ultrastik 360 question

[gman314]

Since the completeion of my cab, I have been using a Magstick plus, however, I am thinking about switching to a U360.  Let me state that I am generally happy with the performance of my current stick.  It just seems that the U360 is better (and minus all the clicking).  Unfortunately, I am a little confused on a few aspects of how the U360 works. 

(By the way, my FE is Maximus Arcade 2.10, I am using Mame 127 along with various console emulators, and I currently have by CP wired to an IPAC 2)

First of all, I know that you can download and create maps for different games.  However, once I install the stick in my CP, does this mean that I will have to individually assign every single game to a particular map?  Or will the U360 somehow know, for instance, to use an 8-way map for an 8 way game, a 4-way map for a 4 way game, and so on?  Once I load a game through my FE, I'm not gonna get some prompt asking me what map to use, will I?  I need my FE to be as perfectly seamless as it is now.  Am I worrying for nothing?

Also, I am a little confused by the U360's input and output modes (although I read up on this already).  I know that I will connect the USB, but could I also have the stick, as well as my current button layout, still connected to my IPAC?  Or is it necessary that I connect my buttons directly to my U360?  The problem is that I am using more buttons than there are inputs on the U360 (6 buttons, 1 player start, 2 player start, coin, 2 admin buttons).  I would hope that I could keep these inputs hooked up to my IPAC in the same manner that they are now.

Am i on the right track with any of this?  Thanks in advance for any help. 

[Bobulus]

Also, I am a little confused by the U360's input and output modes (although I read up on this already).  I know that I will connect the USB, but could I also have the stick, as well as my current button layout, still connected to my IPAC?  Or is it necessary that I connect my buttons directly to my U360?  The problem is that I am using more buttons than there are inputs on the U360 (6 buttons, 1 player start, 2 player start, coin, 2 admin buttons).  I would hope that I could keep these inputs hooked up to my IPAC in the same manner that they are now.

You don't have to hook up your buttons through the U360, it's just an option. USB-u360 and Ipac-pushbuttons works just fine. It's how I've got my CP set up.

The wiring harness for the u360 can either be used to hook the joystick to the ipac (which get you an 8-way stick as keyboard pushes, might be nice for some games that don't support joysticks) or to add buttons to the joystick (which is nice if you run out of keys on the Ipac or you have a game that will take joystick buttons but not keyboard buttons). Or you can just ignore it entirely.

[gman314]

Well, that is good information to know, but what about the "seamless-ness" that I have asked about in my original post?  Also, I'm concerned that I will have to assign every single game to a particular map?

In other words, what should I expect once the U360 is installed into my cab, and how will my gaming experience be any different than the way it is now (with the Magstick)?

[Ginsu Victim]

If you use MAME to map it, it will set the map automatically. Just set the stick up through Ultramap and allow MAME to handle it.

If you change maps through Ultramap, you'll just need one map per control style (2-way up/down, 2-way left/right, 4-way, 4-way diagonal, 8-way, analog, etc).

[gman314]

So I'm assuming that after I set up the Ultramap software, that MAME will automatically know to switch to 4-way when I load, let's say Pacman, and then will switch back to 8-way in I load SF2.  Does that sound correct?

Also, I know that it is a matter of personal preference, but I'm having trouble deciding what accessories to purchase along with the U360.  Let me state that I've grown accustomed to the feel of the Magstick (but could really do without all the clicking).  Would a restrictor plate be recommended?  If so, which one?  Should I go for the hard spring?  I've already decided that I will purchase the longer shaft.   

[Ginsu Victim]

Restrictor plate (I like the round) and hard spring are both highly recommended.

[Bobulus]

I bottom mounted my u360s on 3/4" wood, so I went with octagonal restrictors, hard springs, and long handles. Increased the price a bit, but I'm pretty happy. If you go with an octagonal restrictor, you'll need to play with the restrictor settings in the ultramap program, see what feels most comfortable for you. I think I went with a 7 or a 6?

[Todd H]

I just let MAME handle all the mapping for my U360s. For games like Q*Bert I created a custom map using the app in the following thread:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=86315.0