With the ServoStiks they only work properly with two joysticks and one ServoStik Control Board any more than two ServoStiks and two ServoStik Control Boards and you will have issues with the motor not activating randomly. If you use two ServoStik Control Boards like I did to have them in sync and to distribute the power to the USB ports one of the motors will not activate randomly. Also, I had to sand the restrictor plate and motor arm as they would catch when turning due to the manufacturing process which caused dents on the bottom of the restrictor plate. I also had to sand down the sides where the restrictor plate pushes against as it was too tight and would not allow the restrictor plate to turn freely, loosening the screws did not work and one of the black wires on the motor was not soldered and had to be soldered. The thread 'ServoStik Review' on ArcadeControls forum back in 2013 is a good starting point if you have issues.
I'm having issues with my servo motors and LED blinky. Initially, they worked for a bit and then stopped. I'm not sure why they aren't working. Both of them are connected directly to my PC. Additionally, my LED blinky is no longer displaying my game controls. I've tried everything, but I can't figure out why it stopped working.any ideas why it stopped working?
Thanks for making this video, I'm going to make sure I give the motor more space. I got 2 and they do seem to hang up a bit. Also my second joystick takes 1 sec longer to move, I know this is common.
Hi, yes this is because of the limited power supply. The motors will only get the 5v out of the usb connector. This is not enough to operate two servo's simultaneously. So the PCB will drive them one at a time :-) Thanks, Daniel
I have a Dig Dug Cabinet I restored and I am putting in a 412 in 1 board in the cabinet will this joystick work on a metal CP like Dig Dugs CP? I would be going with a toggle switch if I do install the joystick.
Nice work and great setup! but how can this be a servo with only 2 wires? Servo’s have a third wire for positioning / control and sometimes another extra wire for positional feedback. It seems like a regular dc motor with the rotation direction controlled by the controller board.
Hi, yes you are correct. It is a dc motor used as a servo. It is officially then called a ‘dc servo’ so Ultimarc is not wrong either. Except the missing c in stik that is 😜
One quick question - on the joysticks, each of the four switches has three contacts - one is ground - but which of the other two should I connect to the IPAC control board?
You will need a wire to Ground and NO (Normally Open). This is the terminal closest to the ground terminal. If you have a multimeter, you can set it on continuity mode and test the terminals. Only when the button is pressed you should hear the ‘beep’ (otherwise you have the wrong terminal 😄) thanks, Daniël
Apologies for the very delayed response - the email associated with my RUclips login wasn't one I access - and I just discovered it. To answer your question, no the stick is not USB - it just has 4 switches for the cardinal directions and each switch has 3 connectors - one is marked as ground - the other two it wasn't clear which one I should use. I worked it out eventually :-)
Hmm good question. I really like the Servo Stiks a lot. But as I am not a professional gamer, I can't tell you if there is a noticable difference between a dedicated 4 way stick or a switching model. Thanks, Daniel
Excellent video thank you. I have been looking for a video on showing setup of these sticks. Do we know if they will work with Raspberry Pi running RetropieOS?
I can't tell you if they work 'out of the box' with Retropie but as these are very easy to toggle with a script, I think that it should be no problem to get them to work. You can also try contacting Andy at Ultimarc if he has experience with this? Thanks, Daniel
I'm trying to decide between a servostick and ultrastik 360 for a MAME cab how does the servostik work with two way games like galaxian and space invaders? I have seen comments from others who say it doesn't work well with two way games.
Where do I connect the red and black wires to the small board? And I did buy a switch, that would allow me to flip the switch manually. But I’m not sure how to wire it. Thanks!
Hi, If you are using a switch. You need to flash the firmware to 'hardware mode' which you can't undo. I suggest not to use that. The red wire is positive +, black wire is Ground -. The + and - is printed on the board. Good luck!
Hi, got the Servosticks installed and everything works when I test it. But how do I set up these things in Hardware mode?! Havent seen any tutorial on how to do that?! Im to bad at writing scripts and stuff. Just want a single button to switch these....
Hi, you can set the boards to hardware mode by a NON REVERSABLE firmware update. On the Ultimarc website you can find how to do this. Again, only do this is you are sure that you like hardware mode better than running a script :-)
All your videos are great and a huge help! I had a question: What diameter hole should be cut for the ServoStik? Sorry for the stupid question Thanks for any help!
Are you using servostik for all players or just player 1 and 2? If only player 1 and 2 what are you using for players 3 and 4? Thanks. Also do you have a tutorial on the stream deck? Awesome work on videos! Very helpful! Thanks
I am only using servo stiks for players 1 and two indeed :-) I use the same Ultimarc joysticks (without the servo) for players 3 and four. As for the stream deck, this is relatively easy to do (I could try to make a tutorial indeed): Just create an Autohotkey script with a command line to start a game. Then compile it and map this 'shortcut' to one of the stream deck buttons. Thanks, Daniel
@@TheDanielSpies_Arcades ok. so. you are using 2 servo-stik for players 1 and 2... Can I assume you only need 1 Servo-stik control board, then? Are the other 2 sticks, J Stiks for 3 and 4?
@@TheDanielSpies_Arcades Would you be able to give me the line for the autohotkey script as well as the command line to start game and where to save it to? I am trying to mirror your stream deck settings. No one has how to setup stream deck for an arcade like yours.
Hi, I don't completely understand your question I am afraid. In the video I explain howto write this script. But I think you mean the automatic control of the servostik? This is done by Led Blinky software. You don't need to program anything. Just select Servo 4/8 in the misc options menu. Thanks Daniel
I am building a retropie project - using 4 Servostiks (each pair having a control board). Obviously, I can’t run the Blinky software on the pie - so I’m still scratching my head on how to automate that so that when I launch 4 way or 8 way games, all the sticks automatically change. :-/
Hey! new to the channel. The button panel you have above player 1's controls that you're using to swap between 4 and 8, do you have a video on that and what is it called?
Amigo Daniel...me fascina tu trabajo. Me gusta pasar un buen tiempo en tu canal, te admiro. Me gustaria pedirte algún link para comprar un LCD Marquee del tamaño de tu cabina. Gracias desde ya!!!
@@TheDanielSpies_Arcades yea I know Amazon is sold out of bat top led servo stick but I'm looking at this device called servo driven device I wonder do you know about that
How do you like these sticks, I am debating on putting a four way right in the center so you are perfectly lined up with the center of the screen for all the four way games.
Great videos! They are so helpful. I am sure you get asked this all the time, but this build is basically ideal for what I am looking for Do you have plans/documents available for this build? There are a few changes I want to make (mostly taking away functionality) but I would love any design docs or plans you may have. Cheers :)
@@matthewfenn8836I’m currently using an arduino microcontroller with 2 servo’s. I can control the servos with a python script using a serial over usb connection to the arduino and put the joysticks in 4 or 8 way mode.
I need to convert my Raspberry Pi cabinet to PC soon. This is helpful.
One of the Best Videos i have ever seen thank you for your time Now I can build mine
You are welcome! I wish you lots of fun building!
With the ServoStiks they only work properly with two joysticks and one ServoStik Control Board any more than two ServoStiks and two ServoStik Control Boards and you will have issues with the motor not activating randomly. If you use two ServoStik Control Boards like I did to have them in sync and to distribute the power to the USB ports one of the motors will not activate randomly. Also, I had to sand the restrictor plate and motor arm as they would catch when turning due to the manufacturing process which caused dents on the bottom of the restrictor plate. I also had to sand down the sides where the restrictor plate pushes against as it was too tight and would not allow the restrictor plate to turn freely, loosening the screws did not work and one of the black wires on the motor was not soldered and had to be soldered. The thread 'ServoStik Review' on ArcadeControls forum back in 2013 is a good starting point if you have issues.
I'm having issues with my servo motors and LED blinky. Initially, they worked for a bit and then stopped. I'm not sure why they aren't working. Both of them are connected directly to my PC. Additionally, my LED blinky is no longer displaying my game controls. I've tried everything, but I can't figure out why it stopped working.any ideas why it stopped working?
Need more info to troubleshoot this. You better contact Ultimarc for assistance :-)
Thanks for the video !
excellent explanation! It helped me a lot.
Thanks for making this video, I'm going to make sure I give the motor more space. I got 2 and they do seem to hang up a bit. Also my second joystick takes 1 sec longer to move, I know this is common.
Hi, yes this is because of the limited power supply. The motors will only get the 5v out of the usb connector. This is not enough to operate two servo's simultaneously. So the PCB will drive them one at a time :-) Thanks, Daniel
I have a Dig Dug Cabinet I restored and I am putting in a 412 in 1 board in the cabinet will this joystick work on a metal CP like Dig Dugs CP? I would be going with a toggle switch if I do install the joystick.
Yes it will!
Great video. Is it possible to control the servo with a physical switch instead of via the software?
Yes this is possible! Thanks D
Nice work and great setup! but how can this be a servo with only 2 wires? Servo’s have a third wire for positioning / control and sometimes another extra wire for positional feedback. It seems like a regular dc motor with the rotation direction controlled by the controller board.
Hi, yes you are correct. It is a dc motor used as a servo. It is officially then called a ‘dc servo’ so Ultimarc is not wrong either. Except the missing c in stik that is 😜
One quick question - on the joysticks, each of the four switches has three contacts - one is ground - but which of the other two should I connect to the IPAC control board?
You will need a wire to Ground and NO (Normally Open). This is the terminal closest to the ground terminal. If you have a multimeter, you can set it on continuity mode and test the terminals. Only when the button is pressed you should hear the ‘beep’ (otherwise you have the wrong terminal 😄) thanks, Daniël
I thought this stik only required a usb connection. Can you clarify?
Apologies for the very delayed response - the email associated with my RUclips login wasn't one I access - and I just discovered it. To answer your question, no the stick is not USB - it just has 4 switches for the cardinal directions and each switch has 3 connectors - one is marked as ground - the other two it wasn't clear which one I should use. I worked it out eventually :-)
How did the joysticks know to go into 4 way mode for donkey kong? Was that what the batch file was for?
No, this is done by LedBlinky, just select Servo Sticks and you are golden 💪🏼
Good video. Do you think a dedicated 8-way and dedicated 4-way is better? Or does this offer the same feel and control? Thanks
Hmm good question. I really like the Servo Stiks a lot. But as I am not a professional gamer, I can't tell you if there is a noticable difference between a dedicated 4 way stick or a switching model. Thanks, Daniel
Where di you find that wallpaper?
Hmm 🤔 can’t remember. Sorry!
Hi Daniel is rhis working on automatic mode also with launch box ?
Yes, this should work indeed 👍🏼
Excellent video thank you. I have been looking for a video on showing setup of these sticks. Do we know if they will work with Raspberry Pi running RetropieOS?
I can't tell you if they work 'out of the box' with Retropie but as these are very easy to toggle with a script, I think that it should be no problem to get them to work. You can also try contacting Andy at Ultimarc if he has experience with this? Thanks, Daniel
I'm trying to decide between a servostick and ultrastik 360 for a MAME cab how does the servostik work with two way games like galaxian and space invaders? I have seen comments from others who say it doesn't work well with two way games.
I myself prefer the Servostiks. They work great in all 4 way games.
Where do I connect the red and black wires to the small board? And I did buy a switch, that would allow me to flip the switch manually. But I’m not sure how to wire it. Thanks!
Hi, If you are using a switch. You need to flash the firmware to 'hardware mode' which you can't undo. I suggest not to use that. The red wire is positive +, black wire is Ground -. The + and - is printed on the board. Good luck!
Love your videos! Quick question, I assume you can place the servo module on the left or right of the joystick... right?
That is correct! Thanks, Daniel
@@TheDanielSpies_Arcades I am limited on space, can the servo be placed on top of the joystick?
Hi, got the Servosticks installed and everything works when I test it. But how do I set up these things in Hardware mode?! Havent seen any tutorial on how to do that?! Im to bad at writing scripts and stuff. Just want a single button to switch these....
Hi, you can set the boards to hardware mode by a NON REVERSABLE firmware update. On the Ultimarc website you can find how to do this. Again, only do this is you are sure that you like hardware mode better than running a script :-)
All your videos are great and a huge help!
I had a question:
What diameter hole should be cut for the ServoStik?
Sorry for the stupid question Thanks for any help!
I always do 35mm :-)
Can you do a tutorial on how you set up your elgato stream deck with hyperspin?
That would be a good idea. I will try to find some time 👍🏽
Are you using servostik for all players or just player 1 and 2? If only player 1 and 2 what are you using for players 3 and 4? Thanks. Also do you have a tutorial on the stream deck? Awesome work on videos! Very helpful! Thanks
I am only using servo stiks for players 1 and two indeed :-) I use the same Ultimarc joysticks (without the servo) for players 3 and four. As for the stream deck, this is relatively easy to do (I could try to make a tutorial indeed): Just create an Autohotkey script with a command line to start a game. Then compile it and map this 'shortcut' to one of the stream deck buttons. Thanks, Daniel
@@TheDanielSpies_Arcades awesome thank you for the help. Can’t wait to finish mine. That will be easy to do on the stream deck. I love your layout
@@TheDanielSpies_Arcades ok. so. you are using 2 servo-stik for players 1 and 2... Can I assume you only need 1 Servo-stik control board, then? Are the other 2 sticks, J Stiks for 3 and 4?
@@TheDanielSpies_Arcades Would you be able to give me the line for the autohotkey script as well as the command line to start game and where to save it to? I am trying to mirror your stream deck settings. No one has how to setup stream deck for an arcade like yours.
Can you show how you made the script to control and change the stick?
Hi, I don't completely understand your question I am afraid. In the video I explain howto write this script. But I think you mean the automatic control of the servostik? This is done by Led Blinky software. You don't need to program anything. Just select Servo 4/8 in the misc options menu. Thanks Daniel
I am building a retropie project - using 4 Servostiks (each pair having a control board). Obviously, I can’t run the Blinky software on the pie - so I’m still scratching my head on how to automate that so that when I launch 4 way or 8 way games, all the sticks automatically change. :-/
Hey! new to the channel. The button panel you have above player 1's controls that you're using to swap between 4 and 8, do you have a video on that and what is it called?
It is made by Elgato and it is called ‘Streamdeck’ - the icons and scripts I program manually- thanks D
Can I mount these in any direction? I got limited space under my control panel.
Yes you can! You might need to change the motor position but that is easy to do. They take up a large footprint indeed :-)
Amigo Daniel...me fascina tu trabajo. Me gusta pasar un buen tiempo en tu canal, te admiro. Me gustaria pedirte algún link para comprar un LCD Marquee del tamaño de tu cabina. Gracias desde ya!!!
Where do you purchase the servo sticks from and can you get it led ball and bat top.
Servo Sticks are from Ultimarc. They don't offer LED Bat tops unfortunately.
@@TheDanielSpies_Arcades yea I know Amazon is sold out of bat top led servo stick but I'm looking at this device called servo driven device I wonder do you know about that
How do you like these sticks, I am debating on putting a four way right in the center so you are perfectly lined up with the center of the screen for all the four way games.
I really like this setup much more than any other :-)
Great videos! They are so helpful. I am sure you get asked this all the time, but this build is basically ideal for what I am looking for
Do you have plans/documents available for this build? There are a few changes I want to make (mostly taking away functionality) but I would love any design docs or plans you may have. Cheers :)
Hi Tyler, yes this is possible. You can send me an email : thedanielspies (at) gmail.com thanks Daniël
Will this work on Atgames legend ultimate?
I don’t know 🤷♂️ - you better ask Andy from Ultimarc thanks D
I am working on that. I will post the process on Reddit when it is complete.
Linux compatable? a lot of us do not use windows for our mame cabinets.
Hmm not really sure. You should ask Ultimarc that question I think.. Thanks, Daniel
Yeah, I’m struggling with RetroPie on my build to get it all automated!
@@matthewfenn8836I’m currently using an arduino microcontroller with 2 servo’s. I can control the servos with a python script using a serial over usb connection to the arduino and put the joysticks in 4 or 8 way mode.
would love to see how to use this with retropi.
I might do another Retropie build in the future maybe!