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DC analog controller hack... could you?
Lilwolf:
Could you hack the analog joystick for the DC into a 49 way joystick (for sinister?)
these joysticks have 3 connections for each direction. (upslow, up, upfast, downslow, down, dowfast, ect)
these all come out as seperate switchs (I believe)...
anyway, the analog joystick on the DC I hear you can hack a real 8way into since when it's going full speed, its fully open. I'm wondering if you could make it so that all the way upfast would be open, then up would go through a resister (1k for instance) and then the upslow would go through a 2k resister (for instance). Then connect them all back into whatevers on the DC controller.
Seems like it would be a very easy circuit board to create. one that I might be able to build!
thanks
Dave_K.:
Here is the circuit for wiring a 49-way to hall-effect type joystick (should work for DC analog stick).
http://www.arcadecollecting.com/info/49way_to_Hall.gif
I don't think the sinistar stick is a 49-way, but a real hall effect joystick. If you have a real 49-way stick from happs this should work.
-Dave
Lilwolf:
Does the dreamcast use a real hall effect joystick????
If so, does anyone have an arcade hall effect joystick to a Dreamcast????
I dont have a joystick yet, but was thinking of getting one.... they both come up on ebay often. It looks like the 49 way joysticks are in better shape, but if the hall effect joysticks hack right in, I'm going that way for sure!
Dave_K.:
Actually the best (easiest) joystick to use for DC analog input would be the happs analog joystick (with ultimate handle):
http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/50287600.htm
Its not a hall effect stick, but uses 2 5K pots.
I don't think hall effect sticks are made anymore (not sure why). The only advantage of using a 49-way stick is that its all optical so nothing to wear down or break. Downside with 49-way is with the circuit you only get about 3 levels of pressure per direction.
-Dave
u_rebelscum:
--- Quote ---Does the dreamcast use a real hall effect joystick
--- End quote ---
Yes: http://www.howstuffworks.com/dreamcast3.htm
--- Quote ---I don't think hall effect sticks are made anymore (not sure why).
--- End quote ---
Here's one that advertises it can be used in arcades:
http://www.bgsystems.com/files/products/jfx.html
Industrial uses:
http://www.p-qcontrols.com/multi_axis.html
http://www.clarostat.com/NEWhalleffect.htm
http://www.liftlink.com/ProdServ/productreviews/index2.cfm?articleID=1036
http://www.chproducts.com/oem/hall_standard.html
for examples. (CHproducts make PC joysticks, too, but none are Hall Effect.)
I have no idea how good any of these would feel in an arcade cab, but I would guess most would suck.
Hall Effect in console controlers:
http://www.dansdata.com/stinger.htm
http://www.howstuffworks.com/dreamcast3.htm
As to why not designed in arcades anymore, well, I have three theories:
1. If you look at this page, http://www.chproducts.com/oem/specs.html#2 , the hall effect joysticks have a shorter "play", about half the degrees of movement, as the pot joysticks. If this was the same for Atari's hall effect joysticks, maybe people didn't like the short degree of movement and, thus, more sensitive to small movements?
2. This page (http://www.liftlink.com/ProdServ/productreviews/index2.cfm?articleID=1036) says that Hall Effect joysticks were very sensitive to tempeture, and needed to be calibrated often. (The new ones aren't as sensitive.)
3. Also I think the Hall Effect sticks feel stiff, and a small movement on a stiff stick is hard.
[shrug] Just guessing, though. :)
Anyway, hall effect joysticks can be replaced with normal pots joysticks, so just use happs analog stick like others suggested.