Happs Optical P360 Stick VS Suzo Inductive Conductor Stick?

[j^aws]

Hi, my first post here!  

I was wondering if you can help. I'm in a dilemma here. i recently narrowed down a potential stick purchase between an X-arcade, Hori Real Arcade Pro and a Mas Super Pro Stick. Having looked at these options what I think I want is a hybrid of all three sticks as i think I'll find something to nitpick with one choice! Hence I'm tempted to build my own!  

I've only owned a stock ASCII stick for PS1 before and didn't really like it. I'm tempted to get the Mas with the P360 as I hate 'clicky' sticks. But from looking at Happs/P360, IMO, I think they have to much travel for my liking and I also prefer 'Ball' sticks like the one in the Hori (Sanwa I think?). But I don't like 'square' movements which I assume the Sanwa's have?

What I'm looking for is an alternative to the P360 with less 'travel', with a 'Ball' Stick and no square movements and also which I could possibly use with the Mas Setup (but I'm prepared to buy a custom build or attempt a DIY as a last resort, 'cos I'm lazy and hopeless! ). What other alternatives are there to the P360?

I stumbled upon this Suzo Universal Inductive Conductor...



http://www.suzo.com/suzo/product.asp?nP=4545

It seems to fit the bill. Does anyone know how it compares to the P360 and whether it satisfies my above tastes? Or are there any other alternatives? Is it worth getting the Mas and installing it or is a custom setup better? I'm not very familiar with these things and any help would be much appreciated...just looking for a 'perfect' stick!  

Thanks in advance...

PS How do the Sanwa bts compare to the Happs 'Convex'?

[Gunstar Hero]

The P360 has a really nice feel and very exact diagonals. The throw and travel has always felt really natural to me, and I can do dragon punches and fireball motions all day long on it.

If I'm not mistaken, you can replace the P360's bat handle with a ball too... I think Slik Stik has a couple options there, like a smooth looking all stainless steel one.

I don't know much about the Suzo stick. Looks a bit toylike to me...

[j^aws]

The P360 has a really nice feel and very exact diagonals. The throw and travel has always felt really natural to me, and I can do dragon punches and fireball motions all day long on it.

If I'm not mistaken, you can replace the P360's bat handle with a ball too... I think Slik Stik has a couple options there, like a smooth looking all stainless steel one.

I don't know much about the Suzo stick. Looks a bit toylike to me...

Thanks...I had a look around SlikStik and found this beauty,




http://www.slikstik.com/detail.aspx?ID=51

This looks really sweet but is quite expensive at ~ $75, is it worth that price?

The Suzo Inductive may look a bit toyish but, IIRC, I believe Suzo's have a shorter travel which I prefer like the short travel Sanwa's but I don't like the squarish feel of Sanwa's. I think I'd like the Happ P360 but being picky, as I'm looking for my perfect stick, regardless of look, the longer travel of Happs are just 'short' of perfection in my eyes.

The SlikStik SS P360 looks closer to what I'm looking for but it will probably have a longer travel than the Suzo or Sanwa. Before I make a purchase it would be really nice to know how it compares with the electronic Suzo inductive!  But it looks like no one seems to know much about it!  

[Thenasty]

I have the P360 and I like it.  If you are limited on space on your CP, I made a MOD to the p360 to attach a Q-Bert Stlye (Diagonal) leaf or you can attach leaf swicthes to act a 4-way and leave your P360 as 8-way.

Here is the link.

http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=10;action=display;threadid=25385;start=msg208841#msg208841

[j^aws]

Yeah...I think I'd like the P360 as no one seems to say anything bad about it and seems to have alot of modding potential. Though I find it hard to believe that there aren't any other alternatives to the electronic P360 other than the electronic Suzo Induction. The P360 uses optic sensors and the Suzo uses induction conduction sensors instead of micro-switches or leaf-switches to achieve that click-less, 360 motion without dealing with moving parts.

I can't seem to find any reviews/mention on the web for the Suzo induction except for this,

Suzo Universal Inductive Control (29-0208-XX)
This is the most expensive of the Suzo Controls digital sticks. It's a totally electronic stick, so there's no clicking or any switches that might eventually wear out. It's based on the same base plate and stick as the Universal stick, but has an electronics box where the lock disk, lock pawls and switch assembly would be.

Movement restriction is implemented as a part of the electronics box, in the form of a concentric hole with 8 tiny ribs in between the 8 directions. Don't know what I think about this yet from the feel POV, but at least, the construction is pretty rigid.

[KevSteele]

That Suzo sounds intriguing - I may just have to see if I can get one for the RetroBlast Joystick Roundup.

As to the P360 w/SlikStik stainless steel balltops - my absolute favorite joystick setup. I have no reservations (aside from the cost) - this is the best joystick config I have ever used.

Okay, gush mode off. Seriously, I am extremely happy with my P360s with the SS balltop handles.

http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/happsp360.html

Kevin

[Grasshopper]

The interesting thing is that the 4/8 way switch is done using a potentiometer. This suggests it may be possible to rig up a circuit to do the switching in software.

[j^aws]

That Suzo sounds intriguing - I may just have to see if I can get one for the RetroBlast Joystick Roundup.

That would be awesome news if you could review that stick!
I've been searching Hi and Lo for a comparative review against the P360 and there's nothing on the web except the above post I made!

Your review could infact be the worlds 'first' complete review posted on the web! If that isn't incentive and exclusive enough i don't know what is!

As to the P360 w/SlikStik stainless steel balltops - my absolute favorite joystick setup. I have no reservations (aside from the cost) - this is the best joystick config I have ever used.

Okay, gush mode off. Seriously, I am extremely happy with my P360s with the SS balltop handles.

http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/happsp360.html

Kevin

Thanks for link...nice site and I enjoyed reading the review.
It seems to me that the SS ball stick is the missing 'force that gives balance to the universe' stick! I don't think I'd be dissapointed with buying that stick but I prefer the shorter throws of the Sanwa's and the Suzo's, hence my interest in the Suzo inductive.

I'd be sightly grieved in buying the SS P360 if your review points to the Suzo being more suitable for me, hint, hint! I'm quite tempted to take a leap of faith just for the hell of it and buy the Suzo before your review!

The interesting thing is that the 4/8 way switch is done using a potentiometer. This suggests it may be possible to rig up a circuit to do the switching in software.

That sounds neat!
I presume you could also use a simple on/off switch on the control panel to achieve the same affect of alternating beteween 4/8 way?

Other things that intrigue me are the 8 'ribs' mentioned which should give some tactile feedback on the 8 positions unlike the P360.

Another thing that's intrigued me is the inductive/ magentic system and whether the stick actually even uses a 'spring' for resistance instead relying on the induction/ magnetism effect providing the resistance! That would be neat! ...How about a dial/selector on the control panel controlling the 'stiffness' of the stick! Combining that with my preferred 'shorter' throw and 'balltop' stick could be my perfect setup!

Suzo's are highly 'underrated'...btw, found a larger image of the Suzo inductive,

[u_rebelscum]

The interesting thing is that the 4/8 way switch is done using a potentiometer. This suggests it may be possible to rig up a circuit to do the switching in software.

You're talking about relacing the joystick's PCB logic?  Can't see it happening with the default board:

a) The logic is done on the joystick's PCB, and is very simple:

Code: [Select]

Output (each stage): Hi (RL= 8)(OFF).
                     Low (I<4mA)(ON) 400mV. (From suzo page)  
The above hints digital ON/OFF output.
The POT would just reduce/increase the base current to be effected by the proximity of the stick base, changing the distance the stick needs to be near before it's switched.

b) The plug in the bigger picture looks lke there's 5 (or 6) pins.  My guess is digital up, down, left, right, and power (and maybe grd).  Thus usable to replace any normal 8/4 way joystick (as long as there's a 5+ volt source), much like the 360 PCB.

[j^aws]

That's interesting...so using the POT you can adjust the joysticks throw/travel sensisitivity. I presume you can also adjust the directional/ diagonal angle sensitivity using this POT from reading Suzo's site,

This is a full electronic joystick and works according to the inductive system. No contacts, no micro switches, only a PCB inside. Joystick is universal 4 and 8 way and can be adjusted by potentiometer.

The Universal Inductive Control is operating at a minimum of 4,75 VDC and a maximum of 5,25VDC.

Power consumption: max. 50mA.
Operating temperature: 0o to 70oC (320 to 160oF).
Storage temperature: -20o to 70oC (6o to 160oF).

Output (each stage): Hi (RL= (OFF).

[KevSteele]

Does anyone know whether the P360 has these options to adjust throw and angle sensitivity using the optic sensors?

Nope.

Only thing that's adjustable is flipping the bushing to switch from 8 way to 4 way, although I suppose you could hack something up...

Kevin

[j^aws]

Ok, Thanks...
I've decided I'm going to buy one of these Suzo Inductive's tommorrow...if only as an excuse to start my first desktop CP project and the curiosity is killing me!

[j^aws]

Well, today, phoned up Suzo UK from the following website and finally placed my order!  

http://www.suzo.co.uk/home/default.asp

They have a minimum order of

[Grasshopper]

Hmm, I hope you bought the right buttons. Some of the Naomi cabs use buttons that sort of clip into place, and they can only be fitted to metal panels. Personally I prefer to feel of the Industrias Lorenzo buttons (which Suzo also sell) to the Sanwa ones.

Please let us know how you get on with the inductive joystick. If it's any good I might get a couple. I really like the feel of the microswitch version.

[j^aws]

I bought a pick 'n' mix collection of buttons to try out that include Sanwa's and others from their range so that I could make the minimum order! Not sure what the others are but they needed separate microswitches bought. I'd also get a chance to play around with them and then order my favoured buttons, including a second stick, with my next order...

Not sure how I'm going to build my desktop CP yet, whether it would be wood or metal or both! I figured I'd get the parts I like first and worry about the enclosure afterwards!   Or am I going it about it the wrong way?

I'll keep you guys posted...