New Product: Versa-Ball Joystick Replacement Shafts

[Grasshopper]

Also, the shafts are the standard 10mm diameter used on a number of sticks.  If your stick requires a 10mm shaft, and you can supply me with the distance between the top shoulder and the bottom e-ring, I will give you an indicator as to whether these have a chance of working with your base.  Because of the way the T-Stick is attached to the base, I do not believe these shafts will work with them.

RandyT

Funny you should say that. I once tried fitting the shaft from my Happ Super (actually bought directly from IL) to my T-Stik (also bought directly from IL) just to see whether it would work, and it was fine. But I had to use some metal washers as spacers becasue the Super's shaft is slightly longer.

I don't really understand why IL fitted a screw to the bottom of the T-Stik yet used an e-ring on all their other joysticks. Both methods seem to work equally well.

With regards to the double e-ring design (one on the bottom and one of the top), someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the way the Ms Pacman/Galaga stick works.

I actually prefer a slightly thicker shaft but it's not a bit deal and I can see that the double e-ring approach gives you more versatility over adjusting the joystick's height.

[Matt Berry]

You are correct the ms pacman / galaga stick from Happ and the Qix/space invaders stick from Betson use the double e-ring on the joystick handles. Both are also well received by thier users.

[RandyT]

Also, the shafts are the standard 10mm diameter used on a number of sticks.  If your stick requires a 10mm shaft, and you can supply me with the distance between the top shoulder and the bottom e-ring, I will give you an indicator as to whether these have a chance of working with your base.  Because of the way the T-Stick is attached to the base, I do not believe these shafts will work with them.

Funny you should say that. I once tried fitting the shaft from my Happ Super (actually bought directly from IL) to my T-Stik (also bought directly from IL) just to see whether it would work, and it was fine. But I had to use some metal washers as spacers becasue the Super's shaft is slightly longer.

Grasshopper,

Please get me some dimensions.  Specifically, the distance between the bottom of the "knob spacer" and   the top of the nut and/or washer on the bottom side.  Based on the diagram in my Industrias Lorenzo catalog and your description, I'd say there was a real possibility that the Versa-Ball sticks might work with your base.  There are quite a number of possible combinations, so at least one could have a shot.

I would love to be able to purchase one of every stick out there for experimentation, but that's just not possible for me to do at the moment.  So I'll have to rely on the diversity and kindness of the group to provide information so we can compile possible candidates.

Thanks in advance,
RandyT

[spiffyshoes]

so can anyone confirm the material the ball is made of on the ones from RandyT?
Are they the same size as the ones on X-Men/Simpsons etc

The ball top on the Wico joysticks that were used in X-Men/ Simsons / TMNT cabinets were 1-1/2" in thick.  The only two from Randy T that are the same in diameter are the textured kind.  The Shiny ones are about 1/8" smaller.  It tells you the diamater of the Ball when you are selecting them on his website.

[spiffyshoes]

Randy: The E-Clips on the Pac Man Revolution joysticks are 5cm apart and the shaft is 10mm thick.  From the end of the shaft to the bottom of the ball is about 8 cm total.  And the Diameter of the Ball is about 1-1/4" thick.

[RandyT]

Randy: The E-Clips on the Pac Man Revolution joysticks are 5cm apart and the shaft is 10mm thick.  From the end of the shaft to the bottom of the ball is about 8 cm total.  And the Diameter of the Ball is about 1-1/4" thick.

Excellent.  Thank you for the info spiffyshoes!

But just to clarify, are you referring to the Pac-Man Reunion / Galaga  joystick?

Thanks,
RandyT

[spiffyshoes]

Yeah, the Pac Man reunion was the one I was talking about.

[RandyT]

Yeah, the Pac Man reunion was the one I was talking about.

Great.  Thanks. 

Based on this, I have high confidence that the Versa-Ball sticks will indeed work with the Pac Man Reunion/Galaga joysticks.  Both sets of grooves appear to be at the right places, which means installation in either 1/2" or 3/4"+  thick panels should be possible and would extend the height by about 4 cm in either setting.


I'll update the main post with this info.   

RandyT

[pcates]

Randy do you have any that will fit a nintendo joystick? I have a stick for my Donkey Kong that was originally in a metal panel (too short). The stick is only 6mm thick. Can you help???

Patrick

[RandyT]

Randy do you have any that will fit a nintendo joystick? I have a stick for my Donkey Kong that was originally in a metal panel (too short). The stick is only 6mm thick. Can you help???

Sorry Patrick,

I'd like to help, but I don't think the demand would be very high for these.  At best it would be a one-off situation and probably pretty costly to do.

You might want to consider just replacing the whole stick.  Could be a better solution in the long run.

RandyT

[NoOne=NBA=]

RandyT,

I have the critical dimensions on the 49-way sticks.

The measurement from the top of the stick to the stepdown is exactly 4.25".
The larger diameter at the stepdown is .506".
The shaft diameter below the stepdown is .266".
The shaft length from the stepdown to the near edge of the E-clip is 2.53".

I only have the one stick to measure, so I am ASSUMING that Happs tolerances are fairly tight from stick to stick.

[RandyT]

RandyT,

I have the critical dimensions on the 49-way sticks.

The measurement from the top of the stick to the stepdown is exactly 4.25".
The larger diameter at the stepdown is .506".
The shaft diameter below the stepdown is .266".
The shaft length from the stepdown to the near edge of the E-clip is 2.53".

I only have the one stick to measure, so I am ASSUMING that Happs tolerances are fairly tight from stick to stick.

Thanks NoOne!

I'll get something modeled up on those dimensions and see if my machinist can work in a few like this.   I'll let you know how I fare.  While I'm at it, I'll look into the P360's that I have recently aquired dimensions for.

Thanks again,
RandyT

[Minwah]

RandyT,

I have the critical dimensions on the 49-way sticks.

The measurement from the top of the stick to the stepdown is exactly 4.25".
The larger diameter at the stepdown is .506".
The shaft diameter below the stepdown is .266".
The shaft length from the stepdown to the near edge of the E-clip is 2.53".

I only have the one stick to measure, so I am ASSUMING that Happs tolerances are fairly tight from stick to stick.

Do you know if Randy's style shaft without the stepdown will work with the 49-way?  It looks as though the actuator is too small for the shaft to fit through.  Having not (yet) taken mine apart I can't tell if the actuator comes apart or not...

[RandyT]

[Do you know if Randy's style shaft without the stepdown will work with the 49-way?  It looks as though the actuator is too small for the shaft to fit through.  Having not (yet) taken mine apart I can't tell if the actuator comes apart or not...

A stepdown will be required for the lower part.  These would require a special version made just for the 49-ways, but will most likely have the same diameter upper shaft and threads as the current ones.

On a side note, I may have a nicely fitting dust washer solution for an extra dollar if people need one.  The parts will be here in a day or two.


RandyT

[NoOne=NBA=]

Do you know if Randy's style shaft without the stepdown will work with the 49-way?

[SteveJ34]

I ordered one of these with dark red ball top and an Eco 2 "non-solder" version on Wednesday before Turkey Day for a bartop project.

They arrived today in good order.....have not installed them directly yet, just test fitted versa ball to a Happ Super and tested keystrokes on the KeyWhiz Eco2.

I am very pleased with what I see and the level of service received.

Thanks, Randy.

[Goz]

I also ordered on Wednesday and got my package today.

Randy is the man, Thanks for shipping.

I'll be trying out my versa-balls (eww sounds almost nasty) on some supers and a pac reunion tomorrow.

-Goz

[spiffyshoes]

Randy any news on getting the P360 versions yet?  Also how are the dust washers comming?  Will you have a special version for the P360 version of your joystick shaft?

[RandyT]

Randy any news on getting the P360 versions yet?  Also how are the dust washers comming?  Will you have a special version for the P360 version of your joystick shaft?

Dust washers are in and fit the shafts perfectly.  I just need to find a nice finish for them.

Nothing new to report on the other style shafts.  Still in progress.....

RandyT

[quarterback]

I'm just bumping this thread to see if anybody's confirmed that these work in the Ms Pac reunion base.

I'll be trying out my versa-balls (eww sounds almost nasty) on some supers and a pac reunion tomorrow.

[Stingray]

I'm looking at ordering a pair of these to fit a set of Supers. Not sure what length I need. They're going in a metal control panel, so am I correct in thinking that I need the shortest stick (1 1/4)? Why is it that the shiny ball tops only come in 1 3/8?

-S

[RandyT]

I'm looking at ordering a pair of these to fit a set of Supers. Not sure what length I need. They're going in a metal control panel, so am I correct in thinking that I need the shortest stick (1 1/4)? Why is it that the shiny ball tops only come in 1 3/8?

Just so there are no misconceptions, these are designed for under the panel installation on 1/2" to  7/8" thick material.  They can be used with metal, but a spacer will need to be installed ... unless you want really long joysticks   The shorter sticks are specifically for use with the Prodigy 4/8 way switchable joystick system.

The current ball top selection is basically what is available as stock product from manufacturers.  They are very nice ball tops, but the selection is a little limited on the shiny ones.

I have since had custom ball tops professionally manufactured that I'm sure a number of folks will find VERY interesting, but they will  be a bit more expensive than the stock offerings (in the $5 range).

Announcment soon.......

RandyT

[jdjuggler]

I didn't see any comments regarding these sticks working with the P360's?
Anyone know?
Thanks,
JD

[Stingray]

I'm looking at ordering a pair of these to fit a set of Supers. Not sure what length I need. They're going in a metal control panel, so am I correct in thinking that I need the shortest stick (1 1/4)? Why is it that the shiny ball tops only come in 1 3/8?

Just so there are no misconceptions, these are designed for under the panel installation on 1/2" to

[quarterback]

am I correct in thinking that I need the shortest stick (1 1/4)?

How do you figure that 1 1/4 is the shortest stick?  Aren't those measurement options (1-1/4, 1-1/2 & 1-3/8) referring to the size of the ball top?

[Stingray]

I dunno, that's why I asked.

-S

[2600]

Can't wait for the announcement RandyT, hopefully you won't forget about us P360 and happs 49-way owners.   

[quarterback]

I dunno, that's why I asked.

My impression is that all the joysticks are the same length, they just have different diameter spheres on top.   But I also am under the impression that there is some ability to adjust the height depending on which e-clip ring you use.

I don't know what the final height above CP is, but I guess it depends on: Which joystick you're using, which e-clip ridge you use, how thick your CP is and (in a sense) how big the "ball" is on top (because a larger diameter would appear to 'shorten' the stick.)

Maybe there's something on the GGG page (or even in this thread) that has the specs for total length and where the e-clip ridges are cut.  With that (and info about the joystick which will house the stick) you/I/we could figure out exactly how tall they are for any of the above combinations.

I'm just guessing that I'd like one for my MsPac joy which (if mounted under 3/4" wood) will barely clear the top of the CP.  I'd also like one with a 1-1/2 or 1-3/8 ball since the 1-1/4 ball top on the MsPac joy looks like a toy compared to my Wico Leaf ball tops.

[juggle50]

Hey Randy,

I just received the versa-ball shafts that I ordered and although they look very cool I was a little bummed.  I have a quarter inch plywood panel so the stick is too long for me.  I would like my sticks to look completely retro.  I am using a happ super base.  Can send them back to be customized?

Kevin

[RandyT]

Hey Randy,

I just received the versa-ball shafts that I ordered and although they look very cool I was a little bummed.  I have a quarter inch plywood panel so the stick is too long for me.  I would like my sticks to look completely retro.  I am using a happ super base.  Can send them back to be customized?

Kevin

Wow, 1/4" is thin!  The sticks were't designed for that (take a look at the descriptions of the product for specifications on panel thickness.)

However,  too long is a much better problem to have than too short.  One way you can fix this is to make a 5/8 to 3/4" thick spacer that goes between the joystick base and the underside of your panel.  Then just use long enough hardware to go through everything and you'll be all set.

We can't really do a one-off mod to the stick, but I will certainly accept a return on the product if you decide that it doesn't suit your needs.

Just let me know what you would like to do.

RandyT

[whammoed]

Wow, 1/4" is thin!

[RayB]

Or design the shaft so that the e-clip can go on in two locations. One to make it short, one for long.

[RandyT]

Wow, 1/4" is thin!  The sticks were't designed for that (take a look at the descriptions of the product for specifications on panel thickness.)

This wording from the description:

Or maybe you felt left out in the cold because you had a 3/4" or 1/2" thick panel and because you mount your sticks below, the handles are either too stubby or too long?


may lead some to believe there is an ability to have a shorter handle than is possible.  A few details on the height above the joystick installed may help eliminate some confusion.

Not to be argumentative, but the above quoted sentence is accurate, even though out of context with the rest of the description. Also, you may want to note that the emphasis in your quote was yours, not mine.

This is what I was referring to above:

"The Versa-ball shafts are designed for use with "under the panel" joystick installations on panels of 1/2" to 7/8" in thickness."

But stuff happens, and I understand that sometimes the details get missed.

There are so many combinations of CP thicknesses, Ball Sizes, Joystick base varieties, etc, it would be a massive undertaking to try to give exact  dimensions for every possible combination.  This is why the description states "There are 2 height selections optimized for an approximate 2-inch height to the bottom of the ball."   As with just about anything I sell, if it's not what you expected and it's still new, send it back for a refund.  We don't want anyone to be unhappy with their purchase.

Or design the shaft so that the e-clip can go on in two locations. One to make it short, one for long.

Read the above part about "2 height selections"

The limits of adjustability have been reached with the VersBall shafts, unless you like seeing the e-clip grooves above your panel (I guessed that most wouldn't when I designed them.)

RandyT

[whammoed]

Not to be argumentative, but the above quoted sentence is accurate, even though out of context with the rest of the description. Also, you may want to note that the emphasis in your quote was yours, not mine.

Done.  Just trying to emphasize where someone might get confused, I admit I never thought it was meant for a pacman style shorty stick.

"The Versa-ball shafts are designed for use with "under the panel" joystick installations on panels of 1/2" to 7/8" in thickness."

[whammoed]

Also, I will be testing them on the ms pac reunion sticks as soon as I get my order of sticks in.  I'll let you know how it goes.

[RandyT]

Yeah, I was just trying to come from the perspective of someone reading the website only.  Don't see this in the description on your site.

Right you are.  Sometimes I take for granted that some folks don't come through here to get to the store (even though we are talking about it here in the context of this thread )   But your point is taken.  I'll update the description at the store with more of the important info from the beginning of this thread.

Also, I will be testing them on the ms pac reunion sticks as soon as I get my order of sticks in. I'll let you know how it goes.

Very cool.   

Thanks,
RandyT

[juggle50]

Hey guys,

thank you for your quick response.  To be honest I did get the impression that the sticks would be adaptable for my needs, however, I didn't spend much time looking at the details because I was pretty excited about the stick.

My control panel is thin because I'm using a coctail cab so the control panel is also quite small.  I don't think a spacer will work very well because I believe the joystick will probably be really long and hit the bottom panel.

I'm thinking about (and this may be a question for another thread) going the Ms. Pac reunion route, however, these are my questions.
1.  Will the reunion base match the happ super base in terms of mounting screws. (My control Panel is pretty permanent)
2.   Will the reunion shaft be way to short since I'm using a quarter inch panel instead of a metal panel.
3.    Any other options to get a pac shorty stick on my exsisting panel?
Again, thank you very much for your help.  Randy, I probably would like to return the sticks (although they would be awesome for most aplications) How would I go about doing that?

[whammoed]

OK, heres the news on the versaball and Ms Pac base:
Really good news for everyone except those that want a really short stick on a metal panel. (you will need to use a spacer)
The versaball fits on the Ms Pac four different ways.
1.

[Kremmit]

Folks wanting these to be shorter can do the job with a cut-off wheel on their Dremel tool pretty easy.  Figure out how tall you want it to be, cut off the excess from the bottom, and cut two new e-clip grooves.  Done!

[RandyT]

Again, thank you very much for your help.  Randy, I probably would like to return the sticks (although they would be awesome for most aplications) How would I go about doing that?

No problem..  E-mail me and we can get it taken care of .

OK, heres the news on the versaball and Ms Pac base:

Nice work.  I'm guessing they just arrived ? 

Should help a lot of folks who had questions about them working with these bases. Thanks.

But I was curious as to the plastic spacer.   Do they feel ok without this?  The taper on it makes me think it might be part of a gimble or something.

Randy, feel free to use the pic if you want or let me know if you need something different.

Thank You,.  I've saved a copy for future reference.

Randy: does the ball unscrew from the shaft if needed?

Yes, but I twist them on pretty well.

RandyT