Anyone have issues with HAPP Comp sticks and hitting diagonals?

[SpatzST]

The more I look into joysticks, the more it seems happ comp sticks have a very small area that will trigger a diagonal.  Many other sticks use those microswitches with the flaps, like this, http://na.suzohapp.com/amusement_products/electrical_supplies/95-0735-90?SS=BOM

Are those better? Could I retrofit those into my happ comps if I need to?

[PL1]

You won't be able to swap the microswitches on a Happ Competition for lever arm switches -- the spacing and square actuator are not designed for it.

Happ Supers use a round actuator and lever arm switches.

They hit diagonals easily and I've modded mine using the LS-32/Zippyy upgrade switches making them softer and less clicky.



The only downside to modding Supers like this is if you release the joystick at full deflection, it will trip the switch on the other side when the stick overshoots while centering.   


Scott

[JDFan]

What size hole and what type of material is the CP constructed from ? And is it the same for all diagonals or just a couple ?  -- could be the stick is hitting the side of the hole in the CP keeping it from stricking both actuators fully - esp. if it is more pronounced in certain directions if the stick is not fully centered.

[RandyT]

The E-Switch HAPP uses for just about everything these days, has an actuation point that is a little lower than some.  The Competitions are considered a good "all purpose" stick, and part of what makes it so is that in order to hit the diagonals, one has to be a bit more precise in moving the stick into those areas.  In contrast, the "Ultimate" sticks have larger diagonal zones, and are generally panned as being one of the poorest choices for "all around" use.  The smaller diagonal zones make 4-way games play better, but still provide decent 8-way functionality.  Folks with a primary interest in fighter games, would be best served by doing one of the following;

1) Adjust their playing style to use more of the stick's range
2) Use a Super (or Super Pro) which provides some easy switch adjustment to tweak the zones
3) Replace the switches with a type which has a slightly higher actuation point, or longer actuating nub
4) Tune the actuator to give you a diagonal zone which is right for you.  This can be accomplished by experimenting with different thicknesses of thin, hard surfaced material, and when finding what suits you, adhering a strip to the perimeter of the actuator.  Material between .010" and .020" thick would probably do the trick.

Always keep in mind, however,  that 4-way performance decreases as the diagonal zones become larger.  So tune carefully based on your overall needs.

[SpatzST]

You won't be able to swap the microswitches on a Happ Competition for lever arm switches -- the spacing and square actuator are not designed for it.

Happ Supers use a round actuator and lever arm switches.

They hit diagonals easily and I've modded mine using the LS-32/Zippyy upgrade switches making them softer and less clicky.



The only downside to modding Supers like this is if you release the joystick at full deflection, it will trip the switch on the other side when the stick overshoots while centering.   


Scott

not even if I bought a round actuator?

I haven't actually tried it yet.. was just doing research and asking questions   The hole will be a 1-1/8".

The E-Switch HAPP uses for just about everything these days, has an actuation point that is a little lower than some.  The Competitions are considered a good "all purpose" stick, and part of what makes it so is that in order to hit the diagonals, one has to be a bit more precise in moving the stick into those areas.  In contrast, the "Ultimate" sticks have larger diagonal zones, and are generally panned as being one of the poorest choices for "all around" use.  The smaller diagonal zones make 4-way games play better, but still provide decent 8-way functionality.  Folks with a primary interest in fighter games, would be best served by doing one of the following;

1) Adjust their playing style to use more of the stick's range
2) Use a Super (or Super Pro) which provides some easy switch adjustment to tweak the zones
3) Replace the switches with a type which has a slightly higher actuation point, or longer actuating nub
4) Tune the actuator to give you a diagonal zone which is right for you.  This can be accomplished by experimenting with different thicknesses of thin, hard surfaced material, and when finding what suits you, adhering a strip to the perimeter of the actuator.  Material between .010" and .020" thick would probably do the trick.

Always keep in mind, however,  that 4-way performance decreases as the diagonal zones become larger.  So tune carefully based on your overall needs.

What size hole and what type of material is the CP constructed from ? And is it the same for all diagonals or just a couple ?  -- could be the stick is hitting the side of the hole in the CP keeping it from stricking both actuators fully - esp. if it is more pronounced in certain directions if the stick is not fully centered.

I see.  Maybe I'd be better off getting 2 alternate sticks for player 1 and 2.  We'll see. I haven't actually tried it yet, was just doing research.

[PL1]

You won't be able to swap the microswitches on a Happ Competition for lever arm switches -- the spacing and square actuator are not designed for it.

not even if I bought a round actuator?

A square actuator is designed to press the nub of the microswitch.


A round actuator is designed to press the lever on a microswitch.


If you compare the pictures, you'll also notice that the Comp switches are parallel with the sides of the stick, but the Super switches are slightly angled so the lever arms are parallel to the sides.


IMHO, it's not worth the effort trying to make a Comp into a Super.


Scott

[SpatzST]

I see. Ok thanks