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Ultimarc joysticks
CGRemakes:
I have done a search, but haven't found a whole lot of information on the Ultimarc joysticks. I currently have Super joysticks in my control panel, but have found that I have been playing quite a few 4 directional games (Ms. PacMan, Digger, Donkey Kong), and have found myself frustrated by the Supers for 4 directional games (love 'em for 8 directional games). I have looked a little at the Ultimarc joysticks because I have heard they work great for both. Other than the somewhat simpler "4/8 directional switch" on the T-sticks, I don't see much difference between the T and the J-sticks to merit the T-sticks being 4 dollars more / joystick. Is the T stick heavier duty? Do they both have about the same feel in both 4 and 8 modes? Why haven't more people gone with the Ultimarc joysticks? They are only a few dollars more / stick, and it ends up being cheaper than if you buy a separate "Pac-Man 4-way joystick" in addition to regualr 8-way joysticks. Also, what kind of life do the microswitches have?
TheManuel:
--- Quote from: CGRemakes on May 30, 2003, 01:41:25 am ---They are only a few dollars more / stick, and it ends up being cheaper than if you buy a separate "Pac-Man 4-way joystick" in addition to regualr 8-way joysticks
--- End quote ---
Well, in your case, you already have the 8-way stick so buying the additional Pac-Man stick will cost you a similar amount of money ($22 inluding shipping from Bob Roberts). You could wire it up to the switches of the 8-way if you don't plan to use both at the same time.
I know this doesn't answer your question but I just wanted to make you aware of your alternatives.
Brad Lee:
Ive got a pair of Tsticks. They've got a very short throw and fairly heavy springs, very responsive. I thought Id seen that the J's have a lighter springs so they may feel a bit different, but I haent tried them myself to compare
The toggle for 4 to 8 way is a nice touch- once you get used to it, its real easy to reach under the panel and flip it without looking, as opposed to having to turn the restrictor(again Ive only seen pics and descriptions of this)
2slk:
As TheManual said, you already have an 8-way solution. If you are satisfied with the 8-way performance then adding a dedicated 4-way may be the way to go, providing that you have the space.
As for the T and J sticks, they are both fantastic. In my opinion, they are both a better 8-way solution than the Happ super. The Happ super has a round feel where the T or J stick feels more square. This is great for fighters because you can feel the corners yet they aren't too sticky.
I have not tried the T stick in 4-way but I know first hand that the J stick offers exceptional performance in 4-way mode. By rotating the restrictor plate, you get physical restriction of the 4 directions so there are no 'dead zones' in the movement.
The T and J stick have a similar feel but the tension on the T stick is much greater and if memory serves me right, the throw may be a little shorter. As the description says, the T stick is suitable for a dedicated cabinet or heavy standalone CP. Go with the J stick if you prefer or require lighter tension.
Of all sticks, the T and J stick also offer the easiest and fastest method of switching between 8 and 4 way, the T being a switch and the J being dial-like. Still, you need to access the underside of the stick to do this. You may want to consider this if you don't have easy access to the underside of your panel.
The micro switches, like te rest of the stick are A1. I don't know how many cycles they are rated for but I suspect they are at least equal to the top of the industry standard.
As for why more people haven't gone with these sticks, I think you will find that they have a very large following. I have yet to hear from someone who went with them and was dissatisfied.
CGRemakes:
I appreciate the info. Yea, the room on my CP is very limited (I reduced the dimensions to 80% of the original Lusid's design), which is why I think I might switch to the Ultimarc joysticks. I think it would fit just fine, but I think it would be pretty crowded with the other 2 joysticks. I have somewhat easy access to the bottom of the joysticks (I have a Lusid's cabinet CP, and so the top lifts off and is held on by velcro). Sounds like the J-sticks would work ok for my needs, so I might as well save the extra $8.