Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Martoon on September 22, 2004, 11:07:47 pm
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Okay, I just got my T-Stik Plusses mounted and wired up, and tried them out for the first time (this is my first CP). I've found that for my taste, they're much stiffer than I'd like.
Has anyone used the light-action microswitch kit from Ultimarc in their T-Stiks (or any other lighter action switches), and did it make much difference? I like everything else about these sticks - I love the 4-way/8-way switching from the panel top, the amount of diagonal they hit in 8-way mode is perfect, and the length of throw is good. I just wish they weren't so darn stiff.
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I just received my T-Stik and T-Stik Plus today and I think that my Plus already has the light-action microswitch on it (it is definitely more quiet than the regular T-Stik.) I've been thinking about getting these Cherry microswitches (http://www.happcontrols.com/index.html?http://www.happcontrols.com/electrical_supplies/95073500.htm!) to replace the others with. I'll let you know if I do and if it makes any difference.
As for the joysticks themselves, I think they were worth every penny. The feel like a lot more quality went into them then other joysticks out there. In fact, I'm gonna get a couple of more different colored balltops and regular T-Stiks to finish my 4-player layout.
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I originally bought two T-Stick's. Then decided I wanted to change between 4 and 8 way without digging around under the CP.
So I bought a single T-Stick plus with the normal microswitches. Original thoughts were that it was too heavy, but I did get used to it - either that or it wore in a little bit. The problem for me was that the T-Stick Plus is different from the plain T-Stick. The throw is much less, the microswitches a little heavier, the shaft is thicker (I have the oval handle versions). The differences were annoying when moving from player 1 to player 2 and vice-versa.
So I now have two T-Stick plus's. And I grabbed the light microswitches for them both. The light microswitches need to be setup correctly - it's not difficult at all, but if they are not set up correctly then they don't have enough spring in them to return to normal position. It's easy to get stuck in a direction. As I said, it's easy to adjust.
And I'm very happy now! I prefer the lighter touch of the light microswitches, both P1 and P2 joysticks match, and the 4 to 8 way switching is simply fantastic. I wanted a switchable joystick but didn't want the switch to ruin the look of the CP. And the build quality of everything I've got from Ultimarc has been great with fast delivery.
Thus ends the advert :P
EDIT: Just remembered.. the original joysticks were 'J-Sticks'.. not 'T-Sticks'. So they are obviously different..
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I've been thinking about getting these Cherry microswitches (http://www.happcontrols.com/index.html?http://www.happcontrols.com/electrical_supplies/95073500.htm!) to replace the others with. I'll let you know if I do and if it makes any difference.
I have Cherry microswitches from a Happ Top-Fire stick on one of my T-Stik plus'. I had to trim the actuators with some wire snips to fit, but IMHO they improve the sticks *no end*. I haven't tried the light switches from Ultimarc...
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I have Cherry microswitches from a Happ Top-Fire stick on one of my T-Stik plus'. I had to trim the actuators with some wire snips to fit, but IMHO they improve the sticks *no end*.
Guess I'll definitely have to give the Cherry ones a shot then. Thanks for the input.
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Where's the best place to get these Cherry switches (without doing a $25 minimum from Happ)? Are these the same ones Bob Roberts has, under the Joystick section with the description Replacement Cherry " " .187 tabs w/actuators 10 for $12.50?
So Minwah, would you say that the action is significantly lighter since you swapped in the Cherry switches? (You don't have to lean on the joystick so hard to make a switch engage?)
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Where's the best place to get these Cherry switches (without doing a $25 minimum from Happ)? Are these the same ones Bob Roberts has, under the Joystick section with the description Replacement Cherry " " .187 tabs w/actuators 10 for $12.50?
So Minwah, would you say that the action is significantly lighter since you swapped in the Cherry switches? (You don't have to lean on the joystick so hard to make a switch engage?)
Those Cherry switches would work, yes. You'd have to trim the actuator as I did, on the T-Stik the actuator finishes in line with the microswitch housing.
The action is a lot lighter. I would say it still feels quite stiff in comparison with my J-Stiks, but they are well known to have a light action.
What you could do is remove a microswitch from the T-Stik - then press the button with your finger. Does it feel very hard and clicky? Mine certainly did, I don't like these standard switches at all. Compare that to any other microswitches you might have on other joys or buttons - I think you'll find just about any other microswitch requires a much lighter touch to activate.
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Does anyone know where to purchase light action microswitches with the correct length actuators?
I'd go to Ultimarc but their minimum shipping cost is ridiculous.
I've also looked on Cherry's site but I'm confused about all the options available.
Thanks in advance.