Inside the Sigma 9000TB controller

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EOJ
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Inside the Sigma 9000TB controller

Post by EOJ »

The Sigma 9000TB is compatible with the Sigma AV7000 supergun. It's an excellent controller with adjustable rapid-fire for each button. It can also be used on your PS2 with Sigma's optional adaptor. Here is a picture of the set:

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It has been said to use all Seimitsu parts, but no one seemed to know what exactly these parts were, so I decided to open up my 9000TB and take a peek.

First, after taking off the casing, this is what the inside looks like:

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A close up on the joystick reveals it is indeed a Seimitsu LS-32:

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Here is a pic of the button PCB. All the buttons are (unfortunately) soldered on the PCB, making modding a bit trickier than with quick disconnects like those found in the PS2 Hori RAP:

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A picture of the buttons from the side. All 8 buttons are Seimitsu PS-14-G:

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Here is a pic of the shaft without the balltop:

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It is higher than a normal LS-32, as there is no mounting plate below it. Perhaps a mounting plate could be added to lower the height of the shaft? Seems like an easy mod.

Finally, here is a close-up on the joystick with the balltop back on:

Image


So there you go. This stick does indeed have all Seimitsu parts (as Gaijin Punch and others said), and these parts specifically are the Seimitsu LS-32 joystick with Seimitsu PS-14-G buttons. The lack of a mounting plate on the LS-32 explains its higher-than-normal shaft height.

For those looking for a Japanese Arcade-quality alternative to a Hori RAP for their supergun and/or PS2 shmupping needs, this is a great option.
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GaijinPunch
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Post by GaijinPunch »

I opened up a broken one months ago. Should've taken pics. Anyways, thanks for doing it.

So are you using this one on your PS2 now? I agree -- great stick.
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EOJ
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Post by EOJ »

I haven't been playing my PS2 at all really, but if I do I'll definitely give this stick a try with those games. I still have my PS2 Hori RAP which I also like, I actually prefer the Sanwa buttons a bit at the moment. I'm going to play with the 9000TB for awhile and see if I convert over to Seimitsu buttons or not. :wink:
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Post by Jeffrey »

Is there a place to buy one online, or does one need to get one from Japan?
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SuperGrafx
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Post by SuperGrafx »

Excellent pics and info.
Sigma Superguns were always highly regarded, sharp-looking units. But I'm quite surprised by how clean and organized the PCBs and interior wiring is.

Quality craftsmanship in my book.
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Post by jpj »

cheers twe, this is the same supergun and stick i use. i was thinking of replacing the stick soon, so this info is very useful :)

for jeffrey - i have another arcade stick boxed never been used if you are interested.
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Post by GaijinPunch »

jpj wrote:for jeffrey - i have another arcade stick boxed never been used if you are interested.
You8 will be hardpressed to use it on a PS2 w/o the cable (unless you want to whip something up). The cable is rather pricey at 4,000 yen retail, but worth it. Also, shipping this w/ the supergun from Japan is ridiculously expensive. I think it's about 10,000 yen for shipping.
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Post by Ed Oscuro »

A wee bit of a derailment (I hope not!) but I've heard these sticks have excellent "throw." I imagine this means the amount of force you need to pull the stick, right?
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Post by EOJ »

SuperGrafx wrote:Excellent pics and info.
Sigma Superguns were always highly regarded, sharp-looking units. But I'm quite surprised by how clean and organized the PCBs and interior wiring is.

Quality craftsmanship in my book.
Indeed, you really can't find a better supergun. It's all factory-made, hence the clean and organized look. I have both
an AV6000 and an AV7000 (thanks GaijinPunch). :D
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Damocles
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Post by Damocles »

Ed Oscuro wrote:A wee bit of a derailment (I hope not!) but I've heard these sticks have excellent "throw." I imagine this means the amount of force you need to pull the stick, right?
Nope. Throw would be the distance the stick moves before being stopped. In this case it would be 6.5mm (according to Kowal's data), compared to 7.5mm on a Sanwa JLF and 12mm on a Happ Competition.
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Post by Damocles »

Interesting stick. It looks a little industrial for my tastes, but it's definately clean.
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Post by EOJ »

As Damocles noted, the throw on the LS-32 is shorter than the Sanwa JLF. I have both and personally I prefer the shorter throw of the LS-32 at the moment. The Sanwa stick is good as well, though. The LS-32 clicks a bit harder, and the JLF is a bit looser (which I don't really like so much for shmups).
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Post by Ed Oscuro »

Ahh. Thanks guys. Somebody should add that to the glossary, I think :P
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Post by GaijinPunch »

I made a few sticks w/ Sanwas, and loved them. Then bought this and out the door they went. I don't care for the look... at all. But, hey, it yields the best scoring for me.
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Post by EOJ »

I'm still having problems adjusting to the height of the stick shaft on the Sigma. I need to get a mounting plate and try and lower it.

But hey, I just played a credit of Maniac mode with Normal Reco (in Mushihime-sama Futari 1.5) and beat my high score by 2 mil with this stick. Still, if the shaft were just a bit lower it would be perfect.
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Post by KBZ »

so that thing is a supergun too? Looks pretty industrial, yet superfunctional.
=/
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Post by Ed Oscuro »

Kingbuzzo wrote:so that thing is a supergun too? Looks pretty industrial, yet superfunctional.
In the first picture the supergun is in the back left corner (with the connector visible). The Sigma doesn't necessarily sell with the stick included.
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Post by thchardcore »

I really dig the all enclosed models like the VEGA jr.
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Post by GaijinPunch »

Some retailers (GFront and even Try I think) are selling bundles (7000, 9000, Jamma harness, and composite video cables) for 35,000 yen. RGB cable runs about 3,500 yen, and S-Video about 2,000 yen. The Playstation cable is I believe 4,000 yen.

Seperately, prices are roughly:
7000AV: 20,0000
9000TB: 16,000 (may not include cable)
Jamma Harness: 2,500 or so.

So, the savings is 10% or so.
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bcass
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Re: Inside the Sigma 9000TB controller

Post by bcass »

Besides the cable, does anyone know what the difference is between this stick (9000TB) and the latest 3TB stick?
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Re: Inside the Sigma 9000TB controller

Post by bcass »

OK, I managed to find out myself. It seems the auto-fire dial has been moved onto the supergun for some odd reason. Not a big problem if you're planning to mod it with a Brook board. Not sure if it's still Seimitsu parts inside though...
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