Identify this Wico Joystick

[markrvp]

I picked up this WICO joystick on Ebay.  I have seen many posts discussing original WICO joysticks vs. Chinese knockoffs.  Can anyone tell me if this is an original or knockoff?

I want a good Robotron stick and I understand they were Wico 8 ways.  This joystick is restricted to 4-way, so could I rasp out the diagonals and have a good Robotron stick?

[SirPeale]

It's an original.  Says 'Wico' right on the bottom.

It's not like designer jeans that have like 'Leviis' on the tag or something.

[Wyluli]

Yep, she is a wico.  Not  sure about your 8-way issue tho.  Hopefully someone can provide some input for you.

[NoOne=NBA=]

could I rasp out the diagonals and have a good Robotron stick?

A better option would be to find a used 8-way on ebay, and swap out the bases on the two.
That way you get all new guts/stick/switches/etc...

My fear is that if you just ream the hole, it may not feel right.

I personally have been really lucky at finding NOS 8-ways.
They are out there, if you watch for them.
There are alot of good condition used ones too.

[FractalWalk]

A better option would be to find a used 8-way on ebay, and swap out the bases on the two.

Or check the trade board to see if anyone wants to swap bases. It seems a shame to modify an original.

[JODY]

The round plastic actuator is bigger around on the 8-ways.  Like someone else said, you can get an 8-way and just swap some parts.  Ones in bad shape can be had for just a few dollars.

[markrvp]

Thanks guys.  On to Ebay!

[paigeoliver]

Hmm, I might have a few 8-ways, wanna swap?

[nostrebor]

Mark, if you'll pay the shipping, I'll send you an 8-way base and actuator. I have a couple that I am turning into 4-ways.

Dave

[paigeoliver]

I would also be interested in buying your 4-way base and actuator, the 4-way Wico base on my big Mame cabinet is the only control in the entire thing that wasn't NOS (or just plain new), and I would love to swap the base for a new one).

[markrvp]

PM sent to Dave and Paige.

[JODY]

In fact, looking at a grey base 4 way and grey base 8 way the only difference I notice is the 4 way has an actuator that is much smaller than the 8 way.

[nostrebor]

In fact, looking at a grey base 4 way and grey base 8 way the only difference I notice is the 4 way has an actuator that is much smaller than the 8 way.

[JODY]

In fact, looking at a grey base 4 way and grey base 8 way the only difference I notice is the 4 way has an actuator that is much smaller than the 8 way.

[nostrebor]

In fact, looking at a grey base 4 way and grey base 8 way the only difference I notice is the 4 way has an actuator that is much smaller than the 8 way.

[FractalWalk]

The grey base 4 ways and grey base 8 ways all have the diamond shape as in the pics above.

[JODY]

May be just an issue with operators changing parts.  There was another thread on here concerning the color of the original Wico 8 ways and several people said black bases.  Another guy said he had seen ones with grey bases.  Wonder if they phased out the black and there were 8 ways for awhile with the 4 way bases or it was just a parts mix up.

I'll know more when I get them in a cab and put them to use.  If there is an issue I could cut out the diamond pattern.  The actuator from the grey 8 ways and the black 8 ways is the same.  If someone swapped parts they swapped just the base and nothing else noticeable.

[NoOne=NBA=]

If someone swapped parts they swapped just the base and nothing else noticeable.

The only two parts that ARE different are the holes in the base, and the actuator.

[nostrebor]

May be just an issue with operators changing parts.  There was another thread on here concerning the color of the original Wico 8 ways and several people said black bases.  Another guy said he had seen ones with grey bases.  Wonder if they phased out the black and there were 8 ways for awhile with the 4 way bases or it was just a parts mix up.

I'll know more when I get them in a cab and put them to use.  If there is an issue I could cut out the diamond pattern.  The actuator from the grey 8 ways and the black 8 ways is the same.  If someone swapped parts they swapped just the base and nothing else noticeable.

I personally have only seen black 8-way bases, but that is a very limited experience. Paige is probably the expert on this. I will agree that the only diff in the two is the hole in the base parts and the size of the actuator.

It would take some measuring, but it is *possible* that a 4-way base could be drilled out to round, if the holes did not end up too large.

I just watch for "lots" on ebay of arcade joysticks. Usually they can be bought for cheap and the parts combined to get a few good sticks.

[paigeoliver]

Gray 8-way bases exist, I have one in my parts box, it is definitely a factory 8-way base, and not a 4-way one drilled out.