best pre-built joystick(console, USB, anything)?

[yalborap]

okay, I've figured out how I'm gonna handle an arcadepc(for the most part). the only problem I'm encountering is that when it boots up, one would have to click on the desktop, but that's a minor issue that can be fixed by simply tossing a touchpad or something in there, and maybe a mini-keyboard for those...keyboardy things.

not the point. the point is, I need a good pre-built joystick. case doesn't matter, as I'm probably going to yank out the guts or something. I simply want a good balance of price and quality(preferably no more than fifty or sixty dollars.).

So, just what are my options? I've got USB ports and a PSX-USB adapter.

[Fat_Trucker]

Really depends on what you want it for and how you like your controls to 'feel'.

When you say arcadepc are you building a cab, or control panel for your PC?. For descriptions of most types of digital arcade joysticks head over to ultimarc where there is a brief description for each type.

If you want an analogue or optical stick then Happs sell some good uns (although they are pricey).

If you want a PC stick then Saitek make some good quality sticks for the budget concious.

Failing all of that if you want a quick solution to arcade control then go for a second hand X-Arcade, Hotrod, or if you can find one SlikStik.

[yalborap]

fullblown cab, although I'm considering some type of design that allows the controls to be removed and used as a table-based control panel.

EDIT: okay, I've found a pretty good deal on an x-arcade that comes with a PS2 adapter. if I run that through my PS-USB adapter, is there going to be a noticable delay between my command and the proper reaction on-screen?

[spiffyshoes]

Yes there will be plenty of delay.  First of all the X-Box has a slight lag to begin with.  Most people don't notice it during game play but if you test an X-Arcade next to something wired up to a Keyboard encoder you will notice a difference.  Second the X-Arcade wasn't made to work with Playstation Adapters so there probably will be some problems with it.  If your going to just be yanking the parts out of the X-Arcade anyway why not just buy Happ Parts and a KeyWiz encoder?

[yalborap]

keywiz? what in the hell is a keywiz?

[Fat_Trucker]

EDIT: okay, I've found a pretty good deal on an x-arcade that comes with a PS2 adapter. if I run that through my PS-USB adapter, is there going to be a noticable delay between my command and the proper reaction on-screen?

Why would you want to?, since you can interface it directly to the PC via USB or the ps/2 port?. The PS2 adapter is an extra connection that comes with it not the default one.

If you feel the need you could chuck the controls into a custom shaped CP but the X-Arcade is ready to go. No need to hack anything.

[Stingray]

keywiz? what in the hell is a keywiz?

You sound like a good candidate for this thread:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,19049.0.html

-S

[Flinkly]

yeah, i'd just like to interject and ask you to read up a bit more before you start asking questions.

first, are you talking about a ps2 connection or a ps/2 connection?  two different things.

second, there is ultimarc and groovygamegear for the do it yourself panels that connect up to a computer or console.  google the names to find the sites.

third, there are many people who offer arcade controls such as buttons and joysticks at awesome prices, like happs, ponyboy, betson-imperial, etc.

fourth, most premade control panels aren't that great, and you'd be better off making your own.

last, just sit back and read through stuff like the product reviews over on retroblast or oscars site.  or read through posts here and search for topics that interest you.  i wanted to build my own four player control panel when i first got into this, and spent too much for something i never made due to my initial stupidity and inability to think first.  so sit back and relax, and study up before you start wasting money, seriously.

p.s.  i'm not trying to be mean or dash your hopes, just trying to save you from yourself.  i've been there, like we all have.  also, go over to project announcements and look at projects first.  that'll give you a better idea of what you want.

[yalborap]

thing is, I'm insanely stupid when it comes to hardware. I couldn't solder my way out of a paper bag. hence, trying to do something on my own would be worthless.

[Flinkly]

i was never good at soldering either, but most interfaces utilize connections easily found around the house, or at least at the local electronics store.  take for example the ultimarc minipac, you can use an ide cable, which is the cable from a hard drive or cdrom drive.  some groovygamegear interfaces also use this, so most things arn't that hard.  and at most, you'd have to crimp, which takes practice, but is pretty simple.  also, learning to solder isn't that steep of a learning curve either, and if you like this hobby that much, your going to have to learn to do both sometime, so you might as well start now.