Decreasing throw by increasing actuator size.

[Damocles]

I often hear comments about how brand X joysticks have a longer throw than brand Y. Other than the fact that custom machining an actuator isn't really practical, why not mod the existing actuator? Maybe something as simple as wrapping the actuator in tape? I suppose tape may be spongier than the standard hard plastic. Thoughts?

[japtor]

i dont think tape would work, unless it was like really tight and wouldnt move at all. could maybe do something on top of it, like just covering it in resin or epoxy, or some other solidifying coating.

[elvis]

A hard industrial tape like the strong electrical tape, or that grey/silver thick stuff you use for patching holes in tents and whatnot might work.

Of course, if you really wanted a short throw stick, you could just buy one. Try the GroovyGameGear OMNI sticks (also called "EuroStick" from Ultimarc). They are made by Suzo. These have a very tiny throw, and only require twitch movements. I have these on my cocktail cab, and they are pretty cool for shmups (not good for anything else - especially not fighters).

[Damocles]

Bah...that'd ruin the fun of custom modding.

[oxtsu]

To me, the overall throw is not so important (as determined by the guide). Only the throw from neutral to micro engage. I have no problems with any of the Japan made sticks in this area.

[raiden]

Increasing throw by putting something around the actuator is pretty hard to make last. Forget any kind of tape. Using the joystick, it gets rubbed against a sharp metal plate all the time and teared within a few minutes. A ring of hard rubber lasts a bit longer, but suffers the same fate within a few days. A ring of metal works, but is hard to fix really tight to the actuator. Don´t underestimate the forces working on it when using the joystick. Also, most joysticks don´t have the actuator centered THAT precisely between the 4 switches, which isn´t too noticeable in their original form, but when you put a ring around them, you´ll often find some directions register quicker than others.
Personally, I found it´s not worth the bother at all.

[Dave_K.]

I've used surgical tape on some very used/loose sanwa JLFs. Just wrapped the bottom of the stick (which hits the microswitches) to tighten the throw. At first I used to much tape, and some switches stuck on after returning the stick to neutral. So only wrapped it 1 or 2 times around, and now works good. With Seimitsu sticks, just bend the actuator blades inward towards to stick to tighten the throw.

I've never herd of anyone wanting to increase the throw, but you could do that on the seimitsu's by bending the actuators away from the stick.

[Damocles]

True, using a stick with actuators would be the easiest method. Unfortunately, I hate Supers or Super-style sticks with a passion. Just random musings...not that any of this is close to being practical long-term.