How can I identify a 4 way vs 8 way happ joysticks?

[Chris]

I got a bunch of happs joysticks for free awhile back, is there a noticeable way to tell a difference between the 2? I did searching on the net (and even looked at happs website) but found no luck..Any help is appreciated

[gajaman]

The only difference (I think) is the white plastic actuator on the base of the shaftThe actuator makes contact with the microswitches, the eight ways are a square shape, and I think the four ways are round.

[u_rebelscum]

The only difference (I think) is the white plastic actuator on the base of the shaftThe actuator makes contact with the microswitches, the eight ways are a square shape, and I think the four ways are round.

It depends on which of happs joystick models you are using.  The super has a black round actuator with one end bigger than the other.  If the larger end is down, it's an 8-way, if the smaller end is down, it's the 4-way position.  I'm not sure about the other models 4-way vs 8-way, except the competition 8-way has a white square actuator.

The best way to check is to look at the bottom of the joystick while you move the stick on top.  If two switches are pressed at the same time when the joystick is in a diagonal, it's probably in the 8-way position.  I saw probably because the 4-way position is not a true 4-way joystick, and sometimes both switches are pressed anyway.  If they click at basically same time (on to on, one to off), or there is an space where neither are pressed, then it's setup as a 4-way.

[x-wing]

To help identify which sticks you have, go to www.oscarcontrols.com and check out the joystick review.  There are pretty detailed pictures there of the Happ super, competition, and ultimate joystick in the review, and especially pictures of the actuators.  There are a number of differences between the joysticks, so the review should help you determine which ones you have.

[jelloslug]

If they are ultimates the 8-way will have a square actuator and the hole in the plate that the switches are hook to will be round.  If its a 4-way it will have a round actuator and the hole will have a bit of a corner to it at each of the diagonals (kinda like 4 holes drilled slightly off-center of each other).

[Chris]

Thanks for all the help guys! I now know I have 6 happs competition 8 way sticks! Thanks for all the information, I might have some more dumb questions in the coming days for you all, if you dont mind