View Full Version : X-Arcade Tankstick - Thoughts? FEED MY FRENZY!
skaar
07-30-2008, 01:59 PM
I ordered one!
http://www.xgaming.com/tankstick-arcade-game.shtml
With the xbox adapter since I've got all the emulators on there.
I plan to re-use an old laptop for MAMEage with the USB connection since the TV takes a VGA in, or maybe a mac mini.
Anyone have one? I'm going to have a hard time waiting a week for this puppy to show up! I couldn't find a single negative review about it anywhere - everyone seems to love these things to death.
Tell me your stories, feed my frenzy!
you should see shuryokon they say it has lag ;p its bs though it doesn't :|
It's a nice american style are cade stick, so if your used to american sticks then ur good ;p if ur used to jappo sticks when then :S Note: I don't think it works for 360 (but will for ur original xbox) I think?
But yeah ;p a great stick using clone parts, so you can switch em out nps unlike the cheap crap.
skaar
07-30-2008, 03:11 PM
I've got a Neo 29 Candy cabinet to get my japanese joystick fix. I'm used to my KOF on that cabinet, so this will be a change. It looks like it'll be easy to swap the joysticks out if I care to down the road, so that makes me happy.
I've got a Neo 29 Candy cabinet to get my japanese joystick fix. I'm used to my KOF on that cabinet, so this will be a change. It looks like it'll be easy to swap the joysticks out if I care to down the road, so that makes me happy.
well I'm not an arcade cabinet fanatic, I don't have any at all ;p but I've read that the japenese sticks are the clicky ones with no resistance, and use circle/squares instead of the octogans of the americans ones. And the x-arcade is suppsoedly built like an american one, down to the clone happs parts.
norkusa
07-30-2008, 03:32 PM
I ordered one!
http://www.xgaming.com/tankstick-arcade-game.shtml
With the xbox adapter since I've got all the emulators on there.
You could have saved yourself a few bucks and just bought a $5 USB to Xbox adapter since the X-Arcade works fine with those. The only catch is that the trackball won't work on any of the Xbox MAME emulators since support was never added for it.
skaar
07-30-2008, 03:35 PM
You could have saved yourself a few bucks and just bought a $5 USB to Xbox adapter since the X-Arcade works fine with those. The only catch is that the trackball won't work on any of the Xbox MAME emulators since support was never added for it.
I've got a few USB > Xbox adapters, but I generally don't mind springing for the "official" ones when I'm buying anything new.
Good to know though.
digitalpress
07-30-2008, 04:21 PM
I've got an X-Arcade Tank Stick connected to my home MAME (PC) set-up. I've had it for well over a year now and it's awesome. Basically just a bigger X-Arcade unit with a trak-ball. The trak-ball is smooth and very durable.
Have fun with it!
Sanriostar
07-30-2008, 10:43 PM
Technical question:
Does the Tracball put out analog code, or is it a simulated digital, like the 5200 tracball?
Frankie_Says_Relax
07-30-2008, 10:48 PM
I have the standard 2 player X-Arcade stick on my MAME cabinet.
The PS/2 keyboard model, not the USB one.
While I never had any success getting the buttons to re-program, in it's default button setup (which is fine and/or perfect for MAME or any game that allows for control customization) it's perfect.
No lag, awesome build quality, wouldn't trade it for the world.
Love mine.
Captain Wrong
07-31-2008, 02:00 PM
I've had a Tankstick for about a month now. Absolutely love it. This and the $25 PC I turned into a dedicated MAME setup have totally reminded me why I love gaming.
FWIW, I built a stick for my Supergun with X-Arcade parts. About three years later, it's still working fine.
I've had a Tankstick for about a month now. Absolutely love it. This and the $25 PC I turned into a dedicated MAME setup have totally reminded me why I love gaming.
FWIW, I built a stick for my Supergun with X-Arcade parts. About three years later, it's still working fine.
they claim to be "indestructible" :P I *THINK* they're clone happ parts, which is the stuff that goes into real arcades? Which would ya basically make them the next best thing to it since those are made to be beat up hundreds of times a day ;p
skaar
07-31-2008, 06:30 PM
Day 2 - still waiting.
Excited!
retrogamer
08-01-2008, 08:50 AM
I've got the single x-arcade stick, and had it since around '02. I was tired of getting new sticks for every new system (I'm a huge street fighter 2 addict) and thought this would be cool. I've never regretted it.
Have fun!
BTW, interesting setup, re: the mac mini to TV. I want to play MAME on my tv too. Makes for better gaming when it's in the living room vs. a small office.
DarthKur
08-01-2008, 09:23 AM
If it had a spinner then I'd definitely get one.
Leo_A
08-02-2008, 03:24 AM
I have a question about these since I'd like to get one someday.
Besides controls for 2 players and a trak-ball, does the Tankstick have any benefits over their single stick model? I'd like to get one with a PS2 and a Xbox adapter, and maybe eventually the standalone trak-ball controller they offer.
I just don't have any use for the 2nd player controls or the trak-ball since I'd primarily be using this for console gaming, so unless the second player stick can function as the fire controls in something like Robotron 2084 on Midway Arcade Treasures, I'd rather go for the cheaper model with a smaller footprint (I can't imagine you can configure it to have both joysticks work for player 1 on a console game?).
And why do they sell PC adapters, aren't these USB already? Website makes it sound like its for older models of their controllers, but I wasn't sure.
Lady Jaye
08-02-2008, 10:08 AM
Yeah, the PS/2-to-USB adaptor is for earlier models of the X-Arcade. Current models are dual PS/2 and USB compatible, so no need for an adaptor if you want to use it for your computer.
When you buy it from X-Gaming, you get to pick one free console adaptor of your choice. Which is great if you have any classic gaming compilations. BTW, if you live in Canada, it's cheaper to buy it from X-Gaming than from the Canadian distributor, unless you live in B.C. and can pick it up in-store at the distributor's. For Canadians: ask them to ship via USPS (otherwise they'll go through FedEx).
Captain Wrong
08-02-2008, 12:50 PM
they claim to be "indestructible" :P I *THINK* they're clone happ parts, which is the stuff that goes into real arcades? Which would ya basically make them the next best thing to it since those are made to be beat up hundreds of times a day ;p
Yeah, they're pretty much Happ clone. I bought the parts as more or less place holders. IIRC, I got 2 sticks and 20 buttons for around $25 and I was trying to go as cheap as possible (without building a total POS.) Figured I'd upgrade later on when I had more money. Years later, I still haven't felt the need.
Frankie_Says_Relax
08-03-2008, 02:45 AM
I have a question about these since I'd like to get one someday.
Besides controls for 2 players and a trak-ball, does the Tankstick have any benefits over their single stick model? I'd like to get one with a PS2 and a Xbox adapter, and maybe eventually the standalone trak-ball controller they offer.
I just don't have any use for the 2nd player controls or the trak-ball since I'd primarily be using this for console gaming, so unless the second player stick can function as the fire controls in something like Robotron 2084 on Midway Arcade Treasures, I'd rather go for the cheaper model with a smaller footprint (I can't imagine you can configure it to have both joysticks work for player 1 on a console game?).
And why do they sell PC adapters, aren't these USB already? Website makes it sound like its for older models of their controllers, but I wasn't sure.
If you're using MAME you can absolutely configure controller 2 as the 2nd Player 1 stick for any two stick games. (Technically you can configure any combination of anything on the setup as ANYTHING)
...and if you're using it on a console, I stand corrected that you can't re-configure them on the stick itself, but if the game allows for re-configuring in-game, you're golden.
skaar
08-03-2008, 11:55 AM
I thought I saw something in the manual about it not being programmable for consoles?
I think if you're MAME-ing on an Xbox you can follow the same rules as the PC - configure whatever button/stick to be whatever... but not sure.
Time will tell!
norkusa
08-03-2008, 12:44 PM
I thought I saw something in the manual about it not being programmable for consoles?
I think if you're MAME-ing on an Xbox you can follow the same rules as the PC - configure whatever button/stick to be whatever... but not sure.
Time will tell!
It's not programmable on normal Xbox games. If your Xbox is modded though, you can configure it in most emulators. Even the FBA-XXX emulator has a auto config option for X-Arcade sticks.
Frankie_Says_Relax
08-03-2008, 01:12 PM
It's not programmable on normal Xbox games. If your Xbox is modded though, you can configure it in most emulators. Even the FBA-XXX emulator has a auto config option for X-Arcade sticks.
I thought they were programmable on consoles...then again, I suppose considering that you need the attached keyboard to program them that makes sense.
norkusa
08-03-2008, 02:06 PM
I thought they were programmable on consoles...then again, I suppose considering that you need the attached keyboard to program them that makes sense.
Maybe you can then. I know they have that Xbox adapter available for it but I didn't think it let you could re-configure the stick like you could a regular Xbox controller. I've only got the X-Arcade trackball controller, so I'm not 100% positive on how the tank stick works.
Captain Wrong
08-03-2008, 09:07 PM
According to the Tankstick manual you can not re-configure the stick for console use. While I haven't tried it, I don't see how you would do it even if the manual was wrong.
Because the manual is pretty explicit about having the switch in position 1 when you're using it on a console, I'm guessing it needs the standard output from the stick as input for the console adapters. In other words, if you were going to change it, you'd have to do it at the adapter, not the stick. Since it works like a keyboard, the adapters are probably looking for the specific keys presses that are in the stock position. You'd have to program the adapter so it gave different output when those keystrokes are registered and I'm going to guess that would make the adapters more expensive and complicated.
Besides, most games I've used it for allow you to reconfigure the controls anyway, so you can just do it as software level rather than hardware.
skaar
08-08-2008, 10:34 AM
Fedex is saying delivery is scheduled for today - w00t!
Frankie_Says_Relax
08-08-2008, 09:30 PM
So ... did FedEx deliver on schedule?
Are you enjoying yourself some X-Arcade goodness??
I suppose it's safe these days to show where mine (still) resides...
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/FrankieViturello/MAME_XARCADEREFIT01.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/FrankieViturello/MAME_XARCADEREFIT02.jpg
skaar
08-09-2008, 01:31 PM
That's a sweet cab - and a good idea for the stick.
No, Fedex screwed me over. I was sitting at work waiting and staring at the parking lot until about 4:15, then had to leave. Still 4 people in the office... I get home, around 5:40 I see the status on the website changed.
Aug 8, 2008 3:47 PM
Delivery exception
VICTORIA, BC
Customer not available or business closed
So somehow the guy couldn't find our office or something or claimed we were closed. I call Fedex and they give me the address of the depot - literally 2 minutes away from my house. I jump in the car, zoom down and the FUCKING DOOR IS LOCKED at 5:45pm.
Three other people in the parking lot, all in the same boat. I call Fedex, complain the depot closed early (the parking lot was EMPTY - they were all long gone) and go home pissed off.
Apparently they'll try again Monday. Fuckers!
Frankie_Says_Relax
08-10-2008, 12:35 AM
That's a sweet cab - and a good idea for the stick.
No, Fedex screwed me over. I was sitting at work waiting and staring at the parking lot until about 4:15, then had to leave. Still 4 people in the office... I get home, around 5:40 I see the status on the website changed.
Aug 8, 2008 3:47 PM
Delivery exception
VICTORIA, BC
Customer not available or business closed
So somehow the guy couldn't find our office or something or claimed we were closed. I call Fedex and they give me the address of the depot - literally 2 minutes away from my house. I jump in the car, zoom down and the FUCKING DOOR IS LOCKED at 5:45pm.
Three other people in the parking lot, all in the same boat. I call Fedex, complain the depot closed early (the parking lot was EMPTY - they were all long gone) and go home pissed off.
Apparently they'll try again Monday. Fuckers!
Yeah. While I'm generally handy with analog tools, I didn't trust myself wiring up an iPac and Happ controls on my first MAME project ... and the X-Arcade fit the bill nicely for a pre-fab unit.
I went through a few revisions of how to get it bolted down without drilling the X-Arcade itself ... the foam lined brackets that hold it in used to be much more obtrusive, now they all hug the controller from the interior of the cabinet and are barely noticeable.
Also that totally sucks about Fed-Ex. I've had similar issues with DHL ... I've had them "fake" ringing my doorbell and leave a "we missed you" note while I was IN my fucking apartment waiting for them ... I popped out to check my mailbox and I actually saw the truck driving away while I called the depot and MADE them call the driver and turn around.
skaar
08-11-2008, 07:12 PM
It showed, and it's glorious. I played around with it for a little bit at work but boxed it all back up in an effort to be productive. It's kinda unmotivating for staff to have the boss sitting in his office playing Marble Madness screaming at a marble all day ;)
I'll be hooking it up to the xbox tonight!