Dedicated 4way AND 8 way Joystick Control Panel

[hellothere123]

I am going on the assumption that the Happ Super (which is a 4way and 8 way controller) is not the best 4 way "feel" joystick.

So if I was going to have a 2 player control panel, with 2 Happ Supers, and then wanted to have also a 4 way joystick for better "feel" on 4 way games (like Pacman)....

1) Would I need to mount 2 of these 4 way controller (1 per player?)
2) How would I mount the 4 way controller so it isn't in the way of the other joystick and buttons?
3) What is the best 4 way joystick?

Thanks

[Xiaou2]

 You can mount the 4 way nearly directly over the top of the
8way (leave a little space for Stick travel and hand room)
, and it should be easy to operate.


 Best 4 way may be the Pacman 4ways.   They have a big heavy
metal frame on them, so they are easy to spot.

 However, many are torn up from years of abuse (the plastic
parts) ..  so its hard to say really.

 Other ideas are NOS  Wicos.

 Or some are using multi-function sticks which simulate 4 way
operations.  However, being that there is no physical
restrictor, many purist like myself will not find these
to be acceptable for use.

[RobotronNut]

1) Would I need to mount 2 of these 4 way controller (1 per player?)

most of the 4-way games are single player, so one is enough.

2) How would I mount the 4 way controller so it isn't in the way of the other joystick and buttons?

lots of ways to do it. click the link in my signature to see one option. whatever you do, make a mock-up first, to verify everything's comfortable with no conflicts.

3) What is the best 4 way joystick?

ultimarc J-stik: inexpensive, true 4-way restriction, microswitches for long-term maintenance-free operation, quicker engagement than other microswitch joysticks.

[paigeoliver]

If the 4-way stick is shorter than the 8-way stick (and both the original Pac-Man and the replacement Pac-Man sticks are shorter than a super , then you can just mount it directly to the left of the 8-way stick, the bases can even be touching. They don't get in the way of each other at all. If you go with a universal in 4-way mode then leave an inch between the bases and mount it directly to the left of the 8-way stick.

Mounting directly above is not really the most ergonomic method.

You only need a second 4-way if you have a dire need to exactly replicate 2 player mode on a couple of really obscure games.

The 4-way mode on a Happ Super is only suitable for modern 4-way games like Mr. Driller and newer tetris versions and is worthless for classic 4-way titles.

[Xiaou2]

paigeoliver,

  Well, might you explain your view better?   Ergonomic?!

 
  If the joy is above,  your arm is basically in the exact same
position as NORMAL.   The only difference is that its
a slight bit higher. 

 Also, the buttons are in the same place as normal too.

 Ive seen some horrible setups where the 4way was  mounted
in such a way that you had to reach over a set of buttons
just to get to it.  Now that I would imagine, would not be
comfortable to play for long periods of time.

 
 Of course, there is another method to the madness...
and that is to make a control panel that can be lifted out,
and spun around.   So that the 4ways that were on
the top half of the CP (upside down) are now reachable
on the bottom of the CP.

 

[hellothere123]

I guess I'll have to see what feels best, mount the supers and see what feels right.


So the Happ Supers are great  8ways? Good for Stret Fighter, etc

Then get what  for 4 ways?

Thansk!

[CheffoJeffo]

I am going on the assumption that the Happ Super (which is a 4way and 8 way controller) is not the best 4 way "feel" joystick.

You would be correct.

1) Would I need to mount 2 of these 4 way controller (1 per player?)

Nope

2) How would I mount the 4 way controller so it isn't in the way of the other joystick and buttons?

Different people have different preferences. You may want to look at The Control Panel Database Thread and The Project Examples Section Of The wiki.

3) What is the best 4 way joystick?

Loaded question ...

I personally like the Wico 4-Way leaf stick, but it can be tough to find nowadays. I also like the original Pac stick, but you have the same availability problem.

I have heard good things about the Ms Pac reunion stick.

And then there is the stick-that-shall-not-be-named ... but you don't want one of those as they tend to break.

 

[unclet]

Just thought I would mention this .....    I use a Happ Super for my 4-way joystick and it works fine.  I simply mounted the joystick in a diamond shaped hole on my control panel instead of the standard 1-1/8" circular hole.   This way, the joystick simply can not move to the diagonals and everything works great.   

Just wanted to mention it since Supers are like $8 now and days I hear ...... so if you are going to spend money on a dedicated 4-way stick, then I do not know why you need to buy a specific 4-way stick (unless you like the feel of it better of course).