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

[RandyT]

First post has been updated and they can now be ordered at our store.

[Jimbo]

Time to put my order in then  

[Jimbo]

the distance between the bottom surface of the panel and the top of the ball is as follows:  Long: 3.4"  /  Short: 2.78"

Could you please clarify what you mean by "bottom surface of the panel" ?  Space is an issue for my project and I'm trying to determine if I can get away with the long shaft.  Thanks

[Xiaou2]

Why the use of such a thick shaft?   Mod of existing shaft hardware?

 Ive noticed that it becomes less comfortable with an overhand balltop grip is used, for thicker shafts.
It also looks oddly proportioned.

 Any way to reduce the shaft diameter?  At least on the top end?  Maybe a diagonal taper at minimum?
 
 How about a pic of the bottom?

 Otcagonal restrictor?  Ugg.   

 Obviously, cant afford at this time... but may be a future option.

 Thanks

[RandyT]

Why the use of such a thick shaft?   Mod of existing shaft hardware?

 Ive noticed that it becomes less comfortable with an overhand balltop grip is used, for thicker shafts.
It also looks oddly proportioned.

It's only 1/16" larger in diameter than the original WICO shaft.  The shaft diameter is about the same as our popular VersaBall2 shafts, and there have been no complaints.  The proportion looks that way in the photo because the unit shown is in the "long" configuration, where it is expected that at least 3/4" will be buried in the panel thickness.  Not sure how many folks grip a balltop like a gear shifter when playing, but I would venture a guess that it's very few. 

It's also an almost perfect fit to the economy Bat-top knobs.  Virtually no gaps at the underside edge, so it works out very nicely for folks who like Bat-tops as well.

Otcagonal restrictor?  Ugg.   

The standard 8-way configuration is perfectly round and smooth.

Octo is provided as an option due both to the fact that it was requested, and because I found a way to do it which is no more difficult to achieve than the 4-way.  The Octo restrictor I designed is very mild, yet very functional.  I dare say it's one of the best feeling octagonal restrictors I have used.  With it, one can still actuate all eight directions without hitting the retaining parts, but for 4-way, 2-way games and diagonal games, it offers a positive hold and guidance of the shaft specifically in those directions, with just a little more travel of the stick.  Honestly, I think once tried, it could grow on folks pretty quickly, and become a "dark horse" feature of this stick.

[adder]

if i can chuck in an opinion i prefer thick shafts, as it makes the entire joystick 'feel' (and function) more solid and stronger, as opposed to cheap and flimsy (such as the zippyy balltop sticks, which just feel like a cheap toy to me).

[pbj]

The Octo restrictor I designed is very mild

Will you have a spicier version for your South Texas customers?

[RandyT]

Will you have a spicier version for your South Texas customers?

I'll soak one in concentrated capsaicin just for you, Jim.   

[Jimbo]

Hi Randy

I'm close to making an order for 4 of these sticks and a bunch of other stuff from you but I really need the dimension from the top of the ball to the upper base of the unit.  If you can clarify that would be great.  Even better would be a diagram with dimensions.

Thanks

[RandyT]

I'm close to making an order for 4 of these sticks and a bunch of other stuff from you but I really need the dimension from the top of the ball to the upper base of the unit.  If you can clarify that would be great.

Measured with optional Hand Candy™ ball top, the distance between the bottom surface of the panel (also the top surface of the joystick base) and the top of the ball is as follows:  Long: 3.4"  /  Short: 2.78".  This is the dimension you are looking for.

No need to sweat the long and short option.  This is something which can be re-configured by the user if necessary.  We just provide the option so we can save folks some time and effort by building it in that configuration initially.

[Xiaou2]

Occtagonal comment was more of a rolls-eyes comment.  IMO,  its just a way to ruin your gameplay further.

 As for the overhand grip... Its often done with Robotron by many players ... and even in various 'transitional' movement's... as well as other classic games.  Hence... a ball shape, rather than a stick / bat  shape.

 Still no bottom / assembly pics?

 If I had to guess... id bet the stick is much like the leaf buttons you made... In which are more suited to modern games.... as they easily bottom out.   These probably will crash hard into the sidewalls.

 Id love to be proven wrong... but the track record isnt favorable so far...

 

[RandyT]

I should have known better.  At least you're consistent.

[pbj]

$50 cash on the barrel head says that ear plugged and blind folded he can't tell the difference between a leaf switch and microswitch button or joystick. 

That offer is good any time, any place.

 

[Jimbo]

I'm close to making an order for 4 of these sticks and a bunch of other stuff from you but I really need the dimension from the top of the ball to the upper base of the unit.  If you can clarify that would be great.

Measured with optional Hand Candy™ ball top, the distance between the bottom surface of the panel (also the top surface of the joystick base) and the top of the ball is as follows:  Long: 3.4"  /  Short: 2.78".  This is the dimension you are looking for.

No need to sweat the long and short option.  This is something which can be re-configured by the user if necessary.  We just provide the option so we can save folks some time and effort by building it in that configuration initially.

Thank you.  I want to hack these sticks to illuminate (RGB) the ball top on them.  Do you have a compatible ball-handle suitable for illuminating?

[RandyT]

I want to hack these sticks to illuminate (RGB) the ball top on them.

Ii wouldn't purchase these with that goal in mind.  It will be exceeding difficult, if not impossible, as it would require drilling a straight .090" hole through ~4.5" of stainless steel, or replacing parts.

[opt2not]

Ain't nothing wrong with Octagonal gates. I actually prefer them when playing shmups. 
But for Robotron, circle gate is the de facto standard.

[RandyT]

Ain't nothing wrong with Octagonal gates. I actually prefer them when playing shmups. 
But for Robotron, circle gate is the de facto standard.

I'll have to hook up a second unit with the Octo to see how well they do with Robotron.  The switches engage before the gates, so you really don't hit the gates unless you want to, and it doesn't lock in too hard if you do.

But yeah, the authentic Robotron experience will be without restriction of any kind.

[pbj]

You idiots spend more time arguing about Robotron joysticks than anyone has ever spent playing it.

 

[RandyT]

You spend more time arguing about Robotron joysticks than any idiot has ever spent not playing it.

Fixt. 

[mgb]

You idiots spend more time arguing about Robotron joysticks than anyone has ever spent playing it.

 

There is truth in this.
I have seen this argument many times around here

[opt2not]

For the record, I play my Robotron cabinet on a weekly basis. Otherwise, the skillz get rusty.

[Jimbo]

Thanks again RandyT... do you have the depth measurement?  i.e. from the top surface of the joystick base to the bottom point of the joystick base.  This is the only other measurement I need.  Cheers.

[WindDrake]

Wow, nice work.

What's a new centering grommet run?

Also, what shaft length would you need for Robo stick height on a metal panel?

[RandyT]

For the record, I play my Robotron cabinet on a weekly basis. Otherwise, the skillz get rusty.

It's literally the first thing I play whenever the machine is booted up.  No better way to burn off some stress.

Thanks again RandyT... do you have the depth measurement?  i.e. from the top surface of the joystick base to the bottom point of the joystick base.  This is the only other measurement I need.  Cheers.

If you are looking for lower clearances, this changes with the height configuration of the shaft.  The restrictors also add just shy of 1/32" to the overall thickness, if one is used.  So the recommended below panel clearance requirements are:

Long Configuration: 2.1"
Short Configuration: 2.75"

What's a new centering grommet run?

Replacement grommets will be available to Dominux8 owners for $7.95 each.  I don't expect to sell many, though.  The ones you typically see in bad shape today were beaten mercilessly for a number of years, dry rotted in storage, had who-knows-what spilled into them, etc...  I.e. things which private owners usually wouldn't subject them to.

Also, what shaft length would you need for Robo stick height on a metal panel?

I tried very hard to mimic the length of the two WICO models with the height configuration options.  The short configuration is pretty much spot on to the WICO 3.5" shaft model, but the long configuration is about 1/16" longer than the WICO 4" shaft model.  The long configuration is a compromise between accurate 4" WICO emulation on metal panels, and accurate 3.5" WICO emulation on wood panels.

The action, however, is significantly different.  It will be like using the 4" WICO with the optical upgrade, coupled with a little less resistance.  Silky smooth.

One of the interesting things about the design is that the length can basically be tuned within that range through the use of different spacers.  I may look into offering a "tweakers" pack of spacers if there turns out to be interest in such a thing.

[ChanceKJ]

Oooooo, pretty.

...Damnit Randy, where are the crystal clear CLASSX buttons!?! 


i'm gonna pick up one of these sticks in the new year for sure, gotta get projects FINISHED before i start on the new one...

[RandyT]

...Damnit Randy, where are the crystal clear CLASSX buttons!?! 

On my shelf. 

Seriously, these and the others will be the next thing to be added to the store.  Our new shipment of Helio9 light units just arrived, so we're finally ready to get those buttons launched.

[opt2not]

It's literally the first thing I play whenever the machine is booted up.  No better way to burn off some stress.

Agreed. It really helps take me out of whatever mind-state I was in before playing.
Normally I play to 1 million then call it quits, but lately I've been feelin' it more and been playing till the 2 million mark.

These joysticks are getting me really curious though.  I'd like to hear some testimonies from some of the folks who are serious players as well, to get a more Robotron-centric review. 'Cause the grommets in my sticks feel good atm, but I know they're on a timer and eventually I'm going to have to either track down some replacements, or just replace the sticks altogether.

[yotsuya]

Normally I play to 1 million then call it quits, but lately I've been feelin' it more and been playing till the 2 million mark.

My high is like 179,000, and I was PROUD of that....

[opt2not]

If we ever meet up in person and there is a Robotron set-up available, I will gladly give you some tutoring lessons

[LightningBolt]

I am working on a 90s style CP right now but in like a year or so I can't wait to make a 3-4 player panel with these on there to simulate Wicos. I probably won't be able to find NOS Wicos or good condition Wicos, if I do I may just get one to collect until I need it for a cabinet.

I think in the mean time though I might get some Hand Candies and shafts and put them on my competition bases..might work well?

[bandit721]

Just checking in to see if anyone that has installed these sticks has any feedback...

It would be great to hear about performance in the wild.

Thanks in advance!

[RandyT]

Just checking in to see if anyone that has installed these sticks has any feedback...

I've been waiting for the same thing .  We've shipped a bunch of them at this point.

[opt2not]

Randy, send me a couple, I'll throw them into my Robotron Cabaret and write up a review for you free of charge.

[Jimbo]

waiting for customs....  will review once I have them!

[ChanceKJ]

Randy, send me a couple, I'll throw them into my Robotron Cabaret and write up a review for you free of charge.

Nice try.  you beat me too it.

[ChanceKJ]

...Randy, he's from our West Coast, and he's a 'Nucks fan.  Who would you really trust to do a good Canadian review?

 

[opt2not]

Someone who can hit over 7 million (and more if need be) in Robotron:

Also, for the record, I am also a Ducks fan since I lived in SoCal for 4 years and have gone to many of their games. Can beat the price of tickets in a psuedo-hockey-market city.

[ChanceKJ]

/Gracefully backs out of the conversation

[yotsuya]

Someone who can hit over 7 million (and more if need be) in Robotron:

Also, for the record, I am also a Ducks fan since I lived in SoCal for 4 years and have gone to many of their games. Can beat the price of tickets in a psuedo-hockey-market city.

[SpatzST]

real cool Randy. keep up the innovations!