New Tanslucent Ball Type Joystick with Translucent Buttons

[ponyboy]

Translucent Balltop Joysticks & Translucent Buttons as a ( KIT )!!!
( 1 ) Translucent Joystick & ( 9 ) Translucent Buttons

KIT Price $36.00 ea.


Please check out the pic's on this Translucent Ball Type Joystick.

[oldsage]

What's with the PCB? Can you tell a little more about it?

[ponyboy]

The micro-switches are connected to the pcb.  This eliminates having wires running to each lead of the micro.  You just need 1 harness.

[EndTwist]

Any chance we can get a pic of the bottom?

And $6.95 Stick + Base? I weary about the quality at that price 

[ponyboy]

Pic on the base coming up.

Ponyboy

[oldsage]

Anything else you can sneak about them? How do they feel? Are they happ or are you selling them for yourself? What's the deal with 'em, basically?!?

[ponyboy]

They are NOT a Happ Stick.  I will be selling these sticks for myself.  They do have a good feel.  I am going to install the unit in my HotRod Control Panel this weekend to check out the overall performance. 

[oldsage]

They are NOT a Happ Stick.

[Hoagie_one]

does it have a hollow shaft so we can throw in a led bulb?

[redcoats]

You can put me down for one red at the moment.

[tommy]

They are NOT a Happ Stick.

[Tiger-Heli]

Seimitsu's ().  Looks pretty neat.  Good price.  Needs a screwdriver to switch modes?  The red in 4-way mode could be a cool Pac stick.

[ponyboy]

I will rewrite my post to answer these questions later this evening.

Ponyboy

[cholin]

I wanna know about the throw, because Im in the stores for a few joysticks!

[rackoon]

I second the notion regarding a hollow shaft and led bulb

[ponyboy]

The shaft is not hollow.  You cannot add an led light.

[ponyboy]

Modified Post

[Hoagie_one]

have you used them?  How do they feel?  What stick do they most resemble?

[cholin]

Hows the throw...we need to know the throw.  I do anyway 

[nostrebor]

I'm not gonna ask you about the throw, OK?

I would like to see this thing in exploded view, and a few dimensions would be nice. The shaft length/diameter and the hole pattern/overall dimensions of the base plate. Please, and at your leisure

I will most likely be getting a few to try out. Simply because they look very much cool.

[tommy]

Id like to pick one up to try out, im sure you will let us know when you have them.

[cholin]

I think he's gettin a lot in a week, right?  I wanna try lighting them up with LEDs ! When people say it's not possible, dont believe them, its possible, you're just not trying hard enough!

And for future comments:  Yes I can jump off a cliff and live with no equipment.  I just won't tell you how   I can also nail jello to a tree!

MUST KNOW THROW

[tommy]

He also says you cant change the ball, cut that baby off and reattach anew. 

[Hoagie_one]

I'm getting one  from him.  When I get it , I'll take it apart adn take pics, and test it out.

I'll let you guys know how i like it.

[cholin]

I think that the ball should spin off.  This way, at least we could drill a giant hole in the handle for ourselfs and light that beast up!

* cholin thinks of the possibilities

Yeah, Ill take alot of pictures when I get one too.  I hate it when people explain stuff without pictures, or the pics arent clear or something.  Got a new digital camera, might as well give it a go   Only thing I wonder about it the harness, are we gonna have to make our own or what?

[tommy]

I wonder how well it holds up against gun fire. 

[oldsage]

They are NOT a Happ Stick.

[gl.tter]

I'm just in the market for a couple ball types, and I just happen to want red and blue : ).

I like the black shaft - but it's not just plastic, right?

[Grasshopper]

I'm just in the market for a couple ball types, and I just happen to want red and blue : ).
BTW, can anybody hook me up with translucent leaf buttons?  See this thread on why I can't just order them.

You might be able to obtain translucent leaf buttons from www.suzo.co.uk.

Unfortunately I don't know anywhere in the UK that sells translucent ball tops but the following US based companies sell them.

http://www.groovygamegear.com/

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

I was initially nervous about ordering stuff from abroad. But I've done it many times now and I've not yet had any problems. You could actually save money if you order from the states because the dollar is so low at the moment and the shipping is often cheaper because many UK companies have a minimum shipping charge. Also bear in mind that if your order is less that

[Grasshopper]

Well I certainly can't argue with the price. However, I agree with gl.tter, I'm not keen on the textured surface. Smooth would be better.

Someone suggested these joysticks might be made by Seimitsu. It's certainly possible as they have a similar restrictor plate to some Seimitsus that I own. But a lot of Chinese clones also have a similar design.

If they are made by Seimistu then it's worth mentioning that the Seimitsu and Sanwa ball tops are interchangeable. So if you already own some J-Stiks, you could buy some of these just to use the ball tops. In fact I wonder whether ponyboy would consider selling the ball tops separately.

[quarterback]

I'm not keen on the textured surface. Smooth would be better.

Are they really textured or is that pattern actually some kind of bubbly interior of the ball?

[ponyboy]

It is bubbly inside the ball.  Looks Cool.

Ponyboy

[cholin]

You should know that if you take a close look at the ball in the first pic, notice how the sides are smooth, thats how I knew it was bubbly.  Also, what do we do about the "harness"?  Will you sell those or do we have to DIO (do it ourselves)

[gl.tter]

It is bubbly inside the ball.

[ponyboy]

I will know in a couple of days on all colors that are available to me.  The shaft is metal and is solid.  I have not had a chance to try I am waiting for a new HotRod Control Panel to show up.

Ponyboy

[cholin]

It would be nice if there was a little gap machined into the handle to run a stereo-wire through so you can add a LED.

[gl.tter]

I will know in a couple of days on all colors that are available to me.

[paigeoliver]

You guys act like Ponyboy is making these things in his garage with all those requests for variations! They are a pre-existing stick coming from an Asian factory, just a type that we don't NORMALLY see.

I like them, they look like they should be a direct replacement for the sticks in my Super Neo 29, it has that same PCB and that same connector.

Also, that restrictor does 2-way action as well, I have the same restrictors on the sticks in my Candy cab (well the same being the exact same except they are yellow).

As for colors, I hope they have pink and green myself.

ALso, as long as you are ordering Asian sticks can you get us some Asian buttons at some REAL prices? Everyone over here wants $3 a button for those buttons that are 46 cents each from coinop express and even CHEAPER from the actual factory.

[Stingray]

I think the red ones would look pretty sporty on my NEO-GEO. They're cheap enough to take a chance on them. I'll order a pair when they're available.

-S

[ponyboy]

As soon as I receive the red one I will post a pic.

Ponyboy

[gl.tter]

It is bubbly inside the ball.

[ponyboy]

I have not.  I have just received my HotRod Control Panel last night.  I will put one in tonight and give it a try.

Ponyboy

[Stingray]

Looking forward to seeing the red ones. Hope they aren't too pink.

-S

[cholin]

I wanna see a blue one mounted.  I was scared that the red ones would be too bright, orangy, that kind of stuff.  They will be nice if they are just slightly lighter than the happs red buttons, or the translucent ones coming out.

[cholin]

Well the harness thing is easily accomplished.  Maybe you could place a mass order from Jameco or something for a ton of female headers (those are what the harness is right?) and just give out one header for every joystcik someone buys, so they can make their own harnesses with some wire and a solderring gun.  5 wires is no big deal, and giving out the headers wont kill your budget, they're only a few cents each.

Cant wait to use one

[tommy]

Im going to pass, thanks.

[oldsage]

Im going to pass, thanks.

I was thinking the same thing, but i would wait to see the clear ones first...

[gl.tter]

I was thinking the same thing, but i would wait to see the clear ones first...

Looking doubtful for me too.  Any particular reason for the higher price?

[Grasshopper]

Put it this way at $6.95 I'd chance buying one just to try it out. But at $12.95 I'd wait for some reviews first.

[ponyboy]

There was no firm price set.  I was trying for $6.95 but after all was said and done and the amount I can pull in at one time brought my purchasing price over the $6.95 mark.  Of course if I could purchase more the price go's down.  I would have to bring to the State's a minimum of 500 unit just to get my price at $6.95.  So the price will be $12.95 ea.  I already have contacted people to test these units out for me.  I kindly ask that the people that will be doing the testing contact me first on their finding before posting any info.  If the majority states that the stick is not worth the money then I will not even bother selling the unit.

regards,

Ponyboy

[Grasshopper]

Ponyboy, if you're considering importing joysticks from the far east then have you considered Sunbetty?

http://www.sunbetty.com.tw

I've got one of their "spain type" joysticks (no prizes for guessing what it's modelled on) and it's very well made. They also do ball top japanese style joysticks which I've heard aren't as good. But they might be worth checking out anyway.

Just a thought.

[RandyT]

I think Ponyboy may be running into the "shipping from Asia Sticker Shock" that I experienced, so ordering from SunBetty probably won't be a lot of help.

When it costs $4 or more per joystick to ship 100 of them from Asia, the cost benefits are nearly non-existent.

I feel for ya, PB

RandyT

[IG-88]

Ponyboy, if you're considering importing joysticks from the far east then have you considered Sunbetty?

http://www.sunbetty.com.tw

I've got one of their "spain type" joysticks (no prizes for guessing what it's modelled on) and it's very well made. They also do ball top japanese style joysticks which I've heard aren't as good. But they might be worth checking out anyway.

Just a thought.

How much was it?

[Grasshopper]

Ponyboy, if you're considering importing joysticks from the far east then have you considered Sunbetty?

http://www.sunbetty.com.tw

I've got one of their "spain type" joysticks (no prizes for guessing what it's modelled on) and it's very well made. They also do ball top japanese style joysticks which I've heard aren't as good. But they might be worth checking out anyway.

Just a thought.

How much was it?

Well I bought it second hand from someone on this board. However this thread might interest you.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,8161.0.html

[gl.tter]

Any news on these?  Anybody try them yet?  Pics of other colours?

[cholin]

Anything happen yet?  Get the shipment?

[ponyboy]

I have received 10 units for testing.  They made a mistake on my order and sent me the clear.  By the way the Balltop does screw off and it does include a harness.  I will post the other colors on Monday 5/9/05 in the evening.

Testers you know who you are.  Keep an eye on your Mailbox.

Thanks,

Ponyboy

[coorslight]

well if all the news that comes from the testers is good or at least OK I'll Put my order in for 2 clear ones right away. I would also love to see a picture of the clear one.

[melidian]

just got my test joystick in the clear version and it looks very cool and works great...not as cheap as some knockoff balltops i've used
i put it in a pacman multicade control panel for my home machine and it's very sharp looking!!  the little wire harness actually makes it easier to wire i think.

i can send pics to anyone looking for them but am not well versed at adding pics on this forum...i would and could easily pay alot more for this joystick.  the balltop can screw off so all you modders can have at it! 

this is totally unsolicited feedback and just trying to be thorough for the skeptics:) but ponyboy has done it again

[cholin]

Damn, that was pretty quick.  Its gonna take a little while longer for mine to come (Canada) but when I get it, Ill take a few shots of it, the wiring harness, etc....Ill see about the balltop, maybe add an LED for the modders   Can't add it to my control panel ATM though, so might just cut a hole in some other wood I have laying around, see how it all works out...

[Stingray]

Still waiting to see what the red ones look like before I order.

-S

[cholin]

Yes I wanted to see the blue ones, then I would order a red one, but with a clear one, I guess you have the basics.  Just imagine it tinted red/blue...just need to know the shade.  Also, you can see how well it lights up with LEDs with those "bubbles" in it.  Usually, edges catch the light, so that should make it pretty interesting...

[ponyboy]

All test units have been shipped.

Thanks for your support.

Ponyboy

[ponyboy]

New color posted * CLEAR *

Thanks,

Ponyboy

[ponyboy]

Test result in by Melidian.

Ponyboy

[cholin]

Still waiting for mine   Getting really excited about it.  Imagining these babies with translucent buttons

Just realized that the actual stick of the clear ones are yellow...might need a bit of paint....

[tommy]

I just got my test joy, i would have prefered a solid ball but thats just me, i do like the short stiff feel to them but sometimes i feel the corners too much, still a good stick.

[gl.tter]

Anybody brave an LED yet?

[cholin]

Anybody brave an LED yet?

Give it a week, Ill tell ya how it goes with a blue one.  When I get it that is.....Ill take a ton of pictures...

[gl.tter]

Give it a week, Ill tell ya how it goes with a blue one.

[Hoagie_one]

Just getting this thing out of the box.  I like the feel of it, really good little stick.  I like teh fact that it has a very low underside clearance.  Great for small cabs like bar tops.  This was a big deal with my last bartop when I used a wico 8way.  I didnt leave enough underside clearance.  This thing wont have that problem.

I'll update after I mount this to a box and play some streetfighter.

[ponyboy]

More testing results in.  Please check them out.

Thanks,

Ponyboy

[Grasshopper]

Is the joystick still usable if the plastic sleeve below the balltop is removed?

[ponyboy]

I will check to make sure.  If the response is good I will make sure that plastic piece is black.

Ponyboy

[cholin]

Is the joystick still usable if the plastic sleeve below the balltop is removed?

I asked if it could be changed black, because frankly, yellow looks horrible on a clear/red/blue joystick!  Ponyboy informed me already that the next run will be black.

[Grasshopper]

Is the joystick still usable if the plastic sleeve below the balltop is removed?

I asked if it could be changed black, because frankly, yellow looks horrible on a clear/red/blue joystick!  Ponyboy informed me already that the next run will be black.

Black would be OK but I'd prefer bare metal.

[ponyboy]

Grasshopper, I just checked it out.  Bare metal not a problem.  You can remove the sleeve and the stick operates with no problem.

Ponyboy

[oldsage]

I've just finished testing my unit, but I'm lazy so I'll just quote some of the things i wrote to ponyboy:

Okay, so now after testing the stick for real, i can say it works great, much more than you'd expect by the price or look. The one thing i didn't like was the cheap microswitchs, and the hard-to-figure-out restrictor plate (is that how you call it?). Other than that, i can pretty surely say I'll be ordering two of those for my next project (still in design...).

A few notes: I've used ipac to test the joy; The harness is annoying for people with insulated disconnects; The shaft color feels cheap and i didn't get how to remove it; The 4-way mode feels very unique (for the better); Throw could be a little longer, although still pretty nice; I only tested in 8-way, and 4-way games are less then ok in that mode; 8-way games work great in it; Why no red?; I mounted from above, and i do not recommend it; I should have recessed...

Thanks again, the joystick work great!

So, yeah... Cool sticks... They feel real nice... I don't know how to describe it, but it kind of feels like you would think it should... I'll punch myself later for saying this, but i liked it better than my T-Stiks, E-Stiks, and all happs joys I've played with (note that i didn't get to fiddle with a P360 for more than a few seconds), it's a real close competition between it and the E-Stik for me, but all that might just be because i expected less, dunno...

BTW - @ponyboy, how about a name? You can't stay with "New Translucent Ball Type Joystick" forever (NTBTJ? Nah...) - Maybe you should change it to "Translucent Ball Type Joystick" (At least TBTJ sounds better)?

[ponyboy]

I will have pic's for all colors tonight.

Ponyboy

[ponyboy]

All Colors Posted.

Ponyboy

[Stingray]

All Colors Posted.

Ponyboy

Where? 

-S

[markrvp]

All Colors Posted.

Ponyboy

Where?

[Stingray]

Thanks, I just noticed that myself, and came back here to edit my post. You beat me to it.

The red ones look really orange in the pic. How accurate is the color?

-S

[ponyboy]

Sorry for the confusion.  I updated the thread.  New colors and pics are at the begining of the thread.

Thanks,

Ponyboy

[ponyboy]

Thread updated.

Ponyboy

[cholin]

Alrighty, I got my stick today in the mail   Overall, the stick is excellent; very sturdy built stick.  The ball on the top unscrews fairly simple, but unfortunately, didnt look very good with my LED in it.  I'm guessing you'll need superbright LED's with decent viewing angles.  Ill try that again soon.  Now, the stick is wonderful in 8-way play.  The clicking is pretty loud, but it seems okay.  The throw is perfect IMO.  Not too long so you can't make fast moves, but not too short that it's irritating.  The stick in 4-way mode isnt as nice as I would have liked, but that's because of the restrictor.  I just think that the corners are a little too giving.  You wont tell once you get into a game, but compared to the last stick Ive used, this is a little strange (they all are when you get them ).  The PCB helps clean up your wires a bit, and is pretty cool to have.  The harness isnt very long though, and on the ends are male spade connectors, so basically, it provides a neater solution to hooking up your JS.  These are fantastic sticks, light ad sturdy  They work very well for some nice pacman   Once I take some pictures and measurements Ill post them...

[ponyboy]

I would like to thank the forum members who participated in the Translucent Balltop Joystic testing.

Thank you for your support.

Ponyboy

[ponyboy]

KITS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ponyboy