Can I use Happ Ultimate stick on the IPAC interface?

[cryglory]

Hey guys Im new to the forum.

I was originally going to go with the X-Arcade stick but I heard that there is a slight lag and the look isn't really custom like I want it to be.

I am going for 2 player:
Shopping List:
2 8-way Ultimate Joysticks
16 buttons (8 each)
2 player start buttons (1 each)
Possible buttons for coin insert. (I have a working coin slot on my arcade I want to hook that up)

I like the pricing and the reviews from happ website. I don't like the price of their interface. I heard great things from I-PAC but I don't like the price of their sticks.

So that is around 26-28 buttons for my machine. I want to keep it as much under $100 bucks as possible. Could I use the sticks from happ on the I-Pac2 (32 input)
Also, the IPAC only has inputs for 4-way controls, am I mistaken that the 8-way joystick just using 2 directions at a time?

I want the best experience possible but I don't want my wife to kill me for spending way too much! LOL Any suggestions for anything is appreciated.

[MD Draco]

Welcome to the forum (reasonably new myself, as my posts will say) ... So, to try and answer your questions...

First off, yes; it looks like you can use the ultimate joysticks with an iPac2 as far as I can see; looks pretty standard (4 switches) if you move in the diagonal, it just activates the two switches to give the diagonal signal ... There are analogue joy's that would be more problematic, but as long as it's digital, you'll be fine

Secondly: as I was advised, unless there is specific reasoning, I would heartily recommend dropping to 6 buttons per player... I haven't finished my build yet (in a playable state though) and I can honestly say as yet I haven't come across anything that requires more than 6 buttons, and there are limited games that even use 6 (mainly the fighters).

Thirdly: make a spreadsheet for your costings. I sorely doubt your $100 is going to cut the mustard when all's said and done. You can keep to these budgets, but hanging on this forum will make you want to go bigger, better, faster, stronger ... I speak from experience!! My budget has had a full on 50% hike (though; that has included buying some new tools, so probably closer to 20 - 30% if we discount tool additions).

and fourth and finally... Enjoy yourself, do what feels right to you, but come back often for advice / opinions; it'll save you in the long run... I have a few slight modifications to do that will cost me long term because I didn't discover this forum until after I'd already started sourcing parts, there are some great people who will help out here so, again, welcome, I look forward to seeing your progress as things happen

[PL1]

Welcome aboard, Cryglory.

Are you REALLY sure you want the Happ "Ultimate" stick??

The reviews that I've read agree that Happ's "Ultimate" is "Ultimate" in name only.   

The fact that the three largest resellers/suppliers here don't carry it should be a bit of a warning.

If you want Happ sticks, you might want to consider the Happ Supers or Competitions instead.

Depending on your gaming genre preferences, another stick may be better.

What kind of games do you prefer?

Old-school classics, shmups, and fighting games all have different sticks that work well for that genre.

In addition to Ultimarc, check out Groovy Game Gear and Paradise Arcade Shop.

Andy, Randy, and Bryan -- the respective business owners -- are regulars around here.

If you want something from Happ (or Ultimarc) that Randy or Bryan don't have on their sites, check on ArcadeEmulator.net to see if Divemaster127 has it -- 90%+ chance Gary's got it. (even if the site doesn't list it)

Also he doesn't charge nearly as much for shipping as Happ does.

As far as the 4-way/8-way goes, both use 4 switch inputs -- the 8-way can close up to two switches at a time.

+1 on only using 6 buttons per player unless you are certain you'll be adding console games that need that many.

If you decide to add the later consoles, (>6 buttons) you may also consider using a USB port to plug in the original gamepads instead since the "shoulder" buttons are often directional and the games are designed for that controller.

+1 on using a spreadsheet to add up costs -- include hyperlinks for easy ordering.   

Also, be sure to get something nice for the wife and try to find some games she likes.

Once she's hooked on Bubble Bobble or Puzzle Bobble, it'll be easier to pitch the next build/upgrade.   


Scott

[BobA]

+1 for PL1

Ultimates are far from it. Supers or Comps are a good bet. 

[yotsuya]

Go to Paradise Arcade Shop and get the IL sticks if you want that specific battop style. I just got some. The Cherry switches alone are worth the low price.

[cryglory]

Hey guys thanks for the replies and the warm welcome!

I am completely noob. I have spent hours upon hours looking for appropiate controls for the arcade.

I want to keep the budget for controls only under $100. Is that unreasonable?

I chose the ultimate arcade stick from happ only because I dont know much about them. I wanted to add emulation of consoles on the arcade just to have them.

I want an good all-in-one stick. I like shooters, and old school. But my main focus will be leaning into fighting. STREET FIGHTER 2 ALL THE WAY!
I am also a huge fan of metal slug.

As of now I will look up those sites and see what I come up with.

[cryglory]

Ok, Quick update just getting super excited about all of this. AM I GETTING HOOKED?! I might need a second job 

So, Just shopping around.

The Ipac2 32 input at ultimate arc is for $39.00

I found a competition Joysticks and buttons at arcadeemulator.net
Competition Joystick, 8-way, Microswitch
Pushbutton With Horizontal Microswitch
$42.00

I just want it to last some intense Marvel vs Capcom battles.
I am a hadouken master (lol) and I want it to register every one I throw.

[MD Draco]

Depending on your tastes (I'd actually suggest research if you have a local arcade) looking at your game selection; I may even lean towards Sanwa sticks... I have the JLF-TP-8YT which is absolutely great in its default configuration; however an octagonal restricter plate is a great upgrade for fighting games! I'm also a big fan of the classics like 1942, and it's great for that too... And I have to admit; it took a shed load of credits, but I bested Metal Slug 3 the other night, and found the balltop to be great for that too

Everybody has their own personal preference though, that's just the most similar to the one I liked best when I did my "research" in the arcade

[Toadie]

All good information as I am also struggling with this.  I might reconsider my buttons as wel, I was going to do 7 per player.

[PL1]

I might reconsider my buttons as wel, I was going to do 7 per player.

7 button patterns are commonly used by Neo-Geo game fans since that layout had 4 buttons along a curved line.




Scott

[MD Draco]

+1 to Scott, if I'd known about this, and had found this forum prior to having made my control panel, this is most likely what I would have done too... Ah well, to late for that now!! ... I feel a rebuild coming on in the future

[Toadie]

So I need to ask because I'm a newb...  7 buttons is a decent way to go?  I had never heard of 8

[mgb]

I believe some people do 8 buttons for n64 emulation and just for an even look rather than having a row of 4 and a row of 3