U360's Dead Zone & ServoStik upgrade

[PUSHtoEJECT]

I bought (2) U360s around 2009 and setup my system but couldn’t use it until now.(Long Story) So I got everything back up and running and I am having issues with dead zones on both sticks. Specifically in the diagonals. As I push the joystick towards a diagonal direction I can see the position of the stick travel to the edge (in Windows gamepad properties)  and then start to return back to center as the stick continues its travel to maximum throw. I never bought a restrictor plate with my sticks so I am thinking this would solve my issue. I also never updated my firmware. The  link is dead on the website.

Q1: Would buying restrictor plates or updating the firmware solve my Dead zone issues?

I am also not 100% sold on the U360s. I am afraid that after I get them fixed I will still want the feel of a leaf spring click.

Q2: If I buy ServoStiks from Ultimarc can I remove the servo and restrictor plate and put it on my existing U360’s?

Originally I top mounted my U360s. I know if I want the servos I will need to bottom mount the sticks.  I just removed them and mounted them on the bottom to see if it works and it fits.  I am pretty sure I have the standard length shaft. I also plan on installing plexiglass and the control panel is 3/4" thick.

Q3. Do you think I would need the Long Handle Shafts?
Q4. Would oval tops fit my existing shaft or are they different shafts? (I have ball tops)
Q5. I know I will need the ServoStik Control Board and I already own a I-PAC. Any other accessories I need?

Thanks

[Sky25es]

First of all. Each joystick needs a different Id (1 & 2). Download the "Ultramap" software  from Ultimarc's site and follow the instructions. Btw. those are programable joysticks, that means that you can apply different maps to your sticks (8-way, 4-way, 2-way, analog etc.). You can do that with the same Ultramap utility.
If you still want to install a servostick controlled plate, you can buy some 'servostick upgrade kits' + one control board. No need to buy the whole joystick. It's also a good idea to buy some stiffer springs for your joys (At Ultimarc's, they have stiffer replacement springs).
There are many sites that sell oval tops, but you have to meassure your shaft diameter to be sure they fit.