sense.
Have fun,
Tom

[joeH]

thanks for the help guys.  If anyone else has an opinion about the best 4 way to get...please respond and let me know.

[Lilwolf]

If you want the best...

Get the new happs pacman one.  It has microswitchs... but it plays GREAT!  You will need a mounting kit to get it onto a wood panel I believe... so I'm not sure if the xarcade would be a good match...

Or replace your 1st joystick with a JStick (or TStick?) from Andy.  But I'm not sure how easy it would be to swap it back and forth.  You might be able to cut out a little slot on the underside to access it.  If this was the case.  This would be your best bet.

But if you cant get the slot at the bottom... and you cant figure out how to switch between 4/8, I would probably try the Oscar plates.  many love them and you don't have to worry about additional space inside.

Next... Wico Leafswitch 4ways aren't to bad.  but I don't know if you would have the space.  It also doesn't have any restrictor diamonds on the bottom... But there is a tab that makes more of the 'up' click up (instead of if you push up, it goes into a grove.)  I like mine... but it doesn't have as quick reaction time as the mspacman/pacman happs new dealy.

[hyiu]

I do not have or seen the inside of the x-arcade stick...

but if you want a true 4 way... and currently... what you have is a joystick (size and mounting point same as Super / Competition from Happs...)

I would say the simpliest solution is buy a J-stick from Ultimarc.

The J-Stick has the SAME mounting point as Super / Competition...

and J-stick is 4 / 8 way switchable.  Its not hard to switch, but requires you to access the bottom.  Once switched... you have a TRUE 4 way....

Since you say you want that stick to be a dedeciated 4 way... just leave it 4 way... and if once in a yr you do have a friend and wants to play 2 player.... spend a couple of minutes to switch and you'll get back an 8 way...

anyway.... if you an post a pic of the inside of the x-arcade.... I think others will be able to help more....

good luck....  

[joeH]

How do I post a picture to the message board?

[Tiger-Heli]

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