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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: monkeybomb on July 23, 2015, 05:37:33 pm

Title: 4 way / 8-way switchable joysticks
Post by: monkeybomb on July 23, 2015, 05:37:33 pm
I know there is a lot out there on this, but I can't find anything very recent.  Besides the classics are always fun!

I generally like the happs supers, but the 4 way isn't great and I also don't want to take apart the joystick all the time.  How is the magstick?  Are there many other options?  I don't have space on the panel for an omnistick.  Any preferences out there?  I don't know the sanwa sticks too well.
Title: Re: 4 way / 8-way switchable joysticks
Post by: Slippyblade on July 23, 2015, 05:48:14 pm
The Magstick works fine, but the throw is weird from what I've heard.  The Zippyy sticks are very inexpensive and have an easily swappable restrictor plate.  If you wanna go hi-tech, Ultimarc has the servo sticks as well.  They are motorized 4/8 switchers.  Then there is the GGG Omni stick, which is a manual, top-of-the-panel switch.
Title: Re: 4 way / 8-way switchable joysticks
Post by: mgb on July 23, 2015, 11:07:19 pm
do they still have the original omni sticks?

I can't stand the look of them but they really are a nice 4 way
Title: Re: 4 way / 8-way switchable joysticks
Post by: Le Chuck on July 24, 2015, 07:27:34 am
There's the Omni2 which is a below the panel but Randy can sell you an adapter kit to automate that stick using a simple servo and controller board from pololu. 
Title: Re: 4 way / 8-way switchable joysticks
Post by: Dawgz Rule on July 24, 2015, 05:07:54 pm
The magstik is a nice stick.  It works really well with shmups.  If you are a hardcore fighter, it may not be the stick for you due to the short throw.
Title: Re: 4 way / 8-way switchable joysticks
Post by: jtslade on July 24, 2015, 10:23:28 pm
It's a short throw and as you use it, it eats itself until the plastic washers make it awful.

Go paradise arcade 8way's or anyone who carries 8 ways then make a 4 way only cab..

If you try to make everything work you get mediocre everything instead of one set great


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Title: Re: 4 way / 8-way switchable joysticks
Post by: FinalFury on July 25, 2015, 12:24:57 am
Sanwa JLFs can switch between 4 way and 8 way by rotating the insert of the restrictor gate, assuming the gate is the standard square shape.  Popping off the restrictor gate and rotating the insert is pretty easy, and you can even swap the inserts for octagons or circles.  Here's a video by shoryuken.com user nerrage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V_Fh8i6eSY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V_Fh8i6eSY)

Note: The Silent JLFs have a one-piece blue restrictor plate, meaning there is no removable or rotatable insert.  Keep this in mind, and know that you'll need to buy a seperate regular JLF restrictor if you want the Silent JLF.
Title: Re: 4 way / 8-way switchable joysticks
Post by: Battleship on November 11, 2017, 08:59:37 am
I know it's an older post but is that adapter kit from Randy still available? I didn't see it on the website...
Title: Re: 4 way / 8-way switchable joysticks
Post by: Le Chuck on November 11, 2017, 10:32:49 am
It should be available but it's a special production item. You'd need to email him about it. I have a DIY thread about it somewhere, you have to add your own control board (the micro maestro is easy) and write some some switching scripts but it's all pretty straightforward
Title: Re: 4 way / 8-way switchable joysticks
Post by: lovespicyfood on November 12, 2017, 01:27:04 pm
ServoStik for the win!  I was in this predicament and contemplated/researched options for quite some time to add switching capability to my Dream Arcade that I had purchased on Craigslist.

It's great as my setup is in Launchbox using Mame and I have it automatically switch when a 4 way game is selected.  Couldn't be happier with this setup!
Title: Re: 4 way / 8-way switchable joysticks
Post by: leapinlew on November 12, 2017, 01:55:10 pm
I've traveled down this road. My progression went something like this:


Of course, your mileage may vary, but for me, it was about getting a joystick that works for a majority of the games I want to play and a feel I like. Playing Donkey Kong with a Wico 4 way isn't authentic, but I don't like the nintendo 4 ways, so it makes the game more enjoyable to me.