| Main > Main Forum |
| New Product: Ultimarc UltraStik 360 Analog/Digital Mappable Joystick |
| << < (14/45) > >> |
| destructor:
I think for professional playing restrictor plates will be required. Even if I must buy 3 restrictor plates (round, octagonal, square) probably this will more cheap and more comfortable than buy 4 or 5 sticks and change stick for different games. We will see, patience. |
| RetroJames:
--- Quote from: Pasqualz on June 12, 2006, 03:49:26 pm ---Does anyone know of the existence of a review of this joystick yet? I await more info. . . --- End quote --- Andy's waiting on some springs then will ship review items to RetroBlast for review. Word is kevin will be coming out of retirement for this one! |
| RandyT:
Note: This and my following post were originally in a another members thread. Out of respect for the vendor, I refrained from posting my thoughts in his new product announcement thread as I find that action to be in poor taste. However, the mods apparently found it desirable to merge the two threads, so here we are.... --- Quote from: Kremmit on June 12, 2006, 07:20:07 pm ---I can see two problems with using these sticks as a 4-way: Hardware restriction vs. digital restriction A digitally-restricted analog or 49-way stick will play better than a standard 8-way on 4-way games.... --- End quote --- I don't want this to be viewed as "competition bashing" because it's not the way it is intended. I've also never seen one of these sticks "in flesh", so keep that in mind as well. However, as the first individual to introduce a working digital restriction scheme on a joystick controller, I'd like to think I understand a little bit about what's required :) That being said, I have some real concerns as to whether any external mapping system, outside of simple dead-zone control, will have an effect on a true analog stick where, theoretically, actuation is equal in all directions of movement. Chopping up an already excellent range of actuation into coarse blocks and then forcing the controller to guess the intentions of the player is, well, puzzling at best. Especially when that information is already available with full accuracy. To explain a little further, there are very simple maps that, theoretically, are the best maps available for any analog joystick that offers equal actuation of the sensors in every direction, as is usually their goal. Coincidentally, these maps are already being used in any game where its programmer has even the slightest clue. They are are as follows: Interestingly enough, the actuation of a properly adjusted 8-way digital stick looks exactly like the above 8-way analog map. So the question that arises is how exactly functionality can be increased via mapping, when the "go anywhere" actuation of an analog stick so closely resembles that of a dedicated 8-way. Especially when any attempts at digital restriction on 8-way digital sticks have always failed. If anyone can, after reading what I have written above and after viewing the diagrams, relate how those basic "maps" already built into every game can be improved upon for an analog stick, please bring it up in this thread for discussion. Personally, I am having a very difficult time seeing it. And before the theoretical comparisons start, let me just state in advance that the 49-way sticks are very different mechanically, and it is that difference that allows them to do what no other stick has yet been able to (head-to-head comparisons of the mapping modes of this unit notwithstanding). Now, it is possible that the simple analog nature and construction methods of the unit will improve gameplay over switch sticks across the board. I can neither support nor refute that claim, as that would be pretty stupid to do without actually using one. I'm only looking to discuss why individuals might think that the addition of mapping to an analog stick will provide benefit, particularly as it has been implemented in this unit. Thanks for reading and I look forward to some lively discussion on the topic. :) RandyT |
| Grasshopper:
I asked Andy about the restrictor plates in the original thread: Q: If you fit the 4/8 way restrictor plate, can it still be rotated without dismantling the joystick (like the J-Stik) in order to switch between 4 and 8 way operation? A: Yes the 4-8 way restrictor plate can be rotated without dismantling the stick. So if you fit the 4/8 way restrictor plate you do get a proper mechanically restricted 4-way joystick that can also easily be switched to 8-way operation. The only possible downside is that some games work better with a circular restrictor in 8-way mode. |
| Grasshopper:
--- Quote from: RandyT on June 13, 2006, 12:47:39 pm ---Interestingly enough, the actuation of a properly adjusted 8-way digital stick looks exactly like the above 8-way analog map. --- End quote --- Actually that's not true because the dead zone won't be circular. |
| Navigation |
| Message Index |
| Next page |
| Previous page |