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| {{ |
{{Short description|Game controller}} | ||
| ⚫ | {{Refimprove|date=October 2009}}{{Infobox Information appliance | ||
| {{Multiple issues| | |||
| | developer = Cobalt Flux | |||
| ⚫ | {{Refimprove|date=October 2009}} | ||
| | manufacturer = Cobalt Flux | |||
| {{Advert|date=March 2023}} | |||
| | type = ] | |||
| {{Notability|1=Products|date=March 2023}} | |||
| | name = Cobalt Flux Pad | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Cobalt Flux''' |
The '''Cobalt Flux Pad''' is a ] plastic and metal ] that is used with ] dance games such as '']''. It is designed and manufactured by the ]-based company Cobalt Flux. It was cited as a popular DDR controller and was also distributed to various institutions. | ||
| ⚫ | == Features == | ||
| == Cobalt Flux Dance Platform == | |||
| ⚫ | Fundamentally, the Cobalt Flux Pad is similar to most ] designs. Instead of the typical four arrow plus corners panel layout as is common in soft dance pads, there are nine usable foot panels (center, left, right, up, down, and corners). | ||
| ⚫ | Internally, the Cobalt Flux Pad is unique among typical hard/metal ] designs. Official '']'' arcade machine ]s contain a hollow area beneath each panel with small sensor switches. The Cobalt Flux design contains no hollow areas. Sensor contact is achieved by the flexing of layers of ] panels and metal plates on a solid wood base. | ||
| === Intro === | |||
| The Cobalt Flux dance platform is a ] made of polycarbonate plastic and metal. It is used with ] dance games such as ]. | |||
| ⚫ | The Cobalt Flux Pad itself connects to a "control box", which contains the start and select buttons for the dance controller. The connection to the control box uses a 15-pin serial connector which hangs out of the top of the pad as a dongle. This control box also handles the wiring needed for different gaming console connectors, which lead off of the control box. The control box is removable. | ||
| === Design === | |||
| ⚫ | Fundamentally, the Cobalt Flux |
||
| ⚫ | Internally, the Cobalt Flux |
||
| ⚫ | The Cobalt Flux |
||
| === Aesthetics === | |||
| The Cobalt Flux dance platform is often used with shoes, as is common on traditional arcade dance platforms. | |||
| Cobalt Flux have provided two modification kits for their dance platforms. One kit version adds raised black textured panels to the corner panels, and more closely mimics the feel of the arcade platforms. | Cobalt Flux have provided two modification kits for their dance platforms. One kit version adds raised black textured panels to the corner panels, and more closely mimics the feel of the arcade platforms. | ||
| ⚫ | In 2009 Cobalt Flux launched a system called Blufit which is an eight-mat wireless multiplayer system with their own proprietary dance software, Streetfeet. Eight of these would link together into a 64-player system. Other active or fitness games could be played on it using either the dance pad as a controller, or other input peripherals. | ||
| === Reliability === | |||
| Cobalt Flux dance platforms are considered to be among the most reliable according to dance game enthusiasts; however, there are also anecdotes of less than high reliability.<ref></ref> | |||
| ⚫ | === Compatibility === | ||
| A demonstration of reliability is given in the YouTube video, "The Cobalt Flux survives!". In the video, a Cobalt Flux dance platform being run over by several vehicles. It is then carried inside, plugged in and shown as still functioning. | |||
| ⚫ | The pad is compatible with both ''DDR'' style games (using four arrows), and '']'' simulators (using five buttons). However, official ''Pump It Up'' compatibility requires a separate control box, and the corner square panels are smaller than their rectangular equivalents in ''Pump It Up''. It is also compatible with the existing eight arrow Dance ] game{{Clarify|date=October 2009}} | ||
| ⚫ | The original control box shipped with Cobalt Flux pads was designed to work only with the ]. Players who wanted to use the pad with an Xbox or PC by running this control box through converters for standard ] experienced an unacceptable amount of latency during play. Cobalt Flux has since released a new control box with built-in connectivity for ], ], and the ]. | ||
| ⚫ | === |
||
| ⚫ | There is also a special ''Pump It Up'' version of the control box that enables the center sensor and properly maps all buttons in order to play ''Pump It Up'' without issue. This version connects to ] only. | ||
| ⚫ | The pad is compatible with both |
||
| ⚫ | === Additional versions === | ||
| ⚫ | The original control box shipped with Cobalt Flux pads was designed to work only with the ] |
||
| ⚫ | There is also a special |
||
| === Design Concerns === | |||
| The design of the standard dance platform allocates for each panel to be at the same height, with a small gap between each panel. Experienced ] players often dislike the flat feel{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}}. The black panel modification kit that Cobalt Flux produces attempts to simulate arcade-style inset arrow panels. | |||
| Other concerns on the design include mobility and safety. The wood base adds considerable weight and bulk, although it has a slimmer profile and is lighter than arcade dance platforms. However, many buyers of Cobalt Flux dance platforms have set them up permanently{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}}. | |||
| The connection to the control box uses a cable which hangs out of the top of the pad as a dongle. If one is careless in setting down the pad it may be possible to sever this connector{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}. | |||
| ⚫ | === Additional |
||
| In 2005, Cobalt Flux began to offer more durable dance platform variations with extended warranties and additional features like monitor mounts. These were installed at schools, fitness centers, and other institutions,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lash|first1=Cindi|title=West Virginia schools use dance video game in gym class|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2006/06/04/West-Virginia-schools-use-dance-video-game-in-gym-class/stories/200606040190|website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|accessdate=1 June 2016}}</ref> and had identifying decals and black trim to distinguish them from the residential pads. | In 2005, Cobalt Flux began to offer more durable dance platform variations with extended warranties and additional features like monitor mounts. These were installed at schools, fitness centers, and other institutions,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lash|first1=Cindi|title=West Virginia schools use dance video game in gym class|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2006/06/04/West-Virginia-schools-use-dance-video-game-in-gym-class/stories/200606040190|website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|accessdate=1 June 2016}}</ref> and had identifying decals and black trim to distinguish them from the residential pads. | ||
| These commercial versions are intended to be fixed in place and also have shock absorbing material included to lessen joint strain. The heaviest duty commercial mat is built to US military specification{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}} and has a four-year warranty. School platforms have handles as these tend to be set up and packed away. | These commercial versions are intended to be fixed in place and also have shock absorbing material included to lessen joint strain. The heaviest duty commercial mat is built to US military specification{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}} and has a four-year warranty. School platforms have handles as these tend to be set up and packed away. | ||
| == Reception == | |||
| '']'' magazine described the Cobalt Flux Pad as "pricey", criticizing it as sliding on uncarpeted surfaces, and making "quite the racket" when used. They also cited the necessity for ] players to use an adapter as a downside. However, they praised its sturdiness and the ability to link them together.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Specialty Gear |url=https://archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-5939512/page/n107/mode/2up |journal=] Test |pages=107 |via=]}}</ref> ] magazine also called it a "very expensive pad", as well as "solid" and "surprisingly cool-looking". They ultimately described it as "easily the highest-quality pad we tested" and "wonderfully responsive", noting that it came with non-skid sticky pads.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=December 2003 |title=Dance Pad Revolution |url=https://archive.org/details/psm-issue-78-december-2003/page/n49/mode/2up |journal=] |issue=78 |pages=48 |via=]}}</ref> | |||
| It is possible, with knowledge of the dance platform's ], to build your own control box. This is especially popular for the ], as a control box built with the electronics from a soft ] will be properly recognized as a dance pad, not a controller. | |||
| '']'' magazine called the pads "excellent" and "a health club alternative to step aerobics", citing their use in a linked setup by ]n company Positive Gaming at ] 2006.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=March 2006 |title=Positive gaming? |url=https://archive.org/details/edge-020/Edge-160/page/16/mode/2up |journal=] |pages=16 |via=]}}</ref> '']'' magazine described the pad as one of the best on the market for home use, but also noted some downsides, such as the propensity for debris to get caught inside the mechanism and cause errors in step recognition.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=April 2016 |title=Rakenna oma lava tanseille |url=https://archive.org/details/skrolli/2016-4/page/42/mode/2up |journal=] |pages=43 |via=]}}</ref> | |||
| The Flux is shipped with the central panel de-activated. This central panel is used in ], and a procedure in the user manual describes how to activate it. | |||
| ==References== | |||
| It is possible to adjust the height of unused panels by inserting a piece of cardboard or a ] underneath the panel. | |||
| ⚫ | <references /> | ||
| == Blufit System == | |||
| ⚫ | In 2009 Cobalt Flux launched a system called Blufit which is an eight |
||
| ⚫ | == |
||
| The last consumer product released by Cobalt Flux was the Dark Ops Wiimote attachment.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Flynn|first1=Conner|title=Dark Ops Wii light gun|url=http://www.slipperybrick.com/2009/03/dark-ops-wii-light-gun/|website=Slippery Brick|accessdate=1 June 2016}}</ref> | |||
| == Demise == | |||
| On October 29, 2011, the website of Cobalt Flux was discovered offline. Later in 2011, Bemanistyle confirmed that Cobalt Flux had gone out of business. Cobaltflux.com is now ] by ]. | |||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| ==Notes== | |||
| ⚫ | <references/> | ||
| ] | ] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:03, 19 August 2024
Game controller | This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Cobalt Flux Pad" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (October 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Developer | Cobalt Flux |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cobalt Flux |
| Type | Dance pad |
The Cobalt Flux Pad is a polycarbonate plastic and metal dance pad that is used with console dance games such as Dance Dance Revolution. It is designed and manufactured by the Salt Lake City-based company Cobalt Flux. It was cited as a popular DDR controller and was also distributed to various institutions.
Features
Fundamentally, the Cobalt Flux Pad is similar to most dance pad designs. Instead of the typical four arrow plus corners panel layout as is common in soft dance pads, there are nine usable foot panels (center, left, right, up, down, and corners).
Internally, the Cobalt Flux Pad is unique among typical hard/metal dance pad designs. Official Dance Dance Revolution arcade machine dance pads contain a hollow area beneath each panel with small sensor switches. The Cobalt Flux design contains no hollow areas. Sensor contact is achieved by the flexing of layers of lexan panels and metal plates on a solid wood base.
The Cobalt Flux Pad itself connects to a "control box", which contains the start and select buttons for the dance controller. The connection to the control box uses a 15-pin serial connector which hangs out of the top of the pad as a dongle. This control box also handles the wiring needed for different gaming console connectors, which lead off of the control box. The control box is removable.
Cobalt Flux have provided two modification kits for their dance platforms. One kit version adds raised black textured panels to the corner panels, and more closely mimics the feel of the arcade platforms.
In 2009 Cobalt Flux launched a system called Blufit which is an eight-mat wireless multiplayer system with their own proprietary dance software, Streetfeet. Eight of these would link together into a 64-player system. Other active or fitness games could be played on it using either the dance pad as a controller, or other input peripherals.
Compatibility
The pad is compatible with both DDR style games (using four arrows), and Pump It Up simulators (using five buttons). However, official Pump It Up compatibility requires a separate control box, and the corner square panels are smaller than their rectangular equivalents in Pump It Up. It is also compatible with the existing eight arrow Dance UK game
The original control box shipped with Cobalt Flux pads was designed to work only with the PlayStation 2. Players who wanted to use the pad with an Xbox or PC by running this control box through converters for standard PS2 controllers experienced an unacceptable amount of latency during play. Cobalt Flux has since released a new control box with built-in connectivity for PS2, Xbox, and the PC.
There is also a special Pump It Up version of the control box that enables the center sensor and properly maps all buttons in order to play Pump It Up without issue. This version connects to PS2 only.
Additional versions
In 2005, Cobalt Flux began to offer more durable dance platform variations with extended warranties and additional features like monitor mounts. These were installed at schools, fitness centers, and other institutions, and had identifying decals and black trim to distinguish them from the residential pads.
These commercial versions are intended to be fixed in place and also have shock absorbing material included to lessen joint strain. The heaviest duty commercial mat is built to US military specification and has a four-year warranty. School platforms have handles as these tend to be set up and packed away.
Reception
Wired magazine described the Cobalt Flux Pad as "pricey", criticizing it as sliding on uncarpeted surfaces, and making "quite the racket" when used. They also cited the necessity for Xbox players to use an adapter as a downside. However, they praised its sturdiness and the ability to link them together. PSM2 magazine also called it a "very expensive pad", as well as "solid" and "surprisingly cool-looking". They ultimately described it as "easily the highest-quality pad we tested" and "wonderfully responsive", noting that it came with non-skid sticky pads.
Edge magazine called the pads "excellent" and "a health club alternative to step aerobics", citing their use in a linked setup by Scandinavian company Positive Gaming at ATEI 2006. Skrolli magazine described the pad as one of the best on the market for home use, but also noted some downsides, such as the propensity for debris to get caught inside the mechanism and cause errors in step recognition.
References
- Lash, Cindi. "West Virginia schools use dance video game in gym class". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
- "Specialty Gear". Wired Test: 107 – via Internet Archive.
- "Dance Pad Revolution". PSM2 (78): 48. December 2003 – via Internet Archive.
- "Positive gaming?". Edge: 16. March 2006 – via Internet Archive.
- "Rakenna oma lava tanseille". Skrolli: 43. April 2016 – via Internet Archive.