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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: retro4ever on January 14, 2019, 02:26:24 am

Title: Jakks Namco 5-in-1 Balltop to Spinner Knob Swap
Post by: retro4ever on January 14, 2019, 02:26:24 am

I did a search on this before and it seems like some people had posted up some questions about different kinds of mods for it. In my case, I just want to swap the yellow ball top with a spinner knob. However, since this is not a normal size joystick shaft I am unsure of the size and what kind of out of the box spinner knob (if any) would work. I basically want to make it into a mini dedicated Pole Position unit. I was thinking of getting the Ultimarc SpinTrak 6-1/4" Steering Wheel if that will fit it or can settle for a regular spinner knob as well.

For reference this is what I'm talking about:

(http://img0106o.psstatic.com/160961249_-joystick-jakks-game-key-ready-ms-pac-man-pole-position-.jpg)

I am open to other ideas as well.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Jakks Namco 5-in-1 Balltop to Spinner Knob Swap
Post by: processedmeat on January 16, 2019, 04:18:16 pm

I've never taken it apart but this control is different from a spinner as it only allows you to twist by a certain amount and then it springs back to center.  A regular spinner can spin freely.  I'm not sure whatever the mechanism is inside would be able to handle the extra torque produced by putting a wheel on the shaft as well.  Also these Jakks being a Nintendo clones, I'm not sure if they can handle the input from a spinner since all you got are digital presses on a regular nintendo controller. 

Title: Jakks Namco 5-in-1 Balltop to Spinner Knob Swap
Post by: yotsuya on January 16, 2019, 05:18:25 pm

Yeah, it’s probably not going to work the way you want it to work.

I mean, you might be able to rig it so that the wheel turn the knob to the left or right, but it’s not going to spin like a Pole Position wheel.

Title: Re: Jakks Namco 5-in-1 Balltop to Spinner Knob Swap
Post by: ark_ader on January 17, 2019, 01:27:09 am

I got one froma goodwill store, after taking it home it didn't work (naturally) so I was thinking of a pi mod.  There is a restrictor inside like a spring.  I guess you could modify it by adding a micro encoder but there is not enough room inside.  I guess you can 3d print the shell, stick a pi in it and add your spinner joy for less hassle then modding the actual unit.  Also beware of the Street fighter TV console and their ilk.  The main board is attached to the joy pad and it is stuck in there pretty good.  I picked a bunch over the holidays for $7 thinking I can mod them.  I guess someone got wise to it.