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The whole 8 way as a 4way joystick issue
paigeoliver:
I don't understand why so many people are dead set against getting an actual 4-way joystick, but then they go out and buy spinners, steering wheels, analog flight sticks, and lightguns, and trackballs, and stuff like that.
There are literally HUNDREDS of 4-way games in Mame, compared to a couple dozen or so for each of those other oddball controllers.
Tiger-Heli:
Looks like Urebel has a good handle on it, but you might want to contact Derrick (sp?) R. (Renauld?) (sp?) before you start messing with the MAME code. He's more or less the MAME dev for discrete sounds now, but he was the one who originally developed the "sticky-mode" software that you mention being added to MAME.
Aside from that, I highly recommend OSCAR's restrictors. Compact and quick to swap in and out.
rampy:
Well, the whole 4 way vs 8 way thing is mostly feel ... kinda like leaf vs microswitch and supers vs competitions (etc etc)
I don't want to stifle innovation, but i'm not optimisitic that the 4 way action will be good enough (coming from one who suffers through sloppy 4 way play on 8 way super clones)... but that's just my opinion.
Let me toss an alternative idea, as you are pretty adept with electronics/etc.... and seem keen on the idea of "flipping a switch" to electronically enable/disable 4 way action....
Why not try one of ultimarcs t, e, or j-sticks BUT devise some sort of solenoid/motor electro mechanical way of rotating the restrictor plate which seems to resemble a gear (or flipping the switch on the T-sticks)
in the past it seemed like it would take too much engineering to figure out how to do the gear reduction and correct start/stopping points properly but maybe you are up to the task =P
*shrug* Just an idea while we're kicking it around...
Rampy
caykroyd:
Well, Druin, looks like I may be the only one on your side. I actually built a digital logic solution and simulated it. Just waiting for my parts to come in to implememnt it. The way mine works is:
The output stays on the last single direction selected. For example, if you are left, then go left/up, the output stays left until left is released.
I can understand this concept of "feel" and the 8ways not having a 4way feel, but like Druin, I want to see for myself.
I'm not sure of your electrical background, Druin, but the schematics are pretty simple. A few NORs, inverters, and Latches, and you have the solution. PM me if you need some help.
2slk:
Ever think about getting a T or J-stick? They are 8-way but the actuator can be rotated so they perform in 4-way mode. This is a physical restrictor so there are no dead-zones and your space problem would be solved. Check them out at www.ultimarc.com