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OMNI-Stik PRODIGY (TM) - New Product Announcement
RandyT:
I haven't been participating here lately as much as I would have liked, and this is part of the reason.
The currently available solutions to the 4-way / 8-way joystick problem have always left me feeling like there was a "better way", so I went to work on one of my own. The goal was to create one that was self-contained, easy to install and most importantly, switchable between true 4 and 8 way modes from the top of the control panel. It's been a long road, but it's finally finished and it has surpassed all of my expectations.
The OMNI-Stik PRODIGY (TM) Arcade Joystick Systems will go on sale tomorrow, and cost $34.95 each. They are available with Red, Blue and Black sticks. There's more info at the website, so I won't drag it all into this post.
Saint has the very first production unit on the way to him as I write this (are you listening, Saint?) Once again, it's good to be Saint :D.
RandyT
paigeoliver:
What provides the resistance, a rubber grommet or a spring?
Also, is the 4-way movement path properly shorter than the 8-way one? So far every switchable stick I have tried has had a longer throw in 4-way mode.
Does the bolt pattern match the Wico/Happ pattern.
Is this a completely new design, or are you modifying another manufacturers stick? (The handle looks familiar).
If it does have a rubber grommet, the Happ/Wico bolt pattern, and a shorter throw in 4-way mode then I can see this being a very successful product.
Of course, you will still never solve the basic problem of getting your friends to play 4-way games in 4-way mode and 8-way games in 8-way mode. ;D
RandyT:
--- Quote from: paigeoliver on November 19, 2003, 04:53:56 am ---What provides the resistance, a rubber grommet or a spring?
--- End quote ---
Spring. Are grommet based sticks even produced anymore?
--- Quote ---Also, is the 4-way movement path properly shorter than the 8-way one? So far every switchable stick I have tried has had a longer throw in 4-way mode.
--- End quote ---
The throw on this stick is "ever so slightly" longer in 4-way mode. This is a "precision" stick with a comfortably short throw all around, so the difference is unperceivable during use....except that things actually move where you expect them to in 4-way mode ;)
--- Quote ---Does the bolt pattern match the Wico/Happ pattern.
--- End quote ---
It is not a "drop-in" replacement for an existing stick. It's a complete system that requires it's own mounting considerations. That's not to say that an existing panel can't be retro-fitted, because it can, as long as there is physically enough room for the unit.
--- Quote ---Is this a completely new design, or are you modifying another manufacturers stick? (The handle looks familiar).
--- End quote ---
No, it is based on an existing design. I didn't have the $125,000 for the injection molds to make my own ;)
--- Quote ---If it does have a rubber grommet, the Happ/Wico bolt pattern, and a shorter throw in 4-way mode then I can see this being a very successful product.
--- End quote ---
Don't set fire to the sofa before you take a seat :). These are different from the usual Happ fare, but that's not a bad thing. Like anything "different" there is a short adjustment period. After using this stick for a few months, I can tell you that these more closely approximate the "retro" gaming experience than the Happ sticks, and I have no inclination to ever use the "bat" sticks again. I haven't found a single game where I felt it was more playable with those types of sticks over these, in fact usually the opposite is true.
--- Quote ---Of course, you will still never solve the basic problem of getting your friends to play 4-way games in 4-way mode and 8-way games in 8-way mode. ;D
--- End quote ---
The first time they see the difference between using it and not, you'll never have to remind them again :D
RandyT
*edit*
The usual typos :P
Frostillicus:
WOW. Now that makes sense. I concept that's been kicked around for awhile, but a nice NEW and professional product - will consider it for future cabs definitely. Thanks for the cool offering RandyT :)
menace:
Send one to Kev Steele for a review I'd be curious how well the system works (not to mention he makes such neat videos ;))
I have been toying with modifying my j-stick for "above-panel" switching--this seems to be a more elegant solution.
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