New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways

[markrvp]

I've been extremely busy with work this summer and just now got around to installing my 49-way balltop shaft.  The shaft being a little longer than the stock stick makes installing fl0yd's rotary adapter be a bit off.  Basically the extra length of the shaft causes it not to be down tight against the grommet.  You can pull the shaft up and down a little kind of like in a milk churn.

Since fl0yd's adapter eliminates use of the E-clip underneath, this problem could be fixed with a longer plastic sleeve that goes between the shaft and the rotary switch.

Has anyone else used their Versaball shafts with fl0yd's adapter?  If so, what was your workaround for the play in the shaft?

[Kremmit]

The hardware store has nylon washers & spacers in lots of sizes.  I bet you could find some that would take up the slack.

[fl0yd]

I have already started a conversation with the plastics company that did the coupler for the original shaft.

[fl0yd]

Bump

I would like replies from RandyT and the general public.

[Timoe]

I'm sure that I'll need at least 2 eventually.

[RandyT]

RandyT,  Have you already had a bunch of these pre-made, or is it possible to have them made without the additional 1/4" at the end?

These have already been manufactured in a relatively large quantity.

This seems like a simple problem to fix, however.  Just take the top spacer that originally came with the joystick and cut off a 1/4" chunk. Sand it down to about .165" while making the side you cut nice and square.  Add this to the spacer at the top and all should be well.

You may want to test fit it a couple times during the sizing (sanding) process to make sure you don't go too small.

I don't own one of the adapter kits, so I don't know for sure that this would work, but I don't see any reason it shouldn't.  It'll also make the stick a little taller, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your preference.


RandyT

[markrvp]

Randy:

Are you talking about the black sleeve that sits above the plateform?  If so, that sleeve is already on the shaft.

[RandyT]

Randy:

Are you talking about the black sleeve that sits above the plateform?  If so, that sleeve is already on the shaft.

Nope.  I'm talking about the small white one you removed from the joystick originally so you could replace it with the longer black one in the kit. 

That one isn't still on there too, is it?

RandyT

[fl0yd]

It shouldn't be still on there.  If trimming that one down works, I should be able to have my plastics guy make me some of the exact lengths needed.  Then I could just toss them in the kit and it would work for either shaft.

[markrvp]

Correct, the only sleeve underneath the plateform is the new white one from fl0yd.  So, cutting the short one down should work.

Next question:

If you weren't using fl0yd's adapter, then is it possible to remove the black sleeve above the plateform and use the higher E-clip ring to make the balltop sit closer to the CP?

[RandyT]

Next question:

If you weren't using fl0yd's adapter, then is it possible to remove the black sleeve above the plateform and use the higher E-clip ring to make the balltop sit closer to the CP?

Yes.  I put the extra e-ring slot in for those who might have a metal CP.  For this setting, you would remove the upper white spacer.

RandyT

[mahuti]

I, uh... broke 2, 2, 2 sticks in one. I took the red top off of my t-stik plus balltop, and tried to swap it with the dark cherry GGG versa49 balltop. The threads looked the same... I tried to put the red top on the versa shaft... and I broke the shaft off in the red top. I think I also slightly cracked the red ball.. so my pressure was a little over the top. That's what I get for using vice grips. . Minwah mentioned taking the top off the J-stick and drilling it out a bit to fit it onto the versa49 shaft.... the t-stik balltop had machined threads in it, so I didn't wanna drill it out, and they looked right. Must have been just barely off.

Don't take this as a statement about the quality of the versa49 shafts... just about the stupidity of yours truly.

[RandyT]

I, uh... broke 2, 2, 2 sticks in one. I took the red top off of my t-stik plus balltop, and tried to swap it with the dark cherry GGG versa49 balltop. The threads looked the same... I tried to put the red top on the versa shaft... and I broke the shaft off in the red top. I think I also slightly cracked the red ball.. so my pressure was a little over the top. That's what I get for using vice grips. . Minwah mentioned taking the top off the J-stick and drilling it out a bit to fit it onto the versa49 shaft.... the t-stik balltop had machined threads in it, so I didn't wanna drill it out, and they looked right. Must have been just barely off.

Don't take this as a statement about the quality of the versa49 shafts... just about the stupidity of yours truly.

If I recall correctly, the T-stik ball is an M6.  That translates roughly to .240".  The Versa shaft is threaded with good old American 1/4-20 which is .250".  It's close, but not close enough.  The sharp threads of the Versa shaft probably were cutting as it entered, but when it bound up toward the end, all that force broke the stainless.

I'll replace it at my actual cost.  Email me if you are interested.

RandyT

[Timoe]

I just got my Saphire blue ball top.  Thank you very much, it looks great.

I have a question (from a previous thread)  And I have searched to no avail

>>>>
Does anyone know if a standard Versaball replacement joystick from www.groovygamegear.com will work with a wico leafswitch joystick?

The website says it is compatible with Happ Super & Competition and I thought competitions would work in a Wico so.........

I'd like to have a matching ball top on my Wico

[RandyT]

I just got my Saphire blue ball top.  Thank you very much, it looks great.

I have a question (from a previous thread)  And I have searched to no avail

>>>>
Does anyone know if a standard Versaball replacement joystick from www.groovygamegear.com will work with a wico leafswitch joystick?

The website says it is compatible with Happ Super & Competition and I thought competitions would work in a Wico so.........

I'd like to have a matching ball top on my Wico

Sorry, but I'm pretty sure this won't work.  At least not without some modification to something here or there.

Do a search on the board here.  I'm pretty sure this came up at one time, but memory isn't what it used to be.

RandyT

[mahuti]

Don't worry about replacing it at your cost. I'll just buy a new one at full cost. I don't blame your product for my idiocy

Appreciate the offer, though.