no0b project started!

[Vertekal]

I just purchaed a USB Ipac from ultimarc.com, and 2 8-way joysticks and 20 buttons from Xgaming on Ebay.

I decided to go with a 2 player setup for right now .. just simple stuff till I get the hang out it, or feel the need to go to 4 player or add spinners and trackballs. I'll probably have 6 action buttons per player, which should work for stuff like Street Fighter, Mortak Kombat, etc etc

I'm still not 100% sure what I want to use as a monitor. I'm keeping my eye out for a mid sized TV with S-video, or a large computer monitor. I don't plan to spend a lot of cash on it.

If I really get into this, I'll probably upgrade to some good rotary joysticks so I can play Heavy Barrel and Tron, and maybe go to a 4 player setup (I really like the SlikStik quad setup!)

One quick question .. I see on the Ipac that the wires just screw into place .. on the switches, are they soldered or just have some type of connectors?

Thanks!

[BobA]

To attach to most switches use .187 inch insulated quick disconnects.  These crimp on your wire and slide onto the spade lugs that are on the switches.

BobA

[Vertekal]

Great! Thanks!

[Vertekal]

The Xgaming stuff arrived today (2 8-way sticks and 20 buttons) and look ok to me. I put one of the sticks together real quick, and it feels pretty solid and has good response.

It also looks like it can be converted to a 4-way stick by flipping over a plastic cylinder at the very bottom of the shaft .. the part that actuates the switches. Flipped one way the plastic piece is wider and can push 2 switches at once, but flipped around the other way it's thinner, and can only press one switch at a time. If you rotate the joystick from left to up or down, the 1st switch is released before the 2nd is pressed.

Anyway, I don't know if that's how a true 4-way stick works. From what I read about other sticks there's some type of template that shifts, and actually restricts stick movement.

[Zeitgeist]

Right,
The X-Arcade sticks are pretty close copies of Happ's Super sticks.
I have a pair, but haven't put them to use yet.
The buttons are holding up pretty well so far.
As you have figured the X-Arcade sticks are really 8 ways.
A true 4 way stick has a diamond or curved cross type of restrictor cut out that prevents any diagonal movements.
Hope this helps to clear things up.
Z

[Vertekal]

I think after I get the 2 8-ways wired up, I'm going to get a single 4 way.

[Vertekal]

The Ipac arrived today but I won't get to see it until I get home from work.

For anyone interested, I ordered it online on April 28th, and it arrived today, May 5th (that's with standard (read: cheapest) shipping)