Illuminated Joystick

[level42jeff]

I'm planning to illuminate my ball top joysticks. But I had a couple questions.

1.) Which is the best, and most prefered JoyStick? (So far I've heard great things about the Happ Competition, thoughts?)
2.) I'm planing to buy these shafts from ParadiseArcade, was wondering if they would be compatible with said JoyStick above, or if there were other suggestions.
3.) I'm also planning on buying these balls (Dark Crystal) for the top, but was also wondering if they would be compatible with said shafts, or if there was a better alternitive.
4.) What "RGB" LEDs can/should I use and where can I get them? I can't seem to find them anywhere.
5.) Lastly, I would appreciate any input on which controller board I should get. It's the last piece I need before I place my order.

All help is greatly appreciated

[drventure]

Can't speak too much to the joysticks. I personally really like the Ultimarc U360s for their flexibility. But lighting them can be tricky, though I believe it's been done.

As for RGB leds, just about any 5v led that'll fit in the space you have should work (provided you apply the appropriate resistors. For that,check out the LED Calculator

http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz

I got mine at RadioShack, but that's about the most expensive option out there (buy in bulk online if you need a ton of them, I wasn't using them much so I only needed a few).

For the controller board, I like the LEDWiz, They're really easy to use and well supported. But there's several other options there to.

[syph007]

If the joysticks have a standard thread, any balltop should fit.  I bought some of the balltops you pointed to and I was very disappointed with quality.  I then bought these ones and was much happier.

http://www.lizardlick.com/Seimitsu-35mm-Bubble-Tops_c_219.html

Of course if you dont want the bubble kind, you might not like them, but I like how they light up.

[level42jeff]

Can't speak too much to the joysticks. I personally really like the Ultimarc U360s for their flexibility. But lighting them can be tricky, though I believe it's been done.

As for RGB leds, just about any 5v led that'll fit in the space you have should work (provided you apply the appropriate resistors. For that,check out the LED Calculator

http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz

I got mine at RadioShack, but that's about the most expensive option out there (buy in bulk online if you need a ton of them, I wasn't using them much so I only needed a few).

For the controller board, I like the LEDWiz, They're really easy to use and well supported. But there's several other options there to.

Thanks for the reply guys, as for the Controller Board, I was refering to the key input board, I've already added LED-Wiz (x3) to my shopping cart. But I would like to know the best PC Input board.

Also, do you know of anywhere that sells the RBG Led, with the resistors and leads already soldered?

If the joysticks have a standard thread, any balltop should fit.  I bought some of the balltops you pointed to and I was very disappointed with quality.  I then bought these ones and was much happier.

http://www.lizardlick.com/Seimitsu-35mm-Bubble-Tops_c_219.html

Of course if you dont want the bubble kind, you might not like them, but I like how they light up.

I wasn't to keen on the bubbles, hence why I chose the one I did. Quality wise, what was wrong with them? I mean, its an acrylic ball, what could be wrong?

Also, with regards to the shafts I have chosen, any one see any issues with these for sizing spacing or use?

[drventure]

Ah, input board... Well, I went with the IPAC4 and have been unequivocally happy with it. Can't speak to the other options, but there are a few.

If you're doing a 2 player, you could go IPAC2 and save a few $$

[level42jeff]

Ah, input board... Well, I went with the IPAC4 and have been unequivocally happy with it. Can't speak to the other options, but there are a few.

If you're doing a 2 player, you could go IPAC2 and save a few $$

I saw the iPac2 but I'm pretty sure its 2 inputs short for me (I want to add the two pinball buttons on the side) What kinda of price difference is there between the 2 and 4? and where can I order them?

[syph007]

I wasn't to keen on the bubbles, hence why I chose the one I did. Quality wise, what was wrong with them? I mean, its an acrylic ball, what could be wrong?

Also, with regards to the shafts I have chosen, any one see any issues with these for sizing spacing or use?

I don't like how rough the thread insert is, it would not go all the way on my shafts so that thread was still showing below the ball.  The plastic material felt weird to me.  I'm picky I know, but I just didn't like them.  The colors of the colored ones are very odd too.  The arcade red is NO where close to the arcade red of other parts I have.  The seimitsu ones on the other hand are nice.  They just feel right, and the threaded insert is perfect. 

I have about 20 various balltops at home I bought recently when I was trying to decide what I liked best.  I'll take pix later to show the differences. 

[level42jeff]

I wasn't to keen on the bubbles, hence why I chose the one I did. Quality wise, what was wrong with them? I mean, its an acrylic ball, what could be wrong?

Also, with regards to the shafts I have chosen, any one see any issues with these for sizing spacing or use?

I don't like how rough the thread insert is, it would not go all the way on my shafts so that thread was still showing below the ball.  The plastic material felt weird to me.  I'm picky I know, but I just didn't like them.  The colors of the colored ones are very odd too.  The arcade red is NO where close to the arcade red of other parts I have.  The seimitsu ones on the other hand are nice.  They just feel right, and the threaded insert is perfect. 

I have about 20 various balltops at home I bought recently when I was trying to decide what I liked best.  I'll take pix later to show the differences. 

That's great, I'd really appreciate these pictures. I kinda understand what your talking about, but I think the pictures will clear up any confusion.

Do you have a led joystick? I'd love to see the illuminated difference between the Ball I chose and the Bubble ball.

[Donkbaca]

I have the lit top joysticks from paradise, the joystick they sell with it is a chinese seimitsu knockoff, I believe.  THe shafts will fit the joystick it comes with, and the seimitsu joysticks, they will not fit the happ comp.

I like the sticks the generic chinese sticks, they feel pretty decent to me.  I prefer the heftier feel of american sticks and these feel a lot less sloppy then their japanese counterparts.  I am not a super joytsick connoisseur, but I have played with comps, sanwa's, seimitsus and various knockoffs, and I like these.  I play MK9 on my cab all the time with my xbox 360 and I find this stick to be super responsive with a great feel for fighters.  THe sticks also come with a restiroctor plate that lets you set the joys to 8 way with a square restirctor, 4 way and 2 way.  The only downside to them is that they are a little clicky and loud, but most microswitch joys are, and if you cared about it you could probably swap out the micros for lighter acuating ones.  Now are these the best sticks in the world?  I would say no, but they are surprisingly good.

When I ordered the sticks, I could pick the color of the LED and the tops,and it all came pre assembled, you can even specify 12v or 5v.  I imagine if you ordered just the shafts and the balls you could have the LEDS installed too.  I believe paradise has a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- ton of balls you can choose from, they carry those same seimitsu tops.   Not to plug paradise too much, but I have dealt with them a lot, found them to be fast and friendly, shipping is cheap, and if you are ordering the shafts/sticks from there, might as well save on shipping and get the balls from there too.

The sticks I have are bubble tops.  I think they look better lit up then the non-bubbly ones, they seem to diffuse the light better.

[syph007]

I have the lit top joysticks from paradise, the joystick they sell with it is a chinese seimitsu knockoff, I believe.  THe shafts will fit the joystick it comes with, and the seimitsu joysticks, they will not fit the happ comp.

I like the sticks the generic chinese sticks, they feel pretty decent to me.  I prefer the heftier feel of american sticks and these feel a lot less sloppy then their japanese counterparts.  I am not a super joytsick connoisseur, but I have played with comps, sanwa's, seimitsus and various knockoffs, and I like these.  I play MK9 on my cab all the time with my xbox 360 and I find this stick to be super responsive with a great feel for fighters.  THe sticks also come with a restiroctor plate that lets you set the joys to 8 way with a square restirctor, 4 way and 2 way.  The only downside to them is that they are a little clicky and loud, but most microswitch joys are, and if you cared about it you could probably swap out the micros for lighter acuating ones.  Now are these the best sticks in the world?  I would say no, but they are surprisingly good.

When I ordered the sticks, I could pick the color of the LED and the tops,and it all came pre assembled, you can even specify 12v or 5v.  I imagine if you ordered just the shafts and the balls you could have the LEDS installed too.  I believe paradise has a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- ton of balls you can choose from, they carry those same seimitsu tops.   Not to plug paradise too much, but I have dealt with them a lot, found them to be fast and friendly, shipping is cheap, and if you are ordering the shafts/sticks from there, might as well save on shipping and get the balls from there too.

The sticks I have are bubble tops.  I think they look better lit up then the non-bubbly ones, they seem to diffuse the light better.

Yup I agree the bubble tops look nicer lit, than the non bubble.  I hear good things about paradise, but shipping to canada is too much from hawaii.  Lizardlick I've made probably over 20 orders from and the shipping is very cheap to canada, and faster than I expected every time.

[level42jeff]

Hmm, so you guys think it would be worth wild to just go with the premade joys from paradise?

I'm not to worried about the shipping rates, I've already got a large cart setup from each store.

Otherwise, what joystick would you recommend for the shaft/ball combo that I'm getting?

[level42jeff]

Guys?

Also are there any RGB LED joysticks out there?

[Donkbaca]

I would just go with them, well because I DID go with them and I am happy with my sticks.

If you are not a joystick snob, go with their regular sticks, if you ARE a joystick snob, go with the seimitsu lit stick.

And I believe that they also have RGB lit sticks as well.

[level42jeff]

Do you have a link to the RGB stick? Ultimately, I don't care which joy I get, I just want RGB to match my buttons.

[Donkbaca]

Just send them an e-mail.  Or go to the BST trade and send Bryan a PM, he's on the boards a lot and should be able to answer your questions.

[level42jeff]

Thanks, for you help and suggestions.

Last thing though, what is BST Trade and who is Bryan?

[Donkbaca]

BST is the Buy Sell Trade thread.  Bryan is Bryan Armitage, the dude that owns paradise arcade shop.  There should be a vendor sticky in the BST thread for paradise arcade, the first post is Bryan's, send him a PM.

You will find that all the vendors are active community posters.  RandyT from Groovy game Gear, Andy Warne who runs ultimarc, and Bryan who runs paradise, plus divemaster who sells stuff.... if you have questions about stuff these guys sell, just PM them. They are all helpful, friendly and knowledgable

[level42jeff]

Wow, thanks for clearing that up, you've been increasingly helpful !

[RandyT]

We have a design that's been in the works for a while, but we don't have the resources at the moment to start producing them.

But....for those who want to "roll your own", it's a little known fact that the Versa-Ball Mirrored Stainless Ball-Top Joystick Shaft has a hollow shaft.  The special Electric ICE style knob runs about the same cost as the stainless knob, so those who want an EI joystick to put a standard sized LED (RGB or mono) can purchase one of these and leave in the comments that you would like the EI style knob.  Couple it with the SlipWire™ Swiveling Interconnect and you'll be all set.

RandyT

[Donkbaca]

You should definitely publicize that fact more randy.  Didn't know that, I thought the versaball was one piece.  I bet there are a lot of folks that would go for this solution, especially since it can drop into x-arcade and happ bases!

[level42jeff]

WOW, Thanks for the heads up! So I've got my knob picked out, the swivel kit, RGB LED's from ebay.

Thanks so much guys, I have placed my order at GGG (OVER $550!!) lol ...

[Donkbaca]

You should do a write up of the illuminated sticks when you are done!

[level42jeff]

If I can figure it out, then I deff will. I'm putting the order in for my RGB LEDs now.

I assume 5mm is the standard size?

[Donkbaca]

You probably want 3mm, and then you will probably have to file them down and shape them to fit.  I would ask Randy.

[level42jeff]

Crap, I just ordered 5mm, I'm hoping the seller can change the order to 3mm leds. I don't see why not.

Now I just can't wait to get my orders!

[RandyT]

A standard 5mm will fit inside the threads on these.  One would want them perched at the top of the joystick shaft for best results.

RandyT

[level42jeff]

Thanks for clearing that up RandyT.

I've corrected the order back to 5mm bulbs, they weren't expensive so if i need different ones its no big deal.

Thanks for the help guys, I hope I can count on you for some assembly advice once the shipment comes in

[danrosenstein]

Are there true 4 way joysticks (such as the true4 from GGG) that can be modified in a similar way to accommodate RGB LEDs, with a translucent top?

[armi0024]

Wow missed this thread.... Hmm where to start

First off, most threading on the Japanese style sticks is 6mm (I know that this is not what some other people use, but we try to stay compatible with the common standards so people can interchange parts easily)  
It is true that 6mm sizing makes the insertion of a 5mm LED difficult, it however can be done if one removes about 1mm total off the outside of the LED.  

However we have arriving in the next month a custom ball top that will easily allow a 5mm RGB LED, thread onto the 6mm threading, and is custom made at 1.5" with excellent light dispersion.  We also have a number of extra RGB LEDS that we'll probably be including as a complimentary give with the ball tops.  They were for a prototype run that is not going to happen of another product.

Now where would you put such a wonderful ball top?  It is true right now that we only offer the Paradise LED Joysticks in a complete built joystick.  We did this because of the excellent feed back we have on those sticks.  

Is that all? NO WAY!!!!
We have Seimitsu hollow shafts in long and short, so you can convert and LS-32, LS-32-01 or LS-32-02 to a lit top joystick.  All of these can be set to true 4 way action.

If you want to save some money, the same shaft will work on the Paradise Classic Arcade Zippyy(r) Joysticks.  Also easily set to 2,4, or 8 way action.

That's 5 options for lit joysticks.  
We also have the Titanium shaft for JLF joysticks that can be annodized to custom colors.  This joystick can be used on our Fight Stick 1 or Fight Stick 2 joysticks, which are identical to the low cost fight joysticks offered others.  Of note, the JLF's can also be set to 4 way action

So we are up to 8 options for lit joysticks...
I am starting to fee like an infomercial...
"is that all?"" "No it's not Bob, tell them what else they can get!!!"
People have requested Stainless shafts for the JLF which are arriving later this week or early next week in both the long and short shaft lengths for metal or wood panels.
combine 2 more shafts with the JLF and two fight sticks, you are up to a total of 14 combinations of LED joysticks....

"Did someone say American Style?"
Eurostick/Compact IL josytick hollow shafts also arrive with the JLF shafts.  These shafts should also work in Happ joysticks, as well as the IL....
I'm going to stop counting we are over 20 different options of LED joysticks

What else is possible???
On order and arriving before Xmas....

Hollow Wico shafts(yes with 1.5 inch balls, short and long Wico's), JLW hollow shafts (these will fit the 360 joysticks, but are not necessarily compatible without modification), Hollow shafts for over seas leaf switch joysticks we will have available as the Tru-Leaf(very similar to the Joysticks available at Mike's Arcade and GGG), Hollow shafts for the Pro-4 a joystick almost identical to a certain 4 way joystick offered by another vendor and...  

Good Grief what else do you want? Lit bat tops? Fine Fine be that way!!! also on the way  But probably not before Xmas, sorry.

So you can take you pick from a DIY Zippy with 2/4/8 way action, through the upgraded Seimitsu with a long shaft, to the American Style IL Eurostick, or even a JLF with a custom 4 8 or octagon restrictor plate.  Dozens of combinations are possible by Xmas...

We have a new line of RGB LED products coming out in the next few months that should be a lot of fun, they were inspired by the fighting market but we decided to make something more universal.

And the Ultimate Arcade Slip Ring will work great with any of these items!

[gamepimp]

Bryan, u say u will have lighted "bat" style joysticks soon? These would be similar to Happs Competition and Super joys right? I would be very interested to get my hands on something like that to go along w/ my illuminated buttons. Do u happen to have any pics of what something like that would look like?

[level42jeff]

Wow missed this thread.... Hmm where to start

First off, most threading on the Japanese style sticks is 6mm (I know that this is not what some other people use, but we try to stay compatible with the common standards so people can interchange parts easily)  
It is true that 6mm sizing makes the insertion of a 5mm LED difficult, it however can be done if one removes about 1mm total off the outside of the LED.  

However we have arriving in the next month a custom ball top that will easily allow a 5mm RGB LED, thread onto the 6mm threading, and is custom made at 1.5" with excellent light dispersion.  We also have a number of extra RGB LEDS that we'll probably be including as a complimentary give with the ball tops.  They were for a prototype run that is not going to happen of another product.

Now where would you put such a wonderful ball top?  It is true right now that we only offer the Paradise LED Joysticks in a complete built joystick.  We did this because of the excellent feed back we have on those sticks.  

Is that all? NO WAY!!!!
We have Seimitsu hollow shafts in long and short, so you can convert and LS-32, LS-32-01 or LS-32-02 to a lit top joystick.  All of these can be set to true 4 way action.

If you want to save some money, the same shaft will work on the Paradise Classic Arcade Zippyy(r) Joysticks.  Also easily set to 2,4, or 8 way action.

That's 5 options for lit joysticks.  
We also have the Titanium shaft for JLF joysticks that can be annodized to custom colors.  This joystick can be used on our Fight Stick 1 or Fight Stick 2 joysticks, which are identical to the low cost fight joysticks offered others.  Of note, the JLF's can also be set to 4 way action

So we are up to 8 options for lit joysticks...
I am starting to fee like an infomercial...
"is that all?"" "No it's not Bob, tell them what else they can get!!!"
People have requested Stainless shafts for the JLF which are arriving later this week or early next week in both the long and short shaft lengths for metal or wood panels.
combine 2 more shafts with the JLF and two fight sticks, you are up to a total of 14 combinations of LED joysticks....

"Did someone say American Style?"
Eurostick/Compact IL josytick hollow shafts also arrive with the JLF shafts.  These shafts should also work in Happ joysticks, as well as the IL....
I'm going to stop counting we are over 20 different options of LED joysticks

What else is possible???
On order and arriving before Xmas....

Hollow Wico shafts(yes with 1.5 inch balls, short and long Wico's), JLW hollow shafts (these will fit the 360 joysticks, but are not necessarily compatible without modification), Hollow shafts for over seas leaf switch joysticks we will have available as the Tru-Leaf(very similar to the Joysticks available at Mike's Arcade and GGG), Hollow shafts for the Pro-4 a joystick almost identical to a certain 4 way joystick offered by another vendor and...  

Good Grief what else do you want? Lit bat tops? Fine Fine be that way!!! also on the way  But probably not before Xmas, sorry.

So you can take you pick from a DIY Zippy with 2/4/8 way action, through the upgraded Seimitsu with a long shaft, to the American Style IL Eurostick, or even a JLF with a custom 4 8 or octagon restrictor plate.  Dozens of combinations are possible by Xmas...

We have a new line of RGB LED products coming out in the next few months that should be a lot of fun, they were inspired by the fighting market but we decided to make something more universal.

And the Ultimate Arcade Slip Ring will work great with any of these items!

Very confusing post, as I don't know enough about the joysticks to know what your really talking about. Basically what I get is that your planning to launch several options for RBG LED Joysticks.

I just picked up a package deal from GGG, but we can certainly see what you have to offer in the next coming weeks.

The only thing I would like to know is, what (of what you listed) would be the BEST! option, the Cadillac of LED Joysticks, assuming price really wasn't an option.

Right now, I just bough HAPP Comp's with Hallow Shaft and clear tops.

[Donkbaca]

If I can chime in:

It would be the JLF with the titanium shaft, or the seimitsu LS-32, those are the two most popular sticks for people that like fighting games

[armi0024]

Sorry... I was a bit tired, hadn't slept in 32 hours and trying to be coherent... Let me summarize
We have hollow shafts for
Seimitsu LS-32 family (Quality Japanese Fight stick, with 2/4/8 way options)
Zippyy joysticks (an imitation of the LS-32, but very reasonable feel)
Sanwa JLF Joysticks (These are the most popular joysticks for fighters, available in 4/8 way, octagon gate, or round restrictors)
Our own Fight Stick 1 and Fight Stick 2 (These are imitation JLF joysticks that other people have given trademark names to and sell here also)
IL Eurostick, and IL Compact Joysticks (These are the same as Happ Competition and Happ Super Joysticks, we will confirm the Happ fit when the shafts arrive later this week, Compacts and supers are 4/8 way)

In both the LS-32 and JLF shafts we have a long and short shaft to facilitate wood or metal panels.

We have our own brand of Paradise LED tops, shown here.  These come complete on the joystick ready to go.


We will be adding on hollow shafts for the following sticks
Pro-4 way, a dedicated 4 way joystick
Sanwa JLW's (These were the predessor for the JLF and the base of the U360's)
Wico 3.5 and 4 inch shafts

For ball tops we have the largest selection available.
Seimitsu LB-39 35mm Bubble tops
30mm Bubble tops
35mm Bubble tops
40mm Bubble tops
45mm Bubble tops
Paradise Ball Tops Shown here on a joystick:


We also have new tranlucent ball tops arriving, that I have not named yet.  These should be similar to other peoples white ball tops that allow light to pass through.  Here is a bad picture of a prototype, better pictures will be taken with the product when it arrives.
Without light

Lit up:


My comment about the LED family, we do a line of custom RGB lights for fight sticks, Seimitsu buttons and others.  We are working on a more universal system and have prototype we hope to release in the next two months.  The really nice thing about it will be the compatibility, not just with most buttons, but also with most controllers and the .100 headers for easy harnessing.

[yotsuya]

I like that translucent balltop, Bryan.  You might sell one to me before all is said and done!

[level42jeff]

Thanks for all your clarifications, this clears things up quite a bit. I might swap out my joy at a later date, or save up and build another arcade ! ... Just received my buttons the other day. Thanks Bryan (Missing 2 switches, but Susan is helping me out there) all else was great and I can't wait to begin construction !...

[nordemoniac]

Ah, input board... Well, I went with the IPAC4 and have been unequivocally happy with it. Can't speak to the other options, but there are a few.

If you're doing a 2 player, you could go IPAC2 and save a few $$

I saw the iPac2 but I'm pretty sure its 2 inputs short for me (I want to add the two pinball buttons on the side) What kinda of price difference is there between the 2 and 4? and where can I order them?

Sorry if this has been said before;

You could just map those pinball buttons to a couple of the player 1/player 2 buttons you are not using while playing pinball?
So that you actually have to buttons two the same input on the IPAC 2, just different locations on your control panel?

[cammada]

What is the dimension for Seimitsu LS-32, LS-32-01 and LS-32-02 shaft?

Are Seimitsu shaft same as Sanwa JLM-TM-8 shaft?

[SSJ4Vegeta81]

Good Grief what else do you want? Lit bat tops? Fine Fine be that way!!! also on the way  But probably not before Xmas, sorry.

I hope this is true. I've been looking for someone who sells these because I'm planning on making a lit 4-player cp and really want bat-tops that light but have had no luck.

Will they be bubble or clear like that translucent ball-top?  If you make translucent blue I will definitely buy 4, and a matching ball-top for a dedicated 4-way. Of course, if it's bubble I'll still buy them.

Oh, and I plan on using Happ sticks if that matters.

[Trip]

We have a design that's been in the works for a while, but we don't have the resources at the moment to start producing them.

But....for those who want to "roll your own", it's a little known fact that the Versa-Ball Mirrored Stainless Ball-Top Joystick Shaft has a hollow shaft.  The special Electric ICE style knob runs about the same cost as the stainless knob, so those who want an EI joystick to put a standard sized LED (RGB or mono) can purchase one of these and leave in the comments that you would like the EI style knob.  Couple it with the SlipWire™ Swiveling Interconnect and you'll be all set.

RandyT

Are you still doing this or is there anyway possible to get the completed version?  If you got time and are ok with it, I would really like to talk to you off the forum in whatever communication method is most convenient for you.  I got a whole wad of stuff I would like to order from you when it becomes available and want to ask some questions.


Thanks

[Tony555]

That translucent ball top looks awesome. I couldn't see them on Paradise Arcade Yet??

Would it be possible to buy the Paradise Arcade LED Joystick and throw on a translucent ball top and swap out the coloured LED with a IL-lumination RGB 5VDC LED???...All from Paradise!!!

Does this seem cheaper and easier than buying a standard joystick, a $15 hollow shaft, a balltop and an RGB LED??