Joystick Recommendation

[Txny Mxnrxe]

I found some plans for a bartop I would like to build but I don't know what I can do for a joystick.  I would like just a 4-way but I have limited space.  The front of the control panel is only 2.75 inches tall. This is what the cab looks like:

[Paul Olson]

The happ sticks are about 2.5". Old Wicos are 2.25" (and great all around sticks). Nintendo sticks are 1.75" (great for nintendo games, but probably wouldn't feel right for others). Those are the only ones small enough that I have to measure here. Just find out how much space you actually have underneath the cp. I am guessing that is a happ stick in the photo.

Paul

[EwJ]

If you haven't cut the wood yet, select the joystick that suits you best and alter the plans a bit if necessary.
If you have 2.75" clearance under the panel, that should be sufficient for most joys unless you go for a rotary, 49-way, or analog trigger.

If a restricted 4-way is what you want, there are a few choices that don't take a lot of room under panel: a Ms. Pac  Reunion, a j-stik, mag-stik,  wico, etc.
Check Happ joys for exploded view to give you dim's.
Some at GGG.
For j-stik and mag-stik see Ultimarc. Diagrams..
For a Wico, check ebay or post in B/S/T here.
There are also Sanwa, Seimetsu.

An inexpensive 4-way option is a Happ Super with a restrictor (see GGG
Tornado Terry's has Ms.Pac joy and others TT
Divemaster and ponyboy in B/S/T may have some options.

If you do a search here, you will find many threads regarding 4-ways.

[severdhed]

of course there is always the Ultrastik 360, which is great "one size fits all" kind of stick.    doesnt have the physical restriction, but works as well as an 8 way stick as it does a 4 way or 2 way or just about anything else you want.  they arent cheap, but they are amazing.

as for your cabient plans, if you need more depth under the panel, it shouldnt be too difficult to add another inch to the height by modifying the plans slightly

[Ginsu Victim]

...doesnt have the physical restriction...

But has 4-way/8-way, circular, and octagonal restrictors available.

[severdhed]

yeah, true.  but installing a 4way restrictor on a u360 is like having a car that only turns left.

[mj147]

yeah, true.  but installing a 4way restrictor on a u360 is like having a car that only turns left.

Ermm......NASCAR? 

Seriously, have you looked into a Japanese Sanwa or Seimitsu sticks? Both have small profiles especially when mounted without the mounting plate.



mj147

[Ginsu Victim]

yeah, true.  but installing a 4way restrictor on a u360 is like having a car that only turns left.

Well, the circular and octagonal hurt nothing. I see no point in using the 4-way/8-way, though.

[bkenobi]

If you top mount the stick, you cut down the thickness of the CP in the needed space underneath.  I don't personally like that look nearly as much, but if you don't have options, it will work.

[severdhed]

yeah, true.  but installing a 4way restrictor on a u360 is like having a car that only turns left.

Ermm......NASCAR? 

Seriously, have you looked into a Japanese Sanwa or Seimitsu sticks? Both have small profiles especially when mounted without the mounting plate.



mj147

dont get me started on NASCAR...watching nascar is about as much fun as playing ET on the atari 2600