WTB: Wico Rotary Joystick Rubber Bushings

[s4tay]

WTB: Does anybody know where I could get replacement rubber bushings for an old pair of Wico rotary joysticks? There appears to be 2 pieces, one attaches to a metal plate and the other to the shaft. BTW These joysticks have smooth cylindrical handles, not ball-types.

[spidermonkey]

Are you sure they're Wicos ? I know that the SNK LS-30'S use the yellow cylindrical handles but they aren't smooth. They have hex shaped sides. Although I have seen those yellow cylindrical rotary sticks that have the completely smooth sides on a few Data East machines but never new if they were just SNK'S with different handles or if they were look alikes that were made by another manufacturer all together. Is the name Wico stamped on them anywhere or did somebody tell you they were Wicos ? If they are definately Wicos then the first thing I would do is give them a ring. Alot of the stuff they have isn't even seen on there online catalog. I'm sure the sticks aren't made anymore but they may have some nos parts laying around or they may suggest a alternative bushing that would be compatable with your sticks.
Good luck and let us know if they're definately Wicos or not. I've always wondered who made those. I'd also like to know if the wiring harness on those sticks are compatable with Druins interface like the SNKS and the Happ rotarys are.

[OSCAR]

The Data East sticks were manufactured by Wico.  I think the ball top ones were, too.  I used to have a ball top rotary, but I got rid of it a long time ago and I can't recall for sure.

The Data East sticks use exactly the same base as the Wico leafs, so the rubber grommets and other parts are interchangeable.  The only real difference between a Wico leaf and the DE rotary sticks is the handle has a threaded end to connect the rotary switch.

s4tay - If you can pick up an old (complete) Wico leaf, it should have any parts you need other than the rotary-specific parts.

sm - The pinouts are the same.  I can use either the SNK or the DE sticks on my Heavy Barrel board.  I would assume that either would work just as well with Druin's interface, too.

[spidermonkey]

 Thanks Oscar  Theres two arcade repair shops near me that I drop by now and then to get parts or just to b.s with the guys and I asked both of the owners this same question and all they kept telling me is that the stick I'm talking about is the LS-30 by SNK and that they have never seen much less heard of another manufacturer that makes rotarys with yellow cylindrical handles other then SNK. One of them said that I was seeing things and that maybe I didn't see the hex shaped sides of the handles because it was just a bad picture. The other guy started to get kinda mad and told me to believe what I wanna believe if that makes me feel better. Dammit I knew I was right ! Just wait until I print that picture of that Wico/Data East rotary stick and go over there and stuff it in their face.  You always have the answer I'm looking for Oscar. Thanks.

[OSCAR]

Thanks Oscar  Theres two arcade repair shops near me that I drop by now and then to get parts or just to b.s with the guys and I asked both of the owners this same question and all they kept telling me is that the stick I'm talking about is the LS-30 by SNK and that they have never seen much less heard of another manufacturer that makes rotarys with yellow cylindrical handles other then SNK. One of them said that I was seeing things and that maybe I didn't see the hex shaped sides of the handles because it was just a bad picture. The other guy started to get kinda mad and told me to believe what I wanna believe if that makes me feel better. Dammit I knew I was right ! Just wait until I print that picture of that Wico/Data East rotary stick and go over there and stuff it in their face.  You always have the answer I'm looking for Oscar. Thanks.

If they need more convincing, here is a shot showing the DE logo, and another of the balltop version.  

[paigeoliver]

I have one of those sticks as well, and it is definitely a Wico.

Mine doesn't have Data East stamped on the top though.

Also, thanks for answering my unasked question as to wether or not these work with the Druin interface.

In my opinion this would be the superior of the two mechanical rotarys. The smooth top is more natural for non-rotary games, and the leaf switch action feels nicer.

Another (nearly unknown) Wico stick is the one I call the "microleaf", which uses the leaf switch base, handle, and bushing, but has microswitches and a square actuator instead. The feel of a Wico, combined with the precise clicky action that the fighter nuts love.

[s4tay]

Thanks for your help. I'll try calling Wico and if that doesn't work I'll look for some old Wico leafs as suggested. BTW They are the same ones that were pictured by OSCAR.