Building an arcade stick for PS3

[EvilYoda]

So, this is my first serious foray into fighting games in years; I finally bought a PS3 and promptly downloaded SF2:HDR. I was also promptly reminded that I suck playing on a controller, so in order to get ready for SF4's release, I plan on building an arcade stick. I could just buy the Mad Catz $160 (or whatever) controller, but here's what I'm looking at:

Norris Arcade case (rounded, MDF, bare...I'll just sand it down, prime it and spray some bedliner)
Cthulhu PCB
Sanwa stick
Seimitsu buttons

I haven't looked at the prices for the stick and buttons too much but altogether I don't expect it to be more than $100.

Has anybody else built a stick recently? If so, do you have any suggestions for the building process, things to watch out for, etc?

Thanks

 

[randay]

I converted my homebuilt MAS clone from xbox to ps3, i just used the pcb from a regular sixaxis controller. I wouldnt recommend this unless you are experienced at soldering the traces lift very easily on that board. i also had to add a couple of resistors, i found the schematic for that online. i do have a problem with the joystick making doubling the input on what should be a single input, ie: i tap left in the xmb and it inputs left twice. i dont know if this is from my joystick being really old and the switch going, or if its because of my wiring. in game it works just fine though. that is to possibly say that i suck at the new sf2hd so badly that i cant tell. the only other game i have is battle fantasia which plays just fine, but isnt really combo heavy so any glitches i probably wont notice.

one thing i know is that for the price, you can just buy a stick thatll work just fine and save a bit of money over building your own. unless you are really particular or just want to build your own custom stick, money-wise it doesnt work out. just buy one of those Hori sticks I keep hearing about?

 

[bl4ckfl4g]

I was thinking about doing something like this cuz I don't really like the Hori Ex stick that I have. I went ahead and ordered the 150 dollar SF4 stick instead though.

 

[gorcorps]

Where are you planning on getting the case? The main site says everything is sold out.

 

[Imported]

Honestly.. I'd do an HRAP3 and get Sanwa or Seimitsu buttons. I wish I did that, but I instead modded my SC4 stick with Sanwa buttons and a Seimitsu stick. Would have been so much easier.

 

[EvilYoda]

Originally posted by: Imported
Honestly.. I'd do an HRAP3 and get Sanwa or Seimitsu buttons. I wish I did that, but I instead modded my SC4 stick with Sanwa buttons and a Seimitsu stick. Would have been so much easier.

Yeah, a lot of people have done that...I'm looking into that as well.

edit: $100!? pffffft, screw that. At that point I might as well just get the Mad Catz one.

 

[EvilYoda]

Originally posted by: gorcorps
Where are you planning on getting the case? The main site says everything is sold out.

I don't exactly need it urgently...I'll just wait for stock. SF4 doesn't release til February or so and I can still play it at the local Gameworks in the meantime.

 

[bl4ckfl4g]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
I can still play it at the local Gameworks in the meantime.

Argggg Jealous!!!!

 

[Imported]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda

Originally posted by: Imported
Honestly.. I'd do an HRAP3 and get Sanwa or Seimitsu buttons. I wish I did that, but I instead modded my SC4 stick with Sanwa buttons and a Seimitsu stick. Would have been so much easier.

Yeah, a lot of people have done that...I'm looking into that as well.

edit: $100!? pffffft, screw that. At that point I might as well just get the Mad Catz one.

Have they said what parts they're using for the Mad Catz one? I never looked into it. I remember somewhere had HRAP3s for like $80 a long while ago.

If you plan on getting any of the parts from Japan, it may cost. My stick and buttons were like $60 shipped from Japan.

 

[bl4ckfl4g]

Originally posted by: Imported

Originally posted by: EvilYoda

Originally posted by: Imported
Honestly.. I'd do an HRAP3 and get Sanwa or Seimitsu buttons. I wish I did that, but I instead modded my SC4 stick with Sanwa buttons and a Seimitsu stick. Would have been so much easier.

Yeah, a lot of people have done that...I'm looking into that as well.

edit: $100!? pffffft, screw that. At that point I might as well just get the Mad Catz one.

Have they said what parts they're using for the Mad Catz one? I never looked into it. I remember somewhere had HRAP3s for like $80 a long while ago.

If you plan on getting any of the parts from Japan, it may cost. My stick and buttons were like $60 shipped from Japan.

The 150 dollar one is using the same parts as the arcade cabinets. Sanwa buttons. I think Sanwa or Seimitsu stick. I forget but whatever the arcade cabinets have.

Can still make it for cheaper but I'm lazy and I like the look of them too. I have heard they are great from the people that have tested them.