New Product Request - scaled down arcade parts

[leapinlew]

Is there an inexpensive way to buy a joystick\buttons that are 50% smaller than standard joysticks? I'm really enjoying the bartops and wish there was a smaller joystick\buttons I could use.

The joystick base doesn't need to be smaller - just the buttons. Perhaps a super with a machined shaft and smaller ball top? I'd pay approximately $20 for a smaller joystick and $5 per button.

RandyT? 

[Timoe]

Sanwa sells a 30mm ball top and 24mm buttons

They are pretty small

the Seimitsu LS-33 is a joystick with a tiny footprint

[patrickl]

I used a nail and some putty for the PocketGalaga joystick   I only wish someone would machine me a 5mm balltop for a 2mm shaft.

[Ahigh]

I'd be interested in miniaturized arcade controls.

Maybe happ has some things for the bartop market?

[RandyT]

Is there an inexpensive way to buy a joystick\buttons that are 50% smaller than standard joysticks? I'm really enjoying the bartops and wish there was a smaller joystick\buttons I could use.

The joystick base doesn't need to be smaller - just the buttons. Perhaps a super with a machined shaft and smaller ball top? I'd pay approximately $20 for a smaller joystick and $5 per button.

RandyT? 

The buttons will be the only challenge if the joystick base can be the same size.  Mini shafts with a small ball top would definitely be doable and I'll look into it when the machinist is done with the current project

But the buttons won't be so easy without ending up with something less than authentic looking.  That being said, I do have one in mind that might be a nice alternative, but I'll have to get some samples in.  I'll add it to the list.

RandyT

[leapinlew]

Is there an inexpensive way to buy a joystick\buttons that are 50% smaller than standard joysticks? I'm really enjoying the bartops and wish there was a smaller joystick\buttons I could use.

The joystick base doesn't need to be smaller - just the buttons. Perhaps a super with a machined shaft and smaller ball top? I'd pay approximately $20 for a smaller joystick and $5 per button.

RandyT? 

The buttons will be the only challenge if the joystick base can be the same size.  Mini shafts with a small ball top would definitely be doable and I'll look into it when the machinist is done with the current project

But the buttons won't be so easy without ending up with something less than authentic looking.  That being said, I do have one in mind that might be a nice alternative, but I'll have to get some samples in.  I'll add it to the list.

RandyT

Awesome...

The reason the joystick base doesn't matter to me is because I'd still like the mini-cab to be playable and the buttons really can't be any closer to a standard joystick base and be playable.

As for the buttons - did you see the buttons on the jakks golden tee? They are smaller (they are also a inset (almost concave type). So, perhaps there is a distributor already, but I'm unaware of them.

I don't know if they would be a good seller, but I'd certainly be in for some, and it seems lots of folks building bartops.

Here is a pic of the golden tee:

[patrickl]

The depth of the joystick base would matter though.

[RayB]

I saw some "candy cabs" today as well as some redemption games and all of them had smaller then normal "sanwa" style start buttons.

[polaris]

lew
how bout these. not sure how much smaller they are, think theres specs there somewhere.

[Xiaou2]

 I believe 3/4  is about the smallest Mini parts you would want and still maintain playability and
comfort.   (which I believe is the shown in the golden t pics buttons)

 Ive mentioned this idea before actually. 

 Even for standup cabs or fullsize control panels.. one could decide on smaller buttons
to add more space.

 Also, mini buttons would be nice for Start, coin, and other admin buttons.

 However, feel & response  is important..  and unless someone is going to spend ooogles of money
on plastic moldings... the resulting buttons out there may not be acceptable.
 
 You could however also make your own mini buttons by carving some wood or plastics.

[patrickl]

Buttons on console controllers or PC joysticks are quite small. Why wouldn't that be "playable or comfortable" on a bartop?

[Xiaou2]

 Console buttons are less than 3/4  scale.  A bit too small for top play.

 They are also highly resistive,  designed to be pressed with the Thumb and in a
highly leveraged position.

 And of course, the mounting depth is too shallow.  Also, youd have to make your
own outter shell cause a gamepads surround is part of the case itself.

 Finally, they use very poor switches IMOP. 

[Level42]

Suzo Inductives come in 38mm and 32 mm ball handles. The latter are nice for cocktails etc.
 

[Kevin Mullins]

The joystick from a mechanical bull control panel would be a perfect size.
And they use a basic 4 microswitch style base. (just smaller base and switches)
8-Way capability as well.

Just gotta remember who some of the manufacturers were...........   

[RandyT]

As for the buttons - did you see the buttons on the jakks golden tee? They are smaller (they are also a inset (almost concave type). So, perhaps there is a distributor already, but I'm unaware of them.

I haven't been inside a Golden Tee plug and play to see what's there, but at the scale these are manufactured, I would think that they are custom made specifically for that gizmo.  I suspect there is a multi-button circuit board  underneath them as well, rather than discrete switches.  But that's just a guess.

It's going to be a challenge to find something that feels similar but is smaller as the size of the button and the features of the top of the plunger are responsible for a lot of that "feel".  But I'll try a few and see what I can come up with (if anything.)

RandyT