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Defender Joystick Options
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RandyT:

--- Quote from: happyfunball on December 16, 2013, 10:59:01 am ---I hadn't realized these came in a 2 way now, I was planning to just rout out a slot to restrict it (and not connect the left and right leaf switches) but I'm going to order one of these to play with.
I'm just about ready to install my JROK multi Williams board in a cab so this will get used soon.

--- End quote ---

Just finished the restrictor design and made some parts for inventory last night, so you're right on time :).  For those wondering, the ball top is 33.5mm, only slightly larger than the original, and when installed in 3/4" wood, the top of the ball will sit only 1 3/4" above the panel surface.  Should be pretty darned close to the original.  Installation only requires a round hole, 1" diameter should be plenty.  To get a perfectly accurate placement of the reverse button, cutting off one corner of the base will be necessary.  But it will definitely fit after modification, as I have verified it with the original Defender panel I have here.
tron84:

--- Quote from: RandyT on December 15, 2013, 10:34:52 pm ---
Heh.  I won't hold you to it, but if anyone is interested, the Leaf Pro is now available in a 2-way version.  I think Defender fans will really like the results.

--- End quote ---

Ohhh, thank you Randy for another Groovy product.  ;D very nice!!!!
Besides Defender, this should Rock for Galaxian & Galaga also turned the other way. I have been waiting for a nice 2way joy. Randy delivers again.....
 :cheers:
RandyT:

--- Quote from: tron84 on December 16, 2013, 12:28:37 pm ---Ohhh, thank you Randy for another Groovy product.  ;D very nice!!!!
Besides Defender, this should Rock for Galaxian & Galaga also turned the other way. I have been waiting for a nice 2way joy. Randy delivers again.....
 :cheers:

--- End quote ---

My pleasure.  I can't wait to hear what folks think of it.    Yes, it should be great for those kinds of games.  Playing Galaxian and Galaga, where immediate left and right movement can mean everything, just isn't the same with regular sticks.  The throw with a standard 8 or 4-way is too long, and the reset distance of microswitches can really throw you off.  This should take care of those issue rather nicely :).
1500points:
Question Randy.

How hard is it to find the microswitch buttons with the little tension bar instead of the physical spring, that can be taken apart and tuned up for better action?

the zippyy sticks have a wickedly crappy switch that has a spring and no lower contact point.
the x-arcade stick has switches that say x-gaming and they seem to be very good quality allowing tuning by adjusting the contact points which reduces the trigger pressure and makes it happen a millimeter or two sooner.

Can you direct a person to this type of microswitch? 
RandyT:

--- Quote from: 1500points on January 21, 2014, 07:58:13 am ---Question Randy.

How hard is it to find the microswitch buttons with the little tension bar instead of the physical spring, that can be taken apart and tuned up for better action?

the zippyy sticks have a wickedly crappy switch that has a spring and no lower contact point.
the x-arcade stick has switches that say x-gaming and they seem to be very good quality allowing tuning by adjusting the contact points which reduces the trigger pressure and makes it happen a millimeter or two sooner.

--- End quote ---

A couple of things; a coil spring in a microswitch isn't inferior.  It's actually superior to a bent piece of flat metal.  Both serve the same function, but my experience tells me that the coil spring will outlast the other.  The other quibble is that these switches do have a contact point, but it is formed, rather than a plug of metal.  If you examine the interior section of the blade where the point is formed, you'll see that it has been silver plated.  This is really the same as silver plating a point, so the end result isn't much different.  It's just a different manufacturing process.  Silver, being a precious metal, won't be thickly deposited on any low cost switch.

X-gaming switches are usually regarded as being low quality, even though they may have a particular trait you find desirable.  That being said, X-gaming sells switches, so if they are the ones which work well for what you are trying to achieve, you already have your source :)  But in the context of this thread, being the best options for a Defender Joystick, I would say that no microswitch based stick falls into this category.  The leaf option is vastly superior where tweaking and fast actuation is desired.

Failing that, the Versa-Micro will do what you are looking for, without the need to fiddle with switch components, and can be special ordered with the levers if required. 
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