Ultimarc Minigrip Buttons - leaf or microswitch?

[Swevicus]

Dear BYOAC,

In my never-ending quest to build an arcade-quality Atari joystick controller (on a budget), I stumbled upon a joystick called the "Ultimarc MiniGrip", an 8-way digital joystick with a trigger and top-fire button. For anyone who has or has used this joystick, can you please confirm or disconfirm whether this joystick uses microswitches on the buttons or leaf switches/contacts (I found an image of the joystick opened up, which looks like they might be using microswitches used in computer mice due to their small, square shape, but I can't be sure)?

Yours sincerely,
Swevicus.

[lilshawn]

it's not a tiny micro switch (like a mouse), but a larger sized "snap" type microswitch that is a pretty standard switch used in most arcade buttons and joysticks.

[PL1]

please confirm or disconfirm whether this joystick uses microswitches on the buttons or leaf switches/contacts

They appear to be similar to the switches in Sanwa or Seimitsu buttons, but with flat-top round plungers, slightly different size square body, and inline instead of diagonally-offset tab positioning.

This pic is of the Paradise Arcade Shop version of the stick. (click to enlarge)




Scott

[Swevicus]

So what happens if these switches give? Can I replace them with the Sanwa/Seimitsu ones (I think they look like a Sanwa SW-68) or what? (Longevity is an issue, you know )

[PL1]

So what happens if these switches give? Can I replace them with the Sanwa/Seimitsu ones (I think Omron makes them) or what? (Longevity is an issue, you know )

On closer examination, the switches are about the same length and width as the one in a PS-14-DN. (0.468" L x 0.510" W)

There are three issues you'd need to address:

- Plunger shape (the flat extension)

- Tab position

- Switch depth

The triggerstick switch has a step-back design that locks into the shell.

The PS-14-DN switch will not seat properly into the flightstick shell due to the tab position and the step-back design.

Modifying the shell so the switch would seat properly would weaken the tab that supports the back of the switch. 

If you're worried about finding exact replacement switches several years from now, just buy some spare triggersticks now.   


Scott

[Swevicus]

I see. Thank you.

[DeLuSioNal29]

You can always ask BYOAC member Yotsuya.  He has one on his Polybius cabinet.  If memory serves, in 2015 so many people played the game they wore out the joystick!  Not sure if he bought a new one to replace it or he repaired it on his own.  You can always ask him.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,143317.0.html

DeL

[PL1]

Wait!  I think I've found what you're looking for.

Sanwa OBSN 24mm button switches only need 1 or 2 minor mods.

- Remove the flat extension on the plunger

- Maybe file down the plastic cross-piece between the tabs

Everything else appears to fit.

If you can find the Sanwa/Omron switch part number and datasheet, you might be able to find the part number for a flat plunger version.   


Scott

[lilshawn]

sorry, I thought you meant the directional buttons on the joystick itself.

 

 

[PL1]

they look like a Sanwa SW-68

Yes.  That is the switch in the Sanwa OBSN 24mm (and 30mm) buttons.

Several vendors carry them.


Scott