Getting ready to build

[bicho]

Today I finally decided to order the parts I need to make the control panel.
I am a little sceptical on how to put all these thing together and that I have everything I need.

This is what I ordered.

(3) 4-8 way comp. joysticks
( push buttons.  I already had 18 from a friend that works with electrical stuff, and they happen to be happ's.
(1) 3" trackball
(1) oscar spinner
(1) hangstrong trackball/spinner encoder
(1) Keywiz keyboard encoder

Is there anything I need to order?  I had in mind to install a light gun but it's getting to expensive right now, perhaps in the future I will consider it again.

[JODY]

Depends...

Did you want to use any t-molding around the outside edge of the control panel?

I'd use some .187 wire connectors on the sticks and buttons to prevent soldering.

[GGKoul]

One note..

The Comp joysticks you order one works in a 8 way or 4 way mode.  There is no quick way to switch from 8 to 4 way mode like a T-Slik Plus.

[tommy]

One note..

The Comp joysticks you order one works in a 8 way or 4 way mode.

[mahuti]

If your panel is wood, you'll need a trackball mounting plate.

[bicho]

To all that replied, thank you!

I probably will not use T-moulding, perhaps use the router and shape it instead.\

The keywiz encoder is the new one, the one with the switch and screw-on terminals.

I bought the 3" trackball with a mounting kit.

As far as switching the joysticks from 4-8 way operation, I will build a restrictor plate to accomplish that.  That way I can change it as the game requires it.  I did not wanted to pay $35 ea for the ones that are switchable on the fly.

My friend, who is an electrical eng. will provide me with any wire I need.  I just need to tell him which gauge and color.

As far as mounting hardware goes, I have a source I can just walk in a take what I need.  (Ahh, the benefits of not burning any bridges.  My old job!

I will try and post pictures of my progress when I actually get the parts and start building.  In the meantime, any other suggestions?


TIA!

[FractalWalk]

As far as switching the joysticks from 4-8 way operation, I will build a restrictor plate to accomplish that.

[mahuti]

You must just be looking at groovygamegear's switchable joysticks... they're the only $35 switchable joysticks I know of. The T-stick Plus is only $24 and the T-stick is only $16... both switchable, and hardly more expensive than the average joystick.  If you're concerned about price, just look at ultimarc.com for the 3 switchable joysticks they have.

[bicho]

What do you consider hard?

I was just thinking I use autocad, draw a plate big enough to cover the necessary travel of the stick, draw a cross, split the plate in a way to be able to mounted under the cover of the joystick and be done.

Also, I wish I knew about those other joystics before I placed the order.

[FractalWalk]

What do you consider hard?

I was just thinking I use autocad, draw a plate big enough to cover the necessary travel of the stick, draw a cross, split the plate in a way to be able to mounted under the cover of the joystick and be done.

It will take a lot more than that. You need to measure at what point in the travel of the stick the switches are activated and use that as your guide: too big and you haven't restricted anything, too small and the switch doesn't activate.

I've never tried it but I have read about people who have and they met with little success. You might want to contact OSCAR as he used to sell machined restrictors.

[bicho]

This is the joystick I bought...

50-6084-00  SUPER JOYSTICK,4&8 WAY BRACKET ,HUB,SUB ASSY BLACK SHAFT (happ)

What can I do with it?

[Fat_Trucker]

I agree. Its not impossible, but building and mounting your own restrictor you will need to be incredibly precise. I use a T-Stick plus and the difference between the restricted and non restricted setting is tiny.

[FractalWalk]

I was just thinking I use autocad, draw a plate big enough to cover the necessary travel of the stick, draw a cross, split the plate in a way to be able to mounted under the cover of the joystick and be done.

Also when you say "draw a cross" what does that mean? A 4-way restrictor uses a diamond shape.  When you say cross I am thinking of something like an overhead view of a 4-way stop, which wouldn't work at all.

Also, to get this to work the plate will have to be fixed to the joy (or vice versa) so you will need some sort of mounting plan.  Oscar used posts welded to the plate that slipped through the joystick holes to keep them accurately lined up with his restrictor hole.

[bicho]

Yes, it would be like a 4 way stop.  It will slip right under the joystic cover and it would have a hole pattern so that it could only go one way therefore making the joystick a 4 way only.      |

[FractalWalk]

Yes, it would be like a 4 way stop.

[mahuti]

Also, I wish I knew about those other joystics before I placed the order.

Get used to replacing and upgrading. Everytime I think I have exactly what I want, I find something better / cheaper / cooler than I had before. Just ebay the stuff you've outgrown. You'll lose a few bucks, but you'll note that this hobby is hardly a cheap one.