Some U360 Questions

[Rando]

Hey all,
I recently installed some Ultrastick 360's, and initial response is good, but I have some questions.  Current configuration has joysticks undermounted with dustwashers on top.  I may top mount them in future, but still see dustwashers on top.

- When I boot up my PC, the joysticks are found, but they don't move anything. I have to start my UltriMap software and do a quick download to the stick (to designate 4-way vs 8-way vs analog, etc.) before stick will respond.  It's a fine and quick fix, but not user friendly, what is my issue?  Sticks are connected via USB and both plugged into a USB sharing device, and both have unique identifiers setup.

- What is the best mode to leave the sticks in for most 80's/90's games?  4-way? 8-way? Analog?  Currently I'm leaving in analog and changing to some other settings depending on game to test things out.  But asking for best recommendations.

- During the more intense joystick games (ex: Robotron) the balls on top will loosen and start to unscrew.  I don't want to glue them as I will need to remove them in future.  I don't want to grab sticks with pliers and tighten the balls because I risk damaging the rods.  Ideas to keep it tight?


I think I had another question but of course can't remember it now.  Most curious about 1st question above.  Thanks!

[DrChek]

- During the more intense joystick games (ex: Robotron) the balls on top will loosen and start to unscrew.  I don't want to glue them as I will need to remove them in future.  I don't want to grab sticks with pliers and tighten the balls because I risk damaging the rods.  Ideas to keep it tight?

If you remove the circuit board and magnet on the bottom of the stick there is a flat head slot on the bottom of the shaft. Hold the shaft still with a screw driver in the slot while you tighten the ball top. You should be able to get it tight enough where it won't loosen under normal play.

[Rando]

- During the more intense joystick games (ex: Robotron) the balls on top will loosen and start to unscrew.  I don't want to glue them as I will need to remove them in future.  I don't want to grab sticks with pliers and tighten the balls because I risk damaging the rods.  Ideas to keep it tight?

If you remove the circuit board and magnet on the bottom of the stick there is a flat head slot on the bottom of the shaft. Hold the shaft still with a screw driver in the slot while you tighten the ball top. You should be able to get it tight enough where it won't loosen under normal play.

Awesome,
Thanks.

Is it as easy as you make it sound or is there a "WATCH OUT!" type of moment where some spring will try to fling my magnet across the room as soon as I remove the board?  Trying to cover all bases! 

[DrChek]

- During the more intense joystick games (ex: Robotron) the balls on top will loosen and start to unscrew.  I don't want to glue them as I will need to remove them in future.  I don't want to grab sticks with pliers and tighten the balls because I risk damaging the rods.  Ideas to keep it tight?

If you remove the circuit board and magnet on the bottom of the stick there is a flat head slot on the bottom of the shaft. Hold the shaft still with a screw driver in the slot while you tighten the ball top. You should be able to get it tight enough where it won't loosen under normal play.

Awesome,
Thanks.

Is it as easy as you make it sound or is there a "WATCH OUT!" type of moment where some spring will try to fling my magnet across the room as soon as I remove the board?  Trying to cover all bases! 

No springs will be released if you only take off the board and magnet.

As far as loading maps, you could always place a shortcut to the command line ultramap utility in the startup folder to load a default map whenever windows starts. A better option would be to use a frontend that supports ultramap loading for each particular game. I recommend Mala + Utramapper plugin. That way 2-way games play 2-way, 4-way play 4-way, etc...

[Rando]

No springs will be released if you only take off the board and magnet.

As far as loading maps, you could always place a shortcut to the command line ultramap utility in the startup folder to load a default map whenever windows starts. A better option would be to use a frontend that supports ultramap loading for each particular game. I recommend Mala + Utramapper plugin. That way 2-way games play 2-way, 4-way play 4-way, etc...

Thanks much,
I'll reload MALA and look into getting that setup again.  Had it previously then my PC crapped out, so am only using MAMEUI at this point.

Thanks.

[Gray_Area]

Make sure Ultramap is set to 'scan for sticks on startup'. Although, I think sometimes USB hubs and the like just get in the way of this.

[mgb]

For the balltop loosening issue, you can also try some Loctite on the shafts threads. just use the light duty one (I think its blue).

[Donkey_Kong]

Be careful with the knob frightening techniques. One time I tried pliers on the shaft and fabric as a cushion and still ended up with teeth marks. They are ugly and you can feel em to when playing, annoying.

[Rando]

Be careful with the knob frightening techniques. One time I tried pliers on the shaft and fabric as a cushion and still ended up with teeth marks. They are ugly and you can feel em to when playing, annoying.

Exactly what I'm trying to avoid, thanks for tips!!!

[Gray_Area]

The bat tops come with little lock washers. Find some of the appropriate size for your balls.