A very handy trick for switching Sanwa 'JLF' between 4 and 8 way!

[dmworking247]

Here's a very handy tip on how to switch your Sanwa JLF-model joystick between 4 and 8 way operation!

These are great joysticks in my opinion. They have a 'quality' feel and a very responsive operation. The only downside is wiring it up (you can't use normal quick connects without an optional harness), and its a little bit of a hassle to switch between 4 and 8 way operation (a little harder than other joysticks).

For the wiring, you can either solder to the pins (if you're cheap like me) or buy yourself an optional harness for quick connects. 

However, I've come up with an easy way to switch between 4 and 8 way.

Normally, you need to remove the hole restrictor plate from the bottom of the joystick (by carefully prying the 4 black tabs), then PUSHING the center disc out until it unlocks, and then twisting it into the 4 or 8 way position.

Here's an easy tip to vastly simplify this:

Step 1: Buy yourself a Sanwa JLF joystick.


Step 2: Buy yourself an IC Extractor from your local electronics store, and using pliers, bend the hooks OUTWARDS.


Step 3: Insert your custom 'Sanwa Rotating device" into the joystick, PULL out the inner ring, and rotate it. Done in 3 seconds! 


So now the Sanwa goes from being one of the hardest joysticks to switch, to possibly the easiest joystick to switch*.

*Except for top-switchable joysticks which cost a lot more!

[Bender]

 

[Shieldwolf]

 

nicely done.

[Ummon]

You still need a CP that flips up though.

[Ginsu Victim]

Yeah, I haven't understood how this makes anything easier.

[dmworking247]

Well I guess I assumed that most people who build cabinets from scratch build their control panels for easy access, even to check/change a microswitch.

Most of the original cabinets I have I can access the underside through the coin door, or the control panel comes off with two latches.

As I mentioned, its not as easy as a top-switchable joystick but its a damn sight easier than having to remove the whole restrictor plate from the joystick (which is near impossible to do with the control panel still attached to the cabinet).

With the cabinets I have, I can stick the IC extractor in through the coin door and switch the player 1 side in a matter of seconds.

[Ginsu Victim]

Ah....so those aren't made to where you just grab the plate and rotate like most other sticks? If not, then I see how your method could be helpful.

I understand about having easy access. I can either reach up through the coin door, or flip up the front panel. I originally had Happ Universals on mine, but have since switched to U360s. I still left easy access for hidden admins buttons and volume, though.