New Product: Dominux8™ Premium Leaf-Switch 8-Way Joystick

[RandyT]

I've been hinting at this one for a while.  I guess it's about time that I show something

GroovyGameGear.com's Dominux8™ Premium Joystick is the first new joystick incorporating true arcade quality leaf switches and rubber encapsulated steel centering grommet in decades!  If you think WICO sticks are the best you can get, you'll definitely want to try this one before paying upwards of $50 for an old and used stick with less features.

Dominux8 Features:

• New design, almost completely built from custom made or special order parts
• Amazingly smooth feel, quick actuation, rapid centering and silent operation when installed.
• Can be optionally ordered with pre-installed True 4-way or "Octo" 8-way fixed restriction plates.
• Standard US (WICO/Midway/HAPP/IL/X-Arcade) mounting pattern for easy installation on existing panels and arcade machines.
• Two user adjustable height configurations for wood or metal panel compatibility:  Measured with optional Hand Candy™ ball top, the distance between the bottom surface of the panel and the top of the ball is as follows:  Long: 3.4"  /  Short: 2.78"
• Large, solid stainless steel shaft for highest durability and longevity
• Standard 6mm threads for compatibility with all common ball and bat top options
• Gold-plated true arcade quality leaf switches
• True arcade quality and feel molded-rubber-on-steel centering grommet
• Mirror-finish, laser-cut black acrylic dust washer
• Reduced below-panel depth requirements when in the "Long" configuration.

The laundry-list of special parts makes this one of our pricier offerings, but worth every penny to those who can appreciate what this one will bring to the game.  The price will be $46.95 with choice of "economy" bat or ball top included. Available now, just click on the image above.

As usual, my appreciation goes out to everyone who supports GroovyGameGear.com with their purchases, which help to make new items like this one possible

RandyT

[jdbailey1206]

All these fancy new products EXCEPT the Omni2 Robo.   

[jimmer]

I assume it's circular restriction? Will there be an octagon too?

What about 4way, or is that covered by the Pac-Pro?

[RandyT]

All these fancy new products EXCEPT the Omni2 Robo.   

One thing at a time

I assume it's circular restriction? Will there be an octagon too?

What about 4way, or is that covered by the Pac-Pro?

All proper, dedicated 8-ways are circular or nearly circular restriction, so yes.   The square restricted 8-ways came about when manufacturers decided to produce sticks with restrictors which could rotate to support 4-way operation.  Great for Q*bert, but only "middle of the road" for pretty much everything else.

I will be looking at the possibilities for 4-way and octagon restriction in the very near future.  To do either well (or pehaps at all), some design/part changes may be required.

[wp34]

Dang that is nice. 

 

[yotsuya]

I'll keep an eye out for the 4-ways. I love the Pac-Pro, so improving on it can only be better! 

I look forward to X2 telling you how this product is inferior. 

[bikeguychicago]

I've been on the fence between a 49-way and one of the Omni2's for my MAME cabinet. Thanks for making my decision that much harder

[jdbailey1206]

I've been on the fence between a 49-way and one of the Omni2's for my MAME cabinet. Thanks for making my decision that much harder

I bought a 49 and a 8 way for my cab and found I dont play enough games that require a 49 way.  I pulled it out and it is on its way into another project.  So in the end it all depends on what games you'll play to mediate what stick you'll need.

[pbj]

Looks cool, can't afford it.

 

[mgb]

Looks good so far.
I love the fact that it has a centering grommet and no square restriction.
But the price, jeesh.
It starts at $47
That's a little pricey

[RandyT]

Believe me, I did what could on the pricing.  If you look at the retail cost of the total of similar parts, it ends up at about $60, and then you just have a pile of parts which don't go together.  The only reason I can even offer these for this price is because of the large investment I made in the parts quantities in order to get the cost down, and the fact that I don't make nearly as much as my car mechanic for my labor.

The Dominux8 line is really one that is intended for folks who want the best arcade joystick possible (again, it's better than the revered WICO leaf in many ways) and who are able to pay for such luxuries.  But I'll put out a warning for folks who venture to try one of these:  Once you do, you'll likely not be satisfied with other sticks afterward.

 (ok, small amount of hyperbole in that last statement, but not much   )

[ChadTower]

But I'll put out a warning for folks who venture to try one of these:  Once you do, you'll likely not be satisfied with other sticks afterward.

He uses that line on all the ladies.

[wp34]

Based on what NOS or even gently used Wico's are going for these are reasonably priced IMHO.  Heck a replacement Wico grommet is $25 if you can find one. 

[Cynicaster]

I think most wood panels are probably between 1/2 and 3/4"... will this work on that whole range in the "long" configuration?  How big of a hole is recommended/required?

Very enticing, indeed, especially since just last night I was playing some Robotron and thinking that my control panel is long overdue for some new sticks.  Yes, $100 is pricey for a pair of joysticks, but just like most anything, there are different ranges of pricing for different levels of product.  If these are as cool as they look at first glance, then the price is right about where I'd expect it to be.  Besides, if guys out there are willing to bring new products to market that improve our experience of playing 30 year-old games in 2014, I'm totally OK with them making a fair profit from doing so. 

 
 

[RandyT]

I think most wood panels are probably between 1/2 and 3/4"... will this work on that whole range in the "long" configuration?  How big of a hole is recommended/required?

The shaft length configurations were very carefully selected.  Based on the 3.4" measurement with an optional Hand Candy balltop, the exposed heights for 1/2" and 3/4" panels would be 2.9" and  2.65" respectively.  With a 1/2" panel, the result is very close to a standard WICO stick mounted on metal.  This also allows an installer with a 3/4" panel the option of routing a 1/4" pocket for the base to get the same height if desired.  But the length in the "Long" configuration still provides a significant advantage over standard WICOs in 3/4" panels, even without routing.

I use a standard 1 1/8" button hole sized hole with a 3/4" panel, and this seems to be fine, so long as the shaft is right in the center.  The supplied dust washer is large enough to cover a bigger hole, so 1 1/4" is probably what I would recommend.

Very enticing, indeed, especially since just last night I was playing some Robotron and thinking that my control panel is long overdue for some new sticks. 

If you like Robotron, you wouldn't be disappointed with these in the slightest

[bandit721]

Wow, looks like another great product Randy!  Was about to pull the trigger on a pair of Super-pros and a Pac-pro, but think I'll hold out for these.  Hopefully the 4-way version of this works out...

[Jimbo]

This looks great! 

One question: Can it be supplied with an illuminated ball-top? (RGB) ?

Cheers

[RandyT]

One question: Can it be supplied with an illuminated ball-top? (RGB) ?

Sorry, I'm afraid it's not possible with this particular design.  I had considered going that route, but it would be a $100 joystick before it was done, and I felt it would be better to keep it more accessible and focus strictly on better than "old school" performance..

If there's sufficient demand down the road, I may consider a special version for lighting.

[Jimbo]

Ah ok, no problem... so I could buy one and then hack it perhaps?   Do you think that would be doable?

[mrclean]

If you think WICO sticks are the best you can get, you'll definitely want to try this one before paying upwards of $50 for an old and used stick with less features.


RandyT

Hey Randy...It's not that I think Wico's are the best you can get... but it's what was originally used on majority of the games. Most collectors have a tendacy to keep what was originally used. Some collectors seek NOS parts, others rebuild with repro stuff, it really blows my mind  why is it that no one makes a 1:1 wico reproduction ? That's the most common stick used on most 80's games... It's only a matter of time. I know various people make parts for the i.e. rubber grommets, ball tops, etc. I hope someone makes those down the road and affordable ones. Can you pop on wico shafts on yours ?

[jimmer]

Hey Randy...It's not that I think Wico's are the best you can get... but it's what was originally used on majority of the games. Most collectors have a tendacy to keep what was originally used. Some collectors seek NOS parts, others rebuild with repro stuff, it really blows my mind  why is it that no one makes a 1:1 wico reproduction ? That's the most common stick used on most 80's games... It's only a matter of time. I know various people make parts for the i.e. rubber grommets, ball tops, etc. I hope someone makes those down the road and affordable ones. Can you pop on wico shafts on yours ?

I doubt if this is much different to a wico, it may be an exact copy geometrically, it looks close.

Wico's used a non-standard grommet, so to make a repro you'd have to find a lot of NOS stock, or find the original manufacturer if they are still in business, or commision a custom run of grommets. Easier to make a shaft to match the available grommets.

For a part you can't see below the panel, the same characteristics is good enough for a restoration isn't it ?

[RandyT]

Hey Randy...It's not that I think Wico's are the best you can get... but it's what was originally used on majority of the games. Most collectors have a tendacy to keep what was originally used. Some collectors seek NOS parts, others rebuild with repro stuff, it really blows my mind  why is it that no one makes a 1:1 wico reproduction ? That's the most common stick used on most 80's games... It's only a matter of time. I know various people make parts for the i.e. rubber grommets, ball tops, etc. I hope someone makes those down the road and affordable ones. Can you pop on wico shafts on yours ?

No, the WICO shafts will not fit these.  I have a couple of WICO leaf sticks here I use for reference.  One is actually the stick from my original Colecovision panel build back in the 80's.  To be honest, I wouldn't go through the trouble of a 1:1 reproduction.  It would be insanely expensive due to the tooling involved, and the limited audience would mean high prices to recoup the costs.  On top of that, IMHO they just don't feel as nice as the Dominux8.  Almost "clunky" in comparison.  And in the end, it would still be a reproduction, so not much value for a true restoration project.

If someone screwed a 1.5" balltop onto onto a Dominux8 stick, I think most wouldn't know the difference from the outside of the machine, other than the stick would probably feel smoother in operation.

[RetroGreg]

When are you going to get these on the website? I think I want to order one....or two 

[benarcade]

While you're at it, can you please add a top fire option?

One can dream...

[mvolke1]

Hey Randy,

Thanks for pushing our hobby to another level - yet again!

[emphatic]

Looks nice, how thick is the shaft?

[RandyT]

Looks nice, how thick is the shaft?

The shaft is 1/2" (or very close to that). 

Apologies for the delay on these.  Had some other projects and higher order volumes this week, which got in the way.  Hope to have them up before the weekend.  Also trying to work out a 4-way version to launch at the same time.  I'll need some more time to see how that one goes, as it's not a simple matter of a restrictor change with this one.

[Jimbo]

Great news   Do you have the dimensions?  (specifically depth under the CP, height of stick above  the CP.

Cheers

[bandit721]

Also trying to work out a 4-way version to launch at the same time.

That is awesome news...hopefully the throw will be close to that of the original Wico 4-ways...

[opt2not]

Awesome product Randy.
I've been holding off on replacing the two Wico's in my Robotron, but with these I'm definitely enticed.

Looking forward to reading some reviews!

Great news   Do you have the dimensions?  (specifically depth under the CP, height of stick above  the CP.

[Le Chuck]

Great news   Do you have the dimensions?  (specifically depth under the CP, height of stick above  the CP.

Cheers

Your question in the () isn't answerable as CP is a non standard measurement. How are you mounting it?  3/4" panel flush with top?  3/4" panel flush with bottom?  1" panel recessed 1/2".  I'm pretty sure RandyT gave the measurements from the housing to the top of the ball top in his first post tho. 
 

[Jimbo]

I'm pretty sure RandyT gave the measurements from the housing to the top of the ball top in his first post tho.

So he did. Thanks.

Nice!

[zanna5910]

All proper, dedicated 8-ways are circular or nearly circular restriction, so yes.   The square restricted 8-ways came about when manufacturers decided to produce sticks with restrictors which could rotate to support 4-way operation.  Great for Q*bert, but only "middle of the road" for pretty much everything else.

I know, I would pay ALOT of money for restrictors that could either be octagonal ( AND square (4) or round ( and square (4) and switchable via servo.  Never liked the square 8 way. 

Looks like a real nice dedicated 8 way though.  Hows the dead zone and travel?  Can you mod the leafs a little to tighten them up?

[RandyT]

I know, I would pay ALOT of money for restrictors that could either be octagonal ( AND square (4) or round ( and square (4) and switchable via servo.  Never liked the square 8 way. 

Looks like a real nice dedicated 8 way though.  Hows the dead zone and travel?  Can you mod the leafs a little to tighten them up?

Something which does everything would have a high probability of doing nothing extremely well, or would do one thing well at the expense of the other things, negating the usefulness of including them.  The only thing I could envision to do everything well, would be a Transformers-esque mechanical assembly which would cost a small fortune.   Multiple dedicated sticks, designed for the best possible performance in each configuration, really makes more sense for anything but panels where a "minimalist" appearance is highly desired.

The switch position and actuator size on the Dominux8 has been optimized to provide a small dead-zone, but the leaf switches can be tweaked to make it quicker or slower to actuate, depending upon preference.  It's probably also important to note that the effective deadzone size will be larger (and physical resistance smaller) in the long configuration, as more travel is required at the ball position.  But again, tuning the switches will still allow for quick actuation in that configuration.

[BadMouth]

Meh, I've messed around with squares & octagons.  Grew to become annoyed by the banging into corners when moving the joystick around a lot.

I can see where people would like the diamond pattern for the 4-way classics, but other than that I've come to believe that round is the way to go.

EDIT: using the extra length of the wood panel mount option, someone could probably fabricate and automated topside restrictor for it.  (the end user, not Randy)

[Vigo]

Are these close enough in measurement that they could be dropped into a classic cab that used wicos, such as a TMNT?

[RandyT]

Are these close enough in measurement that they could be dropped into a classic cab that used wicos, such as a TMNT?

Absolutely.

[Vigo]

Are these close enough in measurement that they could be dropped into a classic cab that used wicos, such as a TMNT?

Absolutely.

Sweet! 

[DeLuSioNal29]

Or X-men.  :-)

[RandyT]

It's been a while, so I thought I would provide an update on my progress.  As indicated earlier, I wanted to have at least a 4-way option for the Dominux sticks before going live.

I have some good news.  After a few mis-steps, at about 4am this morning I assembled a couple of final restrictor prototypes:  4-way and Octo.  Both work and feel great!  The only caveat is that these will be an extra $4, which doesn't  cover the extra parts and labor but I'm doing what I can to make these accessible for those who want them.  I think it will become obvious why these carry the price tag they do, once customers are holding them in their hands.

I'll have these available on the store before the weekend is out, and post here when that happens.

Thanks for being so patient