Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: TheManuel on January 15, 2025, 10:23:33 pm
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Hello.
I would like to replace the shaft on my Galaga/Ms Pacman Happ 4-way stick with a longer one, and with a nicer, bigger red ball top. The one it comes with is too small, a dull red color, a flattened bottom, and has a visible seam in the middle. I've seen joysticks with smooth, shiny red longer ball-tops and fully spherical (mostly).
I have not been able to find a stick like that, specifically stating it work with the Happ stick, so if anybody knows of one, please let me know.
For that matter, I'm also toying with the idea of doing the same with my old Happ Competition joysticks.
I would appreciate suggestions.
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I would like to replace the shaft on my Galaga/Ms Pacman Happ 4-way stick with a longer one, and with a nicer, bigger red ball top.
If nothing else, you might be able to:
- Remove the ball from the old shaft using a lathe or drill press.
- Find a local machine shop that can cut 6mm threads.
- Add a shaft extender and/or shaft cover if needed.
I'm also toying with the idea of doing the same with my old Happ Competition joysticks.
There are more options for this approach.
You've probably already checked Paradise Arcade Shop and Focus Attack, right?
https://paradisearcadeshop.com/collections/joystick-actuators-shafts?page=1 (https://paradisearcadeshop.com/collections/joystick-actuators-shafts?page=1)
https://focusattack.com/spare-parts-tools/by-part/joystick-shafts/ (https://focusattack.com/spare-parts-tools/by-part/joystick-shafts/)
Another possible option is a balltop IL Eurojoystick 2 shaft replacement or balltop stick from IL.
https://www.arcadexpress.com/en/joysticks-accesories/338-12658-eurojoystick-2-to-ball-conversion-kit-stainless-steel-shaft-industrias-lorenzo-il.html (https://www.arcadexpress.com/en/joysticks-accesories/338-12658-eurojoystick-2-to-ball-conversion-kit-stainless-steel-shaft-industrias-lorenzo-il.html)
(https://www.arcadexpress.com/5556-large_default/eurojoystick-2-to-ball-conversion-kit-stainless-steel-shaft-industrias-lorenzo-il.jpg)
https://www.arcadexpress.com/en/joysticks/222-405-il-eurojoystick-2-ball-top-happ-arcade-joystick-industrias-lorenzo.html (https://www.arcadexpress.com/en/joysticks/222-405-il-eurojoystick-2-ball-top-happ-arcade-joystick-industrias-lorenzo.html)
(https://www.arcadexpress.com/1821-large_default/il-eurojoystick-2-ball-top-happ-arcade-joystick-industrias-lorenzo.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSIZObUkdhI
Scott
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Thank you for the nice leads. I wasn't sure those would be compatible with the Happ Competition joysticks. I have a lot to chew on when I get home tonight.
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Regarding the 4-way stick, I might be better off buying a replacement joystick.
If I go that route, would the Leaf-Pro True Leaf-Switch Joystick from GroovyGameGear be a good option?
https://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=365&number_of_uploads=0
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would the Leaf-Pro True Leaf-Switch Joystick from GroovyGameGear be a good option?
No build quality issues with it that I've found, so it comes down to personal preferences. Slap one on a test panel and see if you like it. ;D
It's a different mount pattern than Happ -- square, 60mm on hole centers -- but that's not too hard to work around with an adapter plate or a variation on the "Under mount (support blocks)" technique described here (https://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/FAQ#Joysticks) in the wiki if you want the balltop to be a bit higher above the panel.
(https://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/images/thumb/8/84/Joystickmount-supportblocks.png/161px-Joystickmount-supportblocks.png)
The balltop has a very fine seam that you can barely feel. Should be easy to polish out if you're so inclined.
Scott
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Thank you for the tips, especially the fact that the mounting hole patterns are different. I already emply a similar method to what is shown on your link to have the shaft protrude further from the panel, since I made it out of 3/4" MDF. To replace it, I would essentially need to remove all the buttons so that I could lift the polycarbonate top layer. Yikes!
I'm inclined to get help from a friend who has a CNC machine and see if I can just fabricate a new shaft to my specifications, and then add a Sanwa or Seimitsu ball to that. Replacing the joystick will need to be a backup plan.
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I'm inclined to get help from a friend who has a CNC machine and see if I can just fabricate a new shaft to my specifications, and then add a Sanwa or Seimitsu ball to that. Replacing the joystick will need to be a backup plan.
Digging a bit deeper, it looks like your stick is based on a Happ Super. (scroll down to Replacement Parts)
- The part of the shaft where the actuator mounts is 10mm diameter, right?
https://na.suzohapp.com/products/joysticks/50-6084-1125R00 (https://na.suzohapp.com/products/joysticks/50-6084-1125R00)
You might want to ask Bryan if one of these two options meet your need.
https://paradisearcadeshop.com/products/il-eurojoystick-6mm-hollow-shaft (https://paradisearcadeshop.com/products/il-eurojoystick-6mm-hollow-shaft)
https://paradisearcadeshop.com/collections/joystick-actuators-shafts/products/iki-ilhapp-led-joystick-shaft-hollow (https://paradisearcadeshop.com/collections/joystick-actuators-shafts/products/iki-ilhapp-led-joystick-shaft-hollow)
- The listings don't specify if they will work with a Super, a Competition, or both. (same 10mm diameter, different distance from the bottom of the actuator to the top of the pivot) :dunno
- You might want to calculate the desired distance from the bottom of the pivot stop to the base of the balltop before you contact Bryan.
Scott
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Hmm, nice find!
I did see that shaft last night but since most of those websites don't show much in the way of dimensions, I assumed it was only for the Eurostick/Competitition, and did not bother looking into it further. I can ask them about it.
The shaft diameter for my 4-way stick is indeed 10mm. I measured it last night.
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- Find a local machine shop that can cut 6mm threads.
I'm sure this varies by area, but every time I've tried to get a local machine shop to do a small, one off job for me they've told me to piss off. It has to be a big job for them to even consider talking about it.