Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: markrvp on March 08, 2005, 12:55:19 pm
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I picked up this WICO joystick on Ebay. I have seen many posts discussing original WICO joysticks vs. Chinese knockoffs. Can anyone tell me if this is an original or knockoff?
I want a good Robotron stick and I understand they were Wico 8 ways. This joystick is restricted to 4-way, so could I rasp out the diagonals and have a good Robotron stick?
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It's an original. Says 'Wico' right on the bottom.
It's not like designer jeans that have like 'Leviis' on the tag or something.
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Yep, she is a wico. Not sure about your 8-way issue tho. Hopefully someone can provide some input for you.
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could I rasp out the diagonals and have a good Robotron stick?
A better option would be to find a used 8-way on ebay, and swap out the bases on the two.
That way you get all new guts/stick/switches/etc...
My fear is that if you just ream the hole, it may not feel right.
I personally have been really lucky at finding NOS 8-ways.
They are out there, if you watch for them.
There are alot of good condition used ones too.
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A better option would be to find a used 8-way on ebay, and swap out the bases on the two.
Or check the trade board to see if anyone wants to swap bases. It seems a shame to modify an original.
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The round plastic actuator is bigger around on the 8-ways. Like someone else said, you can get an 8-way and just swap some parts. Ones in bad shape can be had for just a few dollars.
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Thanks guys. On to Ebay!
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Hmm, I might have a few 8-ways, wanna swap?
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Mark, if you'll pay the shipping, I'll send you an 8-way base and actuator. I have a couple that I am turning into 4-ways.
Dave
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I would also be interested in buying your 4-way base and actuator, the 4-way Wico base on my big Mame cabinet is the only control in the entire thing that wasn't NOS (or just plain new), and I would love to swap the base for a new one).
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PM sent to Dave and Paige.
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In fact, looking at a grey base 4 way and grey base 8 way the only difference I notice is the 4 way has an actuator that is much smaller than the 8 way.
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In fact, looking at a grey base 4 way and grey base 8 way the only difference I notice is the 4 way has an actuator that is much smaller than the 8 way.
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In fact, looking at a grey base 4 way and grey base 8 way the only difference I notice is the 4 way has an actuator that is much smaller than the 8 way.
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In fact, looking at a grey base 4 way and grey base 8 way the only difference I notice is the 4 way has an actuator that is much smaller than the 8 way.
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The grey base 4 ways and grey base 8 ways all have the diamond shape as in the pics above.
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May be just an issue with operators changing parts. There was another thread on here concerning the color of the original Wico 8 ways and several people said black bases. Another guy said he had seen ones with grey bases. Wonder if they phased out the black and there were 8 ways for awhile with the 4 way bases or it was just a parts mix up.
I'll know more when I get them in a cab and put them to use. If there is an issue I could cut out the diamond pattern. The actuator from the grey 8 ways and the black 8 ways is the same. If someone swapped parts they swapped just the base and nothing else noticeable.
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If someone swapped parts they swapped just the base and nothing else noticeable.
The only two parts that ARE different are the holes in the base, and the actuator.
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May be just an issue with operators changing parts. There was another thread on here concerning the color of the original Wico 8 ways and several people said black bases. Another guy said he had seen ones with grey bases. Wonder if they phased out the black and there were 8 ways for awhile with the 4 way bases or it was just a parts mix up.
I'll know more when I get them in a cab and put them to use. If there is an issue I could cut out the diamond pattern. The actuator from the grey 8 ways and the black 8 ways is the same. If someone swapped parts they swapped just the base and nothing else noticeable.
I personally have only seen black 8-way bases, but that is a very limited experience. Paige is probably the expert on this. I will agree that the only diff in the two is the hole in the base parts and the size of the actuator.
It would take some measuring, but it is *possible* that a 4-way base could be drilled out to round, if the holes did not end up too large.
I just watch for "lots" on ebay of arcade joysticks. Usually they can be bought for cheap and the parts combined to get a few good sticks.
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Gray 8-way bases exist, I have one in my parts box, it is definitely a factory 8-way base, and not a 4-way one drilled out.