- Category
- What's New?
- FightSticks/Pads
- Joysticks
- Pushbuttons
- Spare Parts & Tools
- Hardware & PCB
- Electrical
- Customize
- Merchandise
- Pre-Order
- Sales & Clearance
- Brand
This issue occurs due to the need to comply with the traditional stickless layout positioning, and keeping the layout centered. You will need to remove a portion of the bottom plastic housing. You can accomplish this with a dremel with small rounded saw attachment, or some other form of cutting tool that works with plastic. You will need to cut enough for your 30mm button to fit.
In addition, you will need to download a firmware upgrade to unlock CPT certified SOCD cleaning (U + D = N, L + R = N). This is a Windows-only app.
Please see instructions under "Install Notes" for visual on where to cut and steps to install firmware
Please note that the Custom Art/Plexi Bundle only contains parts that complement the commercial Fightstick it is designed for. It does not include the Fightstick - this is purchased separately from Amazon, eBay or another vendor.
The fighting game community has enthusiastically embraced all-button - a unique arcade input control method that replaces the up, down, left and right directions with pushbuttons instead of a joystick lever. Thanks in part to AllFightSticks - makers of incredibly durable steel FightStick enclosures - you can now own a stick-less version of your favorite model.
This discounted bundle includes your replacement panel, plus custom artwork print, and clear plexi. Finally, you'll score special bonus items such as the Buttercade SnapOuts for 24mm and 30mm.
Obsidian Stickless Panel Template (Must use custom AFS metal panel replacement. Not compatible with Arcade Shock stickless panel replacement - 1.8Mb zip) |
The original panel has artwork permanently attached to it. To replace the original panel, you must first remove the 6 black stickers and epoxy glue below those stickers across the top and bottom area of the panel. Performing this will expose the original silver plexi panel screws. They will have epoxy residue - it's recommended that you purchase our replacement screws either in silver or black oxide. |
To access the internal wiring, use a Phillips head-screwdriver to unscrew 6 screws on the bottom panel. The sixth screw is hidden behind a white warranty tamper sticker, located in the top middle area of the bottom panel. Upon removing the bottom panel, please note the long cable that leads to the headphone jack. Now, remove each of the quick disconnects using a needle nose plier and pinching the tiny tabs in each QCD, then pull up. Note the wire color arrangement - you will need to refer to this arrangement after the Stickless plate and your replacement 24mm buttons are installed. Next, disconnect the 5-pin harness attached to the joystick lever; you will use this later. Proceed to remove the joystick lever by first removing the balltop. You can do this by wedging a flathead screwdriver into the bottom of the joystick shaft, then turning the balltop clockwise. Finally, unscrew the four screws from the lever mounting plate. |
With the terminals removed from each button, and joystick lever removed you are now able to lift the original panel from its plastic housing. You will find 6 silver screws holding the panel in place. Unscrew these and put them aside, as you will use them when installing the replacement panel. | You will notice that the stickless replacement panel will have an obstruction in the bottom hole; you cannot install a button while this is present. This issue occurs due to the need to comply with the traditional stickless layout positioning, and keeping the layout centered. You will need to remove a portion of the bottom plastic housing. You can accomplish this with a Dremel with small rounded saw attachment, or some other form of cutting tool that can cut plastic. You will need to cut enough for your 30mm button to fit. The guide above can assist with how much to cut, though you can likely cut less, so long as the area currently blocked by the plastic housing is clear. |
Now, with the bottom middle screw housing trimmed to accommodate the button, you can install the replacement AFS Stickless panel. Here, you will use the six silver screws that you removed from the original panel. |
With the firmware update completed, we now move to installing new artwork and plexi.
|
Now, we will attach the directional buttons and action buttons.
|
|
With the direction and action buttons installed, it's time to test your inputs. The application used here is gamepadtester.net, a free online application that can confirm directions as input by the fightstick to your computer, and by definition, to your console. Be sure to first change your Obsidian platform switch to "PC" before plugging into your computer and performing the test. It's worthwhile to test the inputs now. At the very least it will confirm that you wired the buttons correctly to the 5-pin harness. Remember that the first 24mm directional button is LEFT, the second 24mm is DOWN, the third 24mm is RIGHT, and the fourth is UP. Before proceeding to the next steps (firmware install), see if your Obsidian model may already have CPT compliant cleaning in its hardware. The firmware was introduced on April 27. 2023. If you purchased the Obsidian or Pearl past this date, the newer firmware may already be installed. |
The following instruction assumes you will use the CPT certified SOCD cleaner that is enabled via firmware upgrade.
|
In these next steps, you will connect your Qanba Obsidian to your PC and update the firmware.
|
These final steps are important
|
With your buttons, artwork and wiring installed, it's time to test the inputs again. As a reminder, when performing the inputs with the newer firmware, pressing the left and right input simultaneously should show no activity on the gamepad screen. The same should apply when pressing the up and down buttons at the same time. This lack of activity will represent "neutral" If you're able to confirm correct direction and neutral inputs via app, you're ready to go. Congratulations! |
Each AllFightSticks panel is constructed out of steel, with a protective black powdercoat, providing a matte-like texture that can also manage wear and tear.
Option Guide |
Often, you will have several options to personalize your control panel. Note: Not every option will apply to your Fightstick model. CUT BUTTON INSERTS | HOLOGRAPHIC PATTERNS Layout ConfigurationEach Fightstick has its own characteristics, with some sharing similar elements, such as the popular Vewlix button layout. We will specify what options are available for each Fightstick. Below are the most common button layout configurations: 8 Button Vewlix
First 6 Buttons
Last 6 Buttons
7 Button Vewlix
Removing Default ElementsSome Fightsticks, such as the popular MadCatz TE, offer additional personalization options by removing default elements such as control panel, start button, or screws. Cut options are defaulted to their authentic counterpart, displayed as [YES (default)] in the options list. For example, a MadCatz TE, the default configuration is to have the turbo/guide portion of the control panel cut, so that the control panel can fit properly. You have the option to select [NO] to prevent cutting these areas. Cut Control Panel? [NO]
Cut Start Button? [NO]
Cut Middle and/or Bottom Screws? [NO]
Cut Control Panel? [NO] - If you own a MadCatz TE, and installed a PS360+, you may no longer need the Turbo/Guide area of the control panel, located at top left. This option allows you to remove the Turbo/Guide portion. Please note that you MUST remove the actual control panel on the TE by unscrewing it before applying the plexi, or you risk damaging the plexi. Also, please make certain to select this option if you are also choosing to have artwork printed, or the plexi and artwork won't match. Cut Start Button? [NO] - On some joysticks - such as the Qanba Q4 - the start button is directly on the panel. You can select to have this removed. You can also select this should you desire a panel similar to the Eightarc Fusion or Synthesis series Fightstick, as the start button is moved elsewhere. Again, this option is available on specific joysticks. Cut Middle and/or Bottom Screws? [NO] - Selecting "no" on this option allows you to remove the middle top and bottom screw holes on specific joysticks, either for a cleaner appearance or to avoid rubbing your wrist against the screw. Please reconsider this option if you intend to have a full panel etch on your plexi, as etching physically changes portions of the plexi due to heat. In this case, it is best to leave the screw holes in place in order to keep the panel securely positioned. Cut Button InsertsPushbutton manufacturers such as Sanwa, Seimitsu, Crown and GamerFinger have each produced specific models with a clear or translucent plastic cap and flat plunger. These are often used to display a graphical insert, allowing you to enhance the button's appearance. That said, each button manufacturer has designed the artwork cap with a different diameter than their competitors. For example, GamerFinger's artwork cap has a diameter that is slightly larger than Seimitsu or Sanwa. An insert cut for a Sanwa artwork cap will fit loosely when inserted into the GamerFinger artwork cap. This is an undesirable result that can produce a white or colored ring around the insert. Now, you can choose the button insert cut to match the pushbutton you intend to use. This allows the insert to fit snugly within the cap. Brands and Model with Artwork Caps
Please note that if you later intend to purchase a different button, you may need to get new button inserts or new artwork. If you are uncertain which button you may choose, Sanwa is chosen by default. Button Cut for Qanba Q2 GlowQanba Crystal and Q2 Glow feature buttons manufactured by Qanba. These buttons have a smaller cap diameter, and thus require a smaller artwork insert. If you plan to keep the Qanba Crystal or Q2 Glow buttons installed when updating your artwork, please choose the option "Crystal/Q2 Glow".
24 vs 30mmWhen processing orders, a frequent mistake we found among new players is choosing the wrong size for action buttons, such as punch and kick. Within the fighting game genre, Japanese arcade buttons commonly consist of two diameter sizes: 24 millimeter and 30 milllimeter (mm). In most configurations, 30mm represents your action button. These are front facing, appearing most prominent on your Fightstick control panel. Option button, such as "Start", "Select", or more recently "Option", "Touch", or "Share" are usually 24mm. UPDATE: Owners of Neo Geo AES Joysticks will need 24mm pushbuttons instead of 30mm (Thanks SRK's DEZALB) Below is a visual representation of a common Fightstick control panel. Throughout this article, we will mark 24mm in green, and 30mm in Orange. Checking the Proper SizeAnother way that players can misinterpret the pushbutton size is by measuring the pushbutton plunger. Have a look at the diagram at right. The plunger - the part that you press down to represent an input - is 25mm or a bit smaller in most 30mm pushbuttons. Often this leads to the conclusion that one needs a 24mm button and not 30mm. Similarly measuring the button rim can lead to confusion, as it is intentionally larger than the button hole it is placed in. You don't want to use these measurements. Instead, review the button housing diameter, or the hole the button will be placed in. You can do this with a caliper - a digital caliper is often quite helpful for this and other arcade-related projects. Control Panel ConfigurationMost Fightsticks from MadCatz, Hori, Qanba, and similar will use these two sizes. How the buttons are used will depend on the model joystick that you own. Over time, we'll provide example configurations for specific popular Fightstick models and arcade cabinets using the color key for 24mm (green) and 30mm (orange). We'll also expand the key for future models if another size is introduced, and we offer for sale.
Holograph PatternsThe following patterns are available. Artwork is printed atop the pattern and its color changing effects will appear underneath. No Pattern (Rainbow)
Dots: Donuts
Dots: Dots Lite
Dots: Space Dots
Dots: Little Boxes
Diagonal: Static Storm
Diagonal: Thatched
Horizontal: Pillars of Light
Vertical: Tinsel
Texture: Texture 2
Texture: Magnetic Fur
Theme: Cannabis
Theme: Vortex
Wavy: Moon Lava
Wavy: Swirl 3
|
Image Edit |
If you would like to use a free, online Photoshop-like app to check out whether your artwork will work with a layout we offer, I highly recommend Photopea This amazing app works with our PSD templates and is a great way to preview your artwork or create new art files. It also exports to PSD, which is the format we recommend for submitting artwork. |
Support |
New to FA Plexworks?Click the "Options" tab for a detailed explanation of each customization option available to you. Using a mobile device? Click here to scroll to the descriptions. Artwork templatesWe offer a photoshop template for each custom artwork or custom plexi etch. Click the "Description" tab (or scroll up if on mobile device) to display the template and download. You can also click here to access our repository and download artwork and etch templates (in Photoshop PSD format) for your desired model and others. Important: Using templates outside of the ones we provide may produce unwanted output. We are not responsible for output generated from unsupported templates. More information here. Warranty and Support for FA Plexworks Custom OrderCustom orders cannot be returned for refund, or exchanged for another custom order. Orders damaged upon arrival are subject to special terms within our return policy. Please see our FA Plexworks FAQ for more information about our Plexworks return policy and related Q&A. If you have not used our Plexworks custom services before, we recommend that you visit our support section for updated information, helpful tips, and resources to get the best output. Some useful sections to review before making your purchase (will open in new browser window or tab):
|