Main > Buy/Sell/Trade - non-retail
Tron joysticks (new repros) available...
x-wing:
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BTW, aluminum shafts from hobby stores work better (and are cheaper) than nutdriver shafts...
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Curious... Somehow I don't agree that aluminum is better for a joystick shaft than steel. Granted aluminum is easier to work with if you don't have the proper tools, but it is definitely not better than steel, like that found on a nutdriver shaft. :P
At any rate, I'm jumping on this Tron joystick thing. It would be shame for them not to come to light for lack of people willing to commit a few dollars to the project. Besides, mine is cracked and I'm afraid to let friends play on my Tron, in case they get wild and break it. Heh, I should probably order two, just in case. ;D
1UP:
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Curious...
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OSCAR:
The real reason I used a nut driver..... I did the hack one afternoon and I didn't feel like leaving the house to find something more suitable. :)
Actually, aluminum should be okay. But for myself, I wouldn't use anything less than a 2011 alloy, which is about 3x higher in yield strength than the off-the-shelf stuff you see in stores (typically 1100 alloy). Funny thing is, they are about exactly the same in price. Most good hardware supplies carry the 2011, but I highly doubt you would find it in a Home Depot or any place like that.
That said, I would even consider using a nutdriver again. It worked okay for me. ;D
1UP:
Well, the real reason I used aluminum tubing was because I couldn't find any nutdrivers that were the right size or length, so I guess that makes it even! ;) Like I said, the average consumer stick is all plastic except for the screws, and a lot of them are plenty durable. Aluminum should be one step better. Haven't bent them in half yet, so I'm okay with aluminum. Some other people might be too rough, but I don't hang out with that sort. If anyone starts beating on my machine, high score will be the LEAST of their worries! >:( >:( >:(
x-wing:
--- Quote ---Like I said, the average consumer stick is all plastic except for the screws, and a lot of them are plenty durable.
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I'm not sure how valid your point is here. You've made a big jump between a PC flight stick and an arcade trigger stick.
How so? PC sticks are typically placed on a desktop or in your lap and are used in a sitting position where you really only use your wrist to control it. It is probably impossible to ever damage it using it in this manner, especially since the base is free to float.
Now take that same flight stick and bolt it to a 300lb. cabinet (i.e., not movable), stand in front of it, and use your shoulder & elbow to control it. HUGE difference. What I'm getting at here is that if a plastic joystick shaft is that strong, why weren't they (or aluminum, for that matter) used on arcade machines? Because they wouldn't last. When I worked in plant production ergonomics, these are exactly the types of things we considered when spec'ing or designing new equipment and tools.
Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT saying that using a standard flight stick with a plastic shaft wouldn't work on a home arcade machine. I'm only saying that a direct design comparison between a PC flight stick and an arcade trigger stick is faulty. I agree with you that aluminum tube is a step up from plastic, but it surely isn't as good as using steel tubing, which is also readily available in many sizes and lengths. Nutdrivers are only a single source, you can also purchase it raw. Try some local fab shops if you can't find it anywhere else.
1UP, you hacked a trigger stick, you are happy with it, and that's great. Examples like this inspire others. That's what this is all about... the sharing of ideas & tips to Build Your Own Arcade Controls!
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