GPWIZ49 w/ Sinistar/Arch Rival Midway 49s ? U360/P360 Alternative ?

[y2k600f4]

I am in the process of using the tons of great info at BYOAC to try to design an effective yet simple CP. I was originally going to go with (2) Happ 8-ways, (1) 4 way, typical button layout (6 per person etc), ipac2, usb trackball and possibly a spinner (or added later on due to $). After reading many posts I learned that I can get away with a 49 way such as the U360 or P360 and not need a 4-way (varying opinions and some people still prefer a dedicated 4-way even if they use (2) 49ers). I am trying to use the original CP template (making a new one out of MDF) and prefer not to extend the CP or make it too crowded.

Anyway I was wondering if it is worthwile to use (2) Sinistar/Arch Rival Midway49 joysticks (HAVE already) along with the GPWIZ49 or GPWIZ49 eco ? This would replace the need for the  ipac2, (2) 8 ways and (1) 4way and the possibility of the U360/P360 alternative. Not to mention the cost savings. However I must consider doing it right vs $, but wanted to get peoples thoughts on this method. Does anybody have these joysticks and if so how would you say they compare to the other options Thanks.

[Kaytrim]

I have two of these bad boys using one currently with a GPWiz49.  I'd say if the rubber grommet is still nice and springy you are good to go.  The ones I have are a little old and it is hard sometimes to stay in dead center in 49-way mode.  Otherwise they work very nice and are easily switchable using the interface Randy has.  The difference between these and the U360 is the distance of the throw.  The Midway49 has a longer throw almost identical to Happ Competitions which I have as well.  My current layout is the 49 way for player 1 and a Competition for player 2.  I can't tell the difference between them when playing Robotron. 

I would recommend you get the GPWiz49 Max version or wait.  Randy is coming out with a new interface soon and you will be able to swap the chips on the Max version not the eco.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[y2k600f4]

Correction: The (2) joysticks are  I believe refered to as the Sinistar 49-way stick, or "williams49", not the Midway 49s.

[ArtMAME]

I have an Arch Rivals stick with a GPWIZ49 eco that I setup for Sinistar exclusively.  It will play Pacman and others in 4-way mode OK, but it just does not feel right to me, feels too loose.  Also, I would rather use a reunion, Suzo, or any other balltop with a 4-way restrictor to get it to feel better.  Of course, if you want it "right", then you really should use the correct joystick for the game you are playing, but I know that would get outrageous if you want to play a lot of different games.

For my 4-way games, I am using a Suzo ($12 plus shipping).  Check out my project:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=54556.msg534965#msg534965

It works pretty good for what I do, but I am not really a big 4-way games fan.  You could also try a Wico 4-way from Ebay (they usually have a gray base).  I built a CP for a buddy of mine with one of those and it feels really good, better than the Suzo to  me at least.

Here is what I would suggest you do:

Build the CP with the 2 49ways, and drill a hole where you would possibly put a dedicated 4-way for future expansion.  You could try the 49way in 4-way mode to see if you like them.  If you are satisfied with the 49ways, you could cover up the 4-way hole with a button hole cover, or similar item, or possibly put a spinner there. 

In the future as your budget and time permits, you could try out some different dedicated 4-ways.  Wire the 4-way to either GPWIZ49 using some molex connectors, so that you can just swap them out and connect them without having to re-solder any connections. 

Please understand that most of our cabinets are ongoing projects... so there is nothing wrong with experimenting if you like that sort of thing.  A lot of us don't really play our cabinets very much because we are always tinkering with them... but that's half the fun for me at least.  Hope this helps.

[y2k600f4]

ArtMAME and Kaytrim....thanks for the feedback, I like the idea of making a place for a future dedicated 4-way and experimenting.

Here is a short update:

Currently I have a williams cabinet that was a non-working archs rival. It was in pretty good shape and was never converted. So far I removed the graphics (beat up), removed the monitor (severe burn in), power supply and coin door/mechs (cleaning)  did some minor repair work (wood filler) and sanding, primed and plan on painting it flat black (decided not to do gloss or semi-gloss due to it being partical board and not 100% smooth despite the sanding with a DA sander). Removed the control panel and stripped the graphics that where in bad shape. Currently in the process of cutting out a new CP (same size) and designing the CP layout, selecting Joysticks etc (in progress....hence this post ! Hopefully I get some more posts so I finalize my decision and order parts). I have left all the other ROM boards etc and plan on putting the PC in the back (plenty of room). I have not done any cutting etc and want to keep as much of the original machine as possible. I even plan on wiring so the original power switch boots up the PC, marquee, monitor, speakers etc. Currently setting up the PC, however I have not decided on the monitor option yet. Also a new marquee and monitor glass along with graphics still needs to be done (kept originals), not to mention side art ?...that is my progress for 2 days of partial work.

[ArtMAME]

Looks like you have a lot of work ahead of you...

That's half the fun for most of us anyway... Look at my garage and you will see... I have about 5 projects in the works right now... ... I just can't stop tinkering with these cabs...    very addictive!!!

Do you have skills?  Woodworking, artistic, etc.  How about tools?  or buddies with tools?  How about room??? Your collection will probably grow soon after you finish your first one...

Anyway, enjoy your project. 

[u_rebelscum]

Just for clairification, you can class the U360 and GPWiz49 together, but the P360 should be classed with super, competition, and other 8-way joysticks.

The P360, aka Perfect 360, aka happs 360, is only an 8-way or 4-way, but uses optical sensors instead of leaf or microswitches.

The U360, aka UltraStik 360, is a full analog joystick with 256 values per axis, that also has 8-way and 4-way modes.

The GPWiz49 gives 49-way sticks multiple modes, including 7 values per axis, 8-way, and 4-way.

[AndyWarne]

The difference between these and the U360 is the distance of the throw.  The Midway49 has a longer throw almost identical to Happ Competitions

Not sure this is correct. The throw on the 49-way and the UltraStik 360 both come out at approx 30 degrees. The U360 throw can be reduced by fitting a restrictor, which incidentally does not reduce the resolution, its still 256 X 256 with the restrictor fitted.
Andy

[Kaytrim]

The difference between these and the U360 is the distance of the throw.  The Midway49 has a longer throw almost identical to Happ Competitions

Not sure this is correct. The throw on the 49-way and the UltraStik 360 both come out at approx 30 degrees. The U360 throw can be reduced by fitting a restrictor, which incidentally does not reduce the resolution, its still 256 X 256 with the restrictor fitted.
Andy

Thanks for the clarification Andy.  From reading other posts I always thought that the throw was tighter on your U360.  I guess that they were talking about using the restrictors as you said.

Kaytrim