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Arcade Parts

Arcade Stick

MAK/Superguns

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Autor: kowal© Translating: Pap

Modifying X—Arcade Dual Joystick

 

           X—Arcade is easily modified with European and American components. With no problems you can install in it many commercial products from iL and HAPP. You can even say that “X” is a great “beginning” for any joysticks and buttons mounted on wooden boxes. If you are not able/don’t want /don’t know how to build a box for your own Custom Arcade Stick and you have plenty of cash, buying the X is a great option. All in all, buying it just to modify it right away is nonsense and a waste of money. But if you already have your own X you’d probably already noticed that some modifications should be made to make it more comfortable in gaming.

Replacing buttons

           I suggest buying a PSL or PSL-L buttons made by iL. They have identical diameter like those in X. If you want to use Japanese buttons you will need a bigger holes (and this is difficult). Convex or concave is up to your personal preferences, I have chosen PSL-L-CV for this modification. First, unscrew bottom screws in the box of the X, this will give you an all free access to the inside of it. What we noticed first, is that everything is wired with 4,8mm connectors in isolation caps. So when you are buying buttons, bear in mind to look for those which have exactly 4,8mm terminals. Watch out for PSL buttons from Ultimarc, they have a 6,4mm terminals and you will have to change every connector in the box if you buy them. Buttons from HAPP always have 4,8mm terminals so they won’t make any problems. Connectors detach pretty easily from the buttons terminals, but if you encounter any problems use a flat screwdriver to make them move. After detaching the connectors take out the microswitch and then unscrew the cap which mounts the button. Now you can take out the button from the box.

           Next is: putting in the buttons. Insert the PSL-L-CV button in the hole, put the cap on it (tighten it), put on the microswitch and attach the connector to the terminals. The same for all the buttons.

           I also repaired a little „malfunction” the manufacturer had made on purpose: the 8^th fire button. I removed it completely and put a button plug in its place. Buttons are set in the UMK3 color way (2x red for punch, 2x white for block, 2x blue for kick and 1x yellow for run).

Replacing joystick

           X have a wooden top but it is still thinner than standard arcade tops (usually made from 18mm MDF boards). Additionally, it is molded for about 5mm. Theoretically you should only put joysticks designed for wooden tops, but if you decided on a Japanese controller (which are usually designed for metal tops), European version of JLW would do great. You can even try to mount a LS—55, LS—56 and JLF but bear in mind that the knob won’t stick out too much. You will have problem with rivets/screws, which won’t fit in their mounting plates. Getting rid of them is not an option because they will leave nasty holes, people who do mount Japanese controllers leave the rivets/screws just as a dummy ornament. Dedicated controllers for this Arcade Stick are: Compact Joystick III groove (actually it is an archetype of X-Stick) and Eurojoystick. Ultimate Joystick and WICO will do the job too. It is also possible to install the STC, but it is troublesome because of its shaft (which should be modified earlier). I decided that my X will have a classic “American style” and used the Eurojoystick Tear Drop Handle (Competition). Unscrew the screws which holds the base of the X-Stick and detach the E-clip from the end of the shaft. Detach the connectors from the microswitch terminals and now you can easily remove the joystick from the box.

           The base of the Eurojoystick is a bit wider (about 0,5mm more), so you have to slightly cut the edges of it with some sharp knife, or grind it with something. Edges on the corners of the mounting plate are more sharp than those in the X-Stick, so you should cut straight the corners of the molding for the controller.

           Put in the base of the Eurojoystick in the box and tighten it with some screws. All you have to do now is to attach the connectors with the microswitch terminals and put on the shaft.

           Final effect of my modification. Right side is not changed at all just to compare the both sides on the photo.