Modify Dreamcast Agetec Arcade Sticks

[deadpool18]

I'm looking for an easy button mod for two Dreamcast Agetec Arcade Sticks.  I saw a few guides online, but the process seems beyond my ability.  Can anyone give me some advice on how to replace the buttons with higher quality ones?

I can get some blue Sanwa buttons on ebay for a fairly reasonable price ($30 for 12 with shipping included).  I'm not too worried about using a dremmel on the metal plate to make them fit, but I am concerned about wiring them.  I heard that you need to wire an extra ground wire, and I don't think I'm capable of doing something like that without messing it up.  I've never wired anything before in my life!

If there is a button available that is better than the ones included in this stick (I hate the way they feel) and is an easy drop in replacement, that would be great!

Or, doesn't anybody offer a modding service for these sticks?  I'm just looking to replace the buttons; the sticks are fine for the vertical shooters that I play.  I can't afford to spend much, so if someone could do it for a reasonable price that would be helpful.

Thanks!

[Jack Burton]

The sanwa buttons do not require an extra ground, if that is what you heard. 

If I remember right I think the Joystick and buttons were each attached to a separate connector to the pcb, with different grounds.  But you're leaving the joystick alone, so you don't have to worry about it. 

If you are fine with the dream, you will have no problems with wiring.  I wouldn't pay someone to do this, since once you have the buttons in, wiring is dead simple.  You connect the wires from the connector to each of the buttons, then daisy chain the wires from the ground to all the buttons.  Then you're done.

[waveryder]

Just be sure to check all the wiring before hooking the moded sticks onto the dreamcast. I can tell you from experience that the F1 resistor on the dreamcast i/o port will blow at the first sign of a "iffy" connection.

[kowal]

http://www.kowal.itcom.pl/ArcadeParts_pliki/modDC.htm