Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: MtlPatou on August 14, 2015, 03:27:34 pm
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I'm in the process of planning my first cab build and wife wants to have a classic/vintage look. I will probably go with a 1 player Pacman/Ms Pacman theme and look. The cab will then play 1P type of game and mainly from the 80's.
The question I have is around the joystick model to go with. There's many factor to consider and I'm lost as I seem to change idea almost on a daily basis. ???
Since I'll have 4 ways and 8 ways game, what is the best option in your opinion between the Ultimarc Servostick and a JLF-TP-8YT? Other option I should consider?
Need your help to make up my mind and start this project.
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Well right off the bat, how easily do you want the stick to switch from 4 way to 8? The Servo stick with a little software will automatically switch between games or by a switch of a button. The JLF-TP-8YT you will need to access the control panel each time.
The Mag-Stik Plus Ball-Top (https://www.ultimarc.com/controls.html) may be another option. Although its not automatic you can adjust from 4 way to 8 way by simply lifting up on the joystick and twisting. The throws on the Mag stick may be a little smaller though (from my experience).
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Couple things to think about which will answer your question:
The JLF is not usually seen as a quick swap stick for 4 & 8 way.
it does play 4 way pretty good (but remotely possible to hit diagonals, as is the JLW and I'd almost bet the servostik which is based on the JLW)
for swapping the JLF from 8 to 4, you have to pop off the bottom plate which is held on by little plastic tabs and then push in and rotate the restrictor.
The Sanwa JLW is usually what would be compare to the servo stik because the servo stik is essentially a modified JLW.
remember that the sanwa JLW is not a quick switch from 4 to 8 way without a little modding.
Something like the omni 2 from Groovy Game Gear makes it quicker but I found that stick a little sloppier than the JLW so I just applied his mod to an actual JLW (kinda expensive route but I already had the JLW)
a stock jlw is switched by loosening 4 screws and then rotating the restrictor.
Both the Sanwa JLW & ServoStik have the same mounting pattern
The Sanwa JLF has a smaller mounting pattern
key things to consider:
1) will you have access to the underside of the cp and you wanna save money: Then go with something like the JLW modified for quick switching.
2) will there not be access to the underside of the cp and the budget allows for it: Then get the ServoStik
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key things to consider:
1) will you have access to the underside of the cp and you wanna save money: Then go with something like the JLW modified for quick switching.
2) will there not be access to the underside of the cp and the budget allows for it: Then get the ServoStik
Based on your feedback and the minimal $ difference it confirms my initial selection and I'll go and order a servostick today!
Thanks