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New Product: 49-Way USB Interface - The GP-Wiz49 with DRS Technology (TM)
RandyT:
--- Quote from: Lotus on March 03, 2005, 11:58:41 am ---
Just have to de-lurk at this point..
I think we need to remember that it is conventional wisdom that the definition of an 8-way and 4-way stick is mechanical not electronic. The feel of the stick, ie not allowing the corners and being able to slide over the restrictor plate is why the sticks are different and why the T-Stick and even GGGs own 4-8 stick exist. So logically locking the diagonals does not gain much over what MAME already does.
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Andy, is that you? :D
--- Quote ---I suspect that in this case the switching is necessary not to add any "feel" but because the 49-way stick is emulating the regular stick through an analog interface. So it's an extra hassle which does not result in an overall gain.
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Wrong as wrong gets. The 49-way, is a very cool piece of equipment, but it has a unique mechanical dynamic. The GP-Wiz49 compensates for that dynamic in a special way for each of the modes presented. Gaming software will offer only a very generic translation of the analog grid and it does not suit these sticks well at all.
For example, there is a very marked difference in the way the 49-way plays in Raw49 mode and 4-way DRS mode.
--- Quote ---I suspect that if this was simply aimed at being a 49-way stick interface for anyone who wants such a stick, for games that use one, then it would have been accepted here with less of the "trial by fire". It's a great product for this basic purpose.
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And to present it as such may have caused less of a "stir" from those like yourself who don't understand the concept, but it would have failed miserably at giving the product the credit it deserves.
RandyT
tetsujin:
Perhaps you should dedicate some space on the product page to explaining what the '49 does, and exactly why the GP-Wiz49's approach works? I think for some people (like myself) it was something of an educational issue. Not suggesting going into a lot of technical detail but answering in broad detail some of the questions that have come up several times (and been answered) in the thread:
- Why is it better than typical host-side A-D conversion? (Better-fit solution, less setup work)
- Why is it better than playing 4-way and 2-way games on an 8-way? (Smaller dead zones, better responsiveness)
- What are the limitations relative to true 4-way/2-way/diagonal sticks, and how important are they? (No restrictor plate, basically...)
and so on...
I don't think using a 49-way as an all-purpose joystick is a perfect solution (there is no "perfect", everything is a compromise when trying to make something all-purpose) but it sounds like it may be a very good one. I think if you can help people to understand the product better that will help you to sell it.
RandyT:
--- Quote from: Landstander on March 03, 2005, 09:48:26 am ---What is your impression of using a 49-way plus your device in place of an analog stick? Good enough to ditch analog completely?
Thanks!
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As I wrote earlier, the 49-way may get you by on some of the analog games, but it can never be a perfect replacement for a true analog stick.
The 49-way has only...well, 49 possible locations that it can distinguish. An analog stick can theoretically distinguish an infinite number of locations, but to be managable they usually resolve to 65536, or 256 x 256.
So, as you can see, in a game that expects true analog controls to work properly, the 49-way will only get you part of the way there. Whether it's enough will depend on the game (and you), but it will certainly be better than an 8-way possibly could.
RandyT
Tommy Boy:
My head is starting to hurt from trying to follow all of the "deep thinking" in this thread. Frankly, I think I spent a lot less time buying my last car than many here are spending on ruminations for a $35 device.
For all those that think this is bunk or a burning mystery, why not buy one and test it yourself or wait for someone else to post their results. Personally, I'm going to buy two just to support the effort. I hope Randy and others continue to develop and take chances on this stuff.
He has A LOT more patience than I do...
SirPoonga:
--- Quote from: Landstander on March 03, 2005, 09:48:26 am ---Have you tried 720 degrees with the 49-way?
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That could be interesting. I know they put code in mame to convert analog stick to spinner. Someone will have to try.