How to void the warranty on a Mag-Stik Plus...

[Stormy151]

Add a top fire button! 

I haven't seen this done on here (at least, I couldn't find any in the search), so I thought I would post this up.

I'm planning my Mame cab, and I'd really like to play as many games as I can, so I picked up the Mag Stiks- and I got to thinking.  One of my favorite games was Assault, and I realized that I really couldn't play it without a top fire stick.  I took the Mag Stik apart and decided it wouldn't be too hard to add one. 

What's the WORST that could happen, right? 

I happen to have a super cool job that allows me access to a shop that is basically the world's ULTIMATE garage- CNC mills, routers, laser cutters, lathes, etc.  So I decided to take advantage.  The Mag Stik has threads at the bottom, and I was super concerned with ruining them.  Someone suggested turning a whole new shaft out of hollow tube, which could be done- but seemed like a lot of unnecessary work. 

Also, I didn't have a drill bit long enough for the lathe to go all the way through the shaft.  The Mag Stik has a plastic sleeve between the knob and the body, and inside it was pretty much a shaft- I would just have to keep the wires clear of the 4/8 way switching mechanism.  I decided to go through the knob as deep as I could- then go into the threaded end up until I was clear of the mechanism.  I would then pop out the side and run the wires through a slot in the shaft that would be covered by the sleeve. 

So that's what I did.  I had a P1/2 start button from a Ms Pac cocktail I used for the top fire.  Came out pretty slick.  I may do it to the P2 stick so that it matches. I made the hole juuuuust bigger than the switch- it doesn't thread in, but it's a nice press fit.  I can dig it out if I have to.

Now, how to keep the wires from twisting up? 

[MacGyver]

Lucky.

Good work, now where do I place my order?  I can't find the link.

Seriously though, if I was still using my MSPs I would totally want that done.

[AlienInferno]

I definatly need to get me a lathe.  That would open up so many possibilities.  Good job on the mod.

[Stormy151]

Thanks guys!   I can't wait to try them- should be next week.  I just have to finish designing the rest of the cab.


Yeah, having the lathe definitely helped!     You can get some ok smaller ones at Harbor Freight that are not too expensive.  I used a heavy industrial lathe- which I'm sure was way overkill- mostly what helped me out was the larger chuck when it held the knob end.

[Stormy151]

So, I'm going to do the P2 stick, but I'm going to get a longer bit so that I can just go all the way through the shaft rather than mill the slot in the outside.

That being said, you've got me thinking- if there were enough interest I could offer some up for sale... I probably would also offer a choice of black or red buttons.

[Nephasth]

Now, how to keep the wires from twisting up? 

Have you seen this thread?

[tsaylor]

More thoughts: Lighted buttons, and recessed buttons so they don't get in the way of normal gameplay.

[Gray_Area]

I think someone tapped a Magstick for lighted tops....