Joystick

[Arcade Freak]

Good morning folks,

I have a joystick that can rotate 360 degrees. But its actually just a 4 way joystick(i think as there are only 4 contacts underneath). Playing some games especially pacman. it can be frustrating when you try to turn and it will not turn as you are not at the right place. Is there somekind of panel that can be placed on top or underneath so that the joystick only goes 4 ways and not all the way around or again would be cheaper to change joystick all together.

thanks
calude

[CheffoJeffo]

Sounds to me as if you have an 8-way joystick with a circular restrictor -- it allows you to move the joystick in a smooth circle and registers direction in 8 directions (diagonals are registered due to two switches being activated at the same time).

There are indeed restrictor plates that can limit this behaviour (by not allowing the full circular motion), but your best bet may be something else.

The Joystick page in the wiki can help point you in the right direction:

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Joysticks

 

[shardian]

An 8-way also only has four switches. The "8-way" action comes from being able to hit two switches at once in the corners.

So yes, you have an 8-way

[Arcade Freak]

thanks guys,

i will be contacting my local arcade store to find out about these restrictor plates.

cheers
calude

[CheffoJeffo]

i will be contacting my local arcade store to find out about these restrictor plates.

These WILL be hard to find as the suppliers of the ones that I know are no longer making them and they were never in mass distribution.

What kind of cabinet do you have (e.g. what kind of joysticks, how many, etc.) and what kind of games are you playing (so that we may best recommend a solution to your problems) ?

[shardian]

You won't find restrictor plates at your local arcade store. If you want a true 4-way, post a "wtb" ad in the buying forum here (once you have 10 posts of course). There is a joystick called a "Ms. Pac reunion stick" that is a true 4-way joystick, and will run you around $20 shipped brand new.

[Arcade Freak]

hi jeffo,

i have just a plain cocktail cabinet (head to head...so 2 joystick)and we play pac-man, frogger, DK, galaga, galaxian...no fighting games as i do not have enough buttons on this machine.

thanks shardian...is that a fare price for a new stick...

also, since i don't care if its new or not is there any one in the Toronto area that would have a used one to sell cheap.

cheers everyone

[CheffoJeffo]

also, since i don't care if its new or not is there any one in the Toronto area that would have a used one to sell cheap.

What a coincidence ... I am in TO and, while I do not have any 4-way sticks to sell, may be able to point you to the right people.

If you are looking to buy new, Starburst Coin is the Canadian distributor for Happ parts (and their online catalog doesn't show nearly the stock that they carry or can order):

http://www.starburstcoin.com/main.php

Also, the folks at CGCC (most of the folks there are in SW Ontario) may be helpful:

http://www.cgcc.ca/forum/viewforum.php?f=9

But first, do you now what kind of joysticks you have (some of the common sticks can be changed from 8-way to 4-way with a minor part change ... it's not perfect, but it may work well enough for your liking) ?

[Arcade Freak]

wow what a coincidence...you are right..so far all the people i see here are from the states.

i don't know what kind of stick i have...how can i tell? or does a picture tell a thousand words???

i was thinking of starburst for that plate....not sure if they would carry that...yet again perhaps they would have used equipment. i will call them right away and let you know shortly.

cheers
calude

[CheffoJeffo]

Starburst definitely won't have a restrictor plate (I live 10 blocks away and spend more time there that I probably should ...).

If you can post a picture (click the Additional Options link to the bottom left of the textbox when you are posting), someone will probably be able to identify your joystick.

[DeLuSioNal29]

I'm not sure if you have a Happs Super Joystick or not, but if you do you can get a restrictor here for it:

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=310

$4.95 isn't too bad.

~ D

[shardian]

I'm not sure if you have a Happs Super Joystick or not, but if you do you can get a restrictor here for it:

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=310

$4.95 isn't too bad.

~ D

Yeah, I had forgot all about that one! Randy kicks butt.

[DeLuSioNal29]

I'm not sure if you have a Happs Super Joystick or not, but if you do you can get a restrictor here for it:

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=310

$4.95 isn't too bad.

~ D

Yeah, I had forgot all about that one! Randy kicks butt.

I ordered one and it arrived today.  I can't wait to try it out!