Anyone use this stick?

[maxxonline]

I was wondering if any of you have used this controller before?



I saw one at GameStop for 39.99 and I thought about picking it up.

[Tiger-Heli]

I saw one at GameStop for 39.99 and I thought about picking it up.  I am starting to build my first arcade and I thought this little controller could be nice to take apart and see how they have it wired up inside and just in general see the construction of the controller itself.

Don't think you'll see much you couldn't find from browsing the examples or taking apart a gamepad.

1. Anyone use this for testing?

Nope.  See below.

2. Can it be hooked up to a pc? (I read some where that if you use a usb/ps2 adapter it will work)

That particular one is for X-box.  They probably make a PS2 version which would be easier to interface with the adapter you mentioned.  See below.

3. Do all controllers make that clicking noise?  (I thought I saw something saying that it was either the super or competition sticks make a clicking noise like this, but im not sure so thats why I am asking)

The clicking is from the microswitches.  Leaf buttons or joysticks don't have it, but they aren't made anymore.  Super's have levers on the microswitches, but I think they still click.  Perfect 360 joys or 49-way joys don't click, but they're $$$.  You generally get used to it when playing a game though.

4. Should I spend the 40 bucks on this for experience or just pick up some wood and try to make my own? - this is an opinionated question.

Depends - You probably won't end up taking anything from that to your main project.  If you want something to try out to see if you're interested enough to build a cab, it could be useful.  If you plan to have a desktop PC that you could use it on while you are building your cab, or if you will use it occasionally on a desktop PC afterwards, it could be useful.

If you know you want a cab and don't plan to need it afterwards and are on a budget, then probably not.  (If you're on a budget, you found the wrong hobby).

[versapak]

1. I use 4 of the universal versions in my control panel. Other than the fact that they used solder for the connections to the microswitches, it is wired up just like any actual control panel would be.

2. It can be hooked up to the PC very easily. Xbox controllers are USB to start with. They just have a non standard plug on them. You can buy converters, or you can easily make one (just a matter of sticking a standard USB plug in place of the Xbox one).

3. Answered already.

4. Like I said... I used 4 of them in my cabinet. They do work great, as a starting point.

[Goz]

Is it wrong that I get wood when I see this....?

[Timoe]

I have the universal and the xbox version.  I'm sure I'll be using them for parts.  If not on my main cab then on a future coctail or a cab for a friend or something.

[markrvp]

Is it wrong that I get wood when I see this....?

YES 

[maxxonline]

I saw one at GameStop for 39.99 and I thought about picking it up.

[Tiger-Heli]

Ive looked around and didnt really see a straight answer on this but which stick is better to use?  Ive seen a lot of people that seem to like the Super Joystick from Happs but does it really feel that different or better then the Perfect 360 or the Ultimate or Competitions?

The only stick I've used is the Prodigy from www.groovygamegear.com.  I like them, but I'm not trying to say there the best, just that I don't have first hand knowledge of anything else.

Of what you've mentioned - in order from what others have posted, I would recommend:

49-way - Best universal stick out there, but requires the GP-Wiz49 or SJC and costs about $60-70 per stick when you add in the encoder.  The encoders will probably cover all your buttons so you make up a little in not needing the KeyWiz or I-Pac.

Perfect 360- Silky smooth, but not easy to change from 8-way to 4-way.

Super - Good for circular moves

Comps - Good for finding diagonals

Ultimates - Generally not well-liked.

[Dire Radiant]

Is it wrong that I get wood when I see this....?

YES

Unless it's 3/4" MDF or plywood.