Posted by OSCAR on January 16, 2002 at 22:02:01:
Attached is a preview of my new product. My joystick restrictor plates will be available next week.
I normally wait until my products are shipping to make the announcement, but this is something I have been prototyping and testing for months, and now every other message seems to be about it. :)
I have to disagree with Lilwolf's comments to Matt's post below. A software setting can not duplicate the feel of truly blocking the diagonals, such as my restrictor plate does. This is where the shape/size of the cutout becomes critical, especially to avoid the "big gaps" that Lilwolf described. My plate allows for the contact of the adjacent microswitch almost immediately after leaving the current one without a "gap" feeling. I have an 8-way Happ Super set up on my test board with a true 4-way stick, and the difference is imperceptable when the restrictors are installed.
I have been testing my restrictor with the Happ Super, Competition, and Ultimate 8-way sticks. The requirement to make it compatible with various sticks was absolutely necessary, and that proved difficult as the different sticks hit diagonals with varying amounts of movement. However, the 4-way cutout I developed actually does accomplish this. Also, the amount of "restriction" is adjustable. More information will be available about that feature when the Oscar Controls website has been updated with the new product.
Final notes... The restrictors are installed from the top of the control panel with only two screws to hold them in place. The interlocking plate design holds them secure and keeps them from "floating".
Please keep in mind this picture is truly a preview (actually my final prototype before I had the final product made). I apologize I don't have current picture available at the moment. More information, pricing, and final pictures when I post the "official" announcement here next week.
--Kelsey
"OSCAR"