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slikstik VS DIY

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Kaytrim:
T-Sticks are no longer being made and they were just a standard microswitch stick with a rotating restrictor plate.  The USB joystick is the Ultimarc Ultrastick 360 or U360 for short.  you will see a lot of threads for these sticks on the boards here.  Use the search link at the top of this page and enter U360, you will get a ton of hits.  This is a good way to learn about them.  From what I understand they are really good sticks, just expensive.  (you get what you pay for).

I got my Midway 49-way sticks used at 25$ for the pair.  I need one interface card for each stick and can get them for ~$21 for the eco model or $34 for the Max model.  The only real difference between the eco and max models are the connector method on the card.  Screw terminals for the Max and soldering for the eco.  The eco is also about 1/2 the size of the Max.  GGG is the only place that I know of that has a PC interface for 49-way joysticks, the GPWiz49.

Randy at GGG is also in development of his own 49-way stick and is upgrading the interface at the same time.  I am in line waiting for the upgraded interface but I am not holding my breath.  Randy will only release a new product when he feels it is ready and bug free.  His stuff is worth the wait though so I am not complaining.  Just look at what he has to offer.  Anything from the standard Happ buttons and joysticks all the way to the full bling of color changing lighted trackballs and buttons.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim

jefftse:

--- Quote from: Kaytrim on April 03, 2007, 01:52:21 pm ---T-Sticks are no longer being made and they were just a standard microswitch stick with a rotating restrictor plate.  The USB joystick is the Ultimarc Ultrastick 360 or U360 for short.  you will see a lot of threads for these sticks on the boards here.  Use the search link at the top of this page and enter U360, you will get a ton of hits.  This is a good way to learn about them.  From what I understand they are really good sticks, just expensive.  (you get what you pay for).

I got my Midway 49-way sticks used at 25$ for the pair.  I need one interface card for each stick and can get them for ~$21 for the eco model or $34 for the Max model.  The only real difference between the eco and max models are the connector method on the card.  Screw terminals for the Max and soldering for the eco.  The eco is also about 1/2 the size of the Max.  GGG is the only place that I know of that has a PC interface for 49-way joysticks, the GPWiz49.

Randy at GGG is also in development of his own 49-way stick and is upgrading the interface at the same time.  I am in line waiting for the upgraded interface but I am not holding my breath.  Randy will only release a new product when he feels it is ready and bug free.  His stuff is worth the wait though so I am not complaining.  Just look at what he has to offer.  Anything from the standard Happ buttons and joysticks all the way to the full bling of color changing lighted trackballs and buttons.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim

--- End quote ---

Um.. I was so set with Ultimarc.. I think I need to reconsider.  it looks like gp-49 plus are similar to I-pac.  I think I agree with you saying to get a 8 way happy controllers for player 3 and 4.  but I'm still having a tough time to decide on player 1 and 2. 

so many options... so confusing...
:)

Jeff

Kaytrim:

--- Quote from: jefftse on April 03, 2007, 06:39:21 pm ---Um.. I was so set with Ultimarc.. I think I need to reconsider.  it looks like gp-49 plus are similar to I-pac.  I think I agree with you saying to get a 8 way happy controllers for player 3 and 4.  but I'm still having a tough time to decide on player 1 and 2. 

so many options... so confusing...
:)

Jeff

--- End quote ---

Jeff,

I like your attitude about jumping in and getting started.  Don't let this indecision be a setback for you.  Instead learn that there are many opinions.  I like the GGG line of products.  There are many on the boards here that like the Ultimarc line.  I am not saying that one is better than another.  Just that there are options.  This hobby has grown by leaps and bounds because of the work done by Randy at GGG, Andy at Ultimarc and Saint here.  Just a few years ago people were hacking keyboards to connect their buttons and joysticks.  Take a little time and learn what your options are and make your own choice as to what will work best for you.

I originally was going to purchase two of the U360s myself, they are a little more versatile.  I just happen to run across a deal on the used Midway 49-way sticks.  If I want to use both of these sticks right now I would have to purchase two of the interface cards from GGG.  For now I am still working on my layout and the options I want for my cab.  Follow the links in my sig and you will get an idea of what I am working on.

There is also more support for the U360s in the more popular front ends.  They automatically set the map that the stick uses depending on the game chosen.  I would still recommend looking at these sticks very hard as your main sticks.  I had one bad experience with the switchable sticks.  It doesn't mean that others are better.  The electronic switchable sticks are more expensive and for the most part are better but you have to weigh your options and your budget.

TTFN  :cheers:
Kaytrim

jefftse:
Man... i think you have me convinced to get 4 u360s!!! i always want the best so i don't have to worry about it later. 

I'm looking at the opti-pac and trackball from ultimarc.  maybe just me,  but it seems a little too much for what it is.. am i missing something? i saw GGG offers a similar product called Opti-wiz but sell for a lot cheaper.. I basically want trackball and spinner!

do you know anything about led-wiz?  I emailed Randy but i haven't heard from him yet.  I want to get that also to make the button light up only the buttons when the buttons will work the games i'm playing. 

many many thanks!

Jeff

Kaytrim:
For the  spinner GGG has the TT2 spinner with the Opti-Wiz optionally included.  Most of the popular front ends also have plug-ins for the LED-Wiz to do the things you want.  That is still in the works last I knew but there is a framework in place.  Take some time and troll the software forum.  That is where all the developers hang out mostly.

Since you are wanting to go with the full bling you might want to look at the GGG Electric Ice Trackball.  This is basically a Beston Imperial trackball with Randy's Lighting upgrade kit and Opti-Wiz already installed.  If you want a Happ Trackball then purchase the standard model not the one with the USB/PS/2 interface. You can get your Happ products cheep from divemaster and ponyboy in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum here.  Their sell threads are stickied and usually at the top.  You can connect the Happ trackball to the Opti-Wiz on the TT2 spinner and get the lighting upgrade kit from Randy.

With the TT2 spinner and the Electric Ice Trackball get the TT2 spinner without the Opti-Wiz and connect the spinner to the trackball's interface.  If you go with the Happ trackball get the TT2 with the interface and connect the Happ trackball to the spinner's interface.

Again options galore.  ;D :dizzy:



Now let's look at all the connections to your computer....

First you are talking about 4 U360 joysticks.  That is 4 USB connections there.  Your trackball/spinner will need one USB connection if done as I suggest above.  Otherwise you will need 2 USB connections.  If you go with the full bling on a 4 player panel you will need 2 or 3 LED-wiz cards.  The buttons for player 3&4 can be doubled up on the LED-Wiz.  In other words the wires for P3B1 and P4B1 can be connected to the same terminals.  This is because those players will have the same button setup when they are available and off for 2 player games.  For your buttons they can connect the switches to the U360 sticks.  If you need more buttons than the U360s can handle I would suggest getting an interface card.  KeyWiz or GPWiz from GGG or the iPac from Ultimarc.  The KeyWiz uses a PS/2 port on the MB while the GPWiz and iPac use a USB port.

Looking at the above paragraph you will need at minimum 7 USB ports and a max of 10.  Because most motherboards have 4 USB ports I would recommend getting one or two USB expansion cards for your computer.  I found mine for $5 each plus shipping on eBay.

That should keep your head spinning for a while. :dizzy: :laugh2:

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim

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