Wico leaf 8-way to 4-way question

[Ginsu Victim]

I have an old panel that came with two 8-way Wico leaf joysticks. I was planning on cleaning them and reusing them, but I'd really like to convert one to a 4-way.

What are my options?

[leapinlew]

You'll need a new base. The gray one which has a diamond shaped restrictor. I suppose you could fabricate one.

I've got both the 4 ways, and 8 ways. Love'em.

[Ginsu Victim]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I've glanced around a few sites, but haven't found any bases (not even knock-offs).

I'm not sure I have what I need to mock up my own.

[pcb]

You may not need the entire base, just a 4-way actuator?   Got a picture of your stick from the bottom?

[leapinlew]

You may not need the entire base, just a 4-way actuator?   Got a picture of your stick from the bottom?

From: http://www.mameworld.net/massive/How-to/Wico/wico.htm

     
The difference between a 4-way wico stick and an 8-way?  The 4-way has a diamond shaped washer embedded in the mounting plate, the 8 way is round. This restricts the movement of the shaft, and ensures that the sleeve only contacts one leaf switch at a time.

[pcb]

You may not need the entire base, just a 4-way actuator?   Got a picture of your stick from the bottom?

From: http://www.mameworld.net/massive/How-to/Wico/wico.htm

404: Fixed URL is:
http://www.mameworld.net/massive/How-to/Wico/wico.html

     
The difference between a 4-way wico stick and an 8-way?  The 4-way has a diamond shaped washer embedded in the mounting plate, the 8 way is round. This restricts the movement of the shaft, and ensures that the sleeve only contacts one leaf switch at a time.

Yup, I'm aware of that, however, he could still just need to change the actuator.  Both of these work on a 4-way Wico base to make a 4 or 8 way stick.

[leapinlew]

Thanks for the URL fix.

This is true, you'll need the different actuator and you may be satisfied with the results. The problem is the dead zones. Sure, you could bend the leafs to try to minimize the dead zones, but since your looking to change a 8 way to a 4 way I'm willing to bet you won't be happy unless you swap out the base and have a physically restricted 4 way.

Since your going to need the actuator anyways - you might as well try it with just the actuator and then look for a base. I found a replacement actuator at Home Depot.

[pcb]

I found a replacement actuator at Home Depot.

Very cool!  Care to share exactly what you used as the 4-way actuator?

 - Mike -

[leapinlew]

I found a replacement actuator at Home Depot.

Very cool!  Care to share exactly what you used as the 4-way actuator?

 - Mike -

From this thread
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=48053.0

It's a 1/2" outer diameter. If I remember correctly, I had to go to 2 different Home Depots. And bring the joystick to make sure the spacer fits the stick. 

[pcb]

Thanks!

[Ginsu Victim]

Month-old thread I don't even care about anymore.

Thanks for trying, though. I gave my Wico to mrclean for a restoration.

[leapinlew]

Month-old thread I don't even care about anymore.

Thanks for trying, though. I gave my Wico to mrclean for a restoration.

Psst, guess what - other people read these threads.

[Ginsu Victim]

Well, yeah. There's some great info here, I just meant that it wasn't going to do ME any good at this point.

[Texasmame]

*helpful thread bump*

[Ginsu Victim]

Why you bumpin' my thread?

[Texasmame]

The pic of the diamond restrictor plate gave me the answer, and an idea, I was looking for.