Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: spisi on January 25, 2024, 05:15:06 pm
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Hey guys, is there a quick / easy way to change a joystick from 4-way to 8-way and back again? I have a cocktail table, and it's not easy to get to the joystick. Is there some trick or tip that anyone has? TIA.
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Hey guys, is there a quick / easy way to change a joystick from 4-way to 8-way and back again? I have a cocktail table, and it's not easy to get to the joystick.
Have you considered Ultimarc's ServoStik?
https://www.ultimarc.com/arcade-controls/joysticks/servostik/ (https://www.ultimarc.com/arcade-controls/joysticks/servostik/)
IIRC StefanBurger and GRS teamed up to make a servo add-on kit for JLFs, but that one might be a bit too deep for a cocktail control panel.
Scott
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I will look into it, thanks Scott!
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So, let me get this straight, I need to get a new pcb controller board, connect the two servostiks, then I'll be able to switch back and forth between 4-way and 8-way automatically depending on which game I play?
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After further review, there is also a mag stik plus. Magnetically controlled from the top of the panel. What are the pros and cons between the two stiks?
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I'm not really a fan of the Mag stick. The throw on it isn't very good IMHO. I use a servo stick in a couple of my cabs with a hidden button on top that I use to switch back and forth between 4 and 8 way. Also, the nice thing about the servo stick, is I was able to use an RGB ball top.
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Isn't there a way (using software) to have it switch automatically depending on which game you are playing? I guess you make some kind of batch file or something.
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After further review, there is also a mag stik plus. Magnetically controlled from the top of the panel. What are the pros and cons between the two stiks?
I have two leftover mag-stiks in a box. They're not great. I hated the feel of them.
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Isn't there a way (using software) to have it switch automatically depending on which game you are playing? I guess you make some kind of batch file or something.
Yes. But its complicated.
Here is one video on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pbLHtLzrgg
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Thanks for the info! Have you used the Servo Stik?
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I used Servo Stiks in my bartop and love them... they were taller than I thought so I had to create some holes in the bottom of the bartop to accommodate them, but otherwise very easy to install. The throw and overall feel of them is very nice in my opinion, and using it with Launchbox/Big Box was super easy to have it automatically adjust 4-8 way depending on the game I load up. Like Phreakwars said, the RGB balltop is also awesome if you're into that aesthetic.
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Cool! Thanks.
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I have bought the GRS 4 to 8 way restrictor for Sanwa but project is on hold now so I don't know when I'll be able to test it.
https://thunderstickstudio.com/products/tos-grs-4-to-8-way-restrictor-all-in-one-kit
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An Ultrastick will do the job: with MAME and the included software it can change to analog, 4 way, 2way, 8way, diagonals, depending on the game selected.
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Ultra Stik seems pricey compared to Servo Stik...
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Ultra Stik seems pricey compared to Servo Stik...
Because it is programmable so it can support almost any game... (even those requiring analog control).
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It has prons and cons:
Build on Sanwa JLW-TM-8 which is far worse than Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT. It's movement is very muddy compared to JLF also spring it's quite hard in comparsion to JLF. Shaft available is only long version (not suitable for metal panels). But this analog joystick can be programmed in 4,8 way or even 1 way. Maps can be customized which is quite handy when You are switching from shmups to beat'em up games. You don't need any extra encoder - 8 buttons can be directly connected to it's interface.
There is alternative - Magenta Analog to Digital Programmable Joystick. Based on JLF it is also programable joystick when You can create custom maps but it does not have analog mode - outputs only digital pressings. Playing Sinistar or any other game that require analog will not be exactly authentic.
Just to remind - MAME has also custom maps for analog stick ;)
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I hate the light spring of the JLF, probably because it is so different from any real arcade game I ever played in my youth. I have JLFs in my cab, but it took a LOT of experimenting with different modifications to get them to feel right to me. For a classic feel, the JLW feels more correct right out of the box IMO.
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It's a matter of sentiment and preference. I still have original NOS WICO with leafs and this joystick I prefer but since it's hard to repair it and find parts I keep it still in the box.
JLW in my box replaced spring for lighter. Original was not so good - joystick was really stiff.
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The GRS 4 - 8 way switcher is fantastic but you need 3 or 4 lb springs also.
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I converted my Ultimarc UltraStik 360 to a ServoStik and added a heavier spring, best of both worlds :)
This guy's video's make life so much easier!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9O9b4P6JL8
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Ultra Stik seems pricey compared to Servo Stik...
Because it is programmable so it can support almost any game... (even those requiring analog control).
And it has it's own interface that plugs in USB and will show up to Windows as a USB Gamepad, and you can hook up I think up to 8 buttons to it instead of a separate encoder...
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I'm using the GRS option and I'm using windows. I've got mine setup to switch automatically, without the button by making a call to the controller via batch before the 4 way games and before the 8 way games. It's a quality product, if you're using a Sanwa.
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And it has it's own interface that plugs in USB and will show up to Windows as a USB Gamepad, and you can hook up I think up to 8 buttons to it instead of a separate encoder...
Ultrasticks support more than 8 buttons (15 in fact), as one button can be programed as Shift changing the function of the other buttons when it is held down.