U360 Joystick: Why can't I get the PCB to fit over the octagonal restrictor????

[Triangel7D]

On my U360 joystick, I'm now attempting to fit the PCB after installing the red octagonal restrictor and the 4 pillars.  No matter what I try, I can't seem to fit the PCB over the 4 pillars. It looks like some of the pillars are not perfectly straight (even though they screwed in easily).

Has anyone else successfully gotten the PCB on with the octagonal restictor? Help!

[syph007]

I had the same issues putting on my circular restrictor.  From what I remember I had to gently apply some squeezing pressure to the metal legs and try to get all 4 through the pcb at the same time.  It was kind of irritating and I wouldnt want to try to change restrictors very often.

[Ginsu Victim]

Take a post off and screw it into a hole on the PCB, then unscrew it.

Now do that again.

Ok, now screw it in a little bit, then force it the rest of the way. Move it back and forth in the hole until it moves freely.

Repeat for all the other holes.

Now install.

[Triangel7D]

Ginsu -- I saw that tip in a search of previous posts, but the posts don't even line up. I can get two to line up, but the other 2 aren't even close. Is this where syph007's bending tip comes into play? I know how fragile these posts are, so I really want to make sure I do this right.

[Ginsu Victim]

I've never understood the octagonal restrictor being used with the U360. It is made for the JLF only and the U360 is a JLW.

[Triangel7D]

I think Andy's octagonal restrictor is custom-made. It's a lot different than the JLF restrictor (Sanwa  GT-Y Octagonal Restrictor Plate).  Scroll down to the listing on this page:

http://www.lizardlickamusements.com/pages/joysticks.shtml

[Ginsu Victim]

I've never seen one up close. I was just going on the fact that you're not alone in having problems getting the thing on.

[Ginsu Victim]

I just looked at the pics vs the ones on ultimarc's site and there is a clear difference.

[Triangel7D]

It's funny -- it was the octagonal restrictor for the JLW that introduced me to the U360. I love the JLW, and always wanted the octagonal restrictor like the JLF's have.

[severdhed]

i installed one on my u360, i managed to break one of the shafts because it would't thread in properly.  even after i got those issues resolved, i only ended using the restrictors for about 5 minutes because i hated the feel of it.

[Triangel7D]

Problem is, I LIKE the feel of them! I've been testing the different restrictors out on a J-stik (JLW) that I already have. What did you have to do to finally get it on?

[severdhed]

mine lined up pretty close..i didnt have too much trouble with that aspect of it

[isucamper]

i installed one on my u360, i managed to break one of the shafts because it would't thread in properly.  even after i got those issues resolved, i only ended using the restrictors for about 5 minutes because i hated the feel of it.

I can echo these sentiments exactly (i've got circulars installed now).  I actually had the thread of a post break off in the U360 base and had to have Andy send me a new one. 

I love the U360.  Love it.  But I try not to think of those dark days when I was getting them installed. 

[Triangel7D]

Here is a photo of how the pillars are not aligning. Is this a case where gentle pressure should be applied, or is it something else?

http://s579.photobucket.com/albums/ss235/Triangel7D/?action=view&current=IMG_5274.jpg

[Ginsu Victim]

That's so close that if you feel you can force them in without breaking them, I'd say try.

[isucamper]

Here is a photo of how the pillars are not aligning. Is this a case where gentle pressure should be applied, or is it something else?

http://s579.photobucket.com/albums/ss235/Triangel7D/?action=view&current=IMG_5274.jpg

Mine weren't off that badly and I couldn't get it fitted.  I don't think you'll be able to make that work.  I'd send that picture to Andy.

[Triangel7D]

Andy has been in the loop, don't worry.

Okay, I decided to try putting in the pillars with no restrictor and the PCB fits PERFECTLY. It's the octagonal restrictor that it bending the pillars inward. Does any one know if Andy has had different versions of the octagonal? Maybe I have older ones?

[Triangel7D]

Just tried putting in the circular restrictor instead and had ABSOLUTELY no trouble. Perfect fit. Has anyone else successfully put in the octagonal and, if so, how easy was it to put in?

I know a lot of people end up with the circular, but I really love the octagonal! It's like having a Gamecube analog stick in my cab (which for me is a good thing).

[Triangel7D]

Been writing Andy a lot (who is as awesome as everyone says) and he's concluded that the threads in my Sanwa may be a little off and a little pressure may be warranted to get the PCB on.  Given that I only want to attempt that ONCE, I'm going to use a variation Ummon's mod (using longer metric screws and the original brackets to mount the octagonal) temporarily until I decide that I really want the octagonal permanently.

(Ummon's mod)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=85826.0

Thanks for all the advice everyone! This is a great hobby to have with a great community that's so willing to help out.

[Ummon]

Yeah, the nature of the design makes for a little swish in things. Hopefully my mod works for ya.