The last details of my CP, need your help please.

[Visitor Q]

I am just about ready to pull the trigger on my new control panel and am finalizing the last details. I will be installing two U360s, player 1 & 2 but I also want a dedicated 4 way since I have the room. My question is this, should I install a regular 4 way leaf switch joystick for 4 way play or install another U 360 with a 4 way restrictor plate installed?

I am buying my CP from Mameroom, see link for picture.

http://www.mameroom.com/ClassicController.asp

Thanks.

[Ginsu Victim]

if you want the most accurate feel, find a Wico 4-way leaf.

Rather than a U360, you should just install a Sanwa JLW set to 4-way. Same stick pretty much, just with microswitches.

[Visitor Q]

if you want the most accurate feel, find a Wico 4-way leaf.

Rather than a U360, you should just install a Sanwa JLW set to 4-way. Same stick pretty much, just with microswitches.

Ok… I guess my thoughts was just that I am using two other 360s for player 1 and 2 to have a 3rd one up top with the 4 way plate installed but if it is not going to give me the true 4 way feel, then I will just install a dedicated (true) 4 way as that is my only plans for that stick.

So what is the best 4 way then Sanwa JLW set to 4-way or Wico?

[Ginsu Victim]

First, I feel that having the U360s eliminates the need for a true 4-way, but I agree on the feel of 4-way diamond restriction.

If you must, I say Wico 4-way (classic!) if you can find it, or Sanwa JLW. Both are great 4-ways.

[Visitor Q]

Yeah, I want that true 4 way feel.

Can you recommend a good spinner?

[Ian]

spinners...

http://www.retroblast.com/20060704171/Hardware/RetroBlast-Review-The-Blackhawk-Spinner-by-Apache-Controls.php

[Ginsu Victim]

Check Ultimarc and GroovyGameGear. Both have excellent spinners that will fit in a 1 1/8" hole and can run via USB.

I made my own, so I can't comment on any beyond hearsay.

[Visitor Q]

spinners...

http://www.retroblast.com/20060704171/Hardware/RetroBlast-Review-The-Blackhawk-Spinner-by-Apache-Controls.php

That sounds really good!

[Visitor Q]

Are there true 4 way joysticks or do they all use plates for restriction?

[Ginsu Victim]

4-way is 4-way. Some sticks do a better job of avoiding diagonals while restricted, but they are all physically restricted, be it by restrictor or a mounting plate with a diamond or cloverleaf hole.

[Visitor Q]

So with that said, Wico 4-way (classic) or a Sanwa JLW will they give me a better feel that a U360 with no plate?

[Ginsu Victim]

Yeah, for a dedicated 4-way added into your panel, those are both great choices.

[Visitor Q]

See my feeling is this. Even though a U360 can be a 4 way stick, nothing is going to give me that true 4 way feel unless I have a joystick with restrictor plates installed which is why I want a dedicated 4 way. I mean I could install another 360 up top with a plate or just install a 4 way. Does this make sense?

[Ginsu Victim]

You could do that, but since you'd be using it for 4-way only, it's a waste of money. The JLW is exactly the same, but a lot cheaper since it doesn't have the magnetic sensor.

[Visitor Q]

Yeah, I guess that was my thinking as well but as far as the other part of the question goes, a joystick with a plate is going to feel better because it is physically limited rather than software limited right?

[Ginsu Victim]

Frankly, the U360 is so good in 4-way mode, I don't miss the physical restrcition.

But, yeah, a restricted 4-way will definitely be better than an 8-way switch-based stick without restriction.

[Visitor Q]

Well like I said, I have the room.

http://www.mameroom.com/ClassicController.asp

I just figured a true feel would be the best and that is what I have gathered from other users in general. I mean I could always put a fight stick there or a top instead but I figured a dedicated 4 way would get the most use.

[Loafmeister]

Ok, now you're opening up another can.  If you have the budget for a flightstick, then maybe you should get that, and leave the 4 way to the U360's.  A flightstick with fire button(s) opens up a couple more games that can be played more faithfully...  like Star Wars for example.  Say, do they sell U360's with a fire button on top? (not a hack).

p.s.  keep in mind the ergonomics of your panel versus you monitor. Having a big flight stick right smack in the middle may not be the best spot for it.  Since it's a big panel, I imagine that's all ok, just don't forget to consider everything.

[Visitor Q]

Ok, now you're opening up another can.  If you have the budget for a flightstick, then maybe you should get that, and leave the 4 way to the U360's.  A flightstick with fire button(s) opens up a couple more games that can be played more faithfully...  like Star Wars for example.  Say, do they sell U360's with a fire button on top? (not a hack).

p.s.  keep in mind the ergonomics of your panel versus you monitor. Having a big flight stick right smack in the middle may not be the best spot for it.  Since it's a big panel, I imagine that's all ok, just don't forget to consider everything.

I am trying to consdier everything here as much as I can.

A flight stick would be cool but I doubt I would play star wars as much as I would play 4 way games. If I got a top fire joystick, it would not be a u360.

Attach is the exact (more or less) setup I am getting with the fluch mount track ball and two U360s. My plans are/ where to make that top center stick dedicated 4 way.

[Ginsu Victim]

Say, do they sell U360's with a fire button on top? (not a hack)

Nope.

[Visitor Q]

So anyway, its a top fire up top there, a dedicated 4 way or nothing at all.

[Loafmeister]

Put in the dedicated 4 way, that way you can have the full feeling for all the 4way games with the restrictor plates et al.

[Visitor Q]

As far as the U360s go, any thoughts on using the restrictor plates or harder springs?

Note that the restrictor plates are designed to be a one-off fit, not suitable for regular removal and refitting
We expect most people will find the UltraStik 360 to be perfect for all gaming applications including analog and any variation of digital. But we recognise that some people would prefer a different "feel" to the stick with a mechanical limit on it's movement. So there are three restrictor plates available.
4-8 Way restrictor: This can be fitted in either 4-way or 8-way mode and provides a mechanical limit for those people who prefer this. You can easily adjust from 4 to 8-wy by turning the plate 45 degrees.
Round Restrictor: For those who want to use the stick in full analog and digital programmable mode, but prefer a stick with limited mechanical movement, a round restrictor can be fitted.
Note that fitting the restrictors requires some dismantling so these are a semi-permanent fixture.
Octagonal Restrictor: This can be left in place and used in either 4 or 8-way mode with no need to move the plate between each mode. Octagonal restrictors are used on Sanwa joysticks and have a great following.

[Ginsu Victim]

The concensus is circular restrictor with hard springs.

I tried mine standard, and it felt too light and the throw was too long. Added the springs and the round restrictor and it's awesome now.

[Visitor Q]

The concensus is circular restrictor with hard springs.

I tried mine standard, and it felt too light and the throw was too long. Added the springs and the round restrictor and it's awesome now.

Cool, thank you.

Please, anyone else feel free to add input.

Thanks.

[Ginsu Victim]

Yeah, I tend to dominate U360 threads.