Author Topic: Trigger handle replacement for Happ super joystick (Read 7682 times)

Mamezilla · « **on:** January 19, 2003, 08:35:22 pm »

Hello,

When last month I ordered parts for my desktop control panel from Happs, I got three super joysticks from them, since they were on sale at that time. I have installed 2 of those in my panel. However, it is not the ideal solution if I want to play some games like Tron.

I could install the third super joystick in my panel, and if it is possible, change the handle of that one for another one that would have a trigger in it. It seems possible, because on the 1uparcade.com website at this address http://www.1uparcade.com/arcade-hardware.html, he installed Raider Pro grips on them.

Are there any other ways to achieve the same thing ? Where could I get a replacement trigger handle for my super joystick ?

Thank you !

1UP · « **Reply #1 on:** January 20, 2003, 06:25:31 am »

Ahh, you've been to my site!

The blue Raider Pro joystick handles are popular right now, but just about any analog PC joystick handle would work. You just need to find a way to mount the handle on a hollow shaft, to allow the wires to pass through.

If you want a real Tron joystick handle, they are sometimes sold on Ebay, without the joysticks attached...

Mamezilla · « **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2003, 08:20:44 am »

Hello,

Thanks for your reply. I do not need to have exactly a Tron handle, but anything whit a trigger handle would do. What kind of shaft did you use for you to mount those Raider pro handles to your super joysticks ?

By the way, that machine rocks !!!

Thanks.

MrBond · « **Reply #3 on:** January 20, 2003, 04:30:51 pm »

I just bought 2 "gamepro gear Prosticks" from Ollies Bargain Outlet for 4 bucks. Thought it was a nice deal. I'm going to use these like 1-up did as well. (Not sure about the glow wire though, as the sticks are black

) Anyway, I'm still not sure how to mount these things on my regular joystick bases. Could you give me advise on how to do this correctly?

eightbit · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2003, 10:06:10 am »

I've seen where guys have used nut drivers that look like screw drivers and just removed the handle from them. These typically have a hollow shaft.

dhansen · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2003, 12:04:02 am »

I'm a little disapointed with my raider hack, the stick is a little loosey goosey compared to a true Tron stick. I suppose if I use a heavier spring in the super this might help (do they make these?). I used a steel hollow shaft from a hobby shop when I built my stick...I think it was 3/8"

eightbit · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2003, 10:12:43 am »

Quote from: dhansen on January 22, 2003, 12:04:02 am

Looks sweet!

SS427 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2003, 10:32:08 am »

Has anyone tried hacking a wingman joystick? Will they work?

427

rampy · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2003, 10:40:47 am »

Quote from: SS427 on January 22, 2003, 10:32:08 am

Has anyone tried hacking a wingman joystick? Will they work?

427

Oscar did a wingman warrior hack here

Mamezilla · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2003, 02:25:01 pm »

Well, I've checked at my local HomeDepot type store for a nut driver that has a hollow shaft and that would have the same diameter that the super joystick shaft, but no luck.. Anyone have another idea about it ?

Thanks

eightbit · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2003, 10:01:46 pm »

Quote from: BuhBuh-Ray on February 02, 2003, 02:25:01 pm

Well, I've checked at my local HomeDepot type store for a nut driver that has a hollow shaft and that would have the same diameter that the super joystick shaft, but no luck.. Anyone have another idea about it ?

Found in the message archive-

Quote from: PCC on June 04, 2002, 09:02:53 pm

The Happ Top Firebutton Super Joystick has a hollow shaft. The top doesn't unscrew, but you can heat it up and pull it off. People have attached flight sticks to these in the past.

8-way Top Firebutton Super Joystick / Happ Part# 50-8000-10
4-way Top Firebutton Super Joystick / Happ Part# 50-4000-10

You can order just the knob/shaft as Happ Part# 50-8010-00

Grasshopper · « **Reply #11 on:** February 03, 2003, 02:30:06 pm »

Quote from: dhansen on January 22, 2003, 12:04:02 am

I'm a little disapointed with my raider hack, the stick is a little loosey goosey compared to a true Tron stick. I suppose if I use a heavier spring in the super this might help (do they make these?). I used a steel hollow shaft from a hobby shop when I built my stick...I think it was 3/8"

Very nice looking panel indeed. Please can you answer a quick off-topic question. I vaguely remember from a previous post that you bought the orange ball top handles from n2new@aol.com. I'm just wondering whether they are fitted to Super/Competition bases or Wico bases, and whether you had to do any routing to get them to the correct height?

Thanks in advance

MrBond · « **Reply #12 on:** February 03, 2003, 03:41:45 pm »

I had a hard time finding the shafts. I looked all over the place for 3/8" steal tubing. No one has any. I saw all kinds of "pipe", except they bend...which is really a bad idea for a joystick shaft. I didn't want to go out and buy two nutdrivers just to distroy them, plus they are made of hardened steel. Think of what their purpose is, they aren't too easy to cut a hole through or bisect. I happened to have some old golf clubs and guess what, they're hollow. Problem is they are graduated. However, this might be an advantage, as the "small" end can fit into the base of the joystick, while the "larger" end can fit snuggly into the middle, acting as a diterent to having the joystick turn around or come out of it's socket. I may attach some sort of e-clamp on the bottom, but it's not really needed.

eightbit · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2003, 03:55:17 pm »

Quote from: MrBond on February 03, 2003, 03:41:45 pm

I had a hard time finding the shafts. I looked all over the place for 3/8" steal tubing. No one has any. I saw all kinds of "pipe", except they bend...which is really a bad idea for a joystick shaft. I didn't want to go out and buy two nutdrivers just to distroy them, plus they are made of hardened steel. Think of what their purpose is, they aren't too easy to cut a hole through or bisect. I happened to have some old golf clubs and guess what, they're hollow. Problem is they are graduated. However, this might be an advantage, as the "small" end can fit into the base of the joystick, while the "larger" end can fit snuggly into the middle, acting as a diterent to having the joystick turn around or come out of it's socket. I may attach some sort of e-clamp on the bottom, but it's not really needed.

Cheap nutdrivers are relatively soft and can be had for a couple bucks each. You need to go to one of those cheap junk import tool stores. You ever tried using one of those cheap nut drivers with a vise grips locked onto it for a little extra leverage? The one I used wasn't hardened thats for sure.

Golf club handle sounds like it might work. But I'd be concerned about the fit and cheap golf glub handles aren't very hard, but maybe hard enough.

Ok I'm just throwing this idea out, I haven't tried it but inside my head it sounds like it should work. Use the origanel handle, just cut a groove down the side of it for the wire to slip into. If wire exposed between the bottom of the handle and the top of the control panel use a plasic sleeve, a rubber boot or even black electircal tape to hold it in and hide it. You could cut the groove with a dremel and a metal cutting disc. This would be cheap if you already have a dremel. Clamp the joystick handle into a vice and groove away.

MrBond · « **Reply #14 on:** February 03, 2003, 10:13:51 pm »

Wow, that sounds doable eightbit. Any idea as to how to get those "balls" off the top of the old Wico sticks? I might try this, since I have the original joysticks (obviously). All of the joystick is covered up above the CP, as I bought two nylon spacers (will either paint or electrical tape them so they are black)...
Now, how much is a metal cutting disc...

eightbit · « **Reply #15 on:** February 04, 2003, 12:16:18 am »

The metal cutting disks are like mini grinding wheels. They come about 50 in a pack I think. You should be able to cut the plastic handle of the shaft with those. I wonder if the metal part of the shaft extends far enough to make it long enough to hold the raider handle?

The Man · « **Reply #16 on:** February 04, 2003, 12:45:02 am »

Quote from: MrBond on February 03, 2003, 10:13:51 pm

Wow, that sounds doable eightbit. Any idea as to how to get those "balls" off the top of the old Wico sticks? I might try this, since I have the original joysticks (obviously). All of the joystick is covered up above the CP, as I bought two nylon spacers (will either paint or electrical tape them so they are black)...
Now, how much is a metal cutting disc...

Put them in the freezer (or outside in the cold), place it on the cement and one good smack with the hammer will take them right off. I woud wear some safety glasses too, those suckers blow all apart.

That's what I've done in the past. Good Luck!
TM

Karman · « **Reply #17 on:** February 04, 2003, 05:13:46 pm »

Where can you buy the glow wire?

eightbit · « **Reply #18 on:** February 04, 2003, 06:29:30 pm »

Quote from: Karman on February 04, 2003, 05:13:46 pm

Where can you buy the glow wire?

http://glowire.com/

Mamezilla · « **Reply #19 on:** February 09, 2003, 03:02:59 pm »

Quote from: eightbit on February 03, 2003, 03:55:17 pm

Cheap nutdrivers are relatively soft and can be had for a couple bucks each. You need to go to one of those cheap junk import tool stores. You ever tried using one of those cheap nut drivers with a vise grips locked onto it for a little extra leverage? The one I used wasn't hardened thats for sure.

Golf club handle sounds like it might work. But I'd be concerned about the fit and cheap golf glub handles aren't very hard, but maybe hard enough.

Ok I'm just throwing this idea out, I haven't tried it but inside my head it sounds like it should work. Use the origanel handle, just cut a groove down the side of it for the wire to slip into. If wire exposed between the bottom of the handle and the top of the control panel use a plasic sleeve, a rubber boot or even black electircal tape to hold it in and hide it. You could cut the groove with a dremel and a metal cutting disc. This would be cheap if you already have a dremel. Clamp the joystick handle into a vice and groove away.

I finally managed to find a nutdriver with a hollow shaft. It was a Xcelite 3/8" nutdriver model HS12V. I found it in a local electronic parts store, and paid $7.00 canadian for it. The diameter of the shaft seemed to be the same than the one from the super joystick. I was able to remove the handle rather quickly with a dremel, and cutting off the head was easy too. There is however a little loose when I put it in the joystick. I will have to put a small layer of something to make it fit without loose in the joystick base, like electrical tape or something like that, unless you guys have other suggestions.

As for the trigger handle itself, I checked if I could find a Raider pro joystick, but they are nowhere to be found where I live in canada. Ordering them from the states is out of the question, since my last order from Happ was way too high for my budget, with the currency exchange rate, customs, etc... and I don't want to be flamed by the wife... $:-\$

Are those available somewhere in Canada ? or is there any discount or surplus store in this country where I could find a trigger handle for cheap, and where I could order either online, by phone or snail mail ?

From a guy wanting to make his control panel better, while keeping is marriage intact...

Karman · « **Reply #20 on:** February 09, 2003, 03:41:53 pm »

Here in the US, Raider Pro's are available at Best Buy for $9.99.

MrBond · « **Reply #21 on:** February 09, 2003, 10:20:34 pm »

Quote from: The Man on February 04, 2003, 12:45:02 am

Quote from: MrBond on February 03, 2003, 10:13:51 pm
Wow, that sounds doable eightbit. Any idea as to how to get those "balls" off the top of the old Wico sticks? I might try this, since I have the original joysticks (obviously). All of the joystick is covered up above the CP, as I bought two nylon spacers (will either paint or electrical tape them so they are black)...
Now, how much is a metal cutting disc...

Put them in the freezer (or outside in the cold), place it on the cement and one good smack with the hammer will take them right off. I woud wear some safety glasses too, those suckers blow all apart.

That's what I've done in the past. Good Luck!
TM

Freezing and hammering didn't work on the ball top joystick. Hacksaw also failed. Any ideas? Think I'm sticking with the golf club shafts.

eightbit · « **Reply #22 on:** February 09, 2003, 10:27:06 pm »

Quote from: MrBond on February 09, 2003, 10:20:34 pm

Freezing and hammering didn't work on the ball top joystick. Hacksaw also failed. Any ideas? Think I'm sticking with the golf club shafts.

Dremel with cutting disk.

MrBond · « **Reply #23 on:** February 09, 2003, 10:29:42 pm »

Quote from: Karman on February 09, 2003, 03:41:53 pm

Here in the US, Raider Pro's are available at Best Buy for $9.99.

Here's one on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3005752006&category=3677

I got mine for $1.99 each at Ollies Bargain Outlet. (There not called "Raider Pro", they're "GamePro Gear Prosticks", but there are EXACTLY the same, except for the Interact and Raider Pro Logo.) I'll buy some for ya if you want and ship for actual shipping if they are still available.

EDIT >> Forgot to mention, these are black like the one on the ebay auction.

spidermonkey · « **Reply #24 on:** February 09, 2003, 10:41:30 pm »

I think most of the folks around here want the translucent blue ones so they can light em up but if not then thats a damn good deal.

Mamezilla · « **Reply #25 on:** February 15, 2003, 11:27:50 pm »

Well, here is a little update. I managed to find a trigger handle in a local flea market for $4.00 canadian. I think it was originally for a Nintendo console, but I am not sure. Anyway for what I need, It looks fine. BTW, I'd like to thank MrBond for his offer in a previous post. It was appreciated.

Now, the only problem left is how to prevent the hollow shaft to rotate in the super joystick. Would some of you guys have any ideas about this ?

Thanks in advance.

Brax · « **Reply #26 on:** February 16, 2003, 09:32:41 am »

Dremel a keyway type slot into your joystick base (alla 1up.... and others) and put a small pin in your shaft to fit into the slot.

Btw, if you're in Ontario, Best Buys are here now and they do carry the Blue Raider Pros.

u_rebelscum · « **Reply #27 on:** February 16, 2003, 09:48:42 am »

Quote from: BuhBuh-Ray on February 15, 2003, 11:27:50 pm

Now, the only problem left is how to prevent the hollow shaft to rotate in the super joystick. Would some of you guys have any ideas about this ?

I just wrapped a couple layers of clear packing tape around the shaft of my raider pro hack. The handle can still be forced to turn, but stay in place when left alone. They're actually harder to turn than my standard sticks on by standard supers. Plus with the triggers, my fingers hold the sticks in the right direction when I play. Don't know how they'd stand up to a bunch of teenagers though.

Mamezilla · « **Reply #28 on:** February 16, 2003, 10:20:42 am »

Quote from: Brax on February 16, 2003, 09:32:41 am

Btw, if you're in Ontario, Best Buys are here now and they do carry the Blue Raider Pros.

Unfortunately (for me...), I'm in Quebec. And it's not my fault....

BTW, didn't Best Buys buy Future Shop ? I thnk I saw that in the news a while back. They were supposed at that time to keep existing FS stores, but the new stores they would open would be Best Buys. They probably will open one in Montreal, but outside of that area, I doubt it.

Thanks everyone for the inputs.

Brax · « **Reply #29 on:** February 16, 2003, 10:38:32 pm »

Quote from: BuhBuh-Ray on February 16, 2003, 10:20:42 am

Quote from: Brax on February 16, 2003, 09:32:41 am
Btw, if you're in Ontario, Best Buys are here now and they do carry the Blue Raider Pros.

Unfortunately (for me...), I'm in Quebec. And it's not my fault....

BTW, didn't Best Buys buy Future Shop ? I thnk I saw that in the news a while back. They were supposed at that time to keep existing FS stores, but the new stores they would open would be Best Buys. They probably will open one in Montreal, but outside of that area, I doubt it.

Thanks everyone for the inputs.

I heard they did buy them out but the two stores still have different stock.


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