I picked up on a few things while working on it. Not sure if this stuff has been covered.
The lid was kinda bowed when I got it, meaning it never closed completely flush. I have read a couple other people have this problem. What I found is that the hinges are too strong, so when you close the lid, the hinges will still be applying pressure to the back of the panel, thus lifting it up. I loosened the hinges a bit and now it closes flush. If you do this, however, it wont be able to stay open unless you open it all the way. It will just fall shut. I think the tradeoff is worth it.
You can pretty much solder directly to the board to add your existing inputs to another PCB if you have a PS3/PS4 version (common ground). I added an MKX pad to my PS3/PS4 stick relatively easily this way. You just need to connect the usb signal wires to a switch. I only switched the green (+) and it’s working perfectly.
If you want to use GamerFingers, be aware they don’t fit super well. If you take out the clear button rings, they will free spin in the holes. If you put in the rings, they wont snap in properly. They are just held in by tension at that point. Something to be aware of.
The side panels do not like heat or dye. I tried to dye them. I ruined them. Had to buy new ones. It worked out, though lol.
The plexi is shit. Replace it with a custom one.
Here’s my stick, for good measure.
Black Tek Innovations Plexi
PS3/PS4/360/XB1/PC Support via MKX pad
Smoke GamerFinger Buttons
Black Sanwa 24mm Start/Select Buttons
Smoke Side Panels
The only visible wires after the mod are next to where the PCB is at the top left. I just cut up some abs sheets I had and formed a sort of box around the PCB. The switches to the bottom left control system select (PS-Xbox / 360-XB1). The home button works as a guide button, too.
Do you by any chance have a picture of the dual modded one? im also looking to do the ps3/4 + mkx pad dual mod but i dont see your mkx pad in there. Also you said you soldered the mkx pad inputs directly into the ps3/ps4 board, did you put it under the ribbon cable or where?
That is the modded one lol. See the wires to the left of the PCB housing? The MKX pad is at the bottom right under that rectangle of ABS plastic. The switches are at the bottom left.
I really quickly drew the wires for you. The end points of the data wires are marked. With enough tinkering, it will work. Just make sure you have a working MKX pad. I started this mod with a broken one (not knowing it was broken) and damn near pulled out my hair.
I ordered the Red replacement side panels two weeks ago. They sent me an email yesterday saying they cancelled my order. THANKS MADCATZ…I only waited months for them to become available. Guess I have to try and paint them myself now. I swapped buttons/ball top and inserted a Ken SFV template I made. Everything is red/orange with the dreaded blue sides looking awful.
Has anyone painted there side panels? suggestions as to what kind of paint to use?
That’s weird since I saw this on markman’s page. So I guess that’s just how many they had at SDCC or wherever this was? Wonder how many they actually made.
Pretty sure I read a tweet that madcatz will have panels/bezel replacements in stock later this month if you don’t want to paint. Hopefully anyways… I just finally ordered one hoping that smoke panels will come back in stock to make mine all black.
I bought 2 VLX’s and my brother bought 2 Rival TE2’s. I saw his TE2’s for the first time last night and played some USFIV on them. It was my first time using a TE2 stick. I gotta say, I made the right decision in buying VLX’s. The TE2 design just isn’t as good as the original TE when it comes to gameplay and feel. Those damn plexis slide during matches and it effected my gameplay. Not happy with the start and select button placement either. I do love the easy access to the guts but overall I was dissapointed and so was my bro. Hori VLX has my vote this gen as best stick.
![[IMG]http://nsa37.casimages.com/img/2015/07/11/mini_150711013235623724.jpg](http://www.casimages.com/i/150711013235623724.jpg.html){kind=link}