Are there any guides to stick modding/PCB replacement?

[Edmond Dantes]

Sitch in a nutshell: I have two Pelican Real Arcades I bought before I realized they were bad. I can't sell them (the shipping cost would eat any profit) so I wondered if maybe I can't grab some solder and make respectable sticks out of them.

One of the problems is they can fry PS2s, but I've heard if you take the guts out of a normal PS2 controller and put it in the stick that'll fix it. So are there any "how-to" guide on how to do this?

And once I get my hands on some Seimitsu or Sanwa parts, how do I actually put them in there? Is this self-explanatory or do I need a guide?

Thanks, and sorry if this has been asked before--I'm on a timer and couldn't check.

[shmuppyLove]

If you're just beginning with joysticks/modding, slagcoin.com is required reading.

Section 11 (PCB and Wiring) will be of particular interest to you. Although, you may want to consider using an MC Cthulhu instead of just a PS controller PCB -- that way you will have compatibility for many different systems, not just PS1/2. The Cthulhu is also better designed for this type of thing -- it has screw terminals to connect your controls to instead of having to solder to traces on a pad PCB.

Also lurk the Tech Talk forum on Shoryuken.com -- there are many custom stick builders that are regulars there and are very helpful with modding info.

[Edmond Dantes]

That Cthulhu thing sounds promising, but is there a way to make it work for Dreamcast and Saturn as well?

And its not known to burn out systems like some other multi-system PCBs are *cough*Pelican*cough* is it?

Reading the guide... sheesh! All the tech talk is almost enough to turn me off, but I'm more of a "learn by doing" guy anyway.

EDIT: I think Ill start with replacing the PCB since that's the biggest problem. I don't absolutely have to change the sticks or buttons, do I? (I honestly don't remember there being anything wrong with these controllers besides the console-frying PCBs)

[StarCreator]

From what I hear, the Multi-Cthulhus support virtually any console under the sun so long as you are capable of making a connector for it (typically by either sacrificing a controller or finding an extension cable). They're a solid choice for flat-out PCB replacement.

If your Pelicans are what I think they are, changing the lever and buttons would be more difficult than just creating a new case from scratch. You're probably stuck with what you've got, for better or worse. The PCB replacement is really the only viable maintenance you can perform.

[shmuppyLove]

That Cthulhu thing sounds promising, but is there a way to make it work for Dreamcast and Saturn as well?

And its not known to burn out systems like some other multi-system PCBs are *cough*Pelican*cough* is it?

Reading the guide... sheesh! All the tech talk is almost enough to turn me off, but I'm more of a "learn by doing" guy anyway.

EDIT: I think Ill start with replacing the PCB since that's the biggest problem. I don't absolutely have to change the sticks or buttons, do I? (I honestly don't remember there being anything wrong with these controllers besides the console-frying PCBs)

You can go a couple of ways with PCBs -- the MC Cthulhu is definitely a more advanced option, as you need to solder to some fairly small points on the PCB to do the RJ45 mod, and then you have to build a cable for each system. It's not rocket science, but if you've never done this type of work before it will probably be too challenging. You'll also need to start building up a good set of tools.

Swapping the existing PCB for one out of an old digital PS1 pad is a bit simpler, depending on the pad you're using (some have easily-accessed solder points, others have none) -- you can then find converters for just about anything for PS1/2 -> 'x'. I just recently picked up a PS -> Wii adapter that works perfectly.

After a while the converters will probably add up to more than the cost of the Cthulhu, obviously depending on how many systems you have.

[Edmond Dantes]

If your Pelicans are what I think they are, changing the lever and buttons would be more difficult than just creating a new case from scratch. You're probably stuck with what you've got, for better or worse. The PCB replacement is really the only viable maintenance you can perform.

This post makes it sound like its not so difficult. But PCB replacement is mainly what I want to do anyway since that's the biggest issue with these sticks.

Anyway, Seimitsu and Sanwa don't seem to offer the kind of buttons I like--I prefer the concave style.