+1 on modding the Tankstick

[garnerb350]

Yesterday my order of Cherry microswitches came in....I flipped my X-arcade tankstick over and proceeded on switching out the factory X-gaming switches out and replacing with the Cherries...Whole procedure took about 30 min.

I replaced all the pushbuttons...and i have to say....I am impressed. The buttons are quieter and I also feel that the pushbuttons are more sensitive. I used SF2 as a test subject and I was knocking out combos left and right...I highly suggest any and all x-arcade users to switch your switches...

Question: On the joystick microswitches....is there a way to swap out the metal pushbars and place them on the Cherry switches?

[bkenobi]

Just buy the correct microswitch.  They aren't that expensive and are readily available.  The only problem is ordering the one with the correct button force, throw, lever length, etc.  I have a pair of LS-30's that had a couple bad switches.  I went through Radar Electric (a local store that used to have an online presence) and they helped me pick the right ones.  I talked to Mouser (as I recall) at the same time and they were very helpful too.

However, it's possible that you might be able to pull the lever out and swap it.  I've never tried, but worst case you break a switch.   

[garnerb350]

How can i find out what model number it is? I thought they were just called microswitches...

Like for example...what does LS-30 mean anyway?

Thanks Obi-wan

[bkenobi]

LS-30 is the model of the joystick I have (like Happs Competition or something).  The switches are just microswitches with levers installed that meet the requirement the manufacturer decided they needed to meet.  There might be a model number on the switch itself (any good product should identify itself).  I don't have any in front of me to look at, but I'm pretty sure even Cherry switches had numbers molded into them to identify what it is.  If you can find that number, you can find a spec on the part (usually).

[u_rebelscum]

I think you want happs switch part #95-0735-00 "Cherry Switch with 1" Blade".  It probably has a different cherry name, but I think you can look up any Happs "Super" joystick replacement switch (which the x-arcade is a copy of).

[garnerb350]

Thanks Guys!....that just what i needed...

[garnerb350]

anyone know where i can find those...(they are ^&%$ expensive on the Happ site...) $3.15 a piece?

[bkenobi]

That's funny that the 1" lever is $3.15 but the 3" is $1.85.  I was sent the wrong lever length the first time when I ordered my replacements, so I just cut the lever shorter with a hack saw.  Works fine and has for the last 2 years.  I guess if you can't find a better price, you could order the longer ones and cut them down?

I couldn't find that part number at Mouser or Digi-Key, but I didn't look too hard.

[u_rebelscum]

anyone know where i can find those...

I'd ask DM.