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PS1 Namco Arcade Stick Mods

NPC-102.jpg


I've wanted to mod my Namco stick with the GP2040-CE so I figured the fastest way would be to create a custom PCB. It allows to use Sanwa, Seimitsu, and of course the original Namco buttons.

Parts needed:
  • Raspberry Pi Pico
  • 5-pin and 8-pin connectors are S5B-XH-A-1 and S8B-XH-A-1 (optional, you can just solder wires directly to the PCB)

Required only if you want the USB host functionality:
  • R1 and R2 are generic 22R 0603 resistors
  • F1 is MF-PSMF050X-2
  • USB-A uses a generic footprint, most through-hole USB-A connectors should fit just fine

Information on how to flash the Pico - https://gp2040-ce.info/installation

You'll need to change the button layout, so remember where you wire PIN17, because by default it's "S2", which is required to enter the Web Config.

Enjoy :)
 

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This took some time. I made the mistake of ordering the buttons from Aliexpress thinking they would somehow end up being legit; they were obviously counterfeit. I just got the legit ones from SmallCab and immediately modded the stick…
Nice! Do you offer this PCB for sale?
 
For years I used a Sanwa JLF 2lb. spring in this stick, but it was starting to feel too heavy given the throw distance, especially for fighters. I swapped in a Seimitsu LS-55 spring, and I really like it. It's a better fit since the diameter is much closer to stock than a standard JLF spring, plus it's just slightly stiffer than a JLF 1lb., so it's better for shmups, which I tend to play more of on PS1 than fighters. It's fine for fighters too, unless you need that stock JLF broken-in feel. Hopefully this helps folks in a similar situation.
 
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What can I do to make this stick feel more like a JLF?

I find dashing sometimes can be troublesome (have to tap directions twice faster than a regular JLF) but unsure if this is just an issue with microswitches on the joystick going out. I don't mind the stock stick apart from dashing issue, but was thinking of using some Omron V-16-3CS's as they are rated of a operating force of 200gf - have read about the positive feedback for the D44x's but would like to keep it close to a JLF as possible but unsure if they'd be an easy replacement.

 
What can I do to make this stick feel more like a JLF?

I find dashing sometimes can be troublesome (have to tap directions twice faster than a regular JLF) but unsure if this is just an issue with microswitches on the joystick going out. I don't mind the stock stick apart from dashing issue, but was thinking of using some Omron V-16-3CS's as they are rated of a operating force of 200gf - have read about the positive feedback for the D44x's but would like to keep it close to a JLF as possible but unsure if they'd be an easy replacement.

If you haven't modded it, start with getting a stock JLF 1 lb. spring. If that doesn't get you there, I think you can swap in a JLF, but that requires a bit of extra mod work.
 
If you haven't modded it, start with getting a stock JLF 1 lb. spring. If that doesn't get you there, I think you can swap in a JLF, but that requires a bit of extra mod work.
Do I have to do anything to the spring itself or can I just drop it in?

Don't really have any issues outside of playing anime fighters, feels like double tapping the stick to dash sometimes does not work and the input does not get read.
 
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