TRON joystick shafts for 49way/Super/Competition! Spider Kits are coming!

[1UP]

UPDATE: I am trying to switch all ordering over to the web store, so I can keep track of orders more easily.  Please do not email any more orders to me, and don't use Paypal to order until further notice.  The web store will be up soon, please be patient!  Thanks

This is something I've been working on for awhile now, and with all the 49-way news recently, I thought this would be the perfect time to go public with a brand new version!

[Magnet_Eye]

uh..thanks for the....................................wait!

post it when you have it!


ARGH!

[JODY]

...For Super, Competition, and 49way!

Look for pics and details later today...

[Zakk]

Is it april 1st yet???

[southpaw13]

Hollow shaft for wires for the buttons?

Southpaw

[monkeybomb]

Dude,

Relax, in LA we've got another 4 and a half hours to make the "today" statement true.

[GGKoul]

Yippie!! Where do I place my order?

[bioart]

Looks great!

How hard would it be to adapt it on a happ top fire?

Art

[Flinkly]

how well does the happ/midway 49-way accept the extra weight?  does it return to center well or are you going to add more to help it?  i heard some people saying that their happ 49-way didn't even center well with a regular handle, this seems like it would be even worse.  actually, i think it was you that said your 49-way didn't return to center well, so lets hear it. 

i like the idea though, and might have to get a few in the future when i can justify spending more money on my 2000 dollar mame cab.  and it's not even done yet.....

[clanggedin]

This will also work on a P360 I assume??

[1UP]

How hard would it be to adapt it on a happ top fire?

Art

It looks like the top fire is basically a variation on the Super design, so I think you could get the Super version to work there.

how well does the happ/midway 49-way accept the extra weight?

[mahuti]

I'm SOOOO down for this.

[Flinkly]

yeah, i'm interested in the happs 49-way done by you, but i'll wait till people start getting them and voice their opinions.  not like i don't believe you that they're great, i'll just wait till all the bugs get worked out....

[ripzone]

  Are any of the above versions compatible with the T-Stick Plus?

That way you could change 4-8way on the fly!!

[1UP]

OK, I have a rough estimate of pricing on a Happ 49-way spider kit for anyone interested.

[ripzone]

Are any of the above versions compatible with the T-Stick Plus?

That way you could change 4-8way on the fly!! 

[1UP]

Are any of the above versions compatible with the T-Stick Plus?

That way you could change 4-8way on the fly!!

[mahuti]

So, for the modification thing... we send you our grommet, you slot it, and return it at $1 cost (plus our initial shipping cost... but not the return.) Right?

[Flinkly]

wow...those are some steep prices.  i was thinking of picking up some handles for tank games...but maybe not.  any chance prices might change...for the better?  maybe next year...a mame machine upgrade.

[1UP]

So, for the modification thing... we send you our grommet, you slot it, and return it at $1 cost (plus our initial shipping cost... but not the return.) Right?

I think you've got it...But basically, if you are ordering a shaft, $1 is added to your order for the mod, you send your grommet by the shipping method of your choice (you pay) and I mod it, and send it back in the same box with your joystick order.

I will try to get the Happs part number for the grommet itself, so that I can offer pre-modded grommets too and you won't have to wait for your grommet to get to me.

If you want me to just mod your grommet without buying anything, then return shipping is extra, but I can still do it for you.

[1UP]

wow...those are some steep prices.

[mahuti]

Yeah, building a tron stick is expensive.

[coasternuts]

Actually those aren't bad prices.  I bought a used Tron base off eBay, Tron replacement handle from specialtyplastics, and the internals from Happs( should of gone to ponyboy apparently, damn Happs shipping ), and the total comes to ~$100.

Nice work 1Up.

[coasternuts]

Sorry, check that:  ~$120.

[1UP]

Price drop just for BYOAC!  $15 for either 49-way, Super or Comp version. 

[Paul Olson]

1UP - Can you think of any way to add a Tron-like restrictor for the Super and/or Comp versions?  I saw a post here a couple of days ago where someone was going to try to recreate the Tron restrictor.  It would definately lower the cost of a functional Tron stick if it could be made from a Super.

Great idea on the shafts, please keep up the good work!

Paul

[Tiger-Heli]

Price drop just for BYOAC!

[Flinkly]

thanks 1up.

[1UP]

Price drop just for BYOAC!

[1UP]

thanks 1up.

[Flinkly]

you don't have to go to any trouble for me...again.  i was just thinking since you seem to be offering this as a tron stick, that it might be in order to offer one for tank controls.  also, the handles i showed are much better suited for tank controls while people might think it evil to use tron sticks for tank controls also.  overall, to save money, i think i'm going to stick to the tron sticks.  unless i fall into some of the other handles.

[Karman]

Flinkly - If you're looking for tank controls, try to find a used pair of T-Mek controls like these:

 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13718&item=6161757372&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6156863964&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

They're outrageously expensive new, but you can find them from time to time when people part out T-Meks for the monitors.

[Hoagie_one]

so do we have a price for this shaft with base and handle?

[Kremmit]

1UP - Can you think of any way to add a Tron-like restrictor for the Super and/or Comp versions?  I saw a post here a couple of days ago where someone was going to try to recreate the Tron restrictor.  It would definately lower the cost of a functional Tron stick if it could be made from a Super.

Great idea on the shafts, please keep up the good work!

Paul

The Super handle may well fit a Ms. Pac Reunion base (1UP?), which already has a diamond shaped 4-way restrictor, just like a Tron stick.  I wonder if careful enlarging of the restrictor hole on a Reunion stick might not yield Tron-like results...

[Lilwolf]

tron sticks allowed for diagonals... just very hard to hit them.

[Sasquatch!]

Okay, I'm feeling a little dense here. :/

Obviously there's no gromit on a Super or a Comp, but you're saying that you'll modify those bases for the additional $1.  I assume that for a Super/Comp, you'd route out a slot in the base, kind of like what you explained in your Trigger Stick rotation-restrictor, correct?  So if I sent you a Comp base for modification and ordered the shaft from you, all I'd need is the trigger "grip" assembly, right?

Which leads me to my next question: What "grip" would I need?  You said it fits "all Tron-type sticks", but I don't see an option to just buy the grip at Happ.  I'm sure it's there and I'm not just seeing it though.  Do you have part numbers or something?

Sorry for being to seemingly thick.  It's been a long week and stuff.

Oh yeah, and how far past the bottom does the shaft extend down?  In the third picture of your first post, it looks like it's pretty damned long (although that might just be because you don't have the full base in that picture?).  I just want to make sure that I'd have enough room...

[NoOne=NBA=]

I don't see an option to just buy the grip at Happ.  I'm sure it's there and I'm not just seeing it though.  Do you have part numbers or something?

They have the part numbers on the exploded diagrams at Happ.
You just have to write them all down, and then put them into your shopping cart.

[1UP]

so do we have a price for this shaft with base and handle?

The price for the Happ Tron stick assembly + 49-way + Spincade Tron shaft is $82 plus shipping and applicable taxes.

[1UP]

I don't see an option to just buy the grip at Happ.

[Sasquatch!]

Here are the parts needed for two tron grips (last number before price is quantity...cut in half for only one grip)

Zoiks, that IS expensive!    That was exactly what I was looking for, so thanks!

(Oh, and that is the price each, so do NOT cut it in half.)

[1UP]

Here are the parts needed for two tron grips (last number before price is quantity...cut in half for only one grip)

Zoiks, that IS expensive!

[millercentral]

Would this shaft work witht he handles from this stick:


http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/95006500.htm

Thanks! -james

[NoOne=NBA=]

This is why I was originally going to mold my own all-in one housings (i.e. with plastic mounting points for switches to get rid of the brackets, etc.) and fit them with Radio Shack switches, but that is less cost effective without some really large orders.

I found some RS switches that fit inside very nicely, and have about the same pressure requirement as the OEM switches.
I had to make my own backplates out of aluminum to get the right size holes, but they work beautifully.

I'm not sure if THIS model number is correct, but it should be the same ones I used.
The only reason I am questioning the part number is that they don't make mention of momentary on that page.
They also make an all black version of the same switch.

[1UP]

Would this shaft work witht he handles from this stick:


http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/95006500.htm

Thanks! -james

No idea.  I would need specs to determine compatibility (length & diameter of shaft, spacing of holes.)

[1UP]

This is why I was originally going to mold my own all-in one housings (i.e. with plastic mounting points for switches to get rid of the brackets, etc.) and fit them with Radio Shack switches, but that is less cost effective without some really large orders.

I found some RS switches that fit inside very nicely, and have about the same pressure requirement as the OEM switches.
I had to make my own backplates out of aluminum to get the right size holes, but they work beautifully.

I'm not sure if THIS model number is correct, but it should be the same ones I used.
The only reason I am questioning the part number is that they don't make mention of momentary on that page.
They also make an all black version of the same switch.

That's not the same type of pushbutton.  Those are leaf switches, and are pretty stiff for game use.  You can hack these to work with microswitches, but it's more trouble than it's worth.

[NoOne=NBA=]

Would this shaft work witht he handles from this stick:

Thanks! -james

No.

The hole spacing is entirely different, and the shaft diameter is smaller.

[NoOne=NBA=]

That's not the same type of pushbutton.  Those are leaf switches, and are pretty stiff for game use.  You can hack these to work with microswitches, but it's more trouble than it's worth.

They aren't any stiffer than the OEM microswitches on the Xeno sticks I've got.

The thumb switches aren't used as frequently as the trigger anyway.

It's a good, and cheap, alternative for anyone who doesn't want to pay out the nose for Happ's ones.

[1UP]

That's not the same type of pushbutton.

[Tiger-Heli]

This is why I was originally going to mold my own all-in one housings (i.e. with plastic mounting points for switches to get rid of the brackets, etc.) and fit them with Radio Shack switches, but that is less cost effective without some really large orders.

I found some RS switches that fit inside very nicely, and have about the same pressure requirement as the OEM switches.
I had to make my own backplates out of aluminum to get the right size holes, but they work beautifully.

I'm not sure if THIS model number is correct, but it should be the same ones I used.
The only reason I am questioning the part number is that they don't make mention of momentary on that page.
They also make an all black version of the same switch.

Great info - for those that might be considering this - I'm pretty sure Happ offers a blank backplate that you could just drill out to fit these.

[1UP]

Great info - for those that might be considering this - I'm pretty sure Happ offers a blank backplate that you could just drill out to fit these.

Yes they do.  Just change the end of the part # to -00 for the blank (or -01 for one hole)

[Flinkly]

well, just to make you all feel better about the price, i got a pair of black happs tron joysticks each with a single button (along with the trigger) for 10 bucks off ebay last week.

[NoOne=NBA=]

Are the button barrels larger or smaller than the holes on the tron plates?

They are smaller.
The outer diameter of the cone is 1/2", compared to the 7/8" on the Xeno buttons.
I'm guessing they take about a 3/8" mounting hole, give or take.
I didn't want to take mine apart, and measure it.

Here's a picture of one of mine mounted.

I think they are a bit stiffer than the Happ micros though.  I tried using one of these as a fire button, and didn't like it (too stiff for rapid fire).

I don't have a Happ's to compare them too.
I've got one DOT one, and several used/NOS Xeno ones.

They wouldn't work well for a rapid fire situation, but I never liked the cone buttons for that either.
Missle Command in particular annoyed me because you couldn't fire as fast as you could on Asteroids, etc... with good leafswitches.

[Kremmit]

Those RS buttons look like the same ones RayB put on his topfire sticks.

[1UP]

OK, if anyone wants to order with the Radio Shack buttons, just add $2.50 per button.

BTW, the site says they mount in a 1/2" hole, which is larger than the holes in the Happ plates, so they should work in either pre-punched or blank plates with a little drilling.

[1UP]

Hey, just got the word that Happs 49-ways are on sale for $24.99 from now until the end of May!

[Sasquatch!]

Guess I might be the first guy to make the leap, since I'm in the process of ordering one of these right now.   Granted, it's for a Competition and not a 49-way, but I'll sure to post my findings!

(BTW 1UP, check your email if you haven't, por favor.)

[1UP]

Got your email, reply sent! 

BTW, I should have some info on price and specs on the spider kits this weekend.

[NoOne=NBA=]

BTW, the site says they mount in a 1/2" hole, which is smaller than the holes in the Happ plates, so they should work in either pre-punched or blank plates with a little drilling.

Mine would fall completely through the stock holes in a DOT/Xeno stick.
That's why I had to make my own plates.
I'm not sure if Happ is using the same holes, or not; but, if they are, the RS buttons won't work in the stock holes.

The stock hole on my DOT plate is 5/8", and the outer cone on the RS buttons is just a hair over 1/2".
I don't think they have much of a lip on them, so the 1/2" hole may be proper for them.

[1UP]

When I said the button shafts were smaller, what I really meant was larger...   So the RS buttons are larger around than the holes in a Happ thumbswitch plate.  Make it a little bigger and they should work, or there are always the blanks.  Good thing I just bought a 1/2" bit.

In other news, I just received an old Williams 49-way from Lilwolf, will do some playing around with it.  One thing that seems promising:  The spacing of the mounting holes on the spider plate look to be the exact spacing of the screws holding the bottom of the Happ 49-way together.  A longer set of screws and a repro of the old plate would make mounting a stock spider to the Happ stick quite easy.  The only problem is the small size of the hole in the center of the spider.

I also received today a repro spider (home molding job) that has no metal inserts as the NOS ones do.  It is very stretchy (easily stretches to 200% of its normal length without stressing) but seems stiffer than the NOS spiders, which might make them well suited for the extra leverage exerted by the Tron shafts.  The center hole is easily stretched over the shaft of a Happ 49-way without any major distortion, so I will have to do some durability testing to see how it holds up.

One drawback to the repros is that they have a LOT of bubbles in them, which could turn into tears pretty easily.  I think the best approach will be to have new ones cut from solid rubber with a CNC water jet as I had first planned.  I will also look at prices for injection molding, but the setup tooling on molds tends to be high.

[1UP]

Ok, looks like the spider kits are going to be a reality!  The spiders will be made of a durable rubber, injection molded with metal inserts.  The plate will be mountable on a Happ 49-way with included hardware, and will not change the joystick depth.  Will work with or without the Tron shaft.  Spiders will also fit an original Williams 49-way with a different center insert (provided).  Pricing will be close to my previous estimate.  More info and prototype pics to follow...

[Flinkly]

Will you hurry up!?!

[1UP]

Will you hurry up!?!

[1UP]

Pic of the Competition version alongside the 49-way version.

[Tiger-Heli]

Yes, play testing will be included!

Life is rough!!! Have fun and keep up the hard work!!!

[RandyT]

I am still working on the spider plate (just need some time to get out the drill press!)  It will probably be the weekend again before the pics are available.  I am also working on a spider design that uses bungee-cord-like material, and should hopefully have some photos of those together with the plate, as well as some side-by-side comparisons with an original Williams 49-way.  Yes, play testing will be included!  I am still planning to do a run of injection molded or die-cut spiders, but in the mean time, we can play with the bungee type...

Cool looking Spider-gizmo!  But if you are just trying to increase resistance for the bigger handle, I may have a better solution for you (or not ) 

Email me.

RandyT

[19rjs99]

Not sure who is selling these but maybe you could strike a deal with him. Tron repro handles... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13718&item=6170923744&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

I already sent him an email with no reply. It's worth a try though.

[IntruderAlert]

Hey, just got the word that Happs 49-ways are on sale for $24.99 from now until the end of May!  So you can just subtract $10 from the price of the complete 49-way setup until the sale ends. 

How many do you have to buy to get that price?
The web site has them listed at $35.33

[Kremmit]

Hey, just got the word that Happs 49-ways are on sale for $24.99 from now until the end of May!  So you can just subtract $10 from the price of the complete 49-way setup until the sale ends. 

How many do you have to buy to get that price?
The web site has them listed at $35.33

Add them to your cart and see how much they are. 

[IntruderAlert]

 

[1UP]

Those are already available here, no bidding necessary.  http://members.aol.com/specialtyplastic/index.htm

[IntruderAlert]

ooh.. glow pushbuttons!!! 

[JODY]

What games are 2 player at the same time that might cause me to buy 2 of these?

[1UP]

Well there are plenty of one player/dual joystick games:  Battlezone, Assault, Cyber Sled, Vindicators, Robotron, Crazy Climber, Total Carnage, Smash TV, to name a few.  Not all of them need triggers, but there's no reason you couldn't use these sticks for them anyway.

And of course, they are a must for the tank games. 

[Flinkly]

yeah, i'm using two for tank games primarily...also toying with the idea of having one 49way be 4 way and the other be 8 way, so i can do the dang light cycles...

[1UP]

yeah, i'm using two for tank games primarily...also toying with the idea of having one 49way be 4 way and the other be 8 way, so i can do the dang light cycles...

It's been pointed out before, but the 4 way mode allows you to hit diagonals in the extreme corners, so you get sharp turns in light cycles, and full 8-way maneuvering in the other stages.  I've tried it myself, and it works well.  And with the spiders fitted, it should be even harder to get into the corners accidentally.

[Kremmit]

ooh.. glow pushbuttons!!! 

Glow Nintendo-sized pushbuttons.  Do not fit a standard button hole.  (buttons too small)

I sure wish Tom would start doing regular size buttons.

[Flinkly]

hey, just wanted to check up on the situation...everything going ok? 

also, this might be a wierd question, but could i buy a set of screws from you for my tron handles?  or should i talk to ponyboy?  some jerk stripped mine already, so i need a new set so they look nice and pretty...

[1UP]

Things are still moving along.  I have most of my machinery, but I'm waiting on a tube bender and my raw materials.  I should be cranking out a few sets of handles later this week once everything is in.

If you want to get the screws from me, that's fine.  I'll probably be going to an outside supplier for the small bits (screws and nuts) and stock up on them.  I'm sure I could get 100 of those screws from one of my usual sources.

I did finish my spider plate proto today, look for some pics later tonight!  I am working with RandyT on producing some custom spiders, with more material around the center hole to compensate for the larger hole size necessary.  The center insert can be substituted with one having a smaller hole size, so they will work on the Williams sticks as well.  That's the plan, anyway.

Now, I've got to get out and see a movie for a couple hours--I've hardly had a break in 3 weeks with all the projects on my plate!

[MrSaLTy]

Sweet 1up.... am really interested in the 49way spiders.  Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

[1UP]

OK, here goes.

This is the custom spider plate.

[Tiger-Heli]

In the pics, the spider looks like it is being stretched vertically, i.e., when mounted, the center portion looks lower than the corners.  Would this affect gameplay?  (If so, you could maybe use longer studs and washers under the corners to compensate.)

[Flinkly]

i think it's up so far because he has to screw it into the end of the shaft.  the real spider will just be on the end of the shaft, so it shouldn't stretch in that direction too much.  am i right 1UP?

[1UP]

i think it's up so far because he has to screw it into the end of the shaft.

[Flinkly]

so, are you too busy with playtesting to post your progress?   

anyways, it's been almost a week, so i just wanted to know how things are going.

[1UP]

Update: The 49-way Tron sticks will now use a heavier grommet rather than a spider.  However, the spider kits will still be available for use in converting your Happ 49 to a Sinistar joystick.  Patience--pricing and photos are coming!

[JODY]

Sounds good.  I'll be ordering after the improvements are done.

[Flinkly]

well, while you do have a month to get this done while happ prices are good, i'd love to see it done soon...

i'm ok with the heavier grommet thing, i've got sinistar sticks anyways...

so lets see this thing finished already!

[PoDunkMoFo]

Hello,

Just curious.  Why do the handle mounts have a bend.  Weren't the original tron handles straight?

[1UP]

Hello,

Just curious.

[Lilwolf]

CONGRATES on having problems because of all the cabinet orders!

I LOVE your cabinet and its great to hear your selling a bunch!   

[AmericanDemon]

I wanted to let everyone know that Specialty Plastics will soon be producing more Repro Tron Grips.  I will post back once they are ready to rock.  His site is here:

http://members.aol.com/specialtyplastic/

[fiscap]

Hi 1UP -

Just curious if you have a status on the web store and when more Super/Comp Tron Shafts will be available.

Thanks!

[1UP]

Hi 1UP -

Just curious if you have a status on the web store and when more Super/Comp Tron Shafts will be available.

Thanks!

I am waiting on quotes from metal shops at the moment, as I can not keep up with demand by myself.  It will probably be a few weeks before more are available.

I am building a new website to handle the new credit card service.  Look for a lot of changes.  The products will be going up as soon as they are available for sale.

[1UP]

On another note, I have found a momentary pushbutton for the thumbswitches that looks very similar to the Happ switches, has a short throw, and a bit lighter touch than the Happ microswitches.  It is also tons cheaper than Happ's buttons.

I may start offering this option exclusively, as I really don't like the Radio Shack buttons.  They have a light touch, but you've got to push them all the way in before they register.  These new buttons are easier to rapid-fire with than either the RS or Happ buttons.  And for the purists, there's no nasty clicking sound. 

[nobody]

sounds good, id definatly be interested in 2 of the complete kits once you have the final product perfected

[Kremmit]

On another note, I have found a momentary pushbutton for the thumbswitches that looks very similar to the Happ switches, has a short throw, and a bit lighter touch than the Happ microswitches.  It is also tons cheaper than Happ's buttons.

Like to see those.

[1UP]

As you can see, very similar (Happ switch is on the right).  IN fact, I think the momentary button is a bit nicer (no molding seam, a nice bright finish) than the Happ version.  And I really like the feel.

[armax]

1up, do you sell the spiders for the 49-ways separately (the sinistar spider)?  If so, how do I go about placing an order....

[1UP]

1up, do you sell the spiders for the 49-ways separately (the sinistar spider)?

[fiscap]

Is anyone else having difficulty in locating switch assembly 95-4278-00 on Happ's site? It's pictured in the exploded diagram of their Heavy Duty 8-Way Trigger Stick and 1UP makes a mention of it in an earlier post on this topic, but I can't find anyway to add it to my cart on their site.

http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/50997000x.htm

Keep up the good work 1UP - anxiously awaiting your new on-line store. I can't wait to get my hands on a couple of those Super/Comp Tron Shafts and those new thumb-switches you've found.

*update* - Scratch that - I figured out if you manually enter the part number in your cart, it populates the information and allows you to add the item. Weird that they don't have a listing for it like everything else.

[1UP]

It's not that weird--they have hundreds, possibly thousands of individual parts that do not have a separate page.  Anyone who orders much from them is used to typing in part numbers and adding them to the cart.  If you have the part #s handy, it can actually be much faster than following multiple links.

I am working on getting the shafts made out of house very soon.  Unfortunately, the 8-way version is going to need a custom base that uses a grommet.  The slotted super base is prone to failure, so you won't be able to just drop in the shaft on your own base.

[saint]

Hey - when all is said and done, don't forget to post a news submission so we can advertize it on the front page

--- saint

[fiscap]

1UP - It's hard to tell from the photos, but when they're available, will your Super/Comp shafts have threaded holes to accept the 96-2516-00 screws from Happ?

Thanks and keep up the good work!

[1UP]

1UP - It's hard to tell from the photos, but when they're available, will your Super/Comp shafts have threaded holes to accept the 96-2516-00 screws from Happ?

Thanks and keep up the good work!

Yes.

[Kremmit]

I am working on getting the shafts made out of house very soon.  Unfortunately, the 8-way version is going to need a custom base that uses a grommet.  The slotted super base is prone to failure, so you won't be able to just drop in the shaft on your own base.

Ooh, I missed this before- you're making a new grommet-style base? 

Pictures, details, release date, pricing, rumors, etc, please.

[Flinkly]

yeah, yeah, it's an old thread, but it's still alive.  i just wanted to know how things were going in this department 1UP.  has your machinist come up with anything yet?

keep up the good work.

[bdsjake]

me too, I want one of those tron handles, what's the status of ordering 1UP?  thanks,

[Flinkly]

just checking again...

[1UP]

All sales are on hold for now while the company is being restructured.  I will post an announcement when the shafts are available again.

Thanks

[ahofle]

Bump...
Are you finished restructuring yet?   

 

[armax]

I know this is old but was there any word on the restructuring?  I'm interested in some of these parts. sorry for the very old reply.

[vertygo]

what happened to this thread ? I'd love two of these full kits!