New leaf-switch project - I need your help

[benarcade]

I want to put together a leaf-switch console and have quite a few questions. It appears that the switches, at least, are sold in separate parts - is that right? Looking at Bob Roberts' site, it looks like there are several parts to a button:

• Button $1
• Pal Nuts $1
• Leaf Switch & Holder $3
• Spacers $1

So I need to buy 4 different items to get a single leaf-switch button? Also, which is better, the nylon or fiberboard? If I want to install the buttons in a 3/4" wood board, do I need the "short" or "long" buttons? - I'm assuming the "long" ones.

Do I need a leaf switch with a resistor? What does the resistor do?

Here's my shopping list at http://therealbobroberts.net/parts.html. Am I missing anything?

• 2 Red Ball 4/8 Way Leaf Joystick = $20.00 [One for 8-way, and one for 4-way]
• 1 White player 1 & 2 pushbutton set = $3.50 [These don't need to be leaf]
• 9 Leaf sw & holder only for wood CPs Gold Flashed Contacts $27.00 [Switches with holder]
• 2 Leaf sw pal nuts (Needed for above holders!) = $2 [10 total nuts]
• 9 Leaf button only long (4 gold, 2 red, 1 green, 2 blue) = $9 [Green for coin]

Total = $61.50

Then I need an I-PAC2 from ultimarc, some wires and connectors, wood. Total should be somewhere around $100.

IPAC2 question: I see that it has PS/2 keyboard in/outs. They don't specifically say how to plug it into the USB - so I assume it comes with a standard ps/2 to usb converter? I'm gunshy now that I've experienced the incompatibility of x-Arcade with standard USB converters.

And here's a quick mockup of the layout:

[Encryptor]

There is another alternative that will still allow you to use leaf switches. It is a new style that ponyboy is selling in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum here.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=36770.0

Go to this thread, scroll down and look at the 4th picture down. It's a green Happs button with a new leaf style bracket.

Just something to consider.

Encryptor

[Encryptor]

Oh and I forgot to put this in. The bracket leaf switches are 2.15 each and what ever the button minus the micro switch cost. Around 1.50 or so. It's a bit cheaper than the way you were looking at doing it.

Encryptor

[whammoed]

If putting in 3/4" material, you won't need the spacers, just the holders with long buttons.

You can use the short buttons without the holder though, just screw the leaf switches directly to the 3/4" material.

[Level42]

Do NOT buy that joystick ! It's rubbish:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=41573.0

Also don't buy the leaf switches that Bob Roberts indicates as IMPORT, those are the same "quality" leafs as used on that joystick.

I can't understand why Bob is selling these....a man with such experience in the business should know better.

Indeed, getting the leafs that Ponyboy sells is a much better option. There is no real good alternative for a good quality new joystcik. You'd have to be very lucky to find an original Wico leaf joystick on e-bay or something.
If you hate microswitches like me, I suggest the Suzo Inductive sticks.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=42066.0
and
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=53719.0 if you don't like the looks.

 $17,95 each at www.tntamusements.com.

Ultimarc also has a great new stick that doesn't use either microswitches or leafs:
http://www.ultimarc.com/ultrastik_info.html

[benarcade]

Okay - so I need to reconsider my list it seems. How do I buy buttons from Ponyboy? Doesn't anyone make a good leaf joystick anymore? Do I have to find one used?

Thanks for the responses. This is just the sort of stuff that isn't obvious.

[Level42]

You can contact Ponyboy through sales@rollieelectronics.com, be sure to check out his "sales thread":
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=36770.0

He has great translucent buttons (or regular ones) and the mentioned leafs that can be used with these buttons.

And, no. No-one makes a good leaf joystick anymore. Sad but true. Indeed your only hope would be used or NOS.

Well, I was in exactly the same position as you, so I bought these lousy sticks....I hope to help others not to make the same mistake.