Author Topic: Topfire Ball/Battops... (Read 14563 times)

markrvp · « **Reply #40 on:** June 23, 2005, 11:31:04 am »

Happ Super - This shaft will work for Super AND the MsPacman reunion base.

Please not the plastic spacer at the top of the shaft. You will either need to mill this as part of the stick OR have the spacer milled out of the same material as the sticks. When you buy a Super joystick, you get two different spacers. The spacer height determines how far above the base the stick sits. With the longer spacer (shown) the E-clip on the bottom goes in the groove closest to the end. When you use the shorter spacer, the shaft sticks further out the bottom of the base and you put the E-clip in the next groove up.

Happ Super with Longer Spacer

Total length: 6.05

markrvp · « **Reply #41 on:** June 23, 2005, 11:31:35 am »

I just realized something I should have known already.

conseit68 · « **Reply #42 on:** June 23, 2005, 11:32:53 am »

Franco...you getting all of this?

Timoe · « **Reply #43 on:** June 23, 2005, 11:45:47 am »

Happ 49 way (placeholder for baddasssk measurements by markrvp when he has time)

Franco · « **Reply #44 on:** June 23, 2005, 01:30:06 pm »

Markrvp, thats exactly the kind of info im after, awesome job!

quarterback · « **Reply #45 on:** June 23, 2005, 01:40:28 pm »

Quote from: Franco on June 23, 2005, 01:30:06 pm

Markrvp, thats exactly the kind of info im after, awesome job!

I agree.

markrvp · « **Reply #46 on:** June 23, 2005, 02:10:27 pm »

While we're at it, I pulled a Happ Competition stick from my CP to measure. Nice surprise. The Happ Super stick will fit right in the Competition base. You use the middle E-clip groove underneath. Here's a pic to show what I mean:

markrvp · « **Reply #47 on:** June 23, 2005, 03:20:33 pm »

Quote from: quarterback on June 23, 2005, 02:27:02 pm

Just to make sure I'm understanding: are you saying that the Tornado Terry longer sticks are really balltop Super shafts with an aluminum sleeve?

I believe Terry had his sticks custom made (possibly from IL directly) because they have the same ball top as the reunion sticks. He just had them extended 3/4" and added two E-clip notches and two sleeves so that you can use them in either wood or metal CPs.

Quote

Also, by looking at the two pictures you posted, it appears that the Reunion stick is actually a ball topped Competition shaft with an additional e-clip ring at the top (instead of the yellow plastic) and with only the bottom of the 3-grooves

I've not heard/seen this before. Can you confirm?

I think the reunion shaft is something different. The Super and Competition are identical metal shafts, just the plastic top and their distance to the notches is different. Pics below.

What I have found is that if one Top-fire stick is made based on the Super stick, then it will also work in the Super, Competition, and Reunion bases.

If additional E-clip notches are also added with corresponding length sleeves, then you can also adjust how high the handle sits above the panel. Of course you can also adjust your stick higher by routing out material under the panel, OR adjust your stick lower by adding washers between the joystick base and the CP bottom.

markrvp · « **Reply #48 on:** June 23, 2005, 03:25:02 pm »

When you look at the pic above, you can see that an E-clip would work on Terry's stick just like the regular Reunion stick (pictured below). However, when mounted high you would see the top-most e-clip groove if the sleeve didn't cover it. The sleeve acts as both the E-clip ridge and to hide that groove.

RayB · « **Reply #49 on:** June 23, 2005, 07:46:03 pm »

Don't forget to consider the diameter of the shafts. Looks like the competition is much smaller than the Super.

But a Wico shaft is about 1 or 2 mm wider than a Super shaft, so maybe you should be measuring this as well just to be safe...
(assuming you haven't already

)

markrvp · « **Reply #50 on:** June 23, 2005, 08:15:27 pm »

Quote from: RayB on June 23, 2005, 07:46:03 pm

Don't forget to consider the diameter of the shafts. Looks like the competition is much smaller than the Super.

That's a little picture distortion, the shafts are exactly the same diameter. I put the Super shaft into the competition base and actually played with it to make sure it would work.

dphirschler · « **Reply #51 on:** June 24, 2005, 10:58:33 am »

Man I just love the Happs Super. Looking at those shafts just makes me want to play. I sure hope a top-fire version gets done.

Darryl

markrvp · « **Reply #52 on:** June 24, 2005, 12:34:21 pm »

Quote from: RayB on June 24, 2005, 10:59:13 am

Where did my post go regarding diameters?

I had posted: The Wico shafts are about 1 or 2 mm in diameter wider than a Super shaft. If you haven't already considered this, please do.

(PS: The two threads should be merged.....)

Ray:

Look at the bottom of page 1 in this thread for the detailed measurements of the Wico 3.5" & 4" shafts.

I agree that separate sticks will be needed for Wico & Happ joysticks. However, the stick that fits the Happ super will also work in the Happ Competition and Reunion bases.

RayB · « **Reply #53 on:** June 24, 2005, 01:15:37 pm »

Quote from: markrvp on June 24, 2005, 12:34:21 pm

Ray:
Look at the bottom of page 1 in this thread for the detailed measurements of the Wico 3.5" & 4" shafts.

quarterback · « **Reply #54 on:** June 24, 2005, 04:02:40 pm »

Quote from: conseit68 on June 24, 2005, 09:21:37 am

lets not go off subject quarterback...please lets not hijack this thread with talks of buying shafts from others

Sorry. I've deleted some of my OT posts. I just got excited when I saw all those pictures with specific measurements and all

conseit68 · « **Reply #55 on:** June 24, 2005, 04:25:29 pm »

as we can all understand...its getting closer...woo hoo

MinerAl · « **Reply #56 on:** June 25, 2005, 04:03:43 am »

I think the "sleeve" is the key to easy trigger style sticks. Make a slightly thicker sleve with a trigger or even a simple push button at the top, and figure a way to keep it from spinning and I think you have your trigger stick with any stick you want.

AllisterFiend · « **Reply #57 on:** June 25, 2005, 11:30:06 am »

Quote from: AllisterFiend on June 22, 2005, 09:20:55 pm

Quote from: Franco on June 22, 2005, 01:22:25 pm
Ive got the T-Stick Plus's and Happ Rotaries covered myself. I also have the dim's for the Ms Pac Man shafts, I do need the ball diameter though (I expect you to time in on this one Kremmit!)

Thanks for all your input guys.

I have a T-Stick Plus that has been sitting in a box for over a year now and I probably wont use it as it has a red handle and does not go with my control panel, If you think you could use it for testing purposes or something, I can send it to you.

Allister Fiend

Conseit68,

T-Stick Plus on it's way, let me know if you receive it. should be there by Friday or Saturday.

I sent you a PM with tracking info if your are interested in having that.

I just want to thank You and Franco for you time and dedication, and everyone else who is helping this project along.

Allister Fiend

RayB · « **Reply #58 on:** June 25, 2005, 01:59:50 pm »

I MIGHT HAVE A SOLUTION!

It's common knowledge that Wico's Command Control "home" joysticks used arcade parts. I have one of their "Boss" joysticks, which is a "grip" style controller. I will open it up and see what they did to keep it from spinning.

~Ray B.

conseit68 · « **Reply #59 on:** June 26, 2005, 10:23:38 am »

UPDATE from Franco...

He is in the process of drawing up the information that Markrvp has been so kind enough to provide. Once complete I will have the machinist build a prototype of each and get some photographs. I would like to extend a special thanks to the "team" for this project (you know who you are) everyone's continued support has been invaluable.

Matt

Grasshopper · « **Reply #60 on:** June 26, 2005, 10:44:35 am »

It's an interesting idea but could you give us some idea of prices before we all get our hopes up.

Manufacturing custom parts in small quantities can be very expensive. According to Franco the metal sleeves under the bat/ball alone would cost about $10 to manufacture.

conseit68 · « **Reply #61 on:** June 26, 2005, 10:59:19 am »

Patience young grasshopper

Actually I am tring to calculate costs as we speak. You have to figure in many angles as you clearly indicated. But I do feel confident that a reasonable price will be reached. One thing that will play a factor is the market of people interested in these. But with the vast difference in prices with current joys on the market I assure that it won't "break" anyone's bank. With all of that being said, I need to get the designs finalized and the prototypes made (costs for prototypes coming out of my pocket alone) before any concrete prices can be presented.

Thanks,
Matt

conseit68 · « **Reply #62 on:** June 30, 2005, 08:56:34 am »

UPDATE...the machinist has the majority of the posts in this thread as reference. I explained the need for only one Happs shaft to cover them all. One question though...which Wico would be preferred 3.5" or 4"? Thanks for the support.

Matt

markrvp · « **Reply #63 on:** June 30, 2005, 10:36:30 am »

I vote 4" Wico. If they stick up too high you can use washers between the joystick base and bottom of the control panel to lower the height.

RayB · « **Reply #64 on:** June 30, 2005, 01:05:42 pm »

Compromise with 3.75" ?

Grasshopper · « **Reply #65 on:** June 30, 2005, 01:08:25 pm »

Although 3.5" shafts are difficult to mount on to wood I prefer them because I think the 4" shafts make the joystick's throw too long.

markrvp · « **Reply #66 on:** June 30, 2005, 02:11:13 pm »

Quote from: RayB on June 30, 2005, 01:05:42 pm

Compromise with 3.75" ?

I'm thinking inside the box. Since you're making them from scratch, they can be any length. I think 3.75" would be nicer than 4".

Grasshopper · « **Reply #67 on:** June 30, 2005, 07:39:24 pm »

How about a 3.5" shaft supplied with a 0.5" metal sleeve and extra groove so it can be converted to a 4", or would that add too much to the cost?

quarterback · « **Reply #68 on:** July 01, 2005, 02:46:23 am »

Quote from: Grasshopper on June 30, 2005, 07:39:24 pm

How about a 3.5" shaft supplied with a 0.5" metal sleeve and extra groove so it can be converted to a 4", or would that add too much to the cost?

That sounds like a good idea to me.

Additionally, I just posted a thread here about how I got a Wico stick to work in my Ms. Pac Reunion joystick base (which is basically a Happ Super).

conseit68 · « **Reply #69 on:** July 01, 2005, 09:29:13 am »

Thanks for the information quarterback. I will look into what your saying. Without a little more testing though, the idea is for shaft replacements without any additional parts for the end-user to have to purchase. As for the firing aspect...I am still stumped but working through it. As for the Wico shafts it seems we have concluded a 3.75" shaft. I am simple so thats what it shall be

Grasshopper · « **Reply #70 on:** July 01, 2005, 09:33:30 am »

Why not copy the Ms Pacman/Galaga shaft design and have a groove and e-clip at the top and bottom of the shaft? You could then achieve height adjustability simply by adding extra grooves.

Kremmit · « **Reply #71 on:** July 01, 2005, 08:47:17 pm »

Quote from: Grasshopper on July 01, 2005, 09:33:30 am

Why not copy the Ms Pacman/Galaga shaft design and have a groove and e-clip at the top and bottom of the shaft? You could then achieve height adjustability simply by adding extra grooves.

Somebody's going to be talking about intellectual property here, real soon.

conseit68 · « **Reply #72 on:** July 06, 2005, 09:46:06 am »

Quote from: Kremmit on July 01, 2005, 08:47:17 pm

Somebody's going to be talking about intellectual property here, real soon.

Blah Blah Blah

It bothers me that everyone lately comes to money and how to make a profit with the members here. I truly don't care who comes out with the product first. I am doing this first because I need a good topfire. Secondly, I figured that if anyone wanted to take the ride with me then they would be more than welcome. One note though is that it is my understanding that "Silkstik" is coming out with their own complete topfire joy. We on the other hand are coming up with a solution to simply convert existing and commonly used joys into ball/bat top AND front fires. I have also openly asked for assistance from many members here and with great response we are nearly complete...so if anyone else (even Silkstik) would like to pitch in then I would be happy to hear them. Thanks for listening to my ranting

conseit68 · « **Reply #73 on:** July 12, 2005, 11:16:56 am »

Ok very small update...

Markrvp has completed all measurements to my understanding

Franco is almost complete with the CAD drawings (Wico already received!!!)
Machinist 90% complete first prototype (Pics and suggestions soon)

Thanks again for everyones assistance and patience.

Matt

Timoe · « **Reply #74 on:** July 12, 2005, 11:53:14 am »

Will there be a 49way?

conseit68 · « **Reply #75 on:** July 12, 2005, 02:11:13 pm »

49way...are your refering to happs or midway?...happs (yes) midway (

)

Timoe · « **Reply #76 on:** July 12, 2005, 06:39:43 pm »

happs, awesome, I cant wait to see the prototype images!

slayj · « **Reply #77 on:** July 26, 2005, 02:21:20 pm »

How about a P360. I would LOVE to have a top fire for these!!!

conseit68 · « **Reply #78 on:** July 27, 2005, 12:06:26 am »

yep 360's also...

haven't forgotten about anyone...my machinist got hit with a ton of "real" work, so things have been delayed slighty.

thanks for everyone's patience,
Matt

Franco · « **Reply #79 on:** July 27, 2005, 04:46:13 pm »

Sorry for the delay on the drawings too. Im just moving house at the moment and everything is a bit hectic. Will get some more .dwgs to you asap.


Main	Restorations	Software	Audio/Jukebox/MP3	Everything Else	Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements	Monitor/Video	GroovyMAME	Merit/JVL Touchscreen	Meet Up	Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing	Woodworking	Software Support Forums	Consoles	Project Arcade	Reviews
Automated Projects	Artwork	Frontend Support Forums	Pinball	Forum Discussion	Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board	controls.dat	Linux	Miscellaneous Arcade	Wiki Discussion	Old Archives
Lightguns	Arcade1Up	Try the site in https mode		Site News


Unread posts \| New Replies \| Recent posts \| Rules \| Chatroom \| Wiki \| File Repository \| RSS \| Submit news