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This hobby needs a new joystick
MameFan:
They were part of their Command Control series of joysticks. I still have 1 in my collection with the contoured finger grip on it, but do not have the ball top or bat top interchangable parts.
The contoured version was red colored with round top fire button, but was shaped like their "Boss" joystick (which was Grey/black instead of Black/Red).
The best examples are these 3 auctions of the individual versions, but they did make one that had all 3 interchangable:
Ball tops:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3018741833
Bat tops:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3017875491
Contoured Tops:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3016201456
And yes, the Wico's used leaf switches and were substantially stronger than any other Atari/Commodore joystick made at the time (which usually all used button contacts that dented/cracked/flaked off or oxidized) and it wasn't til the very end that Epyx introduced microswitch ones (500XJ).
The Wico Boss/Command Control line used the same centering grommet as their arcade series and also I found are the same size as those in PacMan series leafsticks too (no center wobble like some replacements have).
I'll do some lookin and try to find a box showing all 3 attachments. BTW--All were 8 way sticks.. I never saw a 4 way switchable version of any of them (if so, would only have been electronics anyway, not a restrictor)
JMDickson:
I have one with all 3 handles and the original 'parts' bag. I'll see if I can get some shots of it if you want.
skirge66:
--- Quote from: MameFan on April 21, 2003, 12:49:04 pm ---Modular/switchable restrictor plates for 2/4/8 way should be doable at (relatively) low cost, and a rotating joystick base for diagonal 4 way (qbert) should be doable but more issues surrounding "locking" it in place.
http://www.oscarcontrols.com/
oscar's restrictor plates are very nice, i bought a full set, with a mounting plate, i mounted a happs competition to the plate. the restrictors change out very easily and the 2 way can be mounted vertical or horizontal. they are made of high quality materials and the look is very professional typical of an oscar product, all in all they are fantastic.
--- End quote ---
HeadRusch:
The Epyx 500XJ was, bar none, the best handling microswitch joystick I ever had....I bemoaned the day they stopped making it.
I used to use them with my C64 and Amiga setups all the time........sadly their PC version, which was analog, was abysmal.............
rampy:
--- Quote from: JMDickson on April 21, 2003, 06:14:07 pm ---I have one with all 3 handles and the original 'parts' bag. I'll see if I can get some shots of it if you want.
--- End quote ---
that'd be cool if it isn't too much trouble.... it's more out of curiosity than anything else...
I'd be especially interested in how the swap process works (did you have to dissasemble the base? or did the just bop in and out)
thanks!
rampy