Leaf joystick - how do I change from 8 way to 4 way?

[mamefreak2]

I've got what's supposed to be a dedicated 4 way joystick but it seems to be set to 8 way. Anyone know how to change this?

[Thenasty]

flip the actuator.

[matsadona]

Your question is kind of like "my car is supposed to have an engine, now it doesn't start. Whats wrong?"

In order to give you the best help, we really need to know what brand an model it is. A picture would also help.
However Thenasty is correct, if you can swap from 8 to 4-way there should be some kind restrictor plate controlled by some kind of actuator.
On some models it is fixed with some screws that has to be removed etc.
In your case it might be the situation that the 4-way restrictor is removed completely and then you can move in 8 directions.

[mgb]

Post a pic and brand / model info.
Its a leafswitch type you say? I don't recall ever seeing a leafswitch type that can be converted between 4 and 8 way. I thought they usually had a restictor for which ever one, kinda like how wicos were.
I have however seen joys for sale on ebay where the seller sells it as a 4-way but its actually 8 way only (such as a Happ competition). I think they figure 4 switches means 4 ways

[paigeoliver]

Some leaf models (and many microswitch models) will switch between 4-way and 8-way by subbing in a different actuator or flipping it over. However they will still have a round field of travel instead of a diamond one and you won't be happy with the results for many titles. For 4-way puzzle titles they work great, for Pac-Man they work terribly.

Assuming you want to play Pac-Man and other Pac-Man style games then buy a reunion stick, it is the best controller I have used other than the original. I actually have a real Ms. Pac with the original stick and a multiboard 4-way machine with the reunion stick side by side in my basement. I like the feel of the original stick better, but I score a little better with the reunion stick. The standard 4-way wico leaf stick just isn't as good for the Pac titles.