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Not finding what I am looking for (Joysticks/Button Options)

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Aberran:

Two functions I would love to have is a Analog stick that could be used as both Analog and Digital with the option to switch between the two on the fly and have that change the value the stick reads into the computer.

Much like some gamepads can swap the dpad input and place them on the right analog and visa versus.  Is there a way to do this with a Mame Cab setup? Some emulators that have analog and digital inputs do not like them to be mapped to the same values.  I did not think this would be such a problem at first but my Xarcade stick is proving to me otherwise. (Another investment that looks like a bust without the benefits of a common ground it seems my options with it are limited.) 

Also I love the looks and functions on the Ultrastik 360 but I could take or leave a few. The one thing I cannot understand is why Ultimarc does not have an interface card that can interpret this stick and keep all its functions intact.  They make analog interface cards and encoders and an analog stick that does not get along with it.  I might want more buttons on my setup and indeed I do. Final design is still in the works but looking at 12-13 buttons or so that I would want to be able to trigger in any combination so the shift button for those functions does not look appealing. 

I know I could use a virtual controller app like ppjoyjoy, but that is clunky and would not switch the analog axis on the fly.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated thank you all.

Aberran

thebyter:


--- Quote from: Aberran on December 17, 2011, 04:03:59 pm ---I would love to have is a Analog stick that could be used as both Analog and Digital

--- End quote ---

It sure sounds like the Ultrastik would be right up your alley.  Depending on the map in use, each "cell" that the stick can be positioned at can represent a digital switch press or an analog position.


--- Quote from: Aberran on December 17, 2011, 04:03:59 pm ---my Xarcade stick is proving to me otherwise.

--- End quote ---

Without going into the gory details, I don't think I'd personally hold Xarcade products up as the measuring bar.


--- Quote from: Aberran on December 17, 2011, 04:03:59 pm ---Ultimarc does not have an interface card that can interpret this stick

--- End quote ---

I'm not sure why you'd need an "interface card"?  As I understand, the Ultrastick just plugs into a USB port natively.


--- Quote from: Aberran on December 17, 2011, 04:03:59 pm ---looking at 12-13 buttons or so

--- End quote ---

13 buttons per player?  Wow, that'll take some talented fingers!  :laugh:  I understand you can have up to eight buttons connected to an Ultrastik, which can register an additional 7 presses when shifted.  Keep in mind that you can wire buttons in parallel so that, for instance, pinball flippers can connect to the same port as fire buttons one and two, assuming you won't be using them at the same time.  You can combine this with shift, too, so a coin-up button and fire button one could be connected together, so they'd generate the same button press, unless you also hit start (shift) which you'd do when pressing coin-up to get that extra press.  You might even be able to wire coin-up to both start and a fire button so it automatically shifts; I'm not sure if that'd work or not.

At any rate, if eight (plus seven) buttons aren't enough, you can certainly use an extra IPAC (or one of the cheap gamepad encoders) for your extra buttons.  There's even an "output" mode which will let you hook up the Ultrastik to an IPAC just as if it were a standard microswitch joystick (in addition to presenting analog or digital data to the USB port at the same time).  It seems like this would be cheifly for people who need drop-in replacements for their existing sticks, but maybe you'd find it useful.

Feels like, if the Ultrastik's are within your budget, they'd do exactly what you're after!  And if you do get them, I hope Andy gives me a kickback for being such a good salesman.  :lol

Aberran:

If only the Ultrastik could work its analog magic on a A-Pac or U-HID I might have what I am looking for.



wweumina:

I don't really know what you think you are missing out on with the U360.  I can take or leave them as a joystick but their function is pretty much what you describe.  Are you aware of the ability to load joystick maps (including analogue) based on the game/emulator that is launched?

Aberran:

I think I might just call it good and go back to standard gaming pads and my X-Arcade whenever I feel I want something a little different.  Now just going have to figure out something else to build with all the wood I bought lol.

I might ask for more help in the future but for now I think I am going leave custom control panels alone.

Thanks anyways.
Aberran

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