New TurboTwist 2 Spinner Knobs - GroovyGameGear

[RandyT]

.

Here's a preview of the new knobs I have been hinting about in some recent posts.

These are two completely new designs, with a classic look that many have been asking for.  I'm not sure who first thought of putting a coarse diamond knurl on a spinner knob, but I think folks will find the fine, vertical knurl on these knobs to be much easier on the fingers while still providing a reliable gripping surface.

The knobs are made of solid aluminum alloy and have a heavy anodize coating for superior wear and corrosion resistance.

Future options will include laser etching and printed graphics with a clear acrylic insert.  The knobs are also compatible with GroovyGameGear's Accu-Twist™ system, so this option will be available as well.

Price is TBD, but will be lower when purchased with a TurboTwist2.


Thanks all, and seeing as it's just a couple of days away, Merry Christmas!  I hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe holiday.

RandyT


*edit*  These have now been added to store.  Click on the picture

[Visitor Q]

Those look really nice but I actually like the older one best on the push and pull.

[RandyT]

Those look really nice but I actually like the older one best on the push and pull.

Do you mean the DOT-style knob?  If so, those will also be made available as a separate item shortly.  If there's interest, I can look into a run of that style in anodized aluminum to add to the line-up as well.

RandyT

[Franco B]

Very nice Randy, I cant say i've been a fan of the diamond knurl ones either although I have made one for someone.

I still prefer mine for my TT2 tho

[RandyT]

I still prefer mine for my TT2 tho

Sweet!  Mill or Laser?

I think the current offering will be much more affordable though


RandyT

[Visitor Q]

Those look really nice but I actually like the older one best on the push and pull.

Do you mean the DOT-style knob?  If so, those will also be made available as a separate item shortly.  If there's interest, I can look into a run of that style in anodized aluminum to add to the line-up as well.

RandyT

Yeah... I like the one that is on this one here the best.

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86&products_id=311

[Franco B]

No laser or mill for the SI turret, just a good old trusty file or two

I orginally made a brass insert for the spinner but I changed it for a CF insert and added the turret.



Yup, I imagine yours would be cheaper. I did offer the other one on that image for $15 but no one was interested 

[RandyT]

No laser or mill for the SI turret, just a good old trusty file or two

Ah ha! you cheated   Still a great effect.


I also just wanted to mention for those who might be interested, that these will work with any spinner which has a precision 1/4" shaft, not just the TT2.  But you'll want to use some calipers to measure it as these are machined to tight tolerances for *near-zero* run out (no wobble).


RandyT

[Ummon]

What are the diameters of these?  And of the Tron top?

[RandyT]

What are the diameters of these?  And of the Tron top?

The new domed top version is 1 9/16" diameter which, not so coincidentally, is the same diameter as the original Arkanoid knobs.

The new skirted style knob is 1 1/2" in diameter at the grip and 1 9/16" at the base. 

The DOT style knob is 1 1/2" in diameter, which is a little smaller than the original.

RandyT

[shmokes]

I've said it before, but it's worth repeating.  That DOT knob is beautiful.

[thatitalian]

The silver knob in the picture on the far right is super sexy! Is there a possibility of making a plexi insert for this so that you can put a printed (mamemarquees) design inside of it?

[zallax]

Those look really nice but I actually like the older one best on the push and pull.

Do you mean the DOT-style knob?  If so, those will also be made available as a separate item shortly.  If there's interest, I can look into a run of that style in anodized aluminum to add to the line-up as well.

RandyT

I agree with Vistor Q.  The DOT knobs look fantastic.  I would be interested in some DOT knobs, in blue. 

[RandyT]

The silver knob in the picture on the far right is super sexy! Is there a possibility of making a plexi insert for this so that you can put a printed (mamemarquees) design inside of it?

Absolutely.  This possibility was a planned option for this style knob.  Of course folks can also make their own printed inserts if they desire (and we have some spiffy commercial printers here as well )

The DOT knobs look fantastic.  I would be interested in some DOT knobs, in blue. 

The coffers set aside for new parts is running a little thin at the moment (already spent most of it  ) but when it builds up a bit more, we'll put in an order for some of this style as well.

RandyT

[Blanka]

Where do I find the left most black one. Me like! Can you post a link to that one?

[RandyT]

Where do I find the left most black one. Me like! Can you post a link to that one?

I expect the black ones to be ready the middle of next week.  We had a production delay on the Red and Black knobs.

If anyone needs one of the others before they officially hit the store, please feel free to email me about it.

RandyT

[Blanka]

Mama?

_{(aka, still cannot find them in the shop)}

[Ginsu Victim]

Ooooo, how'd I miss this thread? Those are NIIIIIIIICE. Great work!

[zallax]

Randy, when are these hitting the store?  I am wanting to get some TT2's with these.

[RandyT]

Sorry this took so long....too many irons in the fire.....

Here's a link to the ones that are currently shipping.

A special discount is being offered if a TurboTwist 2 Spinner is purchased at the same time (see the TT2 options).  The discount price will be honored for anyone who has purchased a TT2 in the last 90 days.

RandyT

[cmoses]

Randy,

I am getting ready to order a Turbo Twist 2 and have a couple of questions regarding your spinner knobs.

Will both of the dome and inset styles work with the Mini Racing Wheels?  You listed the dome as being 1 9/16" diameter and the inset as 1 1/2".  Is one a better fit? 

With these knobs is the Energy Storage Cylinder still needed?

Any updates on the etching or clear acrylic inserts? 

Any updates on the dot knobs?

Thanks

[RandyT]

I am getting ready to order a Turbo Twist 2 and have a couple of questions regarding your spinner knobs.

Will both of the dome and inset styles work with the Mini Racing Wheels?  You listed the dome as being 1 9/16" diameter and the inset as 1 1/2".  Is one a better fit? 

The knob is removed for the wheel, so either is fine.  If you will be reomoving and replacing the knob often, the Accu-Twist feature is recommended doe tpo the fact that it includes a special, non-galling set screw.

With these knobs is the Energy Storage Cylinder still needed?

That's a matter preference.  These knobs are heavier than the plastic ones, so they do offer extra mass that adds a heavier feel to the spinner.  But they are about half as heavy as the ESC or the Stainless knobs.

Any updates on the etching or clear acrylic inserts? 

Currently, I can provide a clear one upon request for a small additional charge.

Any updates on the dot knobs?

Currently waiting for anodizing....

RandyT

[StarControl]

What I really want is an Electric Ice spinner knob that takes an insert so I can get the knob to glow blue to match your spiffy Tron handles.  -- Or one made out of UV reactive blue plastic.  I think the E.I. ones would be more popular though.  They would look great next to your trackball and a set of Electric Ice buttons.

[shmokes]

They would look great . . .

If by great you mean garish.   

[mimic]

I'm thinking I probably should start a new thread, and at the same time I don't wanna trash the board, since my question is for RandyT and regards the TT2 spinners and his steering wheels.
I was wondering if it would be possible to alter the design of the spinners to be specific the knobs and the steering wheel. Once I got the the spinners and the steering wheel about 2 years ago, I haven't used the wheel even once because it's seems to be too cumbersome to switch between knob and the wheel. I was thinking that it's too bad  that the wheel cannot be simply inserted on top of the knob, but that's probably due to different sizes of knobs and maybe it would be too hard to secure it?

How about this though: What if every knob would have threaded hole in the center, that could be covered by a small plate and the steering wheel would have threaded pin/stud, and could be just screwed on top of any knob (except maybe for raised ones though. Hmm just now had that thought) I don't think stud would have to be bigger than 1/2 inch? Although who knows if people wouldn't rip or bend their spinners from the extra forces that would be applied to them through raised steering wheel?

Should you utilize my concept I expect 99.9999999999% of the company's profit  

[cmoses]

The knob is removed for the wheel, so either is fine.  If you will be reomoving and replacing the knob often, the Accu-Twist feature is recommended doe tpo the fact that it includes a special, non-galling set screw.

I thought I had read that the wheels fit over the knob and were held in place by weight and friction againt the knob.  Is that something in the design that has changed?  I thought there was a post asking about mounting them on an angle and you replied that it was fine as long as you didn't have a tendency to "pull up" on the wheels or they would come off.

I can see where having to swap the wheel and the knob could be come bothersome, even if it only takes a short amount of time. 

[RandyT]

I thought I had read that the wheels fit over the knob and were held in place by weight and friction againt the knob.  Is that something in the design that has changed?  I thought there was a post asking about mounting them on an angle and you replied that it was fine as long as you didn't have a tendency to "pull up" on the wheels or they would come off.

I can see where having to swap the wheel and the knob could be come bothersome, even if it only takes a short amount of time. 

No, this has always been the case.  The wheels do not get tightened to the shaft (not necessary) so one needs only to give the set screw a quarter turn, slide off the knob and slide on the wheel.  When you want to go back to the knob, just lift the wheel off, slide the knob back on and give the wrench a quarter turn.

It's very simple and fast.  Keep in mind that some folks swap entire panels and interfaces just to be able to use a wheel.  This small procedure is nothing relative to that approach.

RandyT