GGG OMNI2 Joystick

[Richardgregory]

Hi Folks:  I'm thinking of building another CP - currently my CP is using the 1 switchable 4/8 way Magstik Pro - don't mind them at all, but figured I'd try a different joystick for the new build, which I plan on Groovy Game Gear's OMNI2 4/8 way.

I need to determine if the holes and dimensions to the mounting plates between the Magstik Pro vs the OMNI, so that I know if I have to make any significant changes to drill holes. 

Can anyone help?

P.S.  The GGG OMNI2 I understand is bottom switchable 4/8 way joystick - is the mechanism easily as sliding of a switch?  I couldn't find an answer on the site.

Thanks!

[PL1]

IIRC, the Omni2 uses the same mount pattern as a Sanwa JLW.


Scott
EDIT: Derp.

[RandyT]

IIRC, the Omni2 uses the same mount pattern as a Sanwa JLW.

This isn't correct.  The OMNI2 has the larger plate that is compatible with both the HAPP/WICO/X-Arcade, etc.... patterns, as well as the narrower Sanwa, Zippyy, etc... varieties.

P.S.  The GGG OMNI2 I understand is bottom switchable 4/8 way joystick - is the mechanism easily as sliding of a switch?  I couldn't find an answer on the site.

Yes, it's that simple

[PL1]

The OMNI2 has the larger plate that is compatible with both the HAPP/WICO/X-Arcade, etc.... patterns, as well as the narrower Sanwa, Zippyy, etc... varieties.

The OMNI2 webpage says "Because it sports a standard joystick compatible mounting plate, it can be installed easily as a replacement for most existing arcade joysticks."
You know what layouts that includes, Randy, but some of us don't.   

Any chance that you'll add that list of specific layouts and/or a diagram of the mounting plate on the OMNI2 webpage?   


Scott

[Le Chuck]

Nothing to add other than a hearty endoresement of the GGG Omni2 stick.  It's a great all arounder and you can do some really fun aftermark mods to it such as auto rotation and other stuff.  There are specialty sticks out there that are better at a certain game/genre but in aggragate this stick is excellent. 

[mgb]

IIRC, the Omni2 uses the same mount pattern as a Sanwa JLW.

This isn't correct.  The OMNI2 has the larger plate that is compatible with both the HAPP/WICO/X-Arcade, etc.... patterns, as well as the narrower Sanwa, Zippyy, etc... varieties.

P.S.  The GGG OMNI2 I understand is bottom switchable 4/8 way joystick - is the mechanism easily as sliding of a switch?  I couldn't find an answer on the site.

Yes, it's that simple

I'm a little confused by this. I have an omni2 and it appears to be a JLW knockoff.
And JLWs, Magstiks and Happs have the same basic mounting pattern.
  I even swapped parts between the Omni and a JLW

[PL1]

I'm a little confused by this.

Glad to hear I'm not the only one.     


Scott

[RandyT]

Before the edit, Scott's post showed a diagram which was the narrow "Japanese" plate variety.  Went by the dimensions shown, not the "JLW" moniker.

[PL1]

Before the edit, Scott's post showed a diagram which was the narrow "Japanese" plate variety.  Went by the dimensions shown, not the "JLW" moniker.

That diagram was from another vendor and looked similar.

After you said that it didn't match the OMNI2, I deleted the diagram from my post to avoid throwing off future readers of this thread.

It doesn't matter what the pattern isn't -- it matters what the pattern is.

For that reason, the question still stands, Randy:

Any chance that you'll add that list of specific layouts and/or a diagram of the mounting plate on the OMNI2 webpage?

Not trying to be pushy here, just trying to clear things up so your customers can make an informed decision. 


Scott

EDIT: Found this in reply #73 of the product announcement thread.

Just wondering if you have a diagram of the OMNI2 showing the measurements?

I'm particularly interested in the the measurements of the mounting plate.

I don't have a plate drawing at the moment, as they are pretty much the same as other sticks out there.  They are bolt-up compatible with HAPP style sticks, as well as the smaller Japanese models using the angled holes.

The outside dimensions of the plate are 78mmx95mm (3.07"x3.74").  You'll need about 2 1/4" of clearance below the underside of the mounting plate.

RandyT

[RandyT]

Any chance that you'll add that list of specific layouts and/or a diagram of the mounting plate on the OMNI2 webpage?

Not trying to be pushy here, just trying to clear things up so your customers can make an informed decision. 

I will try to figure out the best way to accomplish this in a unified manner.  The funny thing is that I just had someone tell me that I should indicate specific compatibility by type on an item where the dimensions were stated.  On one hand, those who know how the dimensions relate to the models find it more convenient to have named compatibility, while others who don't, look for specific dimensions.  Then there is the third group who just make assumptions, and disregard both.  Perhaps it is time for an FAQ, or table showing compatibility, along with some dimensional diagrams at the site.  This should cover groups 1 and 2.  Not much I can do for group 3 .

But for the sake of the neophytes, I'll add some info here:  There are two major categories.  The first is the WICO, HAPP, X-Arcade, IL type.  This is what is likely on your "old-school" US-built machine, as it was the original de-facto standard.  Then there is what I call the "Japanese" type.  Sanwa, Seimitsu, Zippyy, Spitfire (and similar) use this.  These are narrower, and have the obvious "angled, rounded-end slots".  These two types are not compatible with one another for mounting, without adapters or modifications to existing panels.  The OMNI2, and I assume the JLW (no direct experience, as we don't carry them), can accommodate both patterns.

Then there are the "oddballs".  A number of original machines, usually of Japanese origin, used proprietary controllers and aren't directly compatible with much of anything other than the controller they shipped with.  There is also the "Korean Standard" and newer designs (the Leaf-Pro, for example), which adhere to nothing from the past.

So my suggestion for folks is not to get in a hurry.  Whether starting fresh, replacing a controller because it is broken and worn out, or looking for something better, it's a good idea to do the research to find the control with the features you really want, rather than just what fits, and make accommodations for it.  Wait for it to arrive, take the plate off and use it as a mounting template so the work is performed only once and works the first time.  Outside of perfect dimensions and a CNC machine, there's no substitute for having the actual item in-hand to use as a reference.

[mgb]

I'm not sure if the ops question ever really got answered here but
If your existing stick is a mag stick which from my understanding is built on the Sanwa JLW spec and you want to replace it with a Omni2 which is also built on the JLW spec, I'd say you should have no problem.

Randy, I don't mean this to sound rude or anything but I would suggest you'd be somewhat familiar with the JLW because you are selling a stick that is a direct copy of it.

[Richardgregory]

Alas!  Finally, got my answer - thanks MGB

I'm not sure if the ops question ever really got answered here but
If your existing stick is a mag stick which from my understanding is built on the Sanwa JLW spec and you want to replace it with a Omni2 which is also built on the JLW spec, I'd say you should have no problem.

Randy, I don't mean this to sound rude or anything but I would suggest you'd be somewhat familiar with the JLW because you are selling a stick that is a direct copy of it.

[mgb]

Yeah, that came in a round and about way, huh

[RandyT]

Randy, I don't mean this to sound rude or anything but I would suggest you'd be somewhat familiar with the JLW because you are selling a stick that is a direct copy of it.

I think I stated that we don't carry that stick.  I have no first-hand knowledge as to whether the assembly upon which the OMNI2 is based, is or isn't a "direct copy" of the JLW, as I have never had one to compare in order to make such a determination.  I also do not have a "MagStik Pro", so I can't definitevly answer questions regarding that unit either.  I can make assumptions, based upon the information I provided above, but I'd rather not have folks basing purchases on my assumptions.

[fmzip]

I just ordered a pair of Omni2's for my very first control panel. Is there a drawing that I can use for mounting purposes? I see it noted that the dimensions are 3.07"x3.74" but other than that?

My control panel is 3/4 MDF, how much do I need to route out from the bottom of the panel? What size hole do I need for the joystick hole, I assume it's dead center? Where are the mounting holes exactly located? Any help would be appreciated

Is this the drawing to use?

[Slippyblade]

Just use a standard button hole for the stick.  I tend to route out 1/4" leaving 1/2" to mount into, but I use T-nuts for mounting my sticks.  When you get the sticks, just remove the plate and trace it for hole placement.

[fmzip]

Thanks Skippy,

Are you putting the T-nuts on the top of the panel and then filling them over like this?



I was hoping to just get all the wood working done before I get the joys. Is there a template that is to size that I can print?


I see that you are out of stock on these Randy, when will they be back in?

[Slippyblade]

Yep.  T-nuts in the top of the panel, inset just like that.  I don't even bother with a filler, just mix some sawdust and wood glue and smear it over.  Make sure not to fill the bolt hole though.  Once your artwork in in place, you'll never see it.

[fmzip]

Thanks!

If I could only find a 1:1 template of a JLW or the Omni2 I could go to bed...the wife is bitchin

[fmzip]

 I had an engineer friend of mine draw me up a 1:1 template if anyone needs it

[fmzip]

I see that you are out of stock on these Randy, when will they be back in?

Does Randy reply to this forum? I sent a PM as well, no reply. Is GGG still in business?

[Slippyblade]

Yeah, he does.  He is sometimes slow to respond though.  Send him an email through his website as well.

[fmzip]

Thanks.

Are they responsive on order placement/shipment?

[Slippyblade]

Extremely.  I've ordered from GGG several times and never been disappointed.

[fmzip]

Hmmm

Placed my order exactly a week ago and no shipping confirmation. No response through their website either.

Hopefully everything is ok. I get concerned with one person operations with no replies

[Slippyblade]

That's really weird.  Only time I had to wait more than a day for order feedback was once when I ordered at about 11pm on a Saturday night.  Was Monday morning when I got confirmation.

[fmzip]

It looks like he's alive, he posted on here today which is a good sign. Not sure what's up with my order. As the Omni2s are out of stock, I am wondering if thats what holding things up

[RandyT]

If your initials are "FM", your order was shipped yesterday.  You should have received a tracking number and ship notification in email.

It also would have been helpful to indicate in the PM that you had already placed an order, as well as some identifier as to who you were   Hard to know who and why a question is being asked with no identifiers other than the BYOAC screen name.

Check your SPAM folder, in case the notification ended up there for some reason.

[fmzip]

Thanks Randy.

I was still wondering when more of the OMNI2's will be back in stock. I contacted you here via PM in hopes that maybe you would get my message to that specific question; I never got an email reply on my order inquiry, did you receive it on your end? My concern was there may have been something up personally with you which is why I posted here. I thought maybe someone knew something since all forms of contact seemed to come up empty.

Would you be so kind and PM the tracking number since email doesn't seem to be working?

[RandyT]

Thanks Randy.

I was still wondering when more of the OMNI2's will be back in stock. I contacted you here via PM in hopes that maybe you would get my message to that specific question; I never got an email reply on my order inquiry, did you receive it on your end? My concern was there may have been something up personally with you which is why I posted here. I thought maybe someone knew something since all forms of contact seemed to come up empty

It's been crazy busy here at GGG.  The "When will you have X back in stock" queries eventually get answered, but take a back seat to building parts, fielding customer/technical support queries and getting orders out the door.

We expect to have more OMNI2 sticks back in stock in about a week and a half.  We had a run on them, which wiped out our stock quicker than anticipated, and our distributor can be slow at times in getting our parts to us.  Sorry it took as long as it did to get back to you on the query.

Ship notifications resent and tracking PM'd.

RandyT

[fmzip]

Thanks for the update.

Everything arrived today, gotta love you being in the next state over

[badweasel]

I had an engineer friend of mine draw me up a 1:1 template if anyone needs it

I know it's been a while since you posted this.  But could I get that?  I'm having metal control panels made and I want to get the holes drilled in the right places and don't want to have to wait until the sticks arrive to get them started on it.  Thanks!

[lisowskikevin]

I've been using the Omni 2 for just over a year and I love it! So great to be able to switch from 8- 4 way in literally 2 seconds.

It's the equivalent of turning a dial and bam u have an 8 or 4 way joystick. The joystick itself seems very durable as well, lots of use from my kids who aren't exactly gentle with it. Great feel to it as well.

Highly recommend it.

[badweasel]

Thanks!  I was going to get the Mag-Stik plus but decided against it after reading the reviews.  They had two complaints, one was that the magnets ended up attracting metal shavings and it messed up the feel.  Of course why would they have metal shavings loose on their board but it does sound like a stupid mistake I would make.  The main complaint though was about hitting the corners without first hitting a UDLR on the way there.

Still I'm looking for the proper position of the 4 holes I need to mount it.  I'm going to have metal control panels tops made from scratch.  And I'd rather have them predrill the holes for me rather than doing that myself.  And I don't want to wait until the sticks get here before sending the plans over to the metal shop.

Thanks!

If I could only find a 1:1 template of a JLW or the Omni2 I could go to bed...the wife is bitchin

fmzip did you ever find one?

[fmzip]

I never did find a correct drawing, sorry

[badweasel]

I just drew my own based on the info here: http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/mounting_layering.html assuming that the Omni is the same as a JLW.  So I did 85mm on the longer side and 40 mm on the shorter side.  I hope that's right because I just ordered custom made metal control panels based on those dimensions for mounting holes.