Best Joystick ?

[Greg McCoy]

Happ Controls sells joysticks designed for old Atari arcade systems. The TechnoKats used this model* to implement the arm controls. We started out using the new kit joystick, but it was difficult to use to say the least. It is very strong, has an all-metal stick shaft, good bearings, and solid-feeling controls. This joystick was clearly designed with kids banging it around in an arcade in mind. Unfortunately, the prices on some models are somewhat salty, but these sticks will certainly last several seasons. The stick operation is so seamless that after about 8-10 minutes of match time with it I forgot it was there! That's something I can't say about other joysticks I've used, and makes it a winner in my book.

If you decide to order one, be sure to order an analog 100K ohm potentiometer model, and be prepared to solder the buttons to the appropriate pins. Also, the joystick we used didn't travel to the extreme stops of the pots (not 0-254), nor center at 127 counts. You'll have to adjust the stick in software (or calibrate the Victors if you're using the default code). Feel free to PM me if you need more details on this.

* The B-8 handle was used in the F-4 Phantom II jet fighter, which gives it a really high cool factor