Joystick modding?

I've been digging around the internt for good sticks for my systems because I LOVE 2D fightersand I've realized that to get a good stick that's going to last I'd have to pony up some massive amounts of cash. I've seen them go for $500.I've learned that themain reason they do this is because the higher price ones (aside from often having a tie-in with one fighting game or another) have premium parts. I've noticed that Sanwa seems to be the brand of choice for those who know quality. I've also seen a bit about joystick modding, outfitting lower cost joysticks with premium Sanwa parts. Thisisfast becoming mypreferred route. I'm more "hands-on", and this is another one of those times when the DIY route can save a ton of cash. I was going to buy a less expensive joystick and play with it until it wears out then just replace the buttons and stick with Sanwa stuff.

After a few futile Google searches which normally yielded parts stores or forum threads about people offering mod services I've decided to make a nuisance of myself and just go to various forums I am a member ofwhere I think people would be able to help.

I was wondering about things like compatibility of various sticks with Sanwa parts. Are they universal? Are there various sizes of buttons and joysticks? Is there a chance I'm going to have to take a Dremmel Tool to the case in order to make some parts fit correctly? Is there a chance some parts might not fit at all? What kind of issues can I expect to face? If anyone has any links to FAQS or anything, these would also be appreciated.

Thanks for the help, in advance.

madcatz TE sticks are very easy to mod. I have swapped buttons, did a dual mod and have added numerous art mods it. It uses sanwa buttons and jlf with a square gate. Its a very noob friendly stick out there, using quick disconnects for all the buttons.

madcatz TE sticks are very easy to mod. I have swapped buttons, did a dual mod and have added numerous art mods it. It uses sanwa buttons and jlf with a square gate. Its a very noob friendly stick out there, using quick disconnects for all the buttons.

Ravirr

Would I be able to put Sanwa parts in the basic MadCatz SFIV stick? I just don't want to have to shell out $150 for a stick. My original plan was to score an Arcade Fighter stick from DreamGear (49.95) and then play it till it failed and drop some Sanwa parts in it when it inevitably wore out. As for soldering, I've had more than my fair share of time with a soldering iron, plus I have a good friend who is an electrical engineer and has experience with stuff like this. If not, I was thinking of asking my dad for help. He's beena carpenter longer than I've been his son. Maybe he can help me out, we take the board and select bits of the electronics out of it and mount it in a custom built wooden cab.

As for financing, I'm actually paying for this because Ihave MS and am taking part in a clinical trial testing a new controller med. My compensation is a reloadable debit card and $50 ever time I go for a visit. I go once a month.

Thanks for the heads up about how hard it could get and defintely thanks for the new forum to check out. I wonder why Google never got that as a result.

Yeah, I looked at the basic SFIV stick last night and amazon had it for more like $70 but I noticed it went up today.Hell! They want over $90!!I guess I'll just wait 3 month or 4 until I have the money to get my hands on a TE stick that uses Sanwa parts already. Our big income tax refund is going into computer parts since I haven't had a working desktop since '09. I've been using my wife's laptop.

Yeah, I looked at the basic SFIV stick last night and amazon had it for more like $70 but I noticed it went up today.Hell! They want over $90!!I guess I'll just wait 3 month or 4 until I have the money to get my hands on a TE stick that uses Sanwa parts already. Our big income tax refund is going into computer parts since I haven't had a working desktop since '09. I've been using my wife's laptop.

Shub-Niggurath

At the end of the day you are going to spending roughly the same amount for a new joystick and buttons that it would probably be better just to buy the TE. Also the SE's joystick rubs on the PCB so its recommended to not use it too much before you mod it. Keep your eye out on SRK for madcatz bundles or codes for 50$ off you don't want to spend the money.

I got a TE-S around Thanksgiving a little bit ago. I love it but I am just to lazy to mod it. I will do it eventually though :P. I even have the template to make the artwork as well.Vexx88

Check out tek-innovations for plexi creation. Guy does grade a work. Does great print outs too.

Thanks, guys. You've given me a lot to think about and it does look like it'd cost just as much to get a TE stick with Sanwa parts in it already. I've been looking around and the average TE stick, brand new, runs around $130 so I'll make due for now and then just get a TE stick with quality parts already in it in a couple of months after my next two neurologist visits. The $50 a visit I get for my participation in the clinical trial is my money to spend exactly how I please. Plus, I'm going to spend another $150 on the TE Mortal Kombat when it comes out. I initially thought that joystick modding was buying a less expensive stick and tossing in better parts but it's more of a cosmetic thing, replacing the existing parts with other parts in different colors, like trying to recreate the old arcade cab's red white blue buttons or replacing the artwork. I've seen some decent TE sticks and I might even buy a used one if I feel comfortable enough with a seller.Shub-Niggurath

You do know madcatz, release a template that is the MK button layout. Might worth checking out. Since I know Ed Boon said the MK joystick is going to be made with real american parts. *cringes*