How to Install a Universal PCB into an Arcade Stick

The Universal PCB (UPCB for short) project was started to allow a single game controller, especially fighting sticks, on as many different consoles as possible. Information about the project can be found on the following thread in the Shoryuken.com forums: Shoryuken.com

This Instructable will guide you through the steps necessary to install an assembled UPCB into an arcade stick. Pictures and details will be from the installation in my Hori Real Arcade Pro 2 (HRAP2) stick. At least in the beginning, this Instructable will be fairly focused on the HRAP2 installation, but will over time grow to cover topics for installing in any arcade stick.

Step 1 Remove Bottom Plate

Flip the HRAP2 over, and you'll find eight Phillips head screws hold the bottom metal plate in place. All of the screws are visible, so there is no need to remove the rubber feet.

Unscrew all eight screws, and set aside someplace safe. Lift and remove the plate. If you have difficulty lifting the plate, a small flat head screwdriver can be used between the cable and metal plate to lever it up enough to grab with your fingers.

Comments

[DanAdamKOF]

You SRKers always seem to prefer the Capcom layout so much you remove buttons to keep it. What's wrong with a little versatility? And you can't properly play KOF without 4 in a row.

[Toodles]

The UPCB supports can support two addition buttons, so using the eight main play buttons the HRAP comes with new is very possible. With a programming button, you can reassign the keys on the fly to any button you want, so changing between a curved 4 layout and a 2x2 layout is simple. If you want the four Neo buttons to be all four buttons on the top row, you can. Personally, I use the curved four layout for most Neo games on my consolized MVS, using short, jab, strong and fierce for A, B, C, and D respectively. Except KOF and Garou, which I prefer a 2x2 layout (jab, short, strong, and forward for A, B, C, and D respectively). I use my old style stick for all of my development and testing. With a UPCB, you definitely have the option of playing it any way you'd like. It has that versatility, and there's nothing wrong with it at all. :)

[DanAdamKOF]

Ah, gotcha. This universal pcb is really spiffy, and though I probably would never have the time to do such an installation and adapter-building, I'm curious as to whether they come preassembled. I ruined the pause dipswitch on my MVS by soldering to the PCB unsuccessfully (this was for a pause switch, before the universe bios was out).

[Toodles]

Check the Universal PCB thread in the Trading Forum section of Shoryuken.com
There is an ebay auction for a fully assembled one ready to install going to end soon. Keep an eye on that thread; if there's enough demand, I may end up having assembled ones available for sale directly there.