Ultra Stik 360's are fantastic!

[vuduman67]

I just got a pair of these Joys and they work really great. I havnt had any problems with the pc, mame or Gameex detecting them. The abilility to change from 4 way to 8 way to diagnals in a matter of seconds is just awesome. My only complaint is they have a really long throw. You can order restrictor plates to shorten it, so I may do that. I am getting used to it pretty quickly though.

anyway....

Happy New Year all and game on!

[Quixote Quest]

I just got a pair of these Joys and they work really great. I havnt had any problems with the pc, mame or Gameex detecting them. The abilility to change from 4 way to 8 way to diagnals in a matter of seconds is just awesome. My only complaint is they have a really long throw. You can order restrictor plates to shorten it, so I may do that. I am getting used to it pretty quickly though.

anyway....

Happy New Year all and game on!

I got these for Christmas and I've generally liked them too. But I haven't loved them yet like I hoped. Maybe they'll grow on me. I have to admit that I love I can emulate pretty nicely a Q-Bert setup.

They only thing really going for them in my book is that I was able to simplify my panel if I can get them to run with stability. I've had problems if the computer freezes--which has been common when awakening from a stand-by cycle-- forcing a restart that they don't recognize, and I have to unplug and replug them back in--VERY annoying since the connection is inside the cabinet. But if I go through normal shutdown and restarts they seem to operate fine.

Would love it if maps could be configured to autoload on a game by game or game type basis. But running Ultramap isn't too inconvenient, assuming that I can get it to run within GameEx. Right now I have to quit GameEx to run it. When guests are over playing it's a bit much to interrupt in order to reconfigure.

I'm not happy with the throw, it feels like it's broken or something. I think with a slightly stiffer spring and the circle restrictor plate that I'll like the feel much better. I still don't get why Andy doesn't sell these things with these options available out of the box. The parts are expensive when you have to order separately and pay for add'tl shipping. But then I just don't like the stock feel. Others may. The manufacturer of my panel recommended them stock.

If you figure out how to keep the ball tops from unscrewing during play let us know.

[vuduman67]

I got these for Christmas and I've generally liked them too. But I haven't loved them yet like I hoped. Maybe they'll grow on me. I have to admit that I love I can emulate pretty nicely a Q-Bert setup.

They only thing really going for them in my book is that I was able to simplify my panel if I can get them to run with stability. I've had problems if the computer freezes--which has been common when awakening from a stand-by cycle-- forcing a restart that they don't recognize, and I have to unplug and replug them back in--VERY annoying since the connection is inside the cabinet. But if I go through normal shutdown and restarts they seem to operate fine.

Would love it if maps could be configured to autoload on a game by game or game type basis. But running Ultramap isn't too inconvenient, assuming that I can get it to run within GameEx. Right now I have to quit GameEx to run it. When guests are over playing it's a bit much to interrupt in order to reconfigure.

I'm not happy with the throw, it feels like it's broken or something. I think with a slightly stiffer spring and the circle restrictor plate that I'll like the feel much better. I still don't get why Andy doesn't sell these things with these options available out of the box. The parts are expensive when you have to order separately and pay for add'tl shipping. But then I just don't like the stock feel. Others may. The manufacturer of my panel recommended them stock.

If you figure out how to keep the ball tops from unscrewing during play let us know.

I have not had a problem with detection at all but I do not go into sleep mode. It definatley would be nice to be able to change the config from within Gameex. You dont however have to shutdown Gamex, use the old

Alt-Tab back to the desktop change the config and click back to Gameex. I also have the control software in my startup folder so its sitting open on my desktop and waiting.

Funny you mention Q-bert since thats what we have been playing

As for the tops, Take a pair of pliers and grip the shaft tightly and turn the balls with your hand.(Wow that sounded dirty )

[Quixote Quest]

I have not had a problem with detection at all but I do not go into sleep mode. It definatley would be nice to be able to change the config from within Gameex. You dont however have to shutdown Gamex, use the old

Alt-Tab back to the desktop change the config and click back to Gameex. I also have the control software in my startup folder so its sitting open on my desktop and waiting.

Funny you mention Q-bert since thats what we have been playing

As for the tops, Take a pair of pliers and grip the shaft tightly and turn the balls with your hand.(Wow that sounded dirty )

How are your UltraStiks doing for you? I got a couple stainless 6mm lock washers and they have solved the loose ball tops. The washers feel a little funny in the fingertips when gripping, but I tried the pliers-the-shaft-and-cinch-the-ball method from the get go but they loosened up again. I guess we're just too enthusiastic in our playing. I had to find another solution.

However the stabiltiy is still annoying. If I leave the arcade on the machine eventually goes into its sleep and the joysticks nor panel work when waking up. On restart the sticks are always showing up as exclamation marks in the Devices list. It's even doing it on normal startup but is less common. I wish I could track down the root of the problem. It's a drag to shut down and then restart everytime we want to play. I was hoping just to leave it in attract mode, but the stiks and panel (IPAC) just don't seem to be cooperating.

My only other lead that it may or may not be the Stiks or IPAC causing the trouble is that my trackball (USB Happ) and Tornado Spinner don't work either when awakening from standby--neither is going through the IPAC--though neither ever generates a Devices warning on forced startup like the UltraStiks do.

[vuduman67]

How are your UltraStiks doing for you? I got a couple stainless 6mm lock washers and they have solved the loose ball tops. The washers feel a little funny in the fingertips when gripping, but I tried the pliers-the-shaft-and-cinch-the-ball method from the get go but they loosened up again. I guess we're just too enthusiastic in our playing. I had to find another solution.

However the stabiltiy is still annoying. If I leave the arcade on the machine eventually goes into its sleep and the joysticks nor panel work when waking up. On restart the sticks are always showing up as exclamation marks in the Devices list. It's even doing it on normal startup but is less common. I wish I could track down the root of the problem. It's a drag to shut down and then restart everytime we want to play. I was hoping just to leave it in attract mode, but the stiks and panel (IPAC) just don't seem to be cooperating.

My only other lead that it may or may not be the Stiks or IPAC causing the trouble is that my trackball (USB Happ) and Tornado Spinner don't work either when awakening from standby--neither is going through the IPAC--though neither ever generates a Devices warning on forced startup like the UltraStiks do.

I am happy to say (but sorry for your luck) that I have not had a single problem with mine. I do not use a IPAC however. I do have mine plugged into a powered usb hub which others have said would not work. Basically my cab is running a modified Xarcade with the joysticks replaced with the 360's and a xarcade trackball hooked up. I also have the USB lightguns from actlabs. My 360's have never lost connection and my cab is basically running 24/7 and gets used everyday by myself or my 12yr old daughter and her friends. Gameex is running most of the time except for when we are playing Midways Robotron or House of the dead 3. I hope you get yours sorted out and if I can help in any way let me know.

[ourgrace]

Try this to keep them from coming loose

threadlocker

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/products/de...153&PID=452

Bob