Opti-wiz Questions for anyone who has one

[sdweim85]

I got a Trackball recently with a no solder opti wiz with harness.  The thing is I want to also buy one of their spinners, but it says it comes with its own interface, or if its a slave it doesn't come with one.

Can my opti wiz support both trackball and spinner at the same time, or do I need to get that additional interface.  Also does the spinner come with the harness?

[RandyT]

This question comes up from time to time.

First, let me say that the best way to approach this is to use separate interfaces for each device.  This will provide the highest compatibility with MAME and all other applications, as both the spinner and the trackball can use the X-Axis simultaneously. 

Having the trackball and spinner on the same interface can be done.  However, the spinner must be connected to the Z-Axis, which creates some difficulties, as later versions of MAME do not correct for the 4x movement on the Z-axis imposed by Windows OSes.  MAME can be patched to correct this, but this will help only in MAME.  Any other applications expecting X-Axis mouse movements will not be compatible with the spinner on Z.

The Slave version of the TurboTwist2 comes with the correct wire to plug into any axis on a stock Opti-Wiz, or onto the Y and Z-Axis Master version headers.  However, the Master version comes hardwired to the X-Axis for ease of installation.  Anyone wishing to use a Master version TurboTwist2 board to also interface with a trackball, will need to make us aware of that when ordering, so we can hardwired the spinner to the Z-Axis.  The axis used by the Master version can be changed by the end user, but requires some small solder jumpers to be altered.

RandyT

[sdweim85]

I was hoping for an answer straight from the source haha.  Thanks, I'll just get the spinner with the master board.  I don't mind plugging in one more USB.

But while I have your attention, what exactly does the Energy storage cylinder do.  I just want my spinner to act as closely to a real spinner as possible.

[WindDrake]

I've got an Opti-Wiz and GGG Spinner on my 2-Player cabinet, so I can answer the Energy Storage Cylinder question.

It's a flywheel. It increases the total mass on the shaft, so the spinner continues spinning if you take your fingers off after an enthusiastic spin.

More importantly, it makes it behave more like a Tempest/etc spinner.

[RandyT]

I also want to add that the use of one of the premium stainless knobs will do the same thing, without the need for the ESC.  The ESC can still be used with these knobs for a "heavier" feel, if desired.

[WindDrake]

Really? I'll have to pick one of those up, then.