Converting Wico 8 Way Leafs to 4 Ways

[tman2k]

Hello,

Does anyone have what I need to convert a Wico 8-way leaf joystick to a 4-way?  I know I can use Oscar's restrictor plates, but I want a way to permanently convert/restrict them to 4-ways (ie. will use as dedicated 4-ways on my cab).

Or, can someone with a Wico 4-way give me a diagram with dimensions of the 4-way restrictor so I can make one up?

Thanks!

[rampy]

Hello,

Does anyone have what I need to convert a Wico 8-way leaf joystick to a 4-way?  I know I can use Oscar's restrictor plates, but I want a way to permanently convert/restrict them to 4-ways (ie. will use as dedicated 4-ways on my cab).

Or, can someone with a Wico 4-way give me a diagram with dimensions of the 4-way restrictor so I can make one up?

Thanks!

hmmm.. this just came up last week

it would be nice to see  a scan... also note.. there are 2 plates ifI'm not mistaken... *Shrug*

rampy

PS, what i want to know.... is can one unscrew the ball off a wico  leaf stick or is it molded on.?

[_Iz-]

appears to be molded on mine...

[rampy]

appears to be molded on mine...

Ah, and I thought I just wasn't twisting hard enough =P

Rampy

[Birdtales]

Ball is molded on. 4 way stick has a diamond cutout in the top and bottom plates. I'm pretty sure the diamond is actually smaller than the circular 8 way hole. I wouldn't think you could cut the 8 way into a diamond and expect it to still NOT hit the diagonals.

[creatine28]

Hello,

Does anyone have what I need to convert a Wico 8-way leaf joystick to a 4-way?  I know I can use Oscar's restrictor plates, but I want a way to permanently convert/restrict them to 4-ways (ie. will use as dedicated 4-ways on my cab).

Or, can someone with a Wico 4-way give me a diagram with dimensions of the 4-way restrictor so I can make one up?

Thanks!

I just got some 4way plates (Thanks Birdtales) and I would be glad to make a scan of the upper diamond plate for you!  I already made a rough template of the diamond hole and I'm in the process of testing it on my 8 way wico stick.  I cut my template out of a thin piece of plexi glass and fitted it onto the top of the 8 way wico plate and mounted it between the 8 way plate and the control panel.

[CanStick]

Hello,

Does anyone have what I need to convert a Wico 8-way leaf joystick to a 4-way?  I know I can use Oscar's restrictor plates, but I want a way to permanently convert/restrict them to 4-ways (ie. will use as dedicated 4-ways on my cab).

Or, can someone with a Wico 4-way give me a diagram with dimensions of the 4-way restrictor so I can make one up?

Thanks!

I just got some 4way plates (Thanks Birdtales) and I would be glad to make a scan of the upper diamond plate for you!  I already made a rough template of the diamond hole and I'm in the process of testing it on my 8 way wico stick.  I cut my template out of a thin piece of plexi glass and fitted it onto the top of the 8 way wico plate and mounted it between the 8 way plate and the control panel.

That would be great if you could...and is it possible for you to put dimensions too?

Many thanks!!!

[creatine28]

I'll try to get a scan posted by this weekend, along with the measurements.


Steve

[Grasshopper]

This is an increasingly common problem. Although the 8 ways are still fairly easy to find the 4 way Wico leaf joysticks are becoming as rare as hen's teeth. It's a real shame that they are no longer manufacured as they are simply the best joysticks available for many of the early games. I would imagine that in a year or two's time it will become difficult to get hold of the 8 ways as well.

I also considered building a homemade restrictor plate to convert one of my 8 way Wicos to a 4 way but I eventually decided that the idea was beyond my abilities.

The problem with the design of the original Wico joysticks is that the restrictor plate is positioned very close to the fulcrum. This means that it is put under a lot of pressure. This is probably why the Wico joysticks have a metal insert. Also, for the same reason the Wico restrictor plates are very small, barely wider than the shaft so to get good results you would have to manufacture a homemade restrictor to a very high tolerance. You could perhaps fit a plastic or wooden restrictor higher up the shaft but I think it would begin to get a bit messy.

I will shortly be receiving an Oscar restrictor plate kindly given to me by someone on this board (thanks Birdtales!) and I'll see how I get on with that.

[_Iz-]

Ball is molded on. 4 way stick has a diamond cutout in the top and bottom plates. I'm pretty sure the diamond is actually smaller than the circular 8 way hole. I wouldn't think you could cut the 8 way into a diamond and expect it to still NOT hit the diagonals.

You're right, it can't be done by removing material from the 8-way. I have one of each and you'd have to ADD material to the restrictor on the 8-way to make it a 4-way...

[Birdtales]

This guy posted on RGVAM, might want to email him. Looks like a good deal. 5.00 for a 4 way.

http://www.games-r-us.org/2.htm

[Grasshopper]

This guy posted on RGVAM, might want to email him. Looks like a good deal. 5.00 for a 4 way.

http://www.games-r-us.org/2.htm

Indeed it does. The defender joysticks look even better value. Does anyone know anything about this guy. There is no mention on the site about shipping costs, payment methods etc.

[creatine28]

I just emailed him, I'll let everyone know what I find out!

[rampy]

This guy posted on RGVAM, might want to email him. Looks like a good deal. 5.00 for a 4 way.

http://www.games-r-us.org/2.htm

Edumacte me a bit BT... how can you tell from the pic that they are 4 ways and not 8?  The grey base?  *Shrug*

I wish his site was organized a bit diffrently or had more general info... like an about or order info page...

*srhug*
rampy

[Birdtales]

I have seen ONE stick that was grey and was an 8way. The 4 ways are gennerally gray though. I just thought it'd be worth an email.

[paigeoliver]

Hmmm. It says the guy is in MO. If he is in the St. Louis area maybe I could stop by and buy some of those sticks (or buy him out =) and let you guys know what is up with them.

[creatine28]

Look at this!  Same guy?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3228210199&category=13718

[Grasshopper]

I emailed this guy yesterday and this was his reply:

"I will have to check and see if theres anymore what I had here is sold
but several boxes I haven't gone thru yet,the first 1's are on e-bay,these
came from an older manfacturing game company from the 80's most were mounted
never used thanks Tom"

So they are on Ebay and they appear to be Wico clones. Unfortunately from my point of view he doesn't appear to ship outside the USA and he doesn't use Paypal.

[creatine28]

I'll try to get a scan posted by this weekend, along with the measurements.


Steve

Here's the scan, unfortunately I wont be able to post the measurements until tomorrow.  

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=2099716&uid=1113886&members=1

[creatine28]

I'll try to get a scan posted by this weekend, along with the measurements.


Steve

Here's the scan, unfortunately I wont be able to post the measurements until tomorrow.  

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=2099716&uid=1113886&members=1

Looks like the measurements would be 3 x 3 1/2 inches

[MrToasty]

I recently bought a couple leaf sticks from Centsible Amusements.  They are listed on the site as 8-ways, but they are gray and the hole looks like the same diamond shape that creatine28 has posted.  I'll try to get them wired and see if they are 4 or 8 ways.  Here's a link to the CA listing:

http://www.centsibleamusements.com/product.asp?0=217&1=225&3=393

[Grasshopper]

I recently bought a couple leaf sticks from Centsible Amusements.  They are listed on the site as 8-ways, but they are gray and the hole looks like the same diamond shape that creatine28 has posted.  I'll try to get them wired and see if they are 4 or 8 ways.  Here's a link to the CA listing:

http://www.centsibleamusements.com/product.asp?0=217&1=225&3=393

They're also on ebay  (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3229156340&category=13718) described as 'Robotron' joysticks. Genuine Robotron joysticks are normally 8-way and have a longer shaft. I certainly hope that they are 4-way because they look very similar to the ones that were being sold by games-r-us and I bid and won on his auction. I'm slightly apprehensive because I know nothing about the guy, but if the joysticks are nearly new as described then I've got a good deal.

Incidentally did anyone else here bid on them?

[tman2k]

Incidentally did anyone else here bid on them?

Yes, I did, I bought 4 of them.  Since he doesn't take paypal, I have mailed off a money order to him.  And, since I am in Canada, I should see them in about a month or so...  

[Grasshopper]

I hate to say this but he does take Paypal and that is how I paid him!

I live in the UK and asked for the cheapest shipping method available so they'll probably take about 6 weeks to arrive.

It's weird that the auction said no Paypal and no shipping outside the USA. It's lucky I emailed him first.

[tman2k]

I hate to say this but he does take Paypal and that is how I paid him!

I live in the UK and asked for the cheapest shipping method available so they'll probably take about 6 weeks to arrive.

It's weird that the auction said no Paypal and no shipping outside the USA. It's lucky I emailed him first.

WHAT??  

I emailed him before too, and he told me that I would have to send a money order....grrrr....oh well!!

[creatine28]

This guy posted on RGVAM, might want to email him. Looks like a good deal. 5.00 for a 4 way.

http://www.games-r-us.org/2.htm

I rec'd one of the 4way sticks yesterday and it doesn't look exactly like a Wico 4way?  It has a very small stick and is very low profile.  Also, it seems to have a diamond shaped hole, but because the stick is so small and the leaf switches are close to the actuator that is isn't 4 way, but its an 8 way.  Anyone else receive there sticks yet?  Have you noticed the same thing?

[bigmoe]

I rec'd one of the 4way sticks yesterday and it doesn't look exactly like a Wico 4way?  It has a very small stick and is very low profile.  Also, it seems to have a diamond shaped hole, but because the stick is so small and the leaf switches are close to the actuator that is isn't 4 way, but its an 8 way.  Anyone else receive there sticks yet?  Have you noticed the same thing?

I received 4...two with short sticks (shorter than the Reunion measurements on Happ) and two with tall sticks.

I've never seen an arcade joystick before but...mine seem to have no restriction on movement at all, and it is quite easy to make two switches connect via diagonal movements.  So they seem to be 8-ways to me, too.  Anyone else buy these?  Taz?

bm

[tman2k]

I received 4 of them today...one was the really short one, and the other three were tall ones.  Plus, one of the 3 tall ones looks brand new, and the top plastic restrictor is 4-leaf clover shaped instead of diamond...seems to be a 4-way...the four parts of the clover are at the top, bottom, and sides.  Just checked...yes, it is...it only hits one leaf switch at a time!!!  Bonus!

[bigmoe]

I received 4 of them today...one was the really short one, and the other three were tall ones.  Plus, one of the 3 tall ones looks brand new, and the top plastic restrictor is 4-leaf clover shaped instead of diamond...seems to be a 4-way...the four parts of the clover are at the top, bottom, and sides.  Just checked...yes, it is...it only hits one leaf switch at a time!!!  Bonus!

Well, cripes!  But good for you!  

(Mine definitely aren't new, but seem serviceable.  I'll have to desolder some leads, bend a few switches...)

I guess (hope?) the switches were at least worth $5...but I was really looking forward to 4-ways.

Taz, if you have the chance, inclination, or equipment, etc., would you mind photographing/documenting/measuring whatever the restrictors that came with yours?  Maybe I can duplicate them.

Anyone know if you can retrofit the Reunion sticks with leaf switches?  I suspect they have different mounts for the switches, but it's worth a look.  I just don't have one.

At least the 2-ways look good, if not a little shorter than I remember them being on the cabs.

bm

[Grasshopper]

Hmmm, some of these posts are a little worrying.

I haven't received mine yet but that isn't surprising since I asked for very cheap shipping.

I asked the guy to confirm when the joysticks had been despatched but so far he hasn't (bad sign). However he has at least given me good feedback on Ebay so he must have received my money.

I'm a bit concerned that the shaft lengths vary. Are they all the same colour? I thought from the picture that all the joysticks were the same. A shaft that is shorter than the Ms PacMan/Galaga reunion shaft is going to be very short indeed.

I don't think it really matters if more than one leaf switch can be activated at the same time as Mame can block that through software. You can also bend the leaf switches to make the joystick less sensitive. However what is important is that all the joysticks have a diamond (or better still 4-leaf clover) shaped restrictor.

As far as I'm aware you cannot retrofit the Reunion sticks with leaf switches. However you may be able to fit Happ's (unfortunately rather expensive) optical modules to them.

[bigmoe]

Hmmm, some of these posts are a little worrying.

I haven't received mine yet but that isn't surprising since I asked for very cheap shipping.

I asked the guy to confirm when the joysticks had been despatched but so far he hasn't (bad sign). However he has at least given me good feedback on Ebay so he must have received my money.

I'm a bit concerned that the shaft lengths vary. Are they all the same colour? I thought from the picture that all the joysticks were the same. A shaft that is shorter than the Ms PacMan/Galaga reunion shaft is going to be very short indeed.

I don't think it really matters if more than one leaf switch can be activated at the same time as Mame can block that through software. You can also bend the leaf switches to make the joystick less sensitive. However what is important is that all the joysticks have a diamond (or better still 4-leaf clover) shaped restrictor.

As far as I'm aware you cannot retrofit the Reunion sticks with leaf switches. However you may be able to fit Happ's (unfortunately rather expensive) optical modules to them.

He never confirmed my order, either.  It's surprising how many sellers these days don't do that.

I don't have calipers or anything, so take my measurements with a grain of salt.

Of mine, both the tall and short are chrome with red ball tops.  The ball tops are about 1.25" in diameter, which agrees with the Reunion stick.  However, the happ site says the reunion stick is 2.01" from the base to the top of the stick, including the ball.  My short shafts are approx 1.75" and the tall ones just under 2.75".

The base plate restrictors on mine are malformed (Taz, I see what you mean; unless your restrictor is a different piece, no need to measure, thanks.).  However, there is a restrictor hole on the bottom where the actuator moves.  On 3 of mine there is the suggestion of a clover leaf, and on the 4th it is perfectly round.  So I guess I have 3 4-ways and 1 8-way.  (The round one was the first one I looked at.)

The clover leaf does somewhat restrict movement of the actuator.  Leaving the leaf switches as they came, it easily hit the diagonals.  By bending open the switches some, I was able to get pretty much a 4-way behavior, but unless I've overestimated how easily it is for a leaf switch to make contact (likely since I know nothing about them and have no encoder to test them on yet), they have to be pretty far apart.  This leaves a large dead zone for the stick.

The base also has different measurements than the Reunion.

So it appears to me these are 4-wayish sticks--they favor the planes but the diagonals are possible.  Perhaps these are good candidates for Tron stick conversions...

I'm interested to see how yours turned out.  Let me know when they arrive!

bm

[Grasshopper]

I've just received a package from the seller. However the only thing that was in it was 4 joystick actuators and some screws. Before I send him am email I thoght I'd check to see if anyone else here received the actuators separately.

Thanks in advance

[tman2k]

I've just received a package from the seller. However the only thing that was in it was 4 joystick actuators and some screws. Before I send him am email I thoght I'd check to see if anyone else here received the actuators separately.

Thanks in advance

Hmmm, that does not sound too promising...

The ones I received were fully assembled.

Was your package opened by customs / anybody else (that you know of)?

Let me make sure I understand....you didn't get any shafts at all, just the bases (with the leaf switches on them)?

[Grasshopper]

No, the package wasn't opened by customs as far as I can tell.

I didn't get the shafts, bases, or leafswtiches.

All I got were the actuators which are the small plastic sleeves that come into contact with the leaf switches. It was a very small package, basically a large envelope.

What I'm guessing (hoping!) is that he posted my joysticks and then noticed that the actuators were not included, and so sent them separately.

[bigmoe]

Mine were all together in a box and preassembled as well.

I hope you're right!

[Grasshopper]

Well they finally arrived last week and I've just had a chance to take a good look at them.

I have to say I'm slightly disappointed.

The first thing I noticed was that the actual cost of postage was only $10.50. However the guy had quoted me $23.00 which I had paid. It annoys me when sellers give you inflated postage quotes in order to make extra profit. If he had wanted to charge a "handling" fee then he should have been upfront about it or better still put a higher minimum bid figure on the joysticks. It's not really the money it's the principle.

Anyway now I've got that off my chest I'll discuss the joysticks!

The "hardly used if at all" description of the 4 way joysticks was more or less accurate but what the seller didn't mention was that they had been badly stored. Some of the ball tops are scratched and the screws holding the joysticks together have become rusted. However there is nothing actually broken and they can certainly be cleaned up.

The good news is that they appear to be genuine 4-ways sticks with 4-leaf clover shaped actuators. I had bought then hoping that they would be Wico clones. Unfortunately although the bases look very like the Wico ones the handles are totally different. Basically they are tiny. The shafts came in two lengths and the shorter shafts can only realistically be mounted on a metal panel. Of course some of the joysticks that were fitted to the very early games also had tiny handles and these joysticks may be useful to someone restoring an old machine. However they are not the 4-way Wico clones that I was really after.

I also bought a couple of the two way joysticks (basically as an afterthought) and I'm much happier with them. I believe they are the same type of joysticks that were fitted to Defender cabinets. They appear to be totally unused (although again slightly rusted due to being badly stored) and are definitely worth more than the $5 each I paid for them (IMHO).