Proper Height of Joystick Above Control Panel

[lisowskikevin]

Hi guys,

I'm just about ready to install my joysticks but I am trying to figure out the best way to do so. That's why I am wondering how deep I need to route the wood from underneath.

MY Question: What is the ideal length of the joystick shaft measured from the top of the control panel up too the ball top?

thanks

[Louis Tully]

.

[lisowskikevin]

What is the ideal length of the joystick shaft measured from the top of the control panel up too the ball top?

Whatever feels best to you. I use short shaft Zippyy's on 1/2" and 3/4" mdf, no routing. 

Grab some scrap and try different depths.

Great idea, thanks!

[yotsuya]

It sounds cliche, but it depends. For 4 way classics, I like the ball top close to the panel.

[lisowskikevin]

One other thing..... I'm using 3/4 inch plywoood for my cp. if I undermount the joys is there a min thickness I should leave when and if I decide to route it?

How strong does it need to be? I'd hate for the joys to rip out lol

[DaOld Man]

I suggest you take a small piece of the same wood you are using for your CP and drill holes in it and test mount your joystick, see how it feels.
I have routed  1/4" out of 3/4" thick mdf, and on the 1/2" mdf I don't route anything, so I guess my standard is to have JS mounted in a 1/2" thick area, but I cannot say this is the proper or standard way to do it.
It just suites me, and thats what you need to aim for.
I like MDF because not only is it smooth and easy to finish, it is easy to work with and if it says 3/4" thick then it is pretty dad blamed close to 3/4" thick.
Plywood may not be exactly that.
So always measure your material first to make sure you know what you are working with, then to get a feel for what you like, mount the joystick in a piece of scrap and test it for a test drive.

[DeLuSioNal29]

It also depends on what brand of joystick you are using.  If HAPP or IL then you can simply mount it from underneath without issues.  If Sanwa or Seimitsu, then you'll need to route out about 1/4".

General rule of thumb, if the joysticks were built for metal control panels, you'll need to route the wood out (1/4" to compensate for 3/4" wood).  However, as others have noted, it's a personal taste.  I for example mount Japanese joysticks (Sanwa) from underneath 1/2" wood without any routing.  I feel they are perfect.  (Hence my suggestions to route out 1/4" from the 3/4" wood).

Alternatively, there are "long shaft" options out there as well where you can change out the shorter shaft of the Japanese joystick.  The throw of the joystick will be different however.

Good luck!

DeLuSioNaL29

[lisowskikevin]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I bought 4 X  OMNI 2    4/8 way joysticks.  I'll try out different heights in a test panel.

[DeLuSioNal29]

Those were made for metal. So routing would be necessary if you use 3/4" wood.

[lisowskikevin]

Those were made for metal. So routing would be necessary if you use 3/4" wood.

Crap I had no idea!!! Is that bad to use joys meant for metal on wood?

[DeLuSioNal29]

Nope. Perfectly fine.

[Minwah]

I've tried a few different combination with Sanwa's:

1) Mounted on metal or wood routed down to ~4mm. It's ok, but sticks out too high for my liking.
2) Mounted on 18mm wood with long shaft. Don't like the long shaft - it makes the throw feel too long.
3) Mounted on ~14mm (18mm routed down). Normal shaft. This is good, like it with a 30mm balltop.
4) Mounted on 18mm wood. Normal shaft. Again, this is good, like it with a 30mm balltop.

I'm torn between #3 and #4 as my favourite. I think #4 is definitely best for 4-way games. #3 is a good balance for 4 and 8 way.

You can't really decide which you like most until you try it!