Original Pac-man Joystick question

[juggle50]

Hey guys

Thanks for your help in the last post.  Because I don't like the ball top on the Happ Reunion stick and Versa Replacement seems to me made for wood panels, I think I'm going to buy an original pac man stick. 

Here's my big question:  My metal control panel is specially drilled for happ mounting.  Can I modify the base of the original stick to fit in a happ style mount?  Do you think it's possible to drill holes in the original base for that purpose?

Also, I've heard a lot about a centering grommet.  I'm not quite sure what that is.  Should I get one?  Is it difficult to care for the old leaf swich?  I've heard something about silicone spray, is that something I need?

Thank you so much for your help, this board is really awesome!!!

[AlanS17]

If memory serves me correctly, the original bolt pattern for a Pacman joystick as spaced wider than the Happ replacement. I think there was some sort of mounting plate. Fashioning something yourself shouldn't be too hard.

A centering grommet is a piece built into the joystick that makes it return to the center after it's been pushed in one direction or another. You'd only need one if the one you have isn't working well.

[quarterback]

Hey guys

Thanks for your help in the last post.

[RayB]

I think there are adaptor plates (there are for Galaga, for example). So, what you could do is buy one of those, but mount it upside-down.

[whammoed]

Its probably the size/texture you don't like about the reunion.  Just get part number 6146K17 from http://www.mcmaster.com
It is Red and smooth and 1 3/8" like the original.  The Original ball was not smooth but it wasn't like the reunion either.  This ball is a lot closer.  Just unscrew the current ball and screw this one on.

[juggle50]

Thank you for the suggestion guys!!!  I think if I were to go to trouble to make adjustments to the versa-ball, I would probably want to go all out and make modifications to the original pac-man as I am looking to replicate the origional feel.

I love the mounting plate idea, the only problem is that I'm putting this in a cocktail (with a bunch of modified buttons) so I don't really have room for the 5.36" that is the length of the original plate.  I'd need to trim the edges.

Check this out, I called Happs today and these joysticks have tottaly different ball top sizes.  (1 3/8 vs 1 1/4)

http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/506084112.htm

and

http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/5060841125r.htm

Did anyone know that?  I just asumed that the pacman replacement was just a reunion stick with an extra mounting plate.  I ordered a couple of the 1 3/8 sticks just to see if I like them.  If not, then I may try to embark on the originals.

Let me know if you have other suggestions

[juggle50]

Whoops, just saw your post whammed.  I may try that too!!!!

thank you

[creatine28]

Here's a picture of an old style Pacman stick.

http://www.quarterarcade.com/GamePicture.aspx?c=&g=485&o=1&m=0

http://www.quarterarcade.com/GamePicture.aspx?c=&g=485&o=2&m=0

I put one just like this in my home made cocktail cab and it worked perfect.   I'll see if I can get some pictures posted for you this weekend.

If I recall correctly, I used 1/2 inch mdf board and sandwiched the pacman stick between the wood and a piece of sheet metal.

Let me see if I can explain it.

If you notice the base of the stick is square, I think I cut a square hole the size of the joystick base and then let the upper part of the joystick plates (looks like wings) rest on the top of the wood.  Then I put a piece of thin sheet metal over it with plexi.  I lost a little of the stick length, but not enough to really make a difference.  The stick works great and feels just like an old pacman cab!


Steve

[juggle50]

Thank you, I would love to see pictures.  My only issue is that I've got a 8 way installed to the right of it and 6 buttons to the left so I am crammed for space.  Please let me see what you did!!

[xonix_digital]

BRAVO on your choice to keep it old school!!! 

[creatine28]

Here's an older picture of my Original Pacman stick installed.  Sorry for the poor picture, the stick is actually taller than it appears in the picture.

[AlanS17]

If horizontal space is an issue, you can rotate the thing by 90 degrees and mount it that way. The joystick doesn't know the difference as long as it's wired properly.

[juggle50]

Thanks for the pic.  Man it looks cool.  The only issue with rotating the stick is that the origional is about 5.36" so I've read, and I've only got about 5" of space on the cocktail so I think I'd have to snip the edges.  Do you find that the original stick needs a lot of maintanance?

[creatine28]

Thanks for the pic.  Man it looks cool.  The only issue with rotating the stick is that the origional is about 5.36" so I've read, and I've only got about 5" of space on the cocktail so I think I'd have to snip the edges.  Do you find that the original stick needs a lot of maintanance?

Thanks!   Actually the stick has been very low maintenance. I haven't had to do anything to it.  When I originally bought it, I didnt know what to expect, so I bought a new centering grommet and new leaf switches.  I've had it installed for about 2 years and I haven't had to change to the new parts yet.  Guess the older stuff is built pretty good!  Not to mention the stick is pretty dang old.  It must be at least 20 + years!   Looks like it still has all the original parts!


Steve

[AlanS17]

I don't know if the stick I have in my Pac Man is THE original, but it's definitely AN original. It works great, too.