Bally Midway Tapper Serve Joystick Mech

This is a full rebuild of all the parts for the Tapper "serve" joysticks (the tap handle) that go below the control panel, but adjusted for 3D printability. You'll need to either have or purchase a repro tap handle.

Other things you will need:

• Microswitch with actuator (https://www.amazon.com/Twidec-Switch-Straight-Arduino-V-153-1C25/dp/B07NVDJBWC)
• 3/16" e clip
• Two washers with a 5/16" (8mm) or greater inner diameter
• Two #4 x 5/8" (2.5mm x 15mm) screws
• One 5.16mm x 20.6mm extension spring
• Four #10-32 nylon lock nuts
• Two paperclips, or cotter pins.

All parts print without supports, however for the rod you'll want to use a brim to hold it down. I used PETG but ABS or nylon would work well too. The bumpers are printed with 95A TPU. I printed all parts with 4 perimeters with 40% infill.

EDIT 5/21/2024: We found that the armature was frequently breaking when kids would play the game too roughly. If you're experiencing this too, reprint the armature with a semi-rigid TPU like NinjaTek Armadillo. Way more durable. These seem to be holding up much better. I also posted an updated, more reinforced version of the armature.

To assemble:
1) Mount the frame to the control panel with the lock nuts. Make sure that the bumper clip that has an angle to it is facing the player. Alternatively, make sure the spring mounts are facing the player.
2) Fit the bumpers into the frame by force fitting them through the clip opening - thicker bumper goes on the clip facing the player.
3) Slide hole gasket between the control panel and the frame - this can be a little fiddly and a small tool will help.
4) Insert the joystick through the front of the control panel, making sure you get it through the middle of the hole gasket.
5) Slide the armature over the joystick shaft and lock it in place with the e clip.
6) Make sure the spring clips on the armature are facing the player, then slide the rod through the armature and the frame. Install one washer on each side between the armature and the frame. Secure the rod in place with the paper clips or cotter pins.
7) Connect the spring to the center spring mounts on the frame and the armature.
8) Attach the microswitch to the mounting tower on the frame - the lever should be pointing up and facing the armature so the armature actuates it when the tap is pulled back.
10) Wire up the switch and enjoy!

If you feel that the resistance isn't quite enough, you can shorten the spring, or use two springs on the outer mounting clips instead, but I felt that just the one center spring felt good.

We think you'll be very pleasantly surprised at how sturdy, smooth, and precise the serve joystick feels with this setup.