4 way joystick for cocktail table

[TheNightfly]

Hi, I'm building a new 3-way mame cocktail table.  On the vertical side Pacman will be the game of choice, followed by Donkey Kong.  I'm looking for suggestions on which 4 way joystick to use.  Any recommendations?

I've been looking at the Servostik which would be cool for the few 8 way vertical games I would want to play, but am concerned about how it would feel for Pacman.

[Zeosstud]

I would consider the GroovyGameGear Dominux8 with the 4 way restictor, it sure feels good to me..

Zeosstud

[ReaperZ]

I've been using Servostik and Sanwa JLW in my arcade for about 3-4 years now. Pacman is my game of choice .. You won't be disappointed with that combo.
Sanwa JLF is NOT good for 4 way pacman, its too easy to hit the diagonals even with restrictor

Here's a pic of the placement - I've just purchased some shorter screws for the joystick mounts so they don't get close to the microswitch terminals, and I've just got some 2.8mm spades so the connection on my buttons is better

Note - the joystick isn't centered in this pic, its leaning against a surface so pushing down.



The two buttons on the side switch from 4 way to 8 way. You can get fancy and use a program to do it, but I went the easy way and just wired up two buttons.



The holes are for my cupholders

I play mostly 4 player games. Tetris / pacman / donkey kong / space invaders (2 way lol)
Hopefully that helps you .. let me know if you have any more questions

[TheNightfly]

When you say Servostik + JLW, is that what the stock servostik is?

I was also looking at the Dominux8, but was confused by ordering options because I could get the 4 way restrictor or short throw, but not both.  For Pac-Man I was assuming I would want a short throw stick.

[ReaperZ]

By JLW I mean I'm attaching it to a Sanwa JLW joystick, using a stock servostik

Sanwa have two main joysticks, one is called Sanwa JLW, the other is Sanwa JLF.

Hopefully that clears it up for you.

[TheNightfly]

OK, so when you buy the ServoStik (http://www.ultimarc.com/servostik.html) it doesn't come with a joystick as part of the package?  The listing implies that it does but isn't really clear.   Do you order the ServoStik + a JLW + the control board?

[Drnick]

OK, so when you buy the ServoStik (http://www.ultimarc.com/servostik.html) it doesn't come with a joystick as part of the package?  The listing implies that it does but isn't really clear.   Do you order the ServoStik + a JLW + the control board?

Yes it comes with joystick for ($39.00) then add the control board for ($29.00)
Although I would just go with the Dominux8 and 4 way restrictor (Can't beat leaf joysticks for the old 4 way games) Also Leaf buttons all the way.

[MartyKong]

Will the Sanwa JLW mount/screw pattern match up to a Happ joystick. Currently using the Happ reunion 4 way joystick.

[PL1]

Will the Sanwa JLW mount/screw pattern match up to a Happ joystick. Currently using the Happ reunion 4 way joystick.

Happ and Japanese mounting patterns are different.

You may want to consider an adapter plate like one of these.

https://paradisearcadeshop.com/en/home/controls/accessories-parts/637-mounting-plates


Scott

[ReaperZ]

OK, so when you buy the ServoStik (http://www.ultimarc.com/servostik.html) it doesn't come with a joystick as part of the package?  The listing implies that it does but isn't really clear.   Do you order the ServoStik + a JLW + the control board?

Yes it comes with joystick for ($39.00) then add the control board for ($29.00)
Although I would just go with the Dominux8 and 4 way restrictor (Can't beat leaf joysticks for the old 4 way games) Also Leaf buttons all the way.

The problem with this is he stated in his original post he'd like to be able to play some 8 way games too.. It doesn't seem possible to attach servostik to.

Servostik does come with a joystick, but I'd strongly recommend getting the upgrade kit + controller board + a Sanwa JLW joystick.

If you just want 4 way only, sure look at Dominux8 with a 4 way restrictor (switching to 8 way will be a pain in the fking b*tt)

If u want a very very good 4 way, and switchable to 8 way, go JLW + servostik upgrade.

I often have 14 hour pacman sessions, from 2pm - 4am non stop pacman  and the JLW with servostik mod performs impeccably