Posted by Marshall on 4, 2000 at 11:36 AM:
In Reply to: Re: Rotary Joystick to MAME interface for sale posted by Magnet Eye on 4, 2000 at 12:35 AM:
First, to Druin, thanks for designing and building this product. It has been needed for a long time.
As background, I am looking at eventually building several control panels (dual sticks, steering wheel, trackball, etc). I plan to use a controller module containing a keyboard encoder and an Opti-Pac Ultra which will conncect to each panel using a 40-pin IDE ribbon cable. (I-Pac would work for this also).
My general advice on this, if you are restoring an IKARI warriors game, or you want the genuine click-click-click feel as you turn the knob, then this is the way to go. If you want to do anything else rotary with your panel (spinner, trackball, steering wheel, etc.), you are better going with the Happs optical rotarys and either an ultra opti-pac or the Happs serial or usb controller. (or Hagstroms PS/2 when it comes out.
Note that the standard opti-Pac does not work with the Happs equipment, but a fix is on the way.
Also note that while the SNK sticks are a bargain at 9.95, I don't think they are manufactured anymore, so once they are gone, that's it.
Quick comparison with pros and cons
Druins controller with SNK sticks $85.00.
Druins controller with Happs sticks $135.00
Opti-Pac with Happs Optical Rotary Joysticks $105.00
Happs serial interface with Happs Optical Rotary Joysticks $130.00
For what it's worth!