What is your 4 way /8 way solution for cp?

[aldub516]

Im building a new small 2 player cp for someone, with a little "gimmick" twist to it, which is besides the point. I wanted to find a solution to have both 4 way and 8 way function. I know there are top switching joysticks like the magistick which ive used, .. and the servostick which is a little pricey but fancy. Anyways. With so many options, whats a good suggestion. In past builds my panels were big enough for a dedicated 4 way. Now id like only 2 joysticks on the panel, but both have to match, even tho im pretty sure i only need 1 4 way joystick. The magstick shaft is a little too short for me..Ive grown to love the feel of zippy joysticks for my cheaper builds. Anything with that type of feel that is switchable? It can be switched from under the panel if it has to. I just dont have much experience with different joysticks. It also has to be user friendly as well.So, what are some good joysticks that are easily switchable, or what do you do on your panels for this? I know the true arcade hobbyist would say make a machine for just 4, or 8 way games probably. But yeah, im making a sweet little panel for a friend. Its going to have a track ball as well. So, best route?

[Slippyblade]

There is a new gizmo that allows top switching from North Coast Customs.  I'll find the thread and link it to you.  Several of us have ordered one to trial and review.

[harveybirdman]

Santa JLW and Omni 2 from GGG are both below panel options.

Of course for me I just picked up a separate cabinet for dedicated four way games.  I am going to start a build thread at some point maybe when the forum issues clear up.

[jeremymtc]

Ultimarc does have longer balltop shafts for use with the MagStik: http://www.ultimarc.com/store/product.php?xProd=16

I'm using them with some heavily-modded T-Stiks and quite like them.

[Le Chuck]

Omni-2 can be easily modded for auto-switching or you can contact Randy directly and ask him if he has any kits available for the Omni-2-Robo or whatever it's called.  It comes with all the bits and bobs you need to set up auto switching.  I like my auto switching omnis.  They feel great. 

[severdhed]

I prefer the Ultimarc J-Stik / Sanwa JLW.  They are great in both 4 and 8 way modes.  The Ultimarc version comes pre-modified so that it can easily be switched by simply turning the restrictor plate.  Thh stock JLW requires you to loosen 4 screws first.

[big10p]

I just ditch the horrible square gates that come with most sticks - they have way too much bias on the diagonals, even for 8-way games, and are just unusable for 4-way ones, IMO. I use round gates and rarely have trouble playing 4-way games. I also hear octagonal gates are good too, but I've not tried them myself.

[Mameroom]

As SlippyBlade mentioned, we just came out with a new 4-way, 8-way switchable joystick restrictor plate:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,150563.0.html
http://www.mameroom.com/webstore.asp?productid=JOYSTICKRESTRICTOR&category=195

Our product is still in Beta and we are already planning some enhancements and additional designs.

[artyfarty]

I'm using Ultimarc Ultrastik 360s with the Front Mount Reatrictor kit.

The FMR is a piece of plastic that fits around the base of the joystick shaft above the panel that you can lift and rotate from square for 4 way games to diagonal for 8 way games.

I was dubious about whether thus would be a good solution, but I actually like it.

The only issue is that the mechanism is not obvious for guests - but I'm generally around to sort it out for them.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[aldub516]

thanks for all of those suggestions.. the jstiks look nice. Ill mull over the options you guys laid out and go for it

[ed12]

well it truly depends on where in  the build curve u are to make such a difined choice...
mind u i did look into mamerooms resister/switcher,and with the new "imporments" it dose have promise,
not to side line any aver's here >randyt<,etc,etc..but it dose in-deed look good and clean

ed