4-way dedicated vs. 4/8 switchable

[lovespicyfood]

I did a quick search but didn't find anything...

As some of you already know, I'm in the process of building my first cab.  I'm almost ready to cut my first panel of wood!   

I figure now is the time to start figuring out what I'm going to do with the CP.  I want to order most of the stuff soon so I'll have it ready to install without waiting too long...

I was thinking about using the MagStick Plus joysticks after reading the review on retroblast.  Unfortunately, I haven't seen a lot of forum members speak of their experiences with these.  It seems from the review that they work very well in 4way mode, perhaps because the joystick only deflects 5 degrees from center?

Would it be redundant to install a dedicated 4-way stick on my CP if I'm using these anyways? I'm guessing the "purists" would say install a 4-way to keep the traditional feel/throw.  I'm not concerned about that as much.  My big concern is that I don't want to hit "dead" spots in a 4/8 switchable joystick (if that is possible w/ the Magstick Plus').

In addition, if I do install a 4 way also, would it be dumb to also install 4/8 way joysticks for my 1 and 2 person?  Off the top of my head I can't think of any games that would require two 4 way joysticks...

The more I delve into this hobby the more complicated it gets.  I know this won't be my first cab, however, I want it to last me awhile while I build the next "grandaddy" cab!   

I'm planning on doing a 2 player CP with: 2 joysticks, a spinner and a trackball.  I'm looking at a design very similar to the Project Arcade CP, but I figure I could place a 4-way stick in very easily.

Any advice?  TIA

[kelemvor]

I just got and installedmy Mag Stik Plus last night and tried it out for the first time this morning.  That was the first thing I noticed is that the throw length is VERY short.  It seems to work fine just takes a bit of getting used to.

I haven't played with it much yes in actual games but it does go from 4 to 8 relatively easily once you play with it and figure it out.

I guess the best way to make a decisino is to figur eout which games you will be playing most often.  For me, I just play random games all the time so I need one that can go from 8 to 4.  But if you predominantly play 4-way games and want a stick dedicated to that, then you may want to get one.

End result is...  It's pretty much personal preference.

[Necro]

From everything I've read, and after playing the games in the arcade again, I think the main differences are restriction of movement in the joysticks.

Some switchables only make it impossible to hit the diagonals - but you can still move the joystick there.  If you get a restrictor plate or something along those lines, you only CAN hit 4 ways and you can feel the cross movement.  I think the magstick does this - I was thinking of getting one for this very reason.

If you get one, def. post your feelings on it.  A 4 way/Q-bert setup is on my list of control setups to make.

(By the time I get a job and then a house/bigger apartment I'm going to have 20 control panels, I swear).

[rwhip41]

If this helps...

I built a proto CP from peg board and used a T-Stik Plus (now called a Mag Stick Plus). As mentioned in previous posts, the throw was noticably short. Some people like that, and I can see that being a benefit to playing better. I did get used to it, but others that played always commented on the throw. The 4/8 way "switchabilty" was really nice.

When I built my final CP, I ended up going with a dedicated 4-way stick (J-Stik). I did so because I noticed that 4-way games had occasional issues with "hitting the direction change" on time in games like Pac Man and Burger Time. I was used to the short throw of the T-Stik Plus, but I thought (long term) I would like a longer throw and I liked the feel of the Happs 360.

So now I have three different sticks in my final CP...a dedicated 4-way (J-Stik), a dedicated Player 1 8-way (360) and a dedicated Player 2 8-way with a firing button on top (Happs top fire) for gmaes like Tron, Battle Zone, etc. I like the dedicated 4-way better than the T-Stik Plus...it feels better on 4-way games and, in my observation, respinds better. I was afraid to not do the CP totally right and get a "I wish I had done...different". I'm happy with my layout, except for maybe the spinner (sacrifices for others and they way they liked it).

I just finished the CP (still need to bundle some wires together to clean it up). It's a dedicated CP (no cabinet, as I built it for someone else) for portability (microbox PC set up and included).

[cobey]

I have two mag stick plus's. They are great in my opinion. I even put a ball top on the right one since that is the one we use for ms. pacman. They work great and the switchability is a HUGE plus.

[XtraSmiley]

No idea about the sticks as I've never used them, but...

Karate Champ takes 4, 4 ways.  Two for each player.  If I remember right.

[daywane]

If you are going to have only 1 CP, or 1 cab. Then a switchable J-stick
these are far better than a 8 way joystick playing a 4 way game. and you do not have to over stuff your CP (even though I do wish to build a Frank en panel)

I am finishing up my Ms Pac as I speak now. On this cab I am using a True Ms Pac
leaf stick. Bought off eBay and replaced all parts I could find to get it as close to new as I could get.

I fell a large difference from a old school leaf 4 way and a T-stick plus

[MYX]

I just did a total read on 49 ways the other night. It will allow for 4, 8, diag 4, 16 (useless), and 2 versions of 48 way when used with Randy's GP Wiz49. Do a read on it. I have totally replanned my cab CP because of that and the LED craze.

[lovespicyfood]

I haven't played with it much yes in actual games but it does go from 4 to 8 relatively easily once you play with it and figure it out.

Thanks for your comments regarding your new Mag Stik Plus'!  Question, when you're in 4-way mode, is it  just about impossible to hit "dead" spots?  That's my big concern and I'm thinking of all of the 4/8 jjoysticks, the ones w/ short throws probably respond better in 4 way mode.  I don't know though since it's only a guess on my part...

[lovespicyfood]

Some switchables only make it impossible to hit the diagonals - but you can still move the joystick there.  If you get a restrictor plate or something along those lines, you only CAN hit 4 ways and you can feel the cross movement.  I think the magstick does this - I was thinking of getting one for this very reason.

That's exactly what I was thinking.  I have an X-Arcade controller and when I "switch" it into 4 way mode it sucks IMHO.  I always hit the "dead" spots on the diagonals and it makes it impossible for me to play games likes Ms. Pac Man etc.

[lovespicyfood]

If this helps...
So now I have three different sticks in my final CP...a dedicated 4-way (J-Stik), a dedicated Player 1 8-way (360) and a dedicated Player 2 8-way with a firing button on top (Happs top fire) for gmaes like Tron, Battle Zone, etc. I like the dedicated 4-way better than the T-Stik Plus...it feels better on 4-way games and, in my observation, respinds better. I was afraid to not do the CP totally right and get a "I wish I had done...different". I'm happy with my layout, except for maybe the spinner (sacrifices for others and they way they liked it).

This helps immensely, thanks so much for taking the time to post your thoughts!  You CP sounds like a great combination!  I'm thinking I'll probably have to have a dedicated 4-way...

[lovespicyfood]

I have two mag stick plus's. They are great in my opinion. I even put a ball top on the right one since that is the one we use for ms. pacman. They work great and the switchability is a HUGE plus.

So you're not noticing any "dead" spots when you play Ms. Pac Man?  That would be good.  Thanks for taking the time to post!

[lovespicyfood]

I just did a total read on 49 ways the other night. It will allow for 4, 8, diag 4, 16 (useless), and 2 versions of 48 way when used with Randy's GP Wiz49. Do a read on it. I have totally replanned my cab CP because of that and the LED craze.

I'm guessing that when restricting directionals on a 49 way it's got to be software controlled, right?  Wouldn't that make it incredibly easy to hit "dead" spots while playing?  I don't know...just guesses on my part...  I'm thinking for my needs (mostly classic arcade playing), I'll be needing at the very least a "restricted motion" 8/4 way...  Again, I'm just learning so let me know if I'm wrong...

I just gotta decided whether I need something like two 4/8 way switchable joysticks for P1 and P2 and include a dedicated 4-way, or, if the 4/8 way has enough feel for my needs, perhaps putting a' single 49 way in the CP?  Ah....decisions decisions...

I gotta say this is such a great forum!  I've never had so much fun cruising and posting on a forum since back in 2001 when I bought my GSXR1000 and practically lived on gixxer.com that year!   

[RandyT]

I'm guessing that when restricting directionals on a 49 way it's got to be software controlled, right?  Wouldn't that make it incredibly easy to hit "dead" spots while playing?  I don't know...just guesses on my part...

Let me help you out there.  There are absolutely no "dead" spots on a 49-way when it is connected to a GP-Wiz49 controller and in 4-way DRS

[lovespicyfood]

Let me help you out there.  There are absolutely no "dead" spots on a 49-way when it is connected to a GP-Wiz49 controller and in 4-way DRS

[markrvp]

I'm guessing that when restricting directionals on a 49 way it's got to be software controlled, right?  Wouldn't that make it incredibly easy to hit "dead" spots while playing?  I don't know...just guesses on my part...

Let me help you out there.  There are absolutely no "dead" spots on a 49-way when it is connected to a GP-Wiz49 controller and in 4-way DRS

[boykster]

Can confirm that playing 4 way games with the GP-Wiz 49 in 4-way DRS mode is right on.  A regular 8-way joystick sucks for 4-way games.

Ah...beat me to it...I can also confirm that 4-way games using the GP-Wiz is outstanding.  Not physically restricted, but no "dead spots" at all.  When you're rotating around (through the diagonals) the stick transitions from up-> left with no hiccups at all (donkey kong, etc).  Oh, and I got a balltop for mine for that great retro ball top feel.  Now I just need to get another one to replace my P2 stick...I'm going to make these my dedicated p1/p2 sticks and get rid of my dedicated 4-way.

Certainly more expensive than 2 inexpensive 8-ways and a 4-way, but the ease of use factor is a biggie for me, I like to be able to have my guests/gamers (and me) just pick a game and play...not puzzle over which stick to use.....

Rich

[lovespicyfood]

Can confirm that playing 4 way games with the GP-Wiz 49 in 4-way DRS mode is right on.  A regular 8-way joystick sucks for 4-way games.

Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it!

[lovespicyfood]

Ah...beat me to it...I can also confirm that 4-way games using the GP-Wiz is outstanding.  Not physically restricted, but no "dead spots" at all.  When you're rotating around (through the diagonals) the stick transitions from up-> left with no hiccups at all (donkey kong, etc).  Oh, and I got a balltop for mine for that great retro ball top feel.  Now I just need to get another one to replace my P2 stick...I'm going to make these my dedicated p1/p2 sticks and get rid of my dedicated 4-way.
Certainly more expensive than 2 inexpensive 8-ways and a 4-way, but the ease of use factor is a biggie for me, I like to be able to have my guests/gamers (and me) just pick a game and play...not puzzle over which stick to use.....
Rich

Rich, thanks for the informative reply.  This is exactly the sort of information I was looking to find.  This sounds like an ideal setup for a multi-use cab!