Posted by OSCAR on January 17, 2002 at 18:08:05:
In Reply to: Okay, then how about... :) posted by Cryofax on January 17, 2002 at 12:45:52:
: How about a plate that attaches to the panel just like you're doing now, but instead of screwing the "mask" plate pieces onto that plate, have them drop into a square opening on the main plate (with a little tab for easy pop out).
Again, very good ideas have been mentioned regarding this, and you guys are thinking exactly along the lines I was when I first started this project some months ago.
Here's what my experience was with "drop in" type restrictors. Although they would fit nice and tight, they would have a tendency to tip slightly when a diagonal was hit hard, thus allowing a diagonal to be registered. They worked fine when "taking it easy" on the joystick, but they wouldn't really stay put with aggressive play.
Perhaps I could have investigated this approach a bit more and came up with a better design, but every design I came up with for a drop in restrictor had a lip or ledge that it would rest on. Producing a lip means either a weld or bend (read fabrication costs). Shop labor in Michigan is not cheap, so I chose to take a more economical approach to produce these. I doubt they would sell for about $50 each, as you could buy 4 or 5 true 4-ways for that price.
Among my design criteria (other than joystick compatibility) were durability, reliability and they had to be economical.
I am sure there is room for improvements on the design I chose, and I'm sure I will get feedback from customers with suggestions. That same type of feedback has kept my spinners evolving & improving continuously.
Thanks again for the insightful and helpful comments.
--Oscar