Come to toronto sometime =) we have a great community. I live in scarborough, and there are a few meetups here as well. so it’s not THAT far of a trip.
IIRC the newest IMP switch detects the system on it’s own. but there are many types of switches.
Some boards are inherently multi console and down need switches, for example:
The MCCthulhu is a board that works for pretty much All video game systems except xbox 360. (I plugged my stick into my SNES a month ago for Killer instinct)
so if you’re only using USB systems, the MC Cthulhu + 360 pcb is all you need + switch will cover everything.
If you want to use on retro consoles as well (dreamcast, SNES, PS1, etc. You’ll need to sacrifice some extension cables (and probably a way to detatch the cables from your stick too… Although some people prefer having their stick looking like a squid/octopus with all those cables hanging out all the time) Personally I detach my cables.
The modders here will complete most mods for about $90 parts included. The modding process for the most part is generally the same. Depending on how the stick is put together, there maybe more or less soldering involved.
I’m not very good at soldering, but I can put together and do a majority of mods without the need for soldering.
There is a caviat though, Sticks are tradionally modded only if the PCB has common ground. It can be done, and there are posts on shoryuken.com with mods done with non-common grounds. But it’s much more complicated and difficult. So next time you buy a stick, check around to see if it’s common ground before you buy it. that’s pretty much the only “requirement” for mods. the majority of sticks now a days are. some of the older ones might not be.
I can do a majority of mods and repairs for TEs, other sticks, i’d have to take a look at. if you have a TE for Xbox, then I can stick a MC Cthulhu in for you for about $20 labour + 40-60 for the PCB.
I’ll make a RJ-45 cable for retro consoles for $5 if you provide an extension cord as well.
There’s about 5 or 6 modders here in Toronto. Let me know if you decide to make the trip.