PS3 Hori Fighting Commander Pro? (also Seimitsu LS-58 stuff)

[Op Intensify]

I'm looking into this as a cheaper stick alternative for the PS3. It would also be good for the PC, since my 360 stick isn't exactly the most convenient thing to use with it. I could potentially mod my 360 stick, but that's probably far beyond my limited technical expertise.

How's the build quality? Buttons? Does the ability to slightly rotate the D-pad add anything? How about the switch to increase or decrease the sensitivity of diagonal inputs?

I'm not a huge fan of cross pads. I tend to prefer the floating-type pads on Genesis, Saturn, and Xbox controllers. The MadCatz SFIV pads have these, and I'd probably go for them if not for the poor build quality and button issues I've read about. Also, the PS3 versions are wireless-only, causing input lag.

[Zapf]

logitech's f310 and f510 have a floating dpad, and both should work with the ps3 (no home button though, they were designed for the pc). I've heard the analog sticks aren't as good, however.

If you mean mod your xbox 360 stick to support the ps3, thats pretty easy these days if its a TE! The TE kitty is a completely solderless mod (might have to strip a few wires but that's not hard). You didn't mention what it was, so I'm just guessing.

http://godlikecontrols.com/
http://shoryuken.com/forum/index.php?th ... ad.129829/

Make sure you grab the te-s harness or vs harness, if you have a later model of TE.

[Op Intensify]

It's an early model Madcatz SFIV TE. Would that be moddable (for PS3 support) for someone who's never soldered a thing in their life? The spinning PCB avatar is an affectation, I admit.

I'm also looking into switching in a Seimitsu stick for it. I know what model joystick I need, just not how to actually go about doing it, or what connectors I need.

[Zapf]

The TE kitty is completely solderless. You are just hooking up the original connections to the new pcb, which is then connected to the original pcb. The hardest part is just cutting the usb wires, stripping them and connecting them to the TE kitty. If it is an old enough TE (original design, prior to round 2), then you do not require the extra harness.

As far as seimitsu sticks go, that is just screws, nothing hard. The ls-32-01 should come with the correct mounting plate, as well as the ls-58-01. I think the ls-58 is the one everyone is checking out these days for shmups. Focus-Attack has them in stock.

[Op Intensify]

It's an original model TE, would I still need to strip and reconnect the USB wires? I really wouldn't want to screw up on that step and be out of a $150 investment.

[Zapf]

Stripping wires isn't that hard... if you fuck it up somehow, just trim past the mistake and try again. Or practice with a piece of wire before hand (have you never stripped a wire before?) But, if that is honestly too daunting for you, there is the teasy strike, which is even easier to install. I'm not sure of where to buy one these days - it is sold out on their website.

I can not imagine anyone ruining their TE while installing a Te kitty though.

[Op Intensify]

Yeah, at this point I think I'll just put in a Seimitsu and get the Commander or a Logitech for the PS3. Thanks.

[Op Intensify]

All right, I'm trying to decide between the LS-32 and LS-58. The only difference between them seems to be length of the shaft.

The Sanwa I currently have in the TE has the same length as the 32. Anyone wanna make an argument for the longer one? I don't use the stick just for shmups, it's for fighters and general arcade-style games as well.

[TrevHead (TVR)]

you can get a 1.5cm shaft extender for the ls-32 BTW

I bought a ls-32-01 for my brawlstick as a multipurpose stick, its my first stick and i'm happy with it even if I sometimes wish I had a tad more sensitivity for split second dodge reactions. I sometimes get exited if i'm doing well in a run where I would make a mistake using a pad, the 32 helps in this regard. I might lose that benefit from a more sensitive stick (isnt the 58 more sensitive than the 32?)

[Op Intensify]

This thread indicates that the LS-58 requires less pressure to register inputs than the 32. I prefer "smoother" sticks like that. I'm not sure what they were, but when SFIV came out in arcades I got to try cabs with these heavenly smooth sticks that felt like they were controlled more by my mind than my hands. The Sanwa I have isn't bad, but it's a bit too stiff for my liking.

So I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go with the 58, and I'd like final confirmation (preferably with a source) that the mounting plate will work in an early model original SFIV TE without any modification. I know this is true for the 32.

EDIT: Thread seems to indicate that the 32 and 58 have the same sized plates, but the screw holes are in different places.

[matrigs]

The Sanwa I currently have in the TE has the same length as the 32.

you sure about that ? an ls-32 is much shorter than a sanwa jlf.

but when SFIV came out in arcades I got to try cabs with these heavenly smooth sticks that felt like they were controlled more by my mind than my hands. The Sanwa I have isn't bad, but it's a bit too stiff for my liking

those sticks in the cabs were most probably also sanwa jlf. maybe just a little looser because used a lot.

the ls-32 is much harder than a jfl. don't know about the ls-58. it is supposed to be a softer version of ls-56 which is again harder than a ls-32.

If you want something super soft and accurate - i can't recommend the ls-33 enough. my stick of choice for shmups but that's mostly because i'm a wuss and have weak hands.

well i have had to use about 4-5 sticks before i have found one that i'm comfortable with.

[Op Intensify]

you sure about that ? an ls-32 is much shorter than a sanwa jlf.

No. I was eyeballing it.

But everything I've read about the 58 indicates that it's smoother. You haven't actually used it, so you don't know how different it is from the 56. Of course, neither do I.

It seems you need a different mounting plate for it to get it in the TE without modification. This one, I think.

[Zapf]

No.

"The Seimitsu LS-58-01 joystick comes with the flat MS plate, which can install on MadCatz TE"

http://www.focusattack.com/seimitsu-ls- ... tick-blue/

The other mounting plate just works for TE + all the other stuff.

Also the ls-32 does indeed have a shorter shaft - it still installs fine on the TE though, you just use the other set of mounting points (rotated 90 degrees compared to the jlf mount)

[Op Intensify]

Yep, I just got a mail back from Focus Attack clarifying that the standard MS plate does in fact line up inside the TE. I guess the only issue left is whether the 32 or 58 feels better, and that's pretty subjective. Guess I'll just have to pick one and bite the bullet if it's not what I want.

[emphatic]

May I recommend you pick up these as well:

http://www.focusattack.com/products/Sei ... Plate.html
http://www.focusattack.com/seimitsu-ls- ... nt-spring/

The octa-gate gives you superior definition and the spring will transform the LS-58 into an LS-56. A very small price for these but you all of a sudden have a couple of more choices, stick-wise. Some common complaints about the LS-58 is that the factory spring's too soft. A switch is quite easy.

[Op Intensify]

Thanks emphatic! I'll get those as well.

[man9child]

Does the flat plate the the LS-58 come with mount on an Egret 2? The flatplate for the LS-32 mounts no problems, I know the screw holes for the stick are in different places but are the mounting holes in the same spot?

[Ed Oscuro]

All right, I'm trying to decide between the LS-32 and LS-58. The only difference between them seems to be length of the shaft.

Take a look at this thread (older than the LS-58 though, so no specific info about that one):
http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=31163

I think user Sandlegs is right; the number in the LS-XX-01 refers to the shaft length in milimeters. The -01 has something to do with the switch type I think [EDIT: No, wrong; see below].

I've been considering swapping out my LS-32 sticks as found for LS-56 or 58 units. Then I see a post like this...

[TrevHead (TVR)]

. Then I see a post like this...

It was that post that made me pick the 32, although this thread is making me reconsider the 58

[man9child]

The -01 after the model number refers to if the stick has a pcb and is wired with a 5pin harness or not. The models without the 01 require you to wire each direction and ground individualy.

[Ed Oscuro]

The -01 after the model number refers to if the stick has a pcb and is wired with a 5pin harness or not. The models without the 01 require you to wire each direction and ground individualy.

Ahh, so I remembered correctly the first time. Hooray for self second-guessing

[matrigs]

. Then I see a post like this...

It was that post that made me pick the 32, although this thread is making me reconsider the 58

well actually deadzone is probably the most easy to mod characteristic of a stick because you can just wrap around electrical tape around the upper part of the actuator that hits the restrictor.

i'm very curious every time there is a topic about sticks for shmups that people don't prefer sticks with washers as the pivot like the ls-33 or ls-55 instead of those mushy bearing based ones like the ls-32. one feature that i hate the most in these sticks is the initial loose wobble of the stick before the spring kicks in. you don't have anything like this in washer type sticks.

[man9child]

I used electrical tape to decrease the deadzone on a JLF once. The whole bit with electrical tape around the actuator and bits of folded paper on the backside of the microswitches. It works, it dramatically decreased the deadzone but of course didn't alter the throw, so the stick still felt kind of weird but in a different way.

[Op Intensify]

Got the 58 with the parts Emphatic suggested. Looking forward to testing this baby out. It's reassuring that I'll have some options for sensitivity if I don't like the default configuration.

[emphatic]

Got the 58 with the parts Emphatic suggested. Looking forward to testing this baby out. It's reassuring that I'll have some options for sensitivity if I don't like the default configuration.

Looking forward to your impressions.

[Op Intensify]

Received and installed the LS-58 with the octagonal restrictor plate today; it's been getting its baptism of fire in Akai Katana and Blazblue. There was too much warranty glue on the old stick and it was a pain getting it off. I thought I totally effed it up when I plugged in the connector upside down, but it worked fine after I realized what the problem was. I don't need to replace the buttons; I love the buttery default Sanwas.

The stick is a huge improvement in every way over the old Sanwa for both shooters and fighters. Less pressure required for inputs, smoother rolling motions, and the longer shaft makes it easier to grip. I also find it easier to hit diagonals with precision, which was a major annoyance before.

At some point I hope to mod it for PS3 use.

[Ed Oscuro]

Did you have an LS-32 to compare it to?

Anecdote sounds great, but if the improvement is from a Sanwa, well...

[Op Intensify]

Don't have a 32, but I think the 55 spring will make it feel more like one if I install it. I don't really feel a need to as I'm perfectly happy with it right now.

[emphatic]

I'm perfectly happy with it right now.