Main > Main Forum
New person to hobby
etumor:
The J-stick can be used in a true 4-way configuration or an 8-way configuration. It isn't switchable from above the control panel, it actually requires getting underneath, which is why I would only use it as a dedicated stick. I think the feel is waaaay better than the Happs joysticks. The dedicated 4-way in my current machine is a J-stick, and I love it.
As for side art, how you do it depends on how much money you want to spend. If you're cheap, you can print something up at home, or at Kinkos (for larger sizes) and glue it on. But if you want to go all out, one (very expensive) solution is printed vinyl. I haven't actually tried this, so I'd be interested in the opinions of people who have.
Here are a couple of side art resources that I've written down:
http://www.onlinesignshop.com
http://classicarcadegrafix.com/index.html
I'm sure there are other resources.
-Jeff
Tiger-Heli:
--- Quote from: MrFish7 on June 10, 2004, 12:52:35 pm ---My next question is how to count number of inputs. It is my understanding that a four way and eight way joystick both use four inputs. Is this correct?
--- End quote ---
I read your question incorrectly - they are both four inputs, but they both need 8 quick disconnects.
--- Quote ---In regards to encoder chips, is it possible to use two? I ask because I have not yet decided on whether I will make a four player control pad or simply a two. If I were to make a two player controller using a cheaper encoder such as the KeyWiz Max, would I later be able to add another to increase the number of inputs? How would that work?
--- End quote ---
With the I-PAC/2, you could "daisy-chain" another I-PAC/2 using the pass-thru port. With the KeyWiz, you cannot do this, however, you could use the KeyWiz with a USB I-PAC/2 later on (assuming you are not running your cab in DOS).
--- Quote ---Also, has anyone made use of the special connectors for the KeyWiz to make a button permentally ?shifted? and if it works well?
--- End quote ---
I plan to use them and they work well but they are not "Magic", but they do add a lot of functionality to the KeyWiz. In other words, you can't add 24 special connectors, and have a 56-input encoder. You can use the special connectors (theoretically) and have 32 game inputs and up to 24 admin inputs, which is pretty cool.
Things to consider: Pressing one of the special keys shifts all the other keys -
so, say I have P1B6 shifted as a Special Coin 1 key, and P1B7 shifted as a Special Coin 2 key. If I press Coin 1 and then press P1B7, I will generate a Coin 2 output, instead of the P1B7 output. Not a bad-tradeoff, though.
My personal opinion would be to only have 4 Start and 4 Coin buttons using Special Shift functions. I don't plan on having any other admin functions except Pause and Esc, which I would wire to dedicated inputs, so I am down to 30 game inputs, which would support 4-player, 3-button games, but not 4-player 4-button games (with doubled inputs, though, in other words, Player 4 UP and Player 1 button5 might be the same input).
--- Quote ---Finally for option 3, which top switch controller represents the true 4 way the best; Omni-Stick Prodigy or The Super Stick(?) or any others?
--- End quote ---
I assume you mean the Omni-Stik Prodigy or the T-Stik Plus. I think either one would be good, but the T-Stik probably has a shorter throw and stiffer spring than the Prodigy (And the Prodigy has a short throw to begin with). The problem with option 3 is that I think you would be unhappy with the difference in feel between player 1 and player 2 with say Happ Competitions on the other 3 sticks and a swappable stick on player 1 - so option 3 reworks to -
One prodigy and 3 Omni-Stik (Basics), or,
One T-Stick Plus and 3 T-Stick (Basics), both of which are pricey, or
4 Happ (Competitions?) and a dedicated 4-way.
BTW, in response to your later question - J-Sticks have a longer throw - bad for Pac-Man games, but lots of people love them.
MrFish7:
Thanks a buch. I have decided to go with four joysticks (three t-sticks and one t-stick plus). I have a few more questions.
If I am not going to be using any repeat inputs(i.e. having two joysticks share inputs) do I need a wiring block?
If I get the Ipac4 and get all microswitch devices, will I need to soder?
Thank you,
-Eric Ianni
Tiger-Heli:
>If I am not going to be using any repeat inputs(i.e. having two >joysticks share inputs) do I need a wiring block?
Not really.
>If I get the Ipac4 and get all microswitch devices, will I need to >soder?
No, you will need crimp connectors for the switch ends of the wire, and just bare wire for the I-PAC terminals.
MrFish7:
Great, I didnt want to worry about sodering! Thanks alot guys for your help.