The how to mod your SFIV SE Fightstick FAQ

[MtlTom]

I’ve already modded an SE before, but recently acquired a blank case from a friend (he is using the PCB in a custom stick). The only things left were the start/back buttons & the guide/turbo panel, both with their PCBs intact. I’m either going to use a PS2 SFAC pad as the main PCB with PS2->PS3 & PS2->X360 converters from etokki or wait for the new PS360+ board. I know I can use the start/back buttons without any problem, my questions are about the guide area:

If I keep the guide/turbo area, is there a way to solder onto that board so I can utilize the buttons on it or am I better off installing a 24mm (or smaller) button on the back of the stick? I just have the PCB, none of the ribbon cables.

If I decide to cover up the guide area with custom artwork, what is the best way to cover up the hole and prevent anything from poking through but keep it flush with the rest of the top?

---

Also, a quick question about my modded SE. The guide button randomly stops working sometimes. If I hit the top of the case, that seems to do the trick. I’ve checked the ribbon cables and the button, and they seem to be OK. I don’t use the stick as often since I have a couple of TEs, but I’d like for it to work properly. Just curious if anyone has had this problem and if they know a solution. I’ve had the stick since '09, so it’s from one of the first few SE batches. I might just go ahead and switch the PCB with the spare one I have from my blank case.

[Tek7]

I’m planning to purchase a set of 8 Sanwa buttons for my FightStick SE soon and would like input from those who’ve already replaced the buttons on their stock stick.

[…]

I also thought of going with the following color scheme to match SSFIV’s training mode input displays:

LP, LK: Blue
MP, MK: Yellow
HP, HP: Vermillion
3P, 3K: Black

I’m a bit late in posting a picture of my modded FightStick SE, but better late than never!

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9946/img1773x.th.jpg

I really like how it turned out. I’m glad I spent the few extra dollars and picked up the clear Seimitsu bubble top.

[Darksakul]

I’m a bit late in posting a picture of my modded FightStick SE, but better late than never!

I really like how it turned out. I’m glad I spent the few extra dollars and picked up the clear Seimitsu bubble top.

Some reason i expected a Chrono trigger theme Stick, but I also approve of this.

[Tek7]

Some reason i expected a Chrono trigger theme Stick, but I also approve of this.

I admit that would be amazing, but I wasn’t ambitious (or wealthy) enough to replace the stock art. (I actually like the stock art. :))

I would be interested in seeing someone replacing the stock art with Chrono Trigger art, though–even if it doesn’t fit the arcade stick theme.

[Darksakul]

I admit that would be amazing, but I wasn’t ambitious (or wealthy) enough to replace the stock art. (I actually like the stock art. :))

I would be interested in seeing someone replacing the stock art with Chrono Trigger art, though–even if it doesn’t fit the arcade stick theme.

I see alot of stick art that have absolutely nothing to do with fighters or arcade games, Full house, Final Fantasy, various Anime series, a Rambo stick.
If you can think of it you can make it.

[SkuldOMG]

Thanks a lot for the guide! I wanted to replace my buttons on my stick since a couple of them don’t work reliably any more and I noticed something: Two buttons have connectors that are bent to the side (see picture). Is that a problem and might that be why the buttons aren’t working as reliably any more? Can I bend them back into shape without problems or should I leave them as they were and just switch buttons?

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/9176/111bst.jpg

[Johnick]

Hey guys, Ive been meaning to pickup the TVC stick (they’re VERY cheap right now) and mod it with a PS2 PCB so I can use it on my 360 and PS3 with my converters. Has anyone done this for the TVC stick ?, I dont really care about losing Wii functionality, just want to turn it into a PS2 stick.

[Kaizer_Rose]

my arcade stick just randomly shuts off in the middle of matches online. the green light in the stick is still on but nothing responds. im using a street fighter 4 SE for xbox 360. has anyone encountered this problem? any help would be useful

[Skit5]

Here the six variations listed in Sanwa Catalog ('07~'08):
JLF-TP-8 is Base JLF.
JLF-TP-8Y is Base JLF with the TP-MA (PCB) rotated 90°.
JLF-TP-8T is Base JLF with JLF-P-1 (Flat Mounting Plate).
JLF-TP-8YT is Base JLF with the TP-MA (PCB) rotated 90 ° with JLF-P-1 (Flat Mounting Plate).
JLF-TP-8S is Base JLF with the TP-MA (PCB) rotated 90 ° with JLF-P-1S (S Mounting Plate).
JLF-TP-8Y-SK is Base JLF with the TP-MA (PCB) rotated 90 ° with JLF-CD (Shaft Cover).

Of course other variations can be done too:
JLF-TP-8-SK, JLF-TP-8T-SK, JLF-TP-8S-SK, JLF-TP-8YT-SK.

I’ll just add this for completeness, since it is JLF:
JLF-TM-8 can do; JLF-TM-8T, JLF-TM-8T-SK, JLF-TM-8S, JLF-TM-8S-SK.

You can use any of those.

JLF-TP-8 you will rotate PCB and use stock Mad Catz Mounting Plate or buy Sanwa JLF-P-1.
JLF-TP-8Y you will use stock Mad Catz Mounting Plate or buy Sanwa JLF-P-1 to mount in Case.
JLF-TP-8T you will rotate PCB and just pop into the Case after removing stock Mad Catz Joystick.
JLF-TP-8YT you will just pop into the Case after removing stock Mad Catz Joystick and mount in Case.
JLF-TP-8S you will remove JLF-P-1S, rotate PCB and use stock Mad Catz Mounting Plate or buy Sanwa JLF-P-1.

(I’m just explaining for some. There are of course more variations.)

You see that I did not mention anything with [SK]?
That is because it is nothing to how Sanwa JLF fit into Mad Catz Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick™.
It is just a Shaft Cover; there for looks.

Once you have a JLF in your hands, rotating the PCB can be done in only five seconds.
It is super easy.

Here is removing Restrictor Gate.
[media=youtube]L67fUfH3S5o[/media]
Here is rotating of PCB.
[media=youtube]dIgCEpBEhng[/media]

If want save money, and shop you are buying from has JLF-TP-8Y cheaper than JLF-TP-8YT, then get JLF-TP-8Y.
Just use the stock Mad Catz Mounting Plate.

But if you don’t want to do the work of unscrewing the stock Mad Catz Mounting Plate off, then buy JLF-TP-8YT.
Some shops sell JLF-TP-8YT with Mounting Plate not pre-installed, so you may have to screw it on yourself.
But if you will be screwing on Mounting Plate, might as well start out with JLF-TP-8Y right?

But installing a Mounting Plate requires taking apart Joystick.
So might as well start out with JLF-TP-8 right?
That doesn’t matter though, as I don’t think I’ve seen shop with JLF-TP-8, just JLF-TP-8Y.
Rotating PCB very simple and quick though.

You want the exact variation of Sanwa JLF that Mad Catz Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick™ has?
JLF-TP-8YT.
Even more exact?
JLF-TP-8YT-W; that just means White Ball Top.

You want the exact variation of Sanwa JLF that Mad Catz Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick™ Tournament Edition has?
JLF-TP-8YT-SK.
Even more exact?
JLF-TP-8YT-SK-W; that just means White Ball Top.

So, choose which you want.
Choose on how much you want to spend.
Choose on how much work you want to do.

And one last thing to end this Post.
If you will be reusing the stock Mad Catz Mounting Plate, just reuse the screws.
And also, the screws need something to hold onto; they grab on the nuts.

These nuts are located in the stock Mad Catz Joystick.
After you remove the Restrictor Gate, lift off the Joystick PCB.
Underneath, you will then see the four nuts the screws are threading into.

But if for some reason you do not want to reuse the screws and nuts, you can go out to buy.
There is known problem for the screws to strip really super easy.

Get some M3 (3mm) screws of .5mm Pitch at length of 8mm.
For the nuts, get M3 (3mm) of .5mm Pitch.

If you are not reusing stock Mad Catz Mounting Plate, and just using the one provided with Sanwa JLF, then it’s cool.

And because I feel you will ask about this also if it happens:
The Restrictor Gate on stock Mad Catz Joystick is on super tight.
So you will need assist with tool to remove; a screwdriver or something.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3516188762_480219f5eb_o.png

Thanks for this!
I read somewhere that for best performance you must have the JLK-TP-8YT-SK. But it makes much more sense with the info you have provided as most stockists state the JLF-TP-8YT is the ideal choice for modding, with no mention of “SK”.

[jdm714]

A lot of people do not know what they are saying.

[Skit5]

I like it, especially what they’ve done with the joystick handle. ( what stick is that?)!! I’d have to say its out of my league but I’ll give it a shot.

£8 seems reasonable. Once I’m done I will send it to you.

Sorry- posted in wrong thread!!

[OhHellNuh]

hey guys im keen on modding my SE stick for the first time… one reason for that is, other than the ugly stock artwork on it, the diagonal directions seem to not work as they should, to get a diagonal motion (up+forward etc.) u have to go to the real extreme with the stick for the switches to register it… this is my first time with a stick so i was wondering if this is normal? or is there something wrong with the stick?.. and if there is, will buying another joystick and installing it fix the problem? thanks.

[Tawler]

Looking to dual mod my brawlstick. I’ve worked on TE’s but this is… less spacious territory. My question: how are people mounting the PCB’s in there? I have a cthulhu and imp laying around so those are what will be going in. I found that old tutorial from a while back that uses screw mounts for the pcb’s that are already there. Is that pretty much the best bet?

[danomighty]

The lamestop near me now sell brawlsticks(reskinned se)for $30. Just wonder with 6 new sanwa buttons,1 new sanwa stick,2 button plugs,and then dual modding. How much would that cost?

[mushbert]

brawlsticks(reskinned se)

Don’t forget it has a different PCB too.

[Swoops]

My Post in Thread I will link.
http://shoryuken.com/showthread.php?t=235554

How much did you do the search?
This was twenty-two days.
Laugh.

I’ve looked around and can’t find any better answer for my problem than this. Trying to make my new jlw work, but I’m a bit sad because of the link not working. I would appreciate any help on connecting my new JLW-um8 to a madcatz te PCB. Am I going to have to get crimps for all the cords and separately connect them all?

[jdm714]

http://shoryuken.com/forum/index.php?threads/115710/
Different Thread though.

[Swoops]

Awesome! Exactly what needed, loved the feel of the jlw and I didn’t want to send it back. Thanks much!

[Thermomurder]

just made this art today.
i need some help deciding what color buttons and balltop to get!
I know I want to paint the case and turbo panel silver though…

any help would be much appreciated!

thanks!

[maritrunks]

Does this tutorial work with the brawlstick? I’m guessing Yes because its madcatz?