What should a n00b do about joysticks?

[clockwork]

Hey all. I've just recently been turned on to this cab building hobby and am hooked on the idea of building my own. I've been feverishly scouring the web and especially this site for information on joysticks. There are so, so many options I'm still have trouble deciding what to do.

I want to play Ikari Warriors, Sinistar, the 194x series, and many 4 and 8-way games. From what I've read here, the 49-way seems to be the most promising all around solution but also looks like possibly the most expensive and difficult to setup. Should I start with something simpler that might offer most of the same functionality, like maybe just the Happ rotaries? What's the best starting point for a total n00b knowing nothing about interfaces or wiring?

[Xam]

Check into the GP-Wiz49 at  Groovy Game Gear. Looks simple enough...and Randy's tech help is second yo none that I have encountered.

www.groovygamegear.com

Xam

[shardian]

The 49-ways with the rotary interface will do everything you want. You can always put up a want to buy ad in the BST forum and see if anyone has a set to sell.

[ahofle]

Didn't Randy (www.groovygamegear.com) hint a while back that there is a new 49-way in the works with built in rotary functionality?  I would wait a little while if you can for that product.

[clockwork]

I did look at the Wiz49. I need one per joystick right? Is it easy enough to add the rotary functionality? A 49-way with built-in rotary will be awesome.

[shatter]

Didn't Randy (www.groovygamegear.com) hint a while back that there is a new 49-way in the works with built in rotary functionality?  I would wait a little while if you can for that product.

I talked to Randy right before christmas and he is still going to release a rotary joystick, just needed some additional time before releasing it. I am either going with Randy's new rotary or a pair of Ultrastiks.

[ahofle]

I did look at the Wiz49. I need one per joystick right? Is it easy enough to add the rotary functionality? A 49-way with built-in rotary will be awesome.

Not that, but there is a new 49-way stick in the works apparently.  I'm guessing it will be an all in one unit like the turbo twist spinner that will include the interface and just plugs into a USB port.

[clockwork]

Will I be able to get by with the no-solder version?

[Ahigh]

I recommend just getting one interface, and hook up a 49-way and a Happ Super along with 8+ regular arcade pushbuttons.  You can flip the super to 8-way or 4-way, and get all three ..

Also, do the IDE-cable version and rip up an old IDE cable.  Don't do solder or terminals either one.  Big waste of time or money respectively.

The happ super will just map in as joystick buttons, and the 49-way will come in as a microsoft-compatible analog joystick.  MAME will do what you want as will other games that allow joysticks to be used.

The happ won't work on pc joystick games, but will work fine with all your other games in mame.

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- Ahigh

[clockwork]

Thanks. I think I'm going to skip the 49-ways. Too much extra money to add rotary to it. Primarily I want rotary, 8-way, and 4-way. The extra features of the 49-way are just nice to haves, nothing I'd use often. So I'm just going to get the Happ rotaries and two supers for a four player board.

[DrewKaree]

Re: What should a n00b do about joysticks? = buy some.  They greatly enhance gameplay!

[tranq]

Yeah, that's what I was gonna say, too.  Ideally, one would be able to buy a whole bunch and just sit with 'em for a spell.