Author Topic: Replacing the joysticks on an XArcade Tankstick: Need some info (Read 20054 times)

Triton · « **on:** May 08, 2009, 03:31:07 pm »

So far I've only found 1 reference to someone changing out the joystick on an Xarcade Tankstick with a different type of joystick. Just an up front FYI that I have been searching

The joysticks on my Tankstick are just about shot. I would like to replace them with the Ultramarc Mag Stik Plus. Mainly so I can switch between 4way and 8way without taking the CP out of the cabinet (pain in the arse).

What I have heard is that some modification will need to be made in order to get it to fit in. However, exactly what needs to be done seems to have been left off of those posts. So I am curious to know if anyone here has done this to their Tankstick?

Also, I'm wondering what will have to be done with the wiring? Will it plug right in or will I need to splice some wires?

My gameroom will be done here in the next couple of weeks and the Arcade machine is going to get ALOT of attention. I want to get the joysticks working (the contacts bend too easily so some directions just don't work after heavy 1vs1 fighting) before then. I've got my finger on the trigger to order them but I'm a little hesitant because I have no clue what to expect.

THanks again!

genesim · « **Reply #1 on:** May 08, 2009, 03:57:41 pm »

The mag stick is pretty much like a regular microswitch controller. The main dfference is that it just uses a magnet instead of a spring...or something like that.

So my guess is that it is either too deep or the circle isn't big enough. Sorry I am not more help and I am sure someone will correct me very soon.

BobA · « **Reply #2 on:** May 08, 2009, 04:14:24 pm »

The magstick has a different mounting plate then the x arcade sticks. Some modification may be required if the x arcade sticks are set into routered spaces in the x arcade CP.

GeoMan · « **Reply #3 on:** May 16, 2009, 10:50:26 am »

Quote from: Triton on May 08, 2009, 03:31:07 pm

So far I've only found 1 reference to someone changing out the joystick on an Xarcade Tankstick with a different type of joystick. Just an up front FYI that I have been searching

The joysticks on my Tankstick are just about shot. I would like to replace them with the Ultramarc Mag Stik Plus. Mainly so I can switch between 4way and 8way without taking the CP out of the cabinet (pain in the arse).

I replaced my Tankstick joysticks with ultimarc's U360 lately. Here's what you have to do:

1. The European joysticks like U360 (and probably MagStick) do not fit exactly into the holes drilled on the Tankstick. You have to enlarge the four holes on the joystick plate with a wasp by 2-3mm.

2. X-Gaming's joysticks are bottom mounted on the Tankstick. Since the european plates are slightly longer you will have to use a file to remove 3-4mm of wood from the bottom of the control panel so they fit into the old position. Or you can fill the gap (i used 2 small wood pieces) and mount them directly (in that case you need long joystick shafts).

It is better to buy the U360 because you can program it any way you like: 8-way, 4-way, analog, .e.t.c. They use a magnet so there are no switches to break!

It is also a good idea to buy the long shafts and hard springs.

Here's a pic om my modified Tankstick:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=91572.0;attach=122423;image

severdhed · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2009, 11:55:46 pm »

Quote from: GeoMan on May 16, 2009, 10:50:26 am

1. The European joysticks like U360 (and probably MagStick) do not fit exactly into the holes drilled on the Tankstick. You have to enlarge the four holes on the joystick plate with a wasp by 2-3mm.

I have to say that I prefer a good Hornet or Bumble Bee over a wasp...

as for the question at hand...the mounting plates are different. also, from what i have read, the magstick isn't so great for fighters, but that is all personal opinion...the throw will be alot shorter than your xarcade sticks. i replaced my x-arcade with u360s, and couldn't be happier. (although i didnt install them in the xarcade enclosure, i built my own)

a happ super or competition stick should bolt right into your xarcade (i beleive anyway)

garnerb350 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 18, 2009, 12:56:13 pm »

This is what i found and her is an excerpt from the review...the page is from
http://www.gizmag.com/x-arcade-dual-joystick-review/11092/

Modding the X-Arcade
There are two popular choices to replace the sticks in the X-Arcade that don't require any modifications.
First up is the iL Eurojoystick, available from Lizard Lick.
Ultimarc's Mag-Stik Plus will also do the trick, and give you the ability to switch the stick from 8-way to 4-way without opening the X-Arcade, allowing you to play games like Pacman and Donkey Kong without the issues that arise when doing so with an 8-way joystick.
And if you're not scared to make permanent modifications to the inside of your X-Arcade, it is possible to add Sanwa sticks.

I also have the tankstick, and when I ever decide to upgrade my joysticks I was going to use this as reference....I myself haven't heard anything about modding the existing bolt holes...from the article i have ...its says that you don't have to....just replace...

If you can find anymore information....let me know...I don't want to end up getting something that wont work...

GeoMan · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2009, 01:45:48 pm »

From the diagrams posted here:

http://www.ultimarc.com/ultrastik_inst.html
http://www.ultimarc.com/controldiags.html

Magstick has a different plate compared to a U360. Still it is not that hard to install the U360's without permanent modifications to the Tankstick.

Besides being fully programmable you can also connect the 8 buttons to a U360. With the latest firmware update one of these buttons works as a shift key, meaning that you can program 15 different keystrokes with just 8 buttons!

The Tankstick controller also freezes OS X 10.5.6+ (for those like me who also use a Mac) and the U360 controlling the 8 buttons is an ideal solution as it bypasses the Tankstick controller.

StarshipUK · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2009, 05:41:26 am »

I am going to update the Joysticks and Push Buttons in one (of my Six) X-Arcade joysticks.

Is there a difference between the Happ Competition Pushbutton with Horizontal Microswitch (convex) and Happ Pushbutton with Horizontal Microswitch (Concave) buttons, and are these both easy to replace in an X-Arcade joystick?

The buttons are here:
http://www.lizardlick.com/pages/pushbuttons.shtml

I am also thinking of getting the Black 1 player and 2 player buttons.

One of my X-Arcades is completely broken and does not register at all, so I am thinking of putting a pair of (Expensive) Ultimarc UltraStik 360 joysticks into it, connecting the buttons through the stick and having a couple of usb cables coming out of the X-Arcade (completly bypassing the internal electronics).

I am also thinking of installing a Spinner in one of them. Does anyone know what spinner's would easily fit in an X-Arcade stick and what games are compatable with Spinner controls?

GeoMan · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2009, 06:47:41 am »

I installed a USB SpinTrak (from Ultimarc) with small fly-weight (to make sure that it will fit next to my Tankstick's trackball, replacing the 2-Player button). Installation is very easy, just remove the pushbutton and screw SpinTrak in it's place.

Replacing both joysticks and installing a SpinTrak means that you will need 3 USB cables coming out of your X-Arcade (or you can install a small USB hub into the case so only one USB cable needs to come out of it).

StarshipUK · « **Reply #9 on:** June 13, 2009, 11:02:54 am »

Thanks for the info. Do you know where I can find a list of (Mame) games which work well with the Spinner device?

GeoMan · « **Reply #10 on:** June 13, 2009, 12:32:45 pm »

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Spinners#Which_games_originally_used_a_spinner

All driving games can also be played with a spinner.

logan_58 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 11, 2009, 08:22:18 pm »

Old thread, sorry to resurrect but I was wondering if anyone thought it would be possible to replace one of the tankstick fire-buttons with a spinner? I don't want to drill as my carpnter skills are terrible LOL...

severdhed · « **Reply #12 on:** September 11, 2009, 10:51:18 pm »

sure...the turbotwist 2 spinner from groovygamegear will fit right in a standard button hole.

but just be aware, if you were to get a 1 1/8" forstner bit, drilling an extra hole is pretty simple (just make sure there is nothing underneath that location you could destroy

logan_58 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 13, 2009, 12:51:50 am »

Wow, cool, thanks severdhed for the fast reply. I could put one in there (spinner) and if it's uncomfortable I can always do what you said regarding making a hole with a 1 1/8" bit. Being it's going to be plugged into the tankstick could I get the slave version? I'm really new at this so sorry if this has been answered a 100 times already LOL...

I'm probably pushing my luck but do you know how the groovygamegear steering wheels work with mame? I'm thinking pole position and super spint. I think a read a review of them and it seems you can just pop it on and off the spinner. Again, sorry if this has been asked and answered a 100 times already...

THANKS A WHOLE LOT!!!

GeoMan · « **Reply #14 on:** September 13, 2009, 04:32:22 am »

I replaced my 2-Player button on my Tankstick with a USB SpinTrak (Ultimarc) with the small fly-weight. It fits fine.

logan_58 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 13, 2009, 07:34:11 am »

Thanks GeoMan, I think I just saw that photo! It opened up some options for me. I guess you just programmed one of the fire buttons to start a 2 player game?

GeoMan · « **Reply #16 on:** September 13, 2009, 07:46:34 am »

Quote from: logan_58 on September 13, 2009, 07:34:11 am

Thanks GeoMan, I think I just saw that photo! It opened up some options for me. I guess you just programmed one of the fire buttons to start a 2 player game?

I also replaced the two joysticks with programmable Ultrasticks 360 in input mode and connected the 8 buttons on each of them. With these joysticks one button can be programmed as a "shift", so you can get 15 different functions. My 2-Player button is: shift - Button2

logan_58 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 13, 2009, 07:59:18 am »

Ahhh, that's sounds great. I read your install procedure for the ultrasticks; what's a wasp? I wanted to swap out the joysticks too, I just don't know about doing anything carpentry related. I can figure out the wiring and stuff but drilling is NOT one of my strong points, sanding maybe LOL... By the way, how well does that spinner work for games like pole position, super sprint and front line (arm movement)? Have you tried those at all? I'm sure it rocks for arkanoid, tempest and warlords...

GeoMan · « **Reply #18 on:** September 13, 2009, 08:43:19 am »

Quote from: logan_58 on September 13, 2009, 07:59:18 am

Ahhh, that's sounds great. I read your install procedure for the ultrasticks; what's a wasp? I wanted to swap out the joysticks too, I just don't know about doing anything carpentry related. I can figure out the wiring and stuff but drilling is NOT one of my strong points, sanding maybe LOL... By the way, how well does that spinner work for games like pole position, super sprint and front line (arm movement)? Have you tried those at all? I'm sure it rocks for arkanoid, tempest and warlords...

You don't have to drill anything! The screw holes on the Ultrasticks do not align exactly with the Tankstick screw holes so you need a rasp (not wasp!) to increase the diameter of the Ultrastick screw holes.

Since the Ultrastick plates are also slightly larger than the joystick holes on the back of the Tankstick you will also need to widen these or simply fill them with a small piece of wood. That way you don't modify tour case at all!

Remember to order Ultrasticks with long shafts in that case.

logan_58 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 13, 2009, 11:00:49 pm »

Thanks a lot GeoMan! I think I'll get the ultrasticks as well. I'd like to hook the 2 ultrastick's usb wires into a usb hub along with the spinner and trackball so I just have one wire (ie: usb hub) coming out of the case; is this what you did? Thanks!

GeoMan · « **Reply #20 on:** September 14, 2009, 04:32:56 am »

Quote from: logan_58 on September 13, 2009, 11:00:49 pm

Thanks a lot GeoMan! I think I'll get the ultrasticks as well. I'd like to hook the 2 ultrastick's usb wires into a usb hub along with the spinner and trackball so I just have one wire (ie: usb hub) coming out of the case; is this what you did? Thanks!

You will need a USB hub with at least 4 ports (for spinner, trackball, ultrastick 1 & 2). I didn't install one inside the Tankstick as i already had an external 7 port USB hub on my PC. Also note that you may need a powered USB hub, my PC is old and it's USB specs are v1.1 so i had to use a powered USB to drive most external USB peripherals.

severdhed · « **Reply #21 on:** September 14, 2009, 10:21:03 am »

to answer your question about the spinner, you cannot use the slave version. you will need the version with the control board, since the x-arcade will not have the proper interface for the spinner

logan_58 · « **Reply #22 on:** September 14, 2009, 05:02:13 pm »

OK, thanks guys, powered 4 port usb hub and master spinner...Got it!

logan_58 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 15, 2009, 12:26:22 am »

Do you guys know if I can just buy the Turbo Twist (master) and it just connects via usb? I'm looking at the photo here:
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=268

and it doesn't look like it will just plug directly into a usb port. Is there anything else I may need to get the spinner working? I'd hate to just order the spinner and then have to order again from the site because of something small I overlooked. Sorry if I'm being a pain in the butt

GeoMan · « **Reply #24 on:** September 15, 2009, 04:10:20 am »

The link you provide says that it includes a USB interface (Master). You also have to choose the ID number (1 for the first device of a type, but if you get a second similar spinner you should buy one with an ID of 2 and so on).

The Ultrasticks are programmable so you define their ID number from the gaming devices control panel in windows. Connect the first, set as ID 1, disconnect, connect the second, set as ID 2 and then you can connect both.

With that spinner it seems that the ID can't be changed through software.

logan_58 · « **Reply #25 on:** September 16, 2009, 02:17:19 am »

Thanks GeoMan, is the fact that the spinner isn't software programmable going to cause a problem with the ultrasticks? Can the spinner(s) be ID programmed to 1 (and 2 maybe if I get more than one) and the first Ultrastick be ID programmed to 1 (then 2 for the second) or would the first Ultrastick have to be 3 (because the spinners are one and two)

. Sorry if this is a dumb question I just want to be sure I have an idea of what to do...Thanks!

GeoMan · « **Reply #26 on:** September 16, 2009, 04:08:27 am »

Quote from: logan_58 on September 16, 2009, 02:17:19 am

Thanks GeoMan, is the fact that the spinner isn't software programmable going to cause a problem with the ultrasticks? Can the spinner(s) be ID programmed to 1 (and 2 maybe if I get more than one) and the first Ultrastick be ID programmed to 1 (then 2 for the second) or would the first Ultrastick have to be 3 (because the spinners are one and two) . Sorry if this is a dumb question I just want to be sure I have an idea of what to do...Thanks!

Only same devices need to have different ID's so you aren't going to run into an ID conflict when using a spinner & the Ultrasticks. The spinner is recognized as a mouse device.

When you choose a spinner buy a high-resolution one as it will make a difference with spinner games and also buy the Energy Storage Cylinder with Turbo Twist which will help with racing games.

If you go with Ultimarc's SpinTrak spinner note that only the small fly-weight fits into the Tankstick if you are also going to replace the 2-Player button with the spinner.

logan_58 · « **Reply #27 on:** September 16, 2009, 05:23:16 am »

Thanks GeoMan, these are the only 2 references I noticed on groovy's website regarding resolution:

"We packed the highest-resolution of any Arcade spinner into the smallest and easiest-to-install package ever! It's also the most economical!"

"GroovyGameGear was the first to bring you a high-resolution Arcade Spinner Control with the original TurboTwist™."

I'm thinking it's high resolution???

I understand about the IDs now and will get the energy storage cylinder, thanks a lot!!!

GeoMan · « **Reply #28 on:** September 16, 2009, 12:57:42 pm »

Send an email and ask to be sure. The SpinTrak works at 1200 pulses per revolution.

One more thing you will probably need to change: the mouse poll rate

If you check Google there are some programs that allow you to increase the mouse polling rate up to 1000. The higher the value the more times the spinner is read by your OS and that results in smoother movement. A value of 500 is enough because as you increase this number more CPU power gets consumed and the response of your PC drops (especially if you have an older machine).

logan_58 · « **Reply #29 on:** September 16, 2009, 04:58:40 pm »

Thanks VERY VERY much Geoman for your time and sharing your experience! For anyone else interested, here's the blurb on Groovy's website regarding the TurboTwist 2:

"1200 transitions per revolution provides full coverage for any spinner or paddle game, including those demanding Arkanoid-style games. And it does it without gears!"

So it looks like it does 1200 pulses per revolution, same as the SpinTrak.

I'm looking into changing the mouse polling via software. Thank you GeoMan 100x

gaijinking · « **Reply #30 on:** March 20, 2010, 05:13:42 pm »

Quote from: GeoMan on May 16, 2009, 10:50:26 am

Quote from: Triton on May 08, 2009, 03:31:07 pm
So far I've only found 1 reference to someone changing out the joystick on an Xarcade Tankstick with a different type of joystick. Just an up front FYI that I have been searching

The joysticks on my Tankstick are just about shot. I would like to replace them with the Ultramarc Mag Stik Plus. Mainly so I can switch between 4way and 8way without taking the CP out of the cabinet (pain in the arse).

I replaced my Tankstick joysticks with ultimarc's U360 lately. Here's what you have to do:

1. The European joysticks like U360 (and probably MagStick) do not fit exactly into the holes drilled on the Tankstick. You have to enlarge the four holes on the joystick plate with a wasp by 2-3mm.

2. X-Gaming's joysticks are bottom mounted on the Tankstick. Since the european plates are slightly longer you will have to use a file to remove 3-4mm of wood from the bottom of the control panel so they fit into the old position. Or you can fill the gap (i used 2 small wood pieces) and mount them directly (in that case you need long joystick shafts).

It is better to buy the U360 because you can program it any way you like: 8-way, 4-way, analog, .e.t.c. They use a magnet so there are no switches to break!

It is also a good idea to buy the long shafts and hard springs.

Here's a pic om my modified Tankstick:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=91572.0;attach=122423;image

Looks great on top. But, do you have a pic of the bottom/insides of how they u360s are mounted?

logan5 · « **Reply #31 on:** April 04, 2010, 08:58:29 pm »

Just got my turbotwist 2, it's pretty awesome! Can anyone give me some advice on replacing the sticks in my tankstick? I wanted to be able to have at least one with a firebutton on it for games like battlezone and tron; although tron uses a flightstick with a trigger I figure a regular joystick with a firebutton on it would be ok. I'd prefer to not make any modifications on the tankstick if possible. Anyone know of a joystick like this? Thanks a lot!

Red · « **Reply #32 on:** September 16, 2010, 02:09:14 pm »

"Besides being fully programmable you can also connect the 8 buttons to a U360. With the latest firmware update one of these buttons works as a shift key, meaning that you can program 15 different keystrokes with just 8 buttons!"

How exactly do you connect the 8 buttons from the Tankstick to a U360?

If I do this, I will no longer be using the Tankstick's Keyboard Encoder as everything will then be going through the U360, correct?

Would the Trackball and its buttons still work though?

And I'm assuming this can also be done to the 2P side as well, right?

Thanks.

GeoMan · « **Reply #33 on:** September 16, 2010, 03:22:14 pm »

You bypass the encoder as you now use the buttons with the U360s. You can still use the encoder for the 3 buttons at the top and the sides.

The trackball is separate and is not affected.

Red · « **Reply #34 on:** September 17, 2010, 02:47:28 pm »

Great. Thanks.

How exactly would I connect the 8 buttons from the Tankstick to a U360? Would I have to solder them or something?

I don't have a U360 Joystick yet or even attempted to open up the Tankstick, so I'm just wondering if this can be done by someone with no solder or electrical experience.

GeoMan · « **Reply #35 on:** September 17, 2010, 07:57:37 pm »

No soldering is required. You can buy Crimp Connectors:

http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=6&xPage=1

or even better a ready-made Encoder Harness for the U360:

http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=10&xPage=1

Red · « **Reply #36 on:** September 17, 2010, 11:40:15 pm »

Quote from: GeoMan on September 17, 2010, 07:57:37 pm

No soldering is required. You can buy Crimp Connectors:

http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=6&xPage=1

or even better a ready-made Encoder Harness for the U360:

http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=10&xPage=1

Awesome. Thanks!


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