4 Way Dillemma... Solved?

[Xiaou2]

 Well, I had ordered 2  "Sanwa  JLF-TP-8T "   Joysticks.    My intent was to
use them as 4ways,  as you can rotate the restrictor.


 However,  I had been told after I placed the order... that even with the restrictor,
you can hit diagonals   


 I was fiddling with the sticks,  considering what to do...  then it came to me...


 Mount the sticks diagonally!    The stick has a square restriction naturally,  so it
will be a diamond when mounted 45 degrees.    Then, I simply would set up
mame's games which are 4ways... to use  2buttons at once to activate a direction.

 For example...  Up =  A+W      Down =  Z+S
 

 In this method,  you can not register any single switch  that would cause
trouble  'in game'.


 The only problem would arise if you wanted to use this with something outside
of mame that didnt have quite the same flexibility with inputs.   However, I
really cant think of anything outside of mame that requires precise 4way operation.

 
 Ahh, the other problem is a slightly larger mounting area needed.  However,
I believe I can rotate the top plate to a 45 degree position.   That should reduce
it significantly.


 Anyways... its late and maybe my brain isnt working correctly.   Is my logic flawed? 

[abzman2000]

I had that idea once, and haven't found any fault with it.  I never needed a dedicated 4-way though so I never implemented it.  Couldn't you use this logic to configure an 8-way mounted normally to play q-bert properly too?

[Xiaou2]

 Thanks Abzman2000,   I thought it would work... but was worried my
brain wasnt seeing some simple loophole. 


 And yes, Q-bert would be an added advantage as well.


 Games like  Ms Pacman  dont play very well without a 4way.   While you
can time the moves decently... theres always that one error caused
when hitting a diagonal that happens.    The distances are reduced as well,
giving you faster responses... and there is always that nice smooth
sliding feel when going from one direction to the next.

[CheffoJeffo]

Can't the same thing be accomplished by mounting the sticks normally, rotating the restrictor and using the "Left Not Up Not Down" technique ?

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=83724.msg875226#msg875226

[Ginsu Victim]

The real question is:

Can there actually be a thread where the two of you don't argue?

And the answer is:

Yes, so long as it's a thread neither of you are in.

[CheffoJeffo]

Actually, I think that Xiaou's solution will work fine ... 

And I agree with him about the desire for a DIY pinball solution. I just didn't know if he was aware of Jeff Matthew's work in that area.

[Ginsu Victim]

And I agree with him

While I know it happens on occasion, it's still shocking when you admit it.

[u_rebelscum]

Sort of accidentally done before, but had to be redone because the OP wanted 8-way action.  (I swear it was done intentionally elsewhere too, but can't find the post.)

IOW, it'll work as well as how big/small the diagonals/cardinal directions are of good sizes.