Difference between revisions of "Joysticks"
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====8-Way to 4-Way Switchable Joysticks==== | ====8-Way to 4-Way Switchable Joysticks==== | ||
| − | Many 8-way joysticks that are sold can also be set to work in 4-way mode. | + | Many 8-way joysticks that are sold can also be set to work in 4-way mode. There are two basic methods to change modes: |
| − | Joysticks that can be set to 4-way or 8-way motion include: | + | 1) Changing a restrictor plate that only allows the joystick handle to be pushed in certain directions; or: |
| − | :* [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/happsuper.html Happ Super], Suzo 500 (aka [http://ultimarc.com/controls.html Euro-Stik] or [http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=197 Omni-Stik]), [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/ultimarc_tstik.html Ultimarc T-Stik], Ultimarc Mag-Stik, [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/ultimarc_jstik.html Ultimarc J-Stik], [http://www.himuragames.com/store_joysticks.php Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT], [http://www.himuragames.com/store_joysticks.php Seimitsu LS-32]. | + | |
| + | 2) Changing the actuator (that's the small piece on the bottom end of the joystick shaft that makes contact with the switches) to only allow contact with one switch at a time. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Restrictor plate changes convert the joystick to "true" 4-way operation, and will give the best play. Actuator changes do not keep the handle from moving into the diagonal positions, this method only keeps the switches from being activated. The result is a "dead spot" in the corners, where the stick can be pushed, but no switches are hit. This is not much better than playing in standard 8-way mode, and is not reccomended. Adjusting these joystick usually involves opening up your control panel so you can access the lower section of the joystick base. Some models using a restrictor plate can be easily changed by hand once the control panel is open, while some others require the use of basic tools, like a screwdriver. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Joysticks that can be set to 4-way or 8-way motion via an actuator swap include: | ||
| + | :* [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/happsuper.html Happ Super], [http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/happcompetition.html Happ Competition], [http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/happsp360.html Happ Perfect 360], [http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/xgaming.html X-Gaming Joystick (X-Arcade)]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Joysticks that can be set to 4-way or 8-way motion via the restrictor plate include: | ||
| + | :* Suzo 500 (aka [http://ultimarc.com/controls.html Euro-Stik] or [http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=197 Omni-Stik]), [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/ultimarc_tstik.html Ultimarc T-Stik], Ultimarc Mag-Stik, [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/ultimarc_jstik.html Ultimarc J-Stik], [http://www.himuragames.com/store_joysticks.php Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT], [http://www.himuragames.com/store_joysticks.php Seimitsu LS-32]. | ||
In the last few years, some companies have added to this feature to allow the joystick to be switchable from above the control panel in some way. This makes it simple for anyone to switch the joystick between 4-way to 8-way from game to game, without having to access 'the guts' of the control panel. | In the last few years, some companies have added to this feature to allow the joystick to be switchable from above the control panel in some way. This makes it simple for anyone to switch the joystick between 4-way to 8-way from game to game, without having to access 'the guts' of the control panel. | ||
Revision as of 01:44, 3 March 2006
Contents
Conventional Digital Joysticks
Conventional joysticks are fairly simple devices without which Pac-Man would be ghost-fodder. When the joystick shaft is moved in any direction, the lower end of the stick is levered in the opposite direction and makes contact with switches, these switches are what tells Pac-Man to move and in which direction.
By using four switches at the base of the joystick, 8 directions can be achieved; Up, Down, Left and Right as well as the four corner positions. Joysticks like this are known as 8-way.
Some joysticks were designed to restrict the player from moving diagonally; for example, joysticks used in Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Though it is possible to use an 8-way joystick for these games, it's not recommended, as accidentally hitting a diagonal with the joystick will cause Mario to stand still and Pac-Man won't know if he should go up or to the side. Joysticks like this are known as 4-way.
Other games, such as Galaga, used a 2-way joystick since movement was only necessary from left to right or up to down.
Standard 8-way only joysticks:
Standard 4-way only joysticks:
- Happ Ms.Pac/Galaga Reunion, Betson Ms.Pac/Galaga Reunion, Wico 4-Way Leafswitch (discontinued).
8-Way to 4-Way Switchable Joysticks
Many 8-way joysticks that are sold can also be set to work in 4-way mode. There are two basic methods to change modes:
1) Changing a restrictor plate that only allows the joystick handle to be pushed in certain directions; or:
2) Changing the actuator (that's the small piece on the bottom end of the joystick shaft that makes contact with the switches) to only allow contact with one switch at a time.
Restrictor plate changes convert the joystick to "true" 4-way operation, and will give the best play. Actuator changes do not keep the handle from moving into the diagonal positions, this method only keeps the switches from being activated. The result is a "dead spot" in the corners, where the stick can be pushed, but no switches are hit. This is not much better than playing in standard 8-way mode, and is not reccomended. Adjusting these joystick usually involves opening up your control panel so you can access the lower section of the joystick base. Some models using a restrictor plate can be easily changed by hand once the control panel is open, while some others require the use of basic tools, like a screwdriver.
Joysticks that can be set to 4-way or 8-way motion via an actuator swap include:
Joysticks that can be set to 4-way or 8-way motion via the restrictor plate include:
- Suzo 500 (aka Euro-Stik or Omni-Stik), Ultimarc T-Stik, Ultimarc Mag-Stik, Ultimarc J-Stik, Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT, Seimitsu LS-32.
In the last few years, some companies have added to this feature to allow the joystick to be switchable from above the control panel in some way. This makes it simple for anyone to switch the joystick between 4-way to 8-way from game to game, without having to access 'the guts' of the control panel.
Conventional joysticks that can be switched from above the control panel like this include:
Non-Conventional Digital Joysticks
Suzo Inductive Joystick
Instead of using the conventional microswitches, Suzo Inductive sticks use a magnet at the base of its shaft that is read by eight 'pads' on its PCB. It is completely silent and easily switchable between 4-way and 8-way using a pot under the joystick.
Happ Perfect 360 (P360)
49-Way Joysticks
Once used in a small handfull of Williams, Midway and Atari games, these analog style joysticks have become a great all-around stick when used on a home arcade machine. Using the GP-Wiz's various DRS modes, these joysticks can be easily switched between 49-way, 8-way, 4-way, 2-way and diagonal (Q*Bert style) modes without having to physically change the joystick hardware. This makes them well suited to a huge list of games that were originally controlled with different control methods.
Relevant links:
What are 49-Way joysticks? by URebelScum
