Naki Wireless Ultimate - FINISHED MOD UPDATE 1/12/06

[MameMaster!]

http://tinyurl.com/922vh

Greetings all!....I just got what I think is a bargain for $35.00 bucks over at GameStop.

I picked up the Naki Wireless "Ultimate" fighting stick for XBox and PS2 and I was pleased to find that it works really well and looks very cool!

It has a pearl white finish and kinda' looks like the paintjob on a high end car. My wife actually doesn't mind it in the living room!

The coolest thing about this stick and what makes it so unique is that it has DUAL ANALOG controls built right in!

If you look closely at the photo you'll see two white circles under the buttons. Those are actually rubberized balls that control your dual analog sticks.

It's a bit awkward at first....but it actually works great in games like Robotron and driving games surprisingly. It also has some "force feedback" which is weak but neat.

I was told this was only a store sample and they're not going to get more in for the $35.00 and that the regular price will be approx. $60. bucks....but

[versapak]

Yep

We've been there.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=41723.0

[MameMaster!]

wow...I can't believe I missed that....thanks for the link!....and now I don't have to take mine apart.

So.....has anyone hacked one yet?

.....if so, how did you implement into your panel.

I find this to be a real bargain especially compared  to the very similar (at least in use) Quasicon.

[MameMaster!]

OK...I used the stick for a couple of days and decided I hate the buttons. They're really stiff and my hand actually cramped up!

I took it apart and started replacing the buttons with Happs.....pics coming soon!

[Darth Xanax]

Let me know how you're hack goes I was actually wondering if it's possible to
move the left analog ball to wear the joystick is this way the left analog stick is
a joystick not a ball.

[MameMaster!]

Let me know how you're hack goes I was actually wondering if it's possible to
move the left analog ball to wear the joystick is this way the left analog stick is
a joystick not a ball.

....looking at the internals that wouldn't be possible as the top is molded to fit these parts exactly (see my pics below). But, if you're ambitious you could take the guts out of this thing and just built a custom control panel (something I'm considering for my next project).

[MameMaster!]

OK, here's my quickie mod on this stick.

I think this thing has a lot of potential...but the buttons SUCK!....the joy sucks as well but the buttons were really awful.

Anyway, I took it apart and put in HAPPS buttons which fit perfectly with the internal weight taken out. (see next sentence for what the heck that is!).

Just as a side note...this thing feels farily substantial until you open it up and find a piece of granite floor tile in the bottom as the "weight" !!!

Anyway, with the weight removed you have plenty of room for the Happs buttons depth.

This improved this thing by 100%.

The only thing that bothers me is that the joystick cannot be easily replaced unless you build a new cabinet for the internals of this thing. It uses a custom mini joystick (short handle) and the joystick has a custom base incorporating a motor for "feedback" (I removed the motor as it just sucks juice from the Wireless feature and the feedback is super weak). Unfortunately another problem is that my joystick squeeks (bad design).

Any how....if you can get a hold of one of these....go for it. It's easy enough to hack....and it only took about an hour.

[MameMaster!]

here's the "weight" ....a piece of granite!

[MameMaster!]

FINISHED!

[pmc]

I kinda liked the look of the orginal labeled white convex buttons with the chrome trim. But if they sucked, I guess they gotta go.

-pmc

[pointdablame]

I kinda liked the look of the orginal labeled white convex buttons with the chrome trim. But if they sucked, I guess they gotta go.

-pmc

Some white buttons with vinyl stickers would probably look very nice.

[albert_c]

It's not worth modding if you're going to keep that cheap joystick there. 

[Darth Xanax]

Well post on this thread if anyone has any luck putting a analog stick were the digital stick currently is
I'm really not too good with taking a part controllers and all so I really don't want to mess with it unless it's possible.

[adonis_minus_20]

I just finished modding this thing, and I'm happy with the results.

[MameMaster!]

...nice job!...which stick exactly did you use? where did you pick it up?

[adonis_minus_20]

Thanks!

[MameMaster!]

hey there...thanks for the suggestion for the Sanwa joystick!...I just followed your link and ordered one.

I have a couple of ideas to mount the joy a bit more securely.....but I'll have to wait to see how much actual clearance I'll have when I get it.

Thanks for the suggestion of that stick!

I'm surprised we're not seeing more mods of this really cool stick. I just picked up another for a possible dual set up at some point.

I have a feeling that "ball" analogue stick can be exploited better.....I'm just not sure how yet.....hmmm......

[adonis_minus_20]

Yeah, I really like this stick.

[Lilwolf]

These look pretty cool... I saw one at a local store but didn't pay much attention to it until now because I don't have a PS2 or a XBox.

But I'm looking for a joystick to put on my main machine (since my cab is now in the basement and I upgraded my work machine... and it can now play a ton more games).

Has anyone tried using this with either a PS2->USB converter or a XBox->PC driver? 

I'll try and pick one up if it works on a PC!

[Darth Xanax]

[quote author=MameMaster

[Lilwolf]

Bumping with the question.

Anyone know if these will work through a ps2->usb converter of any nature?  Seems perfect for me as an upstairs joystick.

[MameMaster!]

Bumping with the question.

Anyone know if these will work through a ps2->usb converter of any nature?  Seems perfect for me as an upstairs joystick.

I don't own one and haven't tried....but my guess is why wouldn't it work? .......

If you have a spare I would be happy to test it for you....(and of course send it back to you). PM me if you want me to try it out.

[adonis_minus_20]

I have adapters for PS2->USB, I'll give it a try and post back (hopefully I can try tonight).  Some PCBs are goofy and don't work right with the adapters.

Jim

Bumping with the question.

Anyone know if these will work through a ps2->usb converter of any nature?

[yalborap]

I know it doesn't work on mine. As far as I can tell, the adapter doesn't give enough juice for the wireless receiver to function, but that's just a guess.

[adonis_minus_20]

I just tried with a boom joy adapter and a powered USB hub (also without the hub), and the receiver won't do anything.  It seems this one is just not compatible with adapters.

Jim

[DarkBubble]

I saw one of those at a local gamestop the other day.  After I managed to get TWO busted PS1/PS2-Xbox converters off of eBay, looks like this may be the way to go.

[Lilwolf]

crud... I didn't read this today, went by a place selling one... and bought one to test.

No dice here.  But I made sure I could return it...

Really too bad... this really is the joystick I want for upstairs. 

The next question would be if the XBox -> pc usb + driver if that would work...  But I think I'm returning it before then.

btw, I think the buttons are ok and the joystick is ok.  very playable and GREAT for most canned joysticks... Just not arcade quality.  I was looking forward to hacking some good buttons and maybe get one of those joysticks and getting a great wireless pc joystick going.

[MameMaster!]

OK...here's a leap of faith thought....could this be hooked into an XArcade Xbox (or PS2) adapter some how?

I know it's wireless.....but perhaps the signals can be intercepted somehow? (i.e. cut the wires inside the Naki leading to the wireless "signal sender" and solder them to the adapter?).

Or....hmm...how about one of the new Ultimarc XBox adapters?

Realistically I think the biggest benefit of this gadget are the analogue control nubs....the stock buttons and joy suck anyway.

I wonder if the brains can be pulled out and interfaced somehow as above?.....

I'm dying to see the first time this is integrated into a cab. It seems like a really ideal and low cost alternative to the Quasicon.

[Lilwolf]

I don't think so on the xarcade.   very very different (even if wireless wasn't a factor)

I think what we would need to do is find the exact power outage from a ps2 and use that.

but now that I returned mine   I have a new idea.  Anyone try it on a PSOne???  If it DOESN'T work there, we can try and find out what the differences in spec are... and that might send us a hint.

I was really hoping for a good wireless PC stick... sigh...  I really want it to work.

oh btw, anyone have a XBox->USB connector?  I couldn't try that.

[adonis_minus_20]

I have a XBox -> USB adapter, I'll have to give it a try, but I don't hold much hope out for it.

Jim

[versapak]

I have a XBox -> USB adapter, I'll have to give it a try, but I don't hold much hope out for it.

Jim

I don't see why it wouldn't work. The Xbox USB is no different than PC USB, as far as power is concerned anyway.

I have a few different wireless controllers for Xbox, and they all work just fine on the PC.

[MameMaster!]

by the way I just got my Sanwa stick thanks to Adonis' suggestion.

I think I can make it fit better than using only the 2 screws that he did. I took the joystick apart  (and as a side note you have to love the Japanese engineering...that thing is sweet!).....and I'll take a bunch of pics and post them.

It looks like he bypassed the joys circuitboard that very neatly strung together the microswitches with wires instead. I'm hoping to just solder my wires to the existing pinouts.

...I'll post pics in a day or so and let you know how it goes!

[adonis_minus_20]

I think it won't work, only because it already didn't work with my PS2->USB adapters.

[versapak]

I think it won't work, only because it already didn't work with my PS2->USB adapters.

[adonis_minus_20]

I see where you're coming from now, you may be right, I will try it tonight with the XBox->USB adapter and post my results.

Jim

I think it won't work, only because it already didn't work with my PS2->USB adapters.

[Lilwolf]

That said, I would have guessed the same for the PS2 since the protocol is pretty set in stone.

[versapak]

That said, I would have guessed the same for the PS2 since the protocol is pretty set in stone.  I'm still guessing that the usb outputs 5v, and the ps2 output 6.2v and for more devices it doesn't make a difference... 

You're missing some of my point though.

I'm not only talking voltages.

My point is that the Xbox controllers are already USB. You are not converting anything as far as its actual operation goes. There will be no change in how it handles its communications.

[MameMaster!]

Ok....I'm happy to say the operation was a total success on the first try. To get around Adonis' problem about only have 2 screw mounting holes that lined up with existing holes I created a little board out of fiberboard that I cut to shape.

It worked perfectly and is now very solid and secure. His suggestion of a Sanwa was right on the mark as it fits like a glove in the shallow depth you'll have when modding this stick.

For the wiring I picked up extension wire with a small plastic plug on the end to attach the existing joystick's circuitboard. The board is super neat and I saw no reason to run extra wires onto the joy.

The stick is easy to take apart (both the Sanwa and Naki) and this thing now will get A LOT of use!.....

Here are the photos.

If you are going to try this out.....the Naki's wires are as follows--- Black, continous circuit (connecting all microswitches); Brown= down; Yellow= up; Red = right and Orange is left.

Have fun!...this only took a couple of hours and was fun to do.

[MameMaster!]

more pics. This shows the old joy in the Naki by the way in the bottom photo. The top photos is of the Sanwa micros.

[MameMaster!]

I could only find 3 pin wire at Compusa but you need 5. I just bought 2 and cut off the extra wire. It was tight but I got them both onto the joys pins.

[MameMaster!]

This is the mounting board I made. You really need this to stabilize the joystick. You'll note that the screws on the left and right don't go all the way in....that's because I'm using the original joys screws. I have to either trim them or put in a couple of washers. For now there no movement at all and it seems solid. I'll get around to fixing that.

If it gets loose I can always add a few more screws through the Sanwa mounting holes into my wood pieces. But the joystick is super smooth and I have a feeling what I did will out last my interest in using the stick itself!

[MameMaster!]

final

[MameMaster!]

final close up.

I hope this thread helps. This was definitely worth the time and effort for a real arcade wireless joy for PS2 & XBox.

[Lilwolf]

Oh, I understand the xbox should work.

But I'm still questioning the differences between the ps2 connection (on a ps2) and the ps2 connection though the converter.  If its a voltage difference, there is something we can do about it.   

I'll buy a xbox converter if it will work. 

That said, I would have guessed the same for the PS2 since the protocol is pretty set in stone.

[adonis_minus_20]

Very nicely done MameMaster

[MameMaster!]

....too bad I didn't see that on their website...oh well. Thankfully what I did worked fine. Thanks again for your suggestion of the Sanwa!

[MameMaster!]

Hey Jim you mentioned---


For those looking to use XBox->USB adapters, you can't.  The problem is, at least for the adapters that I have, is that they require an XBox controller that has the disconnect thing on the controller cable to work, and as the Naki does not have a disconnect for its' XBox connector, the Naki can't be used with the adapter.  You could always hack the connector on the Naki in order to do this, but I don't really care to use it on the PC anyway.


couldn't you get around that using an Xbox extension cord? like the one below? That way you can plug the Naki gadget into the extension cord giving you access to the quick disconnect you need.

You may have to splice open the Xbox plug from the Naki and graft it onto the  quick disconnect cord but that should be easy.

wouldn't that work?

[versapak]

For those looking to use XBox->USB adapters, you can't.

[adonis_minus_20]

Yeah, that would work, that's what I was saying you would need to do, I don't really care about using it on the PC, I was just trying to see for others on here, if the adapter would work with it.

Versapak: Yeah, I know you can make an adapter easily enough, thanks for posting the information.

[Lilwolf]

Is this a definate or a probably?   I don't know if others have been solved this way?

Trouble I have is I got special manager permission to buy it and return it knowing what I was going to do with it (try it on a non-supported platform).  I don't believe I could get him to return it again..

And I have no use for it since I don't have an xbox or a ps2.  But buying an xbox cable extension and and a cable hack seems fine with me. 

Anyone willing to trash a xbox extension and an extra usb cable to make sure it works?  I'm not sure if I am.  I have enought items around here that my wife bitches I don't use... because it 'should' work... then I find out its a pain in the butt to get working

[versapak]

Is this a definate or a probably? I don't know if others have been solved this way?

Trouble I have is I got special manager permission to buy it and return it knowing what I was going to do with it (try it on a non-supported platform). I don't believe I could get him to return it again..

And I have no use for it since I don't have an xbox or a ps2. But buying an xbox cable extension and and a cable hack seems fine with me.

Anyone willing to trash a xbox extension and an extra usb cable to make sure it works? I'm not sure if I am. I have enought items around here that my wife bitches I don't use... because it 'should' work... then I find out its a pain in the butt to get working

You wouldn't need an Xbox extension at all. Just need the controller and a regular USB extension cable.


If I wasn't already up to my teeth in Xbox controllers, I'd get one myself, but yeah... Wife isn't gonna go for it as is.

[Lilwolf]

the xbox controller would be for the female side.  So you don't have to wreck the original. 

I'm still tempted to buy it... even without a return option.   And hope that I can either resell it or just use it as a 35 box to hold a hack.

btw, the cable coming off the end is pretty small.  I found it annoying already.  So having the converter being a 6" extension might be nice.

But to the people who know what they where talking about (I've never heard about the differences between xbox's usb and PC usbs).  Should this really be it?  I know you can't confirm it unless someone does it themself... but should this cause the problem?  And therefor solve it?

[versapak]

the xbox controller would be for the female side.  So you don't have to wreck the original. 

I'm still tempted to buy it... even without a return option.   And hope that I can either resell it or just use it as a 35 box to hold a hack.

btw, the cable coming off the end is pretty small.  I found it annoying already.  So having the converter being a 6" extension might be nice.

But to the people who know what they where talking about (I've never heard about the differences between xbox's usb and PC usbs).  Should this really be it?  I know you can't confirm it unless someone does it themself... but should this cause the problem?  And therefor solve it?

Your post didn't make all that much sense to me, but...

Take the receiver piece that plugs into the Xbox. Cut it so you have some cable to play with on boths halves.

Take a USB extension cable. Cut it in half.

Connect the half of the USB cable, with the male end, to the cable connected to the receiver. This is the only step you need to do if your sole intention is using the controller on PC.

If you would like to keep Xbox functionality though...

Connect the half of the USB cable, with the female end, to the cable connected to the Xbox plug.


For the PC, you will need a driver. You can find one here:
http://www.redcl0ud.com/xbcd.html


I do know what I am talking about, and have modded several Xbox controllers for the PC (both wireless & not).

[MameMaster!]

neat. someone modded my thread fixing my giant photos. How did you do that? ...and how can I do it in the future?

[Lilwolf]

What I was talking about is you get the xbox extension cable so you don't have to modify the original at all. 

And cool!  it SHOULD work right!  I might just buy it back then and try it.  I don't mind trying to hack it, but I don't have a use if the hack doesn't work and I'm stuck with it PS2 or XBox since I don't own either.

the xbox controller would be for the female side.  So you don't have to wreck the original. 

I'm still tempted to buy it... even without a return option.   And hope that I can either resell it or just use it as a 35 box to hold a hack.

btw, the cable coming off the end is pretty small.  I found it annoying already.  So having the converter being a 6" extension might be nice.

But to the people who know what they where talking about (I've never heard about the differences between xbox's usb and PC usbs).  Should this really be it?  I know you can't confirm it unless someone does it themself... but should this cause the problem?  And therefor solve it?

Your post didn't make all that much sense to me, but...

Take the receiver piece that plugs into the Xbox. Cut it so you have some cable to play with on boths halves.

Take a USB extension cable. Cut it in half.

Connect the half of the USB cable, with the male end, to the cable connected to the receiver. This is the only step you need to do if your sole intention is using the controller on PC.

If you would like to keep Xbox functionality though...

Connect the half of the USB cable, with the female end, to the cable connected to the Xbox plug.


For the PC, you will need a driver. You can find one here:
http://www.redcl0ud.com/xbcd.html


I do know what I am talking about, and have modded several Xbox controllers for the PC (both wireless & not).

[versapak]

What I was talking about is you get the xbox extension cable so you don't have to modify the original at all. 

And cool!  it SHOULD work right!  I might just buy it back then and try it.  I don't mind trying to hack it, but I don't have a use if the hack doesn't work and I'm stuck with it PS2 or XBox since I don't own either.

I see what you are saying. The only problem with that is finding an Xbox extension cord that has the female xbox plug, and not the usual breakaway connection.

I do actually have a couple of those, and one of them modded for use on PC, for exactly the reason you mention.

That being said...

The ones I have are Gamester extension cables, and they have both the fat Xbox plug and the breakaway plug. I bought them at CompUSA (the only place I ever found em local), and they no longer carry em.

If not modding the controller itself is a concern, then can buy Xbox->PC adapters online that have the female xbox jacks. Lik-sang.com sells some that even have multiple ports on them (Basically a standard USB hub with Xbox jacks instead of standard USB).

[Lilwolf]

I know I know... beating a dead horse here...

but will all the xbox -> usb adapters work?  and are they really just that easy of a cable hack? 

they have some on ebay for a few bucks that I might get.  Or will some not take into effect that extra connection your talking about?

[versapak]

I know I know... beating a dead horse here...

but will all the xbox -> usb adapters work?  and are they really just that easy of a cable hack? 

they have some on ebay for a few bucks that I might get.  Or will some not take into effect that extra connection your talking about?

They should all work just fine, and yep, it really is just that easy of a cable hack.


The only thing you have to make sure of is that it has the right kind of port for you to plug into. Being that the controller doesn't have a breakaway on it, you would need one that allows you to plug in a full size Xbox plug (unless you want to hack the cable of the actual controller receiver, but we already established that you did not).

[MarkMan]

Just wanted to comment on the mods of this stick, they look awesome!

Always wondered, how was the lag on the stick/if any?

[adonis_minus_20]

Just wanted to comment on the mods of this stick, they look awesome!

Always wondered, how was the lag on the stick/if any?

Thank you for the nice comments on behalf of myself and MameMaster

[Lilwolf]

Well, just went and repurchased it...

have a cable to hack it (and not going with the extension... just hooking it up)  Hopefully both wires are color coded just right.  I'll look at the old posts about the break away to see what I have to do with that.

Anyway, hopefully tomorrow I will have time to hack it tomorrow... too busy today. 

[versapak]

Standing behind and above the plug, as you are plugging it into the Xbox, the colors would be (from left to right):

1 - Red (+5v)
2 - White (D-)
3 - Green (D+)
4 - Yellow (For Xbox Lightgun use, and not connected for standard USB conversion)
5 - Black (Ground)


In case the colors are odd on the Naki, the above info should give you wha tyou need to decode their "real" color.

[Lilwolf]

so don't connect the yellow then.  Cool!

I was going to look around for a website later today.  But this is probably all I need. 

THANKS for all your input!

[Lilwolf]

Works GREAT!  finally finished it this morning as I was waiting for my carpool.  Started cutting the wires last night, but had to put the kids to bed before I could finish everything.

Things to note.  They DONT use normal color wires AND they have EXTRA wires not being used (?).  So I had to rip the end off to see which where soldiered in.  This was pretty easy to do (crappy end on the xbox side). 

Also, you need good light to tell the difference.  They are like dark green (not used) and dark blue (used).  Black was white, Brown was green and Blue was black... (red was red) I'm pretty sure (DOUBLE CHECK IT YOURSELF).  Of course I already heat shrank it before shooting any pictures off... sorry if anyone cared.

But easy and works well through the xbox connection (not ps2). 
I cant tell any ghosting at all.  Super uppercuts without troubles.

Only trouble I had was r2 button doesn't work.  I'm assuming this is why it was returned to the place I bought it (I got it for a song because the box was trashed).  But that should be fixed a few seconds after I open it up.

Now...

replace all the buttons

then

replace the joystick

HEY... THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP!  If it wasn't for the help, I wouldn't have bought it twice and have the starting of the ultimate gaming for my work pc! 

[versapak]

I never had any doubts it would work, but still, I'm glad to see it is finally a 100% sure thing.


They had extra wires actually running all the way to the Xbox plug, but not connected? That is odd.

or

Was it just the wires that go to the PS2 plug, and you cut before the split?

[Lilwolf]

I didn't follow them back to see if they are in the ps2 side also. 

I just cut the wires close to the end... stripped it... and started to get a bit worried. 

[MameMaster!]

Just wanted to comment on the mods of this stick, they look awesome!

Always wondered, how was the lag on the stick/if any?

Thank you for the nice comments on behalf of myself and MameMaster

[MameMaster!]

I'm glad i started this thread!......this was a true collaboration!

[DarkBubble]

I went to the shop that had two of the Naki sticks a few weekends back and they had sold them.  Guess I need to buy a working adapter and hack a PS1 pad, because I'm not about to pay $60 for the Capcom Street Fighter Anniversary stick.