Changing out joysticks

[shorthair]

This is a sorta simple gig, but thought those new to things might get something out of this. Also, as the sticks have different size terminals, there's a twist to take into consideration. So...

Recently, I got some P360's. I already had T-sticks in my panel. I noticed the terminals on the P360's were smaller than the T-stick microswitch terminals. Apparently the T-sticks, really Suzo, being Euro, the switches are designed to a different standard. I had two options: cut the old clips off and crimp new ones on; or, as I wasn't sure about the P360's, and didn't want to have worry about shorter wires if I switched back, make some adapters. I did this, instead.

The first thing I did was make a diagram of the connections. Doesn't have to be intricate, but make sure it's accurate. Then I removed the old stick (second picture). Then I took some basic 22 gauge (I think) wire I got from Ace for less than two dollars (and it comes as a pair, so though I paid for 3 feet, I got six), and cut short strips. I then crimped on the male ends that fit the size of the original females ends (that connected to the Suzo's), and crimped the smaller, American standard, size female connectors on the other end.

Then I had a dilemma. How was I going to centre the new sticks? You see, the bases of the P360's are larger than the T's. This ended up taking me hours, in all, to get right, as my panel is a SlikStik, and there were no identifying cross marks or what-have-you. Basically, because of the lack of space to triangulate, I used a combination of stick base measurements and eye-balling the holes with my small ruler...as well as underneath (the top of the panel, as it was inverted)....clusterfuck, but it worked well enough to have some little bit of room in every direction. (If anyone has any better ideas in such a circumstance, I'd like to know them for future reference.) Then I connected everything up (last picture). Lastly, though it didn't come out too good and my camera is cheap, there's a picture of the top of the panel, afterward. Hope that was, or will be, helpful.

[bfauska]

Good idea with the adapters.  I'm sure that will come in handy someday if I experiment with different sticks.  I would have probably just kept cutting and re-crimping until my wire was too short, then I'd extend it and finally realize I should have made adapters to begin with. 

[BobA]

(If anyone has any better ideas in such a circumstance, I'd like to know them for future reference.) 

I would recommend using a template to change the mount from one control to another that does not match.   Draw out or trace the controls on thin cardboard or hardboard and do all your centering and calculations.  Drill holes for your old and new screws and you have an easy way to mark your new screw holes.    Make the template the actual size needed so you can easily see how the joystick will fit.

[theCoder]

Nice approach to the problem.  Gives you a fall back in case it doesn't work out with this stick.

I prefer solder over clips however.  Soldered joints very rarely fail.  It is a minor inconvenience if you need to change out a component, but I've never had one fail yet.  I have, on the other hand, had lots of fun at work tracking down bad connections.    Once a wire came loose from the crimp (took hours to find), and another time the clip vibrated off (easy to find, after major equipment disassembly.)  It cost my company a ton of money in down time while the problems were being tracked down.  But then again, most of arcade industry does use clips.  I prefer the peace of mind knowing the thing is never going to break.  Just my two cents.

[shorthair]

BobA: oh...my...god.  Sometimes it's the simplest thing, eh? You said template and I immediately said - OH! Well there ya go. Heheheheheheheeh, maybe that's why when I've asked before no one answered. In any case, thanks. The terminal size difference actually surprised me. I was planning on just throwing 'em right in. As it was, it took me some time to actually get off ---my bottom--- and get the parts...though (nod to theCoder) the soldering thing might be the cat's meow, there. I do have a cheap iron.