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MVS Label Project
Hyper64
ST-V
F3
Irem Madonna
|
Ultimarc J-Stick Joysticks
by Sanwa
|
 |
When
I got my Japanese sit down cab, I decided to replace the joysticks.
I wanted something like the originals but there was not much to choose
from here in the states. Then Ultimarc
started selling the J-Stick
which is made by Sanwa in Japan. |
 |
Here is the
J-Stick next to a Happ Super. The Happ is slightly taller. |
 |
The main difference
in the sticks other than the handle shape is the Sanwa uses a 4/8
way restrictor plate that can be rotated at any time. |
| The Happ uses Cherry switches,
the Sanwa uses Omron. |
  |
The restrictor
plate in the 4 way position keeps the joystick from tripping more
than one microswitch at a time. |
  |
The restrictor
plate in the 8 way position allows the joystick to hit two microswitches
at a time for diagonal moves. |
| There was
some discussion on how these joysticks would compare to the Happ joysticks
for feel and travel. I did some measurements, but they are far from
perfect. The numbers I came up with are not what I would call scientific
fact. With that in mind... |
 |
 |
 |
| Happ in the
upright position - 0 Degrees |
At point of switch trigger
- 3 Degrees |
At motion limit
- 8 Degrees |
| Conclusion
- The switch trigger points on the Sanwa are a longer throw than the
Happ. This is the opposite of what I expected. Part of this may be
that the Sanwa sticks are taller than older Japanese sticks that I
have seen. See below. Also, the Sanwa "feels" like a tighter
stick. Note: I had the Happ joysticks set up as 8 way, which has a
larger actuator. If you have them set up as 4 way, your results will
most likely vary. |
 |
The stick
on the left is an older Sanwa. The one in the middle does not have
a name on it, The new Sanwa is on the right. |
 |
Slight differences
on the mounting plate sizes - the new Sanwa is in the middle. |
 |
The old and new Sanwa
use the same restrictor plates. |
All in all, I am very
impressed with the Sanwa. I think it is a better made stick than
the Happs, and I really like the restrictor plate - especially for
a Jamma cab where you might have both 4 and 8 way games.
I also want to mention
that Andy over at Ultimarc
does a great job and the customer service is top notch. Don't hesitate
to deal with Ultimarc. |
|
