Looking for a Ms Pacman/Galaga type 4 way, BUT...

[Sylentwulf]

Looking for a Ms Pacman/Galaga type 4 way, BUT... I need it to be able to be mounted to an existing control panel. I'm using a HAPP 4 way ultimate right now (I believe that's what I bought) and I don't like it at all. Problem is, I need a ms pacman type (4 way red ball top that sits low and is very tight/short travel) that can be mounted correctly to the underside of a wood control panel.

You can see all views of my control panel here:
http://www.electricquarter.com/arcadecab/controlpanel2.htm

For reference and to see what I mean Thanx!

[Ken Layton]

Happ Controls already manufactures the Ms Pac/Galaga short red ball joystick. Check out # 50-6084-1125R (around $20). It uses modern mounting bolt spacing pattern so it will directly interchange with the stick you are replacing.

[whammoed]

Happ Controls already manufactures the Ms Pac/Galaga short red ball joystick. Check out # 50-6084-1125R (around $20). It uses modern mounting bolt spacing pattern so it will directly interchange with the stick you are replacing.

I think that ones too short for wood though.  I believe Betson sells the Space Invaders/Qix one that is a little taller.  I think you have to call them to get it.

[markrvp]

There is a seller on Ebay who sells the Ms Pacman/Galaga reunion joystick with custom made longer shafts.  These are designed to be used in a 3/4" wood panel.  I have one of these and am very pleased with it.  Here is a link to the "Buy It Now" auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13718&item=6163860706&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW



The auction description says it uses a Happs SUPER base, but it is the same Super base used in the reunion stick (with a diamond shape restrictor cutout in the base).

[paigeoliver]

There is a seller on Ebay who sells the Ms Pacman/Galaga reunion joystick with custom made longer shafts.  These are designed to be used in a 3/4" wood panel.  I have one of these and am very pleased with it.  Here is a link to the "Buy It Now" auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13718&item=6163860706&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW



The auction description says it uses a Happs SUPER base, but it is the same Super base used in the reunion stick (with a diamond shape restrictor cutout in the base).

That is probably just the Qix one.

You can also simply mount an unmodified Super handle onto a Reunion base, it works perfectly, and you can use it in a wood panel. You can't do it the other way around though, super handle fits reunion base, reunion handle DOES NOT fit super base.

[NeeBick]

I had the same problem. After reading the forum, it seems that the Versa-Ball replacement handles from groovygamegear.com work with the reunion joystick.  It may not be as real but at least I will get a great 4-way stick that I can mount under the control panel.  Plus I can now have blue handles to match my color theme  .

Borrowed from the thread:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,27822.msg275311.html#msg275311

[Sylentwulf]

Well, I LIKE it set pretty low, and I have the area for the joystick mounts reouted out, so it's pretty thin. I think there's about 1/4"-3/8" of wood left that it mounts to.

Would one of those versa-Ball replacement handles work in the 4-way ultimate base that I have installed now? Suppose I should have thought to ask that first since the would be the perfect and cheapest solution since my only complaint is the fact that it sets too high and isn't a ball top.

[Sylentwulf]

Looks like the "Ball, Dark Red Shiny 1 3/8" would be perfect, and works with super and competition bases.

Actually, ya know what, I think I ditched the ultimate sticks because I don't like them, and got competition sticks.... but I don't remember what I did with the 4-way, it might be ultimate still.... Anyways.... If it works with super and competition, it should work with ultimate, no?

[Paul Olson]

Bob Roberts sells a mounting plate for the reunion sticks.  Looks like a mini trackball mounting plate.  With that, you can mount it on your wood panel, and still keep the short stick.

Paul

Edit - I realize this won't work without peeling back your artwork, but I wanted to let everyone know these are available so they can work it into their designs before hand.

[Kremmit]

Anyways.... If it works with super and competition, it should work with ultimate, no?

Super and Competition shafts are different diameter than the Ultimates.

[Sylentwulf]

Took another look, I know I got competition stick for my 8 ways, but I REALLY don't remember what I got for a 4-way. Is there any way to tell if it's a competition or ultimate by looking at it? What am I looking for?

[Sylentwulf]

bump

[markrvp]

The Ultimate has a washer between the E-clip and actuator.  The Competitions do not have a washer between the E-clip and Actuator.  The shaft diameter is smaller on the Ultimate, than the Competition.

[spiffyshoes]

It probably is an Ultimate if it is a 4-way.  Competitions are 8-way only but Ultimates can be 2-way, 4-way, or 8-way.

[Kremmit]

Ultimates come with a textured grip on the handle, and competitions come with a smooth grip.  The shape of the base assembly is different too, check the pictures on the Happ site.