Main > Main Forum

OMNI-Stik PRODIGY (TM) - New Product Announcement

Pages: (1/18) > >>

RandyT:


I haven't been participating here lately as much as I would have liked, and this is part of the reason.


The currently available solutions to the 4-way / 8-way joystick problem have always left me feeling like there was a "better way", so I went to work on one of my own.  The goal was to create one that was self-contained, easy to install and most importantly, switchable between true 4 and 8 way modes from the top of the control panel.   It's been a long road, but it's finally finished and it has surpassed all of my expectations.

The OMNI-Stik PRODIGY (TM) Arcade Joystick Systems will go on sale tomorrow, and cost $34.95 each.  They are available with Red, Blue and Black sticks.  There's more info at the website, so I won't drag it all into this post.

Saint has the very first production unit on the way to him as I write this (are you listening, Saint?)  Once again, it's good to be Saint  :D.

RandyT

paigeoliver:

What provides the resistance, a rubber grommet or a spring?

Also, is the 4-way movement path properly shorter than the 8-way one? So far every switchable stick I have tried has had a longer throw in 4-way mode.

Does the bolt pattern match the Wico/Happ pattern.

Is this a completely new design, or are you modifying another manufacturers stick? (The handle looks familiar).

If it does have a rubber grommet, the Happ/Wico bolt pattern, and a shorter throw in 4-way mode then I can see this being a very successful product.

Of course, you will still never solve the basic problem of getting your friends to play 4-way games in 4-way mode and 8-way games in 8-way mode.  ;D

RandyT:


--- Quote from: paigeoliver on November 19, 2003, 04:53:56 am ---What provides the resistance, a rubber grommet or a spring?

--- End quote ---

Spring.  Are grommet based sticks even produced anymore?


--- Quote ---Also, is the 4-way movement path properly shorter than the 8-way one? So far every switchable stick I have tried has had a longer throw in 4-way mode.

--- End quote ---

The throw on this stick is "ever so slightly" longer in 4-way mode.  This is a "precision" stick with a comfortably short throw all around, so the difference is unperceivable during use....except that things actually move where you expect them to in 4-way mode ;)


--- Quote ---Does the bolt pattern match the Wico/Happ pattern.

--- End quote ---

It is not a "drop-in" replacement for an existing stick.  It's a complete system that requires it's own mounting considerations.  That's not to say that an existing panel can't be retro-fitted, because it can, as long as there is physically enough room for the unit.


--- Quote ---Is this a completely new design, or are you modifying another manufacturers stick? (The handle looks familiar).

--- End quote ---

No, it is based on an existing design.  I didn't have the $125,000 for the injection molds to make my own ;)


--- Quote ---If it does have a rubber grommet, the Happ/Wico bolt pattern, and a shorter throw in 4-way mode then I can see this being a very successful product.

--- End quote ---

Don't set fire to the sofa before you take a seat :).  These are different from the usual Happ fare, but that's not a bad thing.  Like anything "different" there is a short adjustment period.  After using this stick for a few months, I can tell you that these more closely approximate the "retro" gaming experience than the Happ sticks, and I have no inclination to ever use the "bat" sticks again.  I haven't found a single game where I felt it was more playable with those types of sticks over these, in fact usually the opposite is true.


--- Quote ---Of course, you will still never solve the basic problem of getting your friends to play 4-way games in 4-way mode and 8-way games in 8-way mode.  ;D

--- End quote ---

The first time they see the difference between using it and not, you'll never have to remind them again  :D

RandyT

*edit*
The usual typos  :P

Frostillicus:

WOW.  Now that makes sense.  I concept that's been kicked around for awhile, but a nice NEW and professional product - will consider it for future cabs definitely.  Thanks for the cool offering RandyT :)

menace:

Send one to Kev Steele for a review I'd be curious how well the system works (not to mention he makes such neat videos ;))

I have been toying with modifying my j-stick for "above-panel" switching--this seems to be a more elegant solution.

Pages: (1/18) > >>

Go to full version