Robotron original game play interface question...

andykmv

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hey robotron gurus, a question for you on behalf on an Aussie Arcade member SPL...QUOTE
I have a question for you Williams fans out there.. having never played on an original Robotron cabinet in my life, I am a big fan of the game and have only been able to play it with gamepad thus far and would really like to know how it's supposed to be played properly.

So my question is I guess which joysticks are the original Robotron leaf sticks the most similar in feel to? Are the originals easy to push like modern sanwa sticks or do they have some weight/resistence to them?? Thanks if any of you guys can help.
smile.gif

/QUOTE

Cheers!
 
The original sticks were 8-way Wico red ball top sticks with a 4 inch shaft and leaf switches (no restrictor plate). The action is smooth and there is slight tension in all directions .
In my opinion, nothing other than a Wico leaf switch stick can properly emulate the same feel.
 
I agree, the game cannot be properly played on anything but the original set up. The sticks also use a grommet which can wear out and when it wears out the sticks are overly loose.
 
I have a buddy who'd only played Robotron on a MAME cab with newer-type microswitch joysticks.

Then he came over and played my original with the 4" Wico leafs.

He says mine is a lot different (and harder) than his MAME setup...
 
The original sticks were 8-way Wico red ball top sticks with a 4 inch shaft and leaf switches (no restrictor plate). The action is smooth and there is slight tension in all directions .
In my opinion, nothing other than a Wico leaf switch stick can properly emulate the same feel.

when y'all say a 4" shaft, does that include the ball ? ie 1"ish ball and 3.5" shaft ? i have seen a number of wicos advertised as 3.5" - are they the same type you are refering to ? (ie http://www.videogameparts.com/product.sc?productId=806&categoryId=2 )

also, mikes arcade advertise a 5 inch shaft, is that the right lenth shaft ? can it be retrofitted to say the same video parts.com wico joystick ?
 
when y'all say a 4" shaft, does that include the ball ? ie 1"ish ball and 3.5" shaft ? i have seen a number of wicos advertised as 3.5" - are they the same type you are refering to ? (ie http://www.videogameparts.com/product.sc?productId=806&categoryId=2 )

also, mikes arcade advertise a 5 inch shaft, is that the right lenth shaft ? can it be retrofitted to say the same video parts.com wico joystick ?

No, the 4" measurement is from the base of the ball to the Eclip that retains the plastic sleeve. The 3.5" are 1/2" shorter than the 4". The 4" are harder to come by and usually command a higher price because of that.
 
I suppose if you were inclined to and had access to a lathe you could spin an Eclip groove 1" higher on the 5" shaft and make them work but it might be a pain in the ass to chuck up properly.
 
Another option, and almost as good, is to use Happs P360 optical joysticks. I have played the 4" wico control panel, and my Mame setup has P360's with balltop handles, and it is pretty close.
 
Another option, and almost as good, is to use Happs P360 optical joysticks. I have played the 4" wico control panel, and my Mame setup has P360's with balltop handles, and it is pretty close.

Where did you get ball top handles for the P360's?

Matt
 
I think a lot of people have forgotten what Robotron was like brand new. The sticks had more than a little resistance. Those grommets give a good bit a resistance.
 
Where did you get ball top handles for the P360's?

Matt

Slikstik - they're lit too. However, that company is no longer in business. I believe GroovyGameGear sells a version that is similar, and should fit. You do have to ask for them; I don't believe they are a regular stock item.
 
I"ll give my opinion....

The original feel is pretty hard to beat, and the deep wooden control panel pushes you in the direction of the 4" Wicos. But.. there are some alternatives which I think work pretty well and will have purists frothing.

Ultimarc Magstick, nice feel on these, plus you can mess with the type of micro-switch on them to get the best level of resistance for personal taste.
Sanwas JLF sticks BUT you have to change the spring out of them to a much much stronger one otherwise they are just horrible. With the beefier spring the activation force is way higher and they feel less sloppy.

But anything that isn't leaf will give the nice positive feedback click that really annoys some folks :) In which case just turn up the volume !!!!!

- James
 
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