Cheapest way to make a 4-Way joystick function on its own?

[DarthMarino]

I’ve been eyeing some of the 4/8 way switchable joysticks for a while as a replacement to one of my x-arcade sticks.  I’ve heard mixed things about doing this.  I am toying with the idea of making a separate 4-way stick on its own but have a feeling it will cost more than I would like it to.  What is the cheapest way to have a 4 way stick work on its own through a USB connection (gamepad or keyboard, doesn’t matter).  I’m assuming the sticks come with microswitches but none of the cables, terminals, etc.

[michelevit]

ebay baby.
usb arcade controller is $11.
i've used them and they work great.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Zero-Delay-Arcade-USB-Encoder-PC-to-joystick-for-MAME-Fight-Stick-Controls-/171017609206?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d1719ff6

[Slippyblade]

Keep in mind that having a dedicated 4-way stick doesn't mean it needs it own encoder.  Simply wire the 4-way in parallel with whatever you have for the regular player 1 stick.  The only real difference between a 4-way and an 8-way is that a 4-way is constructed or limited so that it CANNOT click two switches at once.

[DarthMarino]

Keep in mind that having a dedicated 4-way stick doesn't mean it needs it own encoder.  Simply wire the 4-way in parallel with whatever you have for the regular player 1 stick.  The only real difference between a 4-way and an 8-way is that a 4-way is constructed or limited so that it CANNOT click two switches at once.

I would definitely do this if I had a big panel but there's no room to fit another stick on the X-Arcade. 

[DarthMarino]

ebay baby.
usb arcade controller is $11.
i've used them and they work great.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Zero-Delay-Arcade-USB-Encoder-PC-to-joystick-for-MAME-Fight-Stick-Controls-/171017609206?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d1719ff6

This is probably perfect.  Any recommendations for a 4-way stick that will work well with this? I am eyeing the Leaf Pro.

[michelevit]

this is correct. you can easily wire up your 8 way and 4 way to the same encoder. The joystick buttons are simple momentary buttons.
You can also use a simple toggle switch to lift the shared ground to disable the stick if that is a concern.

Keep in mind that having a dedicated 4-way stick doesn't mean it needs it own encoder.  Simply wire the 4-way in parallel with whatever you have for the regular player 1 stick.  The only real difference between a 4-way and an 8-way is that a 4-way is constructed or limited so that it CANNOT click two switches at once.

[Slippyblade]

Ohhh.  I didn't realize you were still using the X-Arcade CP.  From the tone of your post I thought you had just used the guts of an X-Arcade in a separate CP.  That's what I did.

[DarthMarino]

^Yeah. I am liking the idea of making a small controller similar to a single X-Arcade for use with games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.  With the encoder suggested above, I'll throw on a few buttons. Nothing fancy. Should cover most single player games needing a 4-way.

[paigeoliver]

You can still have your standalone 4-way panel plug into your existing X-arcade panel.

[JDFan]

^Yeah. I am liking the idea of making a small controller similar to a single X-Arcade for use with games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.  With the encoder suggested above, I'll throw on a few buttons. Nothing fancy. Should cover most single player games needing a 4-way.

The encoder linked earlier is designed to be used with the Sanwa (Japanese type) Joysticks that use a 5 pin connector -- they also make the same thing with wiring for the Happ type joysticks -- so be sure to order the correct one for the joystick\buttons you are going to use !!

For example here is a link to the same supplier with the Happ type wiring instead ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zero-Delay-Arcade-USB-Encoder-PC-to-Joystick-For-2pin-Happ-Type-Push-buttons-/171033729825?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d2679b21 )

So just be sure to get the right type to fit the parts you purchase.

I used the same type of encoder in my single player dual joystick bartop (for Robotron and Smash TV) by wiring it so that the second joystick and buttons 3-6 share the same inputs (since both are not used at the same time) and it works great ! And shipping only took 10 days from Hong Kong !


 

[DarthMarino]

I'm looking at this stick:
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=365

and these buttons:
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=356:c0fd03c4dc1efd24ace0e0f91a319047

Will these work OK with the Happ style kit JDFan linked to?

[JDFan]

Stick says it uses Standard .187" female QD terminal compatible connections and buttons also  .187" Female Quick-Disconnect.

So yes the one I linked would be the one you want !

Here is a pic of the 2 types - the joystick you are getting uses the 2 pin type shown on the right side not the 5 pin which was the type linked in the first post about the encoders.

[DarthMarino]

I finished the controller this weekend.  Works great with that controller. Thanks for the help.