new (? i think) idea for 4 way limiting

[Dak-ak]

i have an idea for a bottom mounted 4way limiter so i did some quick animation, and lets see what you guys think...



i was looking at the bottom of my super, and noticed two small, useless holes... they don't actually DO anythin, and im sure they do not have anything behind them...



my idea is to build a 4way limiter that sits below the joystick, with two poles resting in the two holes on the bottom of the base... when you pull up on a plunger next to the stick (i was thinking it would be convienient to route it through the big mounting holes that i don't even plan on using)



seems simple... you spring load it so that it wants to stay down (gravity might be sufficient) and then you simply find a way of keeping it up in the 4way position... im thinking mount the pull knob so that it can turn and it has a notched slot, so it will only go back down when you turn it back to center or something... a small detail for this do-it-your-self crowd

[kspiff]

 
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Huh?  Did you say something?

Sorry, I was thinking about T-Sticks..

Seriously, though.. sounds like more work than it's worth and there are other ways to switch from 4/8-way that are inexpensive (maybe not as quick and easy, but I'd prefer to have the switching ability locked off from guests anyways, myself).  Besides, it looks like something like that would have to be stainless steel or a very hard plastic to avoid breakage and bending.. not only that but if they aren't made with precision tools then the 4-way action won't be very 'true,' either..

I feel like a jerk coming down on your idea, there, but.. some ideas just tend to look better/more feasible on paper than they really are..

[Wade]

I think it could work, since it is essentially the same way of limiting movement as the switchable J-stik and T-stiks from Ultimarc.

However, if it is for home use, it is very easy to just flip open the control panel and switch a J-stick.  Takes me all of 30 seconds.  Have you considered this as an option?

Wade

[djsting]

Then again you could just go to Oscar Controls and buy the joystick restricter plate and restricters (they are VERY reasonably priced).  This solution also allows you to go from a 4-way Pac-Man orientation to a 4-way Q-bert orientation as well as a 2-way verticle or horizontal option.  How much more flexible can you get!!

[creatine28]

I Kinda like that idea, let me know if you get working!  I like tinkering with that sort of stuff!

[Dak-ak]

i suppose its important to point out that my dad is a machinist, so i have access to all the tools i could ever need (he does just about everything, so that includes woodworking tools)

i was looking for a swank, simple solution that looks nice... flipping up the cp is easy, but not what i want... plus, i don't HAVE a j-stick... im all about building my own thing, so oscar is out (no offense to his nice looking products... but i think the name BYOAC says it all for me)

seems like a little knob would be a pretty nice solution... if anyone has other happ sticks, would they mind looking for those holes? im wondering if its just supers or if all their sticks have them....

~Dak~

[shmokes]

Yeah...the only reason to limit your guests from switching between 4-way and 8-way is BECAUSE you have to open the control panel to do it.  Dak's idea would make it idiot-proof.  Something else that could be done by someone other than me (I lack the skills, but I think it may be a sound idea) is to get a switchable stick like the T-stick or J-Stick and make a motorized unit using little step motors or something to move the restrictor between 4-way and 8-way.  How cool would that be.  You could just mount a little switch on your control panel -- flick it one way for 4-way or the other for 8-way.  It might even be easier than Dak's idea for those without a machinist friend/relative.

[Wade]

I think the idea could work, and if you have access to machine tools then go for it.

Another option like schmokes would be to modify J-stiks or T-sticks with a long lever or cable to mechanically switch them between 8 and 4 way, instead of using a motor.  Bottom line, if you really don't want to open the panel, there are a variety of ways to switch the modes.

Good luck on your idea and of course, let us see the finished product if you complete your design!

Wade

[hyiu]

seems like a workable idea...

I hope you don't mind me adding in somewhat...

when you pull up the plate.... set a "click in" mechanism...
so that once its in place, it won't fall.....

then the stick will be 4 way....

by a push of a button... (could be on the side... not necessary on top).... then it releases the "click in" mechanism and gravity takes in effect and the plate falls and it becomes a 8 way again....

so... pull for 4 way.... push to unlock and it becomes 8 way...

well.... but I won't be able to do it cos I think you'll need quite some tools to get this kind of precision.....
and the plate should be a metal (stainless steel) plate....

I don't have any metal working equipment....  

good luck...

but if you can get it together.... or have more detail / updated plans.... plz post pics !!!....  

[Dak-ak]

exactly what ive been thinking... pull up and it locks in place...

does anyone with other (non-super sticks) joysticks know if theirs has holes underneath?

[Aceldamor]

Comps don't have any holes....

[OSCAR]

exactly what ive been thinking... pull up and it locks in place...

does anyone with other (non-super sticks) joysticks know if theirs has holes underneath?

To be honest, I haven't seen these holes on a Super base.  I have about 6-7 Supers laying around, and not one of them has these holes.




And here is a pic of the Competition base.  Your idea is interesting, however it would have to be designed for a specific joystick and it wouldn't be "universal" as joysticks vary quite a bit once you get below the top of the base.  On the Comp, for example, there is very little (if any) room on the shaft for a restrictor to get a 'bite' on because the white actuator is so large.

[kspiff]

Here's another thought, though.. wouldn't the pegs that go into the base of the joystick hinder its movement?  There is a large radial spring in there and it has to have room to move..

[Dak-ak]

wow, that is weird... that super base looks just like mine (it is a super) but it has two holes in it... all 4 of my sticks do :-)  must b a specific run of sticks..  id upload a picture, but i dropped my digicam :-(

i stuck a screw into the hole, and found that it did not impede stick motion at all, nor did it seem to touch the spring...

ill try to build one this weekend... we'll see how it turns out :-)

~Dak