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Flight stick: 8-way or analog?

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erictrumpet:

Greetings all,

I have been lurking at this forum for years but this is my first post. I've built two desktop controllers, and now I have a cab in the works.

I was not planning to incorporate a flight stick into my control panel design until I pulled out an old Thrustmaster PC stick I had in the closet (4-button with POV hat) and hooked it up to MAME and started using it as an analog stick. Now I know for sure I want a flight stick in my CP, but I don't know what kind to use:

Option 1: 8-way Happ (I've seen one of these in person and they are awesome -- I would get the version with two thumb buttons)

Option 2: Analog Happ (have not seen one, but I assume it's as nice as the 8-way -- however, if it has no thumb buttons which is how it appears to look on the Happ site, then this stick is out of the running... or could I add thumb buttons myself?)

Option 3: Just mount this Thrustmaster PC stick in my CP (it's analog and functional, and has plenty of buttons, but it's not "commercial-grade" or arcade-authentic like the Happ stuff)

Obviously I want only one flight stick, not two. So, should I go analog or 8-way?

The case for analog: If you need an analog stick for a certain game, an 8-way will not work at all, but if you need an 8-way, an analog will work (in other words, analog covers both bases although it's a bit of an authenticity compromise on 8-way games). An analog stick allows me to play Star Wars (I have no plans for a flight yoke, so without an analog flight stick, SW, ESB, and ROTJ will simply not be in my cab which would be a shame). Same goes for Afterburner and ABII, and whatever other analog flight games there may be.

The case for 8-way: It is "correct" for games like Zaxxon, Tron, Discs of Tron, etc. However, using my analog stick for these games has worked just peachy! Is there really any reason I should get an 8-way over an analog flight stick? Is the "feel" really that different?

I am leaning toward analog for the reasons above, unless there is a huge benefit to the 8-way that I am overlooking. And if I go analog, should I get the Happ stick or is the lack of thumb buttons a deal-breaker? Help!

Thanks for reading this wordy first post and I appreciate any comments/suggestions/recommendations.

Eric.




Matthew Fisher:

Personally, I would go with the Happs analog.  I think at least three of the models on the site have thumb buttons as well as triggers.  Check the exploded views and mounting instructions to be certain.  These things are expensive, but weigh like three pounds and are built like tanks.  Supposedly, high quality pots as well. 

Look on ebay for used ones (I got one for about $25), but be prepared to change the pots or make/buy an interface.  You should be able to find info on this topic by searching the forums. 

P.S.  Don't forget that Star Wars Arcade now seems to be fully working in MAME.  Maybe this is old news to some, but not to me.  Another essential analog stick game, IMO. 

erictrumpet:

Yayyyyy I am so glad to hear that SW Arcade is now fully working! I agree that game is a MUST-have! Thanks for your reply.

Regarding Happ analogs with and without thumb buttons, I just got off the phone with Happ and here's what the sales rep told me:

On the Tron-style stick, they are not allowed by Atari to make that particular stick with thumb buttons, even though Atari DOES allow them to make the 8-way version with thumb buttons.

So if I want the Tron-style stick, I would need to add the thumbuttons myself. I'm not sure sure how easy/difficult or even possible that would be. Has anyone done this? Looking at the exploded view it seems do-able.

Or, the Happ guy suggested part# 95-0394-00 which is a PC-compatible analog stick with the F-16 flight stick handle and all the buttons including 4-way POV hat switch. That puppy costs $299!

P.S. He also told me that Happ has updated their manufacturing facilities and they are no longer making products like this one-at-a-time on a bench, but now in a much more efficient up-to-date factory which means wait time for an order is reduced and in some cases prices have dropped. Good news!

Thanks and keep the comments on this topic coming... I still am not 100% sure on what to do here...

Eric.


ahofle:

I would definitely go analog as well.  Wish I had the money for a nice analog stick like that.

Farmboy90:

Hey Eric,

I am looking for guidance on this as well.  I want a stick that will work in Star Wars - don't we all?  :)

Anyway, if you do get one of the Happs Analog sticks are you considering the PC version?  I understand that one would allow you to hook up directly to your PC so you won't have to buy an interface board.  But I think the POTs are different so not sure about that.

Any ideas?

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