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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: RandyT on July 18, 2005, 03:17:55 pm

Title: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: RandyT on July 18, 2005, 03:17:55 pm
(http://www.groovygamegear.com/Store_Images/versa49b.jpg)

Ok, no surprises here.  This one's been a long time coming (I need to find a machinist who doesn't have health problems, but they probably aren't available in that variety :D )


These are made specifically for the HAPPTM version of the Midway 49-Way joysticks.  They will not work with the older original Midway sticks unless the centering grommet is drilled out (hard to do with any amount of precision.)

Some features:


Quick word of advice; If you use a rotary switch on the bottom of these or any shaft, be sure to lube the inner metal part of the "grommet" with some white lithium grease.  Otherwise, the constant spinning of metal against metal will eventually cause enough slop to affect performance.  You may want to do it with the 49-ways, even if you don't have the rotary modification.  It's that important.

Price:  $14.95 each and includes choice of ball color.

Special offer to those who have already purchased a 49-way from GroovyGameGear:  $12.95, 1 for each stick purchased.  Ordering instructions are at the store.

Pre-Modified "Versa49-Way Sticks" will be available soon.

Thanks for looking,

RandyT


*Trademarks are property of their respective holders.  Use of them in this description does not imply connection with or support of use of the above product.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Tiger-Heli on July 18, 2005, 03:34:33 pm
Sweet!!!!
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: pointdablame on July 18, 2005, 03:39:10 pm
Those look AWESOME.

I'm really starting to think that my new control panel just has to have 2 49ways.... :)
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: 19rjs99 on July 18, 2005, 03:47:03 pm
Will the chrome top fit these? and will they be available soon? Please...
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Tiger-Heli on July 18, 2005, 03:50:14 pm
Linky (http://www.groovygamegear.com/cgi/surfshop/shop.cgi?ud=SFRXMFBLWUIxNSUlJSUlJTExMjE3MTMzMzkA&storeid=1&cols=1&categories=0029&&c=detail.htm&itemid=VERSA49B)
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: markrvp on July 18, 2005, 04:19:19 pm
Just ordered mine.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: monkeybomb on July 18, 2005, 04:26:47 pm
Quote from: markrvp on July 18, 2005, 04:19:19 pm
Just ordered mine.
Blue?


Randy what's the deal with the dark red?  is it still translucent?  Any chance for a pic?
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: u_rebelscum on July 18, 2005, 04:33:58 pm
Is it just me hungry on a sugar fix, or do they look like like lolipops?  Cherry, apple, watermelon, orange (more like apricot color, though, yech), and berry, mmmm. ;D

Looking good Randy! 
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Minwah on July 18, 2005, 04:56:05 pm
Quote from: monkeybomb on July 18, 2005, 04:26:47 pm
Randy what's the deal with the dark red?  is it still translucent?  Any chance for a pic?

I *think* they're the normal opaque balls.

Just ordered one too, I finished (bar the stick mounting & art) a new control panel yesterday so can't wait  ;D
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: RandyT on July 18, 2005, 06:22:31 pm
If you go to the store and look at the Retro edition of the Prodigy, the one on the stick is the dark red one.  The actual color will be a little darker (more cherry-like) and note that there is a slight seam.  There is also a bit of a flat on the bottom where the shaft meets the ball.

The Translucents, on the other hand,  are perfectly smooth, round and bubble free.  They are nearly optics :)

RandyT

Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: MrSaLTy on July 18, 2005, 06:40:00 pm
SWEET!  Totally gunna order some but have a quick question Randy..... With the longer shaft on these can you get away with NOT routing out the control panel recess in the bottom when mounting the sticks?  Thanks, and as usual great job.   ;D
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Brewser on July 18, 2005, 06:56:07 pm
Just ordered 2 red. Can't wait.
Thanks
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Popcorrin on July 18, 2005, 07:19:04 pm
Can these be lit with an led?  I'm guessing no but thought I would ask to be sure.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Toonces on July 18, 2005, 08:30:57 pm
Dang, the replacement Happ grommets are $13 each by themselves so I might as well get new sticks. Any idea on how long before the pre-modified versions are up on the site Randy? If I'm going to get new sticks I might as well go all out.

Toonces
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Kremmit on July 19, 2005, 12:41:36 am
Are Midway shafts planned?  Or might you make replacement grommets available?  I currently have 2 Midway 49s (and 3 Williams ;) ), but no Happ. 
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: fl0yd on July 19, 2005, 09:01:54 am
2 Blue on the way.  :)
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: RandyT on July 19, 2005, 03:05:48 pm
Quote from: MrSaLTy on July 18, 2005, 06:40:00 pm
With the longer shaft on these can you get away with NOT routing out the control panel recess in the bottom when mounting the sticks?

It's going to depend on how tall you prefer the stick to be.   The interesting thing about the ball top style sticks is that they can be quite short and still be just fine. so long as your knuckles don't drag on the panel surface.

A"bat" style stick, however, can be exactly the same height as the ball-style, yet be uncomfortable to use and/or will appear to be oddly short. 

I'll get some measurements a little later and post some actual numbers to compare the two, but be conscious of the above when considering how they relate.

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: RandyT on July 19, 2005, 11:21:24 pm
Here is an example showing the 2 stick types side by side.  Even though the height of the ball-top is close to the same as the bat, the ball-top is more functional and better looking.

(http://groovygamegear.com/Store_Images/49COMP.JPG)

For those who like numbers, the top of the ball is roughly 3.5" from the top surface of the base.

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Timoe on July 20, 2005, 12:21:37 am
What size is the hole in that 3/4" mdf?  1 1/2"?
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: MrSaLTy on July 21, 2005, 06:38:13 pm
Got my 2 new lollipops... errrr sticks today.  The look AWSOME! can't wait to try em.  Thanks Randy!

Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: mahuti on July 21, 2005, 06:42:02 pm
lollitops.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Kremmit on July 21, 2005, 09:56:47 pm
Quote from: mahuti on July 21, 2005, 06:42:02 pm
lollitops.

I second that.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: RandyT on July 22, 2005, 12:58:16 pm
Quote from: MrSaLTy on July 21, 2005, 06:38:13 pm
Got my 2 new lollipops... errrr sticks today.  The look AWSOME! can't wait to try em.  Thanks Randy!


No Problem.  Please report back wiith your impressions once you get them installed.

Thanks!
RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: 88mph on July 22, 2005, 01:17:07 pm
Wow, these things look sweet!  It makes me want to change the color scheme of my cabinet in progress..  Any chance of a purple lollitop in the future? 

-88mph
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Brewser on July 23, 2005, 02:04:14 am
Just got mine. They look and feel great. The only thing is I ordered the red knobs and they are not translucent, they are solid dark red. There is a seam theat runs around the diameter of the ball, but it is not that big of a deal.
Overall these are a lot better than the plastic shaft I had previous. I will post a picture soon of the other handles that came with the 49-way.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Minwah on July 25, 2005, 02:55:02 pm
Just thought I'd post a pic of my new versa-ball shaft & red ball...

The dark red ball is very dark red, almost brown.  As my buttons will be 'normal' red I decided to adapt a spare J-Stik ball to fit.  The thread is different, so I drilled the J-Stik ball threads out with a 6mm drill bit.  Then just screwed the top on the shaft allowing the threads on the shaft to cut new threads in the balltop.  The pic shows the stick with the J-Stik ball fitted, and the dark red ball on the table next to it for comparison.

Also, I received my order (USA > UK) in under a week, so I'm very pleased with the service from GGG :)  I need to get a new spade bit before I can fit the stick and test the GP-Wiz49...

Edit: I also modified the J-Stik 'washer' by hand-running a 10mm drill bit through the hole.  The hole in the original 49-way washer is too large for my liking with the smaller shaft of the versa-ball.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Kremmit on July 25, 2005, 02:57:46 pm
The GGG red looks like an original Pac Man / Ms. Pac stick red, rather than a Wico red.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: KenToad on July 26, 2005, 12:03:53 am
Quote from: Minwah on July 25, 2005, 02:55:02 pm
Just thought I'd post a pic of my new versa-ball shaft & red ball...

The dark red ball is very dark red, almost brown. As my buttons will be 'normal' red I decided to adapt a spare J-Stik ball to fit. The thread is different, so I drilled the J-Stik ball threads out with a 6mm drill bit. Then just screwed the top on the shaft allowing the threads on the shaft to cut new threads in the balltop. The pic shows the stick with the J-Stik ball fitted, and the dark red ball on the table next to it for comparison.

Also, I received my order (USA > UK) in under a week, so I'm very pleased with the service from GGG :) I need to get a new spade bit before I can fit the stick and test the GP-Wiz49...

Edit: I also modified the J-Stik 'washer' by hand-running a 10mm drill bit through the hole. The hole in the original 49-way washer is too large for my liking with the smaller shaft of the versa-ball.

Yeah, I've been contemplating this one since I saw the announcement.  I don't really dig that dark red, "almost brown" looking ball.  However, I can't say that I really want the lolly look either.  I need my nostalgia.  The lollys aren't doing that for me.  Also, I noticed from Randy's earlier pic that the current 49-way washers are a little loose around the neck of the new balltops. 

I hate to complain, since this is such a specialized product to begin with.  I kind of wish I had the extra stuff like Minwah to make it perfect for myself.  Until then, decisions, decisions.

Thanks a million for posting the comparison pics, Minwah.

Cheers,
KenToad
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: markrvp on July 26, 2005, 01:31:19 am
Just checking in.  I got my translucent blue ball and it is beautiful.  I haven't had a chance to mount it yet.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Toonces on July 26, 2005, 02:01:48 am
Quote from: Minwah on July 25, 2005, 02:55:02 pm
Just thought I'd post a pic of my new versa-ball shaft & red ball...

The dark red ball is very dark red, almost brown.  As my buttons will be 'normal' red I decided to adapt a spare J-Stik ball to fit.  The thread is different, so I drilled the J-Stik ball threads out with a 6mm drill bit.  Then just screwed the top on the shaft allowing the threads on the shaft to cut new threads in the balltop.  The pic shows the stick with the J-Stik ball fitted, and the dark red ball on the table next to it for comparison.

Also, I received my order (USA > UK) in under a week, so I'm very pleased with the service from GGG :)  I need to get a new spade bit before I can fit the stick and test the GP-Wiz49...

Edit: I also modified the J-Stik 'washer' by hand-running a 10mm drill bit through the hole.  The hole in the original 49-way washer is too large for my liking with the smaller shaft of the versa-ball.

Any chance you could take a picture of the bottom? I am kind of space constrained in my Namco Cyberlead cabinet and had to adjust the stock bat handles for minimal bottom protrusion.

Thanks!

Toonces
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Minwah on July 26, 2005, 04:46:43 am
Quote from: Toonces on July 26, 2005, 02:01:48 am
Any chance you could take a picture of the bottom? I am kind of space constrained in my Namco Cyberlead cabinet and had to adjust the stock bat handles for minimal bottom protrusion.

I can take a pic when I get home...

If you look at Randy's pic in the first post, the only part of the shaft which is visible at the bottom is the section under the lowest e-clip groove (<1cm).  If that helps at all...
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: SirPoonga on July 26, 2005, 10:02:49 am
Quote from: Popcorrin on July 18, 2005, 07:19:04 pm
Can these be lit with an led?  I'm guessing no but thought I would ask to be sure.
Looking closely at the pics, the shafts are not hollow.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Popcorrin on July 26, 2005, 12:40:28 pm
Quote from: SirPoonga on July 26, 2005, 10:02:49 am
Quote from: Popcorrin on July 18, 2005, 07:19:04 pm
Can these be lit with an led?
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: SirPoonga on July 26, 2005, 01:07:04 pm
Well, look at the side by side pic with the bat-top.  The shaft comes to a point, therefore I doubt it is hollow.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Toonces on July 26, 2005, 03:08:19 pm
Quote from: Minwah on July 26, 2005, 04:46:43 am
Quote from: Toonces on July 26, 2005, 02:01:48 am
Any chance you could take a picture of the bottom? I am kind of space constrained in my Namco Cyberlead cabinet and had to adjust the stock bat handles for minimal bottom protrusion.

I can take a pic when I get home...

If you look at Randy's pic in the first post, the only part of the shaft which is visible at the bottom is the section under the lowest e-clip groove (<1cm).  If that helps at all...

Thanks Minwah! That helps a lot. I think they'll work for me.

Toonces
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Minwah on July 26, 2005, 03:17:39 pm
Quote from: Toonces on July 26, 2005, 03:08:19 pm
Thanks Minwah! That helps a lot. I think they'll work for me.

Just in case, here's the pic:
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Minwah on July 26, 2005, 03:20:13 pm
Here's the stick installed.  The amount of shaft above non-routed 18mm (3/4") wood is exactly the same as my J-Stiks mounted onto 4mm thick routed wood.  Lucky me  ;D
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Minwah on July 26, 2005, 03:27:24 pm
Here's a *tiny* issue.  I used a 32mm hole for the stick, which is just about right.  I seem to have 1-2mm extra clearance after the stick has reached it's max travel.  As you can see from this pic, on full travel the washer just misses the edge of the hole.  This is both with the 49-way stick washer and the J-stick washer (with bigger hole).

You would certainly lessen the problem by using a slightly smaller hole, but if you want all the sticks travel you can't go much smaller.  I think the hole is small enough to avoid the washer getting caught in the hole however, so there is no gameplay worries...as I said  no biggie.  I'm still stoked at the look of it after that awful Happ handle  ;D
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: TimmyB on July 30, 2005, 12:00:57 am
Definately lube the sleeve embedded in the rubber grommet with some white lithium grease.  I didn't and now my shiny new handle is bound to the sleeve.  Now I have to figure out how to get the sucker out.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: RandyT on July 30, 2005, 10:16:41 am
Quote from: TimmyB on July 30, 2005, 12:00:57 am
Definately lube the sleeve embedded in the rubber grommet with some white lithium grease.  I didn't and now my shiny new handle is bound to the sleeve.  Now I have to figure out how to get the sucker out.

Email me.  If worst comes to worst, I can get it out and fit it to the stick for you.

It seems that these grommets are pretty sloppy in their tolerances.  It looks like .313 is nominal, but I have seen them up to .317.  The stock shafts come in at at about .310

.007"  doesn't sound like a lot, but it is in this case.  The Versa49 shafts were made at very close to .314, so some of the grommets may be tight, or even too small.  This can be remedied by removing the amount of material necessary with a power drill and some coarse emery cloth, but not everyone may be as equipped or comfortable in doing this.  For this reason, these replacement shafts will probably become a "by request" item, and we will start selling the 49-ways pre modified with these shafts installed.

Anyone who might be having difficulty should contact me.

Thanks,
RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: markrvp on August 27, 2005, 09:27:36 am
I've been extremely busy with work this summer and just now got around to installing my 49-way balltop shaft.  The shaft being a little longer than the stock stick makes installing fl0yd's rotary adapter be a bit off.  Basically the extra length of the shaft causes it not to be down tight against the grommet.  You can pull the shaft up and down a little kind of like in a milk churn.

Since fl0yd's adapter eliminates use of the E-clip underneath, this problem could be fixed with a longer plastic sleeve that goes between the shaft and the rotary switch.

Has anyone else used their Versaball shafts with fl0yd's adapter?  If so, what was your workaround for the play in the shaft?
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Kremmit on August 27, 2005, 09:02:52 pm
The hardware store has nylon washers & spacers in lots of sizes.  I bet you could find some that would take up the slack.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: fl0yd on August 29, 2005, 08:30:57 pm
I have already started a conversation with the plastics company that did the coupler for the original shaft.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: fl0yd on August 31, 2005, 07:42:00 am
Bump

I would like replies from RandyT and the general public.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Timoe on August 31, 2005, 09:29:21 am
I'm sure that I'll need at least 2 eventually.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: RandyT on August 31, 2005, 10:39:19 am
Quote from: fl0yd on August 29, 2005, 08:30:57 pm

RandyT,  Have you already had a bunch of these pre-made, or is it possible to have them made without the additional 1/4" at the end?


These have already been manufactured in a relatively large quantity.

This seems like a simple problem to fix, however.  Just take the top spacer that originally came with the joystick and cut off a 1/4" chunk. Sand it down to about .165" while making the side you cut nice and square.  Add this to the spacer at the top and all should be well.

You may want to test fit it a couple times during the sizing (sanding) process to make sure you don't go too small.

I don't own one of the adapter kits, so I don't know for sure that this would work, but I don't see any reason it shouldn't.  It'll also make the stick a little taller, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your preference.


RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: markrvp on August 31, 2005, 10:25:10 pm
Randy:

Are you talking about the black sleeve that sits above the plateform?  If so, that sleeve is already on the shaft.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: RandyT on August 31, 2005, 10:35:05 pm
Quote from: markrvp on August 31, 2005, 10:25:10 pm
Randy:

Are you talking about the black sleeve that sits above the plateform?  If so, that sleeve is already on the shaft.

Nope.  I'm talking about the small white one you removed from the joystick originally so you could replace it with the longer black one in the kit. 

That one isn't still on there too, is it?

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: fl0yd on August 31, 2005, 11:00:00 pm
It shouldn't be still on there.  If trimming that one down works, I should be able to have my plastics guy make me some of the exact lengths needed.  Then I could just toss them in the kit and it would work for either shaft.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: markrvp on September 01, 2005, 09:37:46 am
Correct, the only sleeve underneath the plateform is the new white one from fl0yd.  So, cutting the short one down should work.

Next question:

If you weren't using fl0yd's adapter, then is it possible to remove the black sleeve above the plateform and use the higher E-clip ring to make the balltop sit closer to the CP?
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: RandyT on September 01, 2005, 09:49:56 am
Quote from: markrvp on September 01, 2005, 09:37:46 am
Next question:

If you weren't using fl0yd's adapter, then is it possible to remove the black sleeve above the plateform and use the higher E-clip ring to make the balltop sit closer to the CP?

Yes.  I put the extra e-ring slot in for those who might have a metal CP.  For this setting, you would remove the upper white spacer.

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: mahuti on November 10, 2005, 02:07:23 pm
I, uh... broke 2, 2, 2 sticks in one. I took the red top off of my t-stik plus balltop, and tried to swap it with the dark cherry GGG versa49 balltop. The threads looked the same... I tried to put the red top on the versa shaft... and I broke the shaft off in the red top. I think I also slightly cracked the red ball.. so my pressure was a little over the top. That's what I get for using vice grips. :D. Minwah mentioned taking the top off the J-stick and drilling it out a bit to fit it onto the versa49 shaft.... the t-stik balltop had machined threads in it, so I didn't wanna drill it out, and they looked right. Must have been just barely off.

Don't take this as a statement about the quality of the versa49 shafts... just about the stupidity of yours truly.
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: RandyT on November 10, 2005, 02:53:04 pm
Quote from: mahuti on November 10, 2005, 02:07:23 pm
I, uh... broke 2, 2, 2 sticks in one. I took the red top off of my t-stik plus balltop, and tried to swap it with the dark cherry GGG versa49 balltop. The threads looked the same... I tried to put the red top on the versa shaft... and I broke the shaft off in the red top. I think I also slightly cracked the red ball.. so my pressure was a little over the top. That's what I get for using vice grips. :D. Minwah mentioned taking the top off the J-stick and drilling it out a bit to fit it onto the versa49 shaft.... the t-stik balltop had machined threads in it, so I didn't wanna drill it out, and they looked right. Must have been just barely off.

Don't take this as a statement about the quality of the versa49 shafts... just about the stupidity of yours truly.

If I recall correctly, the T-stik ball is an M6.  That translates roughly to .240".  The Versa shaft is threaded with good old American 1/4-20 which is .250".  It's close, but not close enough.  The sharp threads of the Versa shaft probably were cutting as it entered, but when it bound up toward the end, all that force broke the stainless.

I'll replace it at my actual cost.  Email me if you are interested.

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: Timoe on November 10, 2005, 03:19:08 pm
I just got my Saphire blue ball top.  Thank you very much, it looks great.

I have a question (from a previous thread)  And I have searched to no avail

>>>>
Does anyone know if a standard Versaball replacement joystick from www.groovygamegear.com will work with a wico leafswitch joystick?

The website says it is compatible with Happ Super & Competition and I thought competitions would work in a Wico so.........

I'd like to have a matching ball top on my Wico
Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: RandyT on November 10, 2005, 03:26:04 pm
Quote from: timoe on November 10, 2005, 03:19:08 pm
I just got my Saphire blue ball top.  Thank you very much, it looks great.

I have a question (from a previous thread)  And I have searched to no avail

>>>>
Does anyone know if a standard Versaball replacement joystick from www.groovygamegear.com will work with a wico leafswitch joystick?

The website says it is compatible with Happ Super & Competition and I thought competitions would work in a Wico so.........

I'd like to have a matching ball top on my Wico

Sorry, but I'm pretty sure this won't work.  At least not without some modification to something here or there.

Do a search on the board here.  I'm pretty sure this came up at one time, but memory isn't what it used to be.

RandyT

Title: Re: New Product: Versa49 (TM) Balltop Replacement Shafts for HAPP 49-Ways
Post by: mahuti on November 10, 2005, 05:14:14 pm
Don't worry about replacing it at your cost. I'll just buy a new one at full cost. I don't blame your product for my idiocy :D :D

Appreciate the offer, though.