Removing Black Crud on the dreamcast controller

[badugi]

Hey, I know I'm new but I've been modding my own joysticks.  However I've wanted to start on making a control panel for the dreamcast.  I know its much easier to buy the dreamcast madcatz controller for the PCB however, I have nothing but regular dreamcast gamepads in my house, I've also been trying to search around the forums about simliar posts but hopefully you guys can help me....

what are some ways to efficiently remove the black crud so the copper shows without damaging the ground?  Anyone knows about this?

Thanks

[btp2k2]

Talk to HarumaN.

He charges 5 bucks per controller and sets you up right.

[badugi]

hmm, I was just thinking of doing this myself, although I've PM'd him on how he does it.  I read in SRK that people use x-acto knives?  I guess I can do it that way.   Any other suggestions?

[clanggedin]

I used a flat head screwdriver and lightly scraped it off.

[HaRuMaN]

Variable-speed Dremel + wire wheel is the way to go, IMHO.  See my Xbox 360 Hack thred for more details.  The procedure is basically the same, although with the Dreamcast you get the benefit of having a common ground for all connections.

[badugi]

Thanks HarumaN for your suggestion.  I may need a dremel for other controllers too.  I also have a ps2 madcatz microcon controller that has the same black crud.  So it may be intended for multiple uses. 

ps.  ps2 madcatz microcon controller's pcb suck imho.  (Seperate ground for every button). 

[northerngames]

I use a hobby razor/knife to remove them only where the wire is needed.

[Howard_Casto]

Thanks HarumaN for your suggestion.  I may need a dremel for other controllers too.  I also have a ps2 madcatz microcon controller that has the same black crud.  So it may be intended for multiple uses. 

ps.  ps2 madcatz microcon controller's pcb suck imho.  (Seperate ground for every button). 

You don't have a dremel?  (Gasp!!!) How do you function?  That's like saying "I don't have a tv" or "I don't have opposable thumbs."  As soon as you read this and I mean the instant you are done get in your car and exceed the speed limit to get to your local home improvment center, run to the rotary tool department as fast as you possibly can and pickup a dremel and accessory kit.  A byoacer not owning a dremel is like a plumber not owning any pipe wrenches, it's just unheard of.