I have every version of the Link (original, v1 powder-coated and adjusted, and v2) and I exclusively use Sanwa bat-tops.
They work just fine, though I’ll admit it’s a tad trickier to put on/take off than with a ball-top, since there’s less of the shaft exposed.
Hi,
I’m new to the mod scene and I just picked up a few Links for a couple of new fightsticks that have JLF sticks in them (Madcatz Fightsticks). The Links hold together firmly and work great with the stock components. They are really well made.
My wife and I both decided we prefer the GT-Y Octogon gate to stock square gate. Unfortunately, with the Link installed, I lose my diagonals in all directions. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? I did remove the black dust washer between the stick and the top of the case. Should I get an oversized actuator to fix this?
Thanks for the help! Sorry if this is an easy question.
Shouldn’t be any problems. Like I mentioned in the post above, I have all versions of the Link, all with bat-tops, and all with octo-gates (both official Sanwa ones, and the clear aftermarket ones). No issues there.
Have you ever used an octo-gate with the stock JLF shaft? If it’s your first time, maybe it’s just the differences between the standard square-gate and octo-gate that you’re not used to, and might be completely independent of putting in the Link shaft?
I put the stock shaft back in with the octo gate and it works great. I tried the Link in two different sticks with two different octo gates and got the same result. No matter how I fiddle with it, I cannot jump diagonally or perform quarter circle moves.
Thanks for the help by the way. 
Oh, and I did not purchase a whole new gate. I simply changed the insert on the stock gate that came with the stick. I’m not sure if this makes a difference.
The Link has never caused me any of the issues that you are describing. It feels the same as the stock shaft except slightly heavier. Maybe try a 2-3lb spring.
The Link will work with the Battops offered under PAS JLF ALU Premiumfrom us or the Nippon Bat tops from Focus Attack as they are the same. These battop tops have a more cylindrical shape
Where the custom aluminum from us, has a more sloped shape and is just to small for the Link. We are looking at modifying this on our reorder to keep the slope but allow room from the link shaft.
Hmm, that’s definitely odd. I’ve got people locally here who use round and octacon gates without issue. That’s not something normal for sure. Silly request but it can help sometimes but mind taking a quick picture of the underside and perhaps when the stick is pressed into the diagonal directions? An oversized actuator could definitely help here, but really shouldn’t be necessary. You sure nothing else fell out or was removed except the single dust washer between the mounting plate and top panel?
While I’m here posting, I’m working on a potential fix for the “I lose my included hex key all the time” problem if you have the lanyard accessory. I’ll keep you guys posted.
Next batch should be completed and out of fabrication late next week, so a fun sweat shop rebuild is coming… always have fun with those.
Sure, I took a few:
I’ll have to e-mail the pics. I am having trouble posting from my phone
Here is my gate. The octagon insert piece came from focus attack and the rest came stock with my JLF Stick. Thanks for the help.
Here are the other pics:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26847366/Photo%20Jan%2001%2C%207%2048%2007%20PM.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26847366/Photo%20Jan%2001%2C%207%2048%2020%20PM.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26847366/Photo%20Jan%2001%2C%207%2048%2053%20PM.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26847366/Photo%20Jan%2001%2C%207%2049%2020%20PM.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26847366/Photo%20Jan%2001%2C%207%2049%2041%20PM.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26847366/Photo%20Jan%2001%2C%207%2049%2055%20PM.jpg
Thanks again for the help!
Does anyone have any experience with the link + the custom gates from FA and PA? That isn’t the stock octagonal gate so I can’t really weigh in on it. I use the stock square and then of course tested the stock octal, but never others as others never reported issues.
It almost looks like the action isn’t completing, like it’s not actually levered enough. Odd.
I have a v2 Link from the Kickstarter run and I’ve tried it with a prototype circle gate from PAS on a JLF. I experienced 0 issues. I’ve also used it with PAS’s Octo insert with no issues.
Hey is it me or OP’s actuator looks chewed up from riding the gate too much?
.
That could be. Fortunately, I already have a new actuator on the way. I didn’t notice it until you said something.
Okay, so as an update, I received this insert today from Paradise Arcade (see pic).
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26847366/image2.jpeg
Now my stick works great with the link in place. So, you were right, Phreakazoid. The insert I had in was definitely the problem.
If you compare the two, you can see the amber insert has a slightly larger diameter on the inside.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26847366/image.jpeg
Now, I want to be clear that I have no problems with FocusAttack. They have been wonderful.
Regarding the insert I ordered from FocusAttack (right), I went back and looked at my order and this is the part item no and description: PA-GTY-INSERT: JLF GT-Y Octagonal Restrictor Plate Insert. I must have ordered the wrong size somehow…but I just can’t tell how.
It sounds like most folks either knew just to buy a whole new gate or I picked up the wrong item or something. Honestly, I think it’s purely accidental that I got the amber one from Paradise Arcade. The picture on their website is clear (not amber). I just picked up another before I knew I was having issues. Basically the fact that I got the amber one this time might have been pure luck.
Either way, I have had excellent service from both places, so no complaints there.
I’m just thrilled my link works and I have an octagon gate.
Thanks all for the help here, and especially Phreakazoid who spent time e-mailing me back and forth. You deserve every bit of success you are getting out of this endeavor.
Well, I feel like an idiot.
I got a Link for Christmas, and ordered a bunch of parts from Focus-Attack to rebuild my old Brawl Stick. I opened my Link box today, and took the top piece off to install the shaft into a new Sanwa joystick- and the whole thing came apart.
I was able to find 2 of the bearings, but the third one has been lost to the ages.
Just a couple questions-
Would anyone be able to tell me how to disassemble the top piece so I can put the spring back on? Also, does anyone know what kind of ball bearings are used so I can replace the missing one? I was really looking forward to using it.
Oh holy crap that’s definitely not supposed to happen. The Link will work fine with just 2 bearings, however I don’t expect you to put it back together, if you want to send that one to me I’ll fix it and send it back asap. I can’t even think of how that happened. Was the C clip that’s above the collar in place?
Yeah, it was still in place.
That would be great though, I’ll shoot an email to your website address (clayton@phreakmods.com). Thanks so much for getting back so quickly!