Easy arcade controller maintenance even for beginners [e-Sports]

The great fighting game festivalEVO JapanThere are less than two months until the event.
So this time, I would like to leave you with some maintenance methods that can be done on the spot if you encounter any problems with your arcade controller while you're there.
Be sure to check out some useful items to have on hand!
*This is primarily for arcade sticks that have been licensed for PS4.

Note! !
This article does not recommend performing arcade controller maintenance anywhere.
Please perform maintenance with consideration for the surrounding area.

Before performing arcade controller maintenance [Causes]

Most problems with arcade controllers involve buttons or levers that don't respond.
The majority of causes are poor contact of the terminals or worn parts.
In other words, they can all be restored with just a little maintenance without any major changes.

On the other hand, they cannot handle problems other than poor contact or failure of irreplaceable parts, so in those cases you will have no choice but to use a rental arcade stick.
I think it would be better to change the rough and violent treatment that led to such things happening.
Even if you get heated up, don't punch the machine (hit the arcade stick)!!

Tools needed for arcade controller maintenance

First, prepare the items that are essential for maintenance.

・ドライバー
※ Prepare something that matches your arcade controller.
It's convenient to have a set

-Hex wrench (you don't need the number shown in the image)
*If the bolts are tightened with a hexagonal screwdriver instead of a screwdriver, click here.
There are other types besides the L-shaped type, so choose one that is easy to use.

・2-3 30mm diameter buttons
*In case of switch failure inside the button

・Lever ball
※To cope with the unlikely event of cracking

・Cotton swab
*For removing dirt from terminals and metal contact areas
100 yen items are fine

↓If you want arcade controller parts, click here

https://akihabara-bc.jp/akekon-parts/

Useful items for arcade controller maintenance [Goods]

It depends on the luggage you can take with you, but here are some useful items to have.
[amazonjs asin="B000N8UU72" locale="JP" title="ELECOM ECO ADECOM Non-Freon Dust Blower (1 unit)"]
・エアダスター
*Just wipe away the dust. Small can type is recommended.
[amazonjs asin="B071XL83HR" locale="JP" title="BONTIME Cleaning Cloth Microfiber 20cm x 18cm (Set of 8/Individually Wrapped) Gray & Blue"]
- A small cloth, such as a towel or eyeglass wipe
*For cleaning the top plate, buttons, and levers of the arcade controller
[amazonjs asin="B000TKDKA8" locale="JP" title="Absolute Ethanol P 500ml (Cleaning)"]
・Absolute ethanol
* For wiping off oil and dirt
[amazonjs asin="B015X2NHOK" locale="JP" title="Amazon Basics Pliers Set, 4-Piece Set"]
·pliers
*Use when the only solution is brute force.

Arcade controller maintenance methods for each case [levers and buttons]

The title says "Can be done locallyIt says, but you can do it at home, so about once a month.
If you maintain your arcade controller, it may last longer.
Unless something extraordinary happens, there will be no breakdowns that will make it unusable, so daily maintenance is
It's important, isn't it?

Button and lever maintenance

When it comes to arcade controllers, the two things they absolutely have are a lever and buttons.
Of these two, the buttons are the most likely to cause problems.
It's the most popular among both game consoles and arcade controllers.
Most of the time, the cause is poor contact (misalignment) of the terminals, rust, or dirt.

First, remove the back cover to access the inside.
Most of them require you to remove the screws on the bottom.
*Left: RAP N. Right: Fighting Edge blade

*If you have a TE2 or the original Panthera, you can access the inside with just one button.

It is common for the connector to come loose due to the vibration caused by pressing the button.
Before the tournament, be sure to check that the terminal is inserted all the way in.
I have previously written an article on button replacement, so please refer to it when replacing buttons.
*This procedure applies to Sanwa, Seimitsu, Hayabusa buttons, and Razer buttons.

https://akihabara-bc.jp/akekon-kaizou/

Basically, when it comes to push buttons, if there is something wrong with the switch, it is best to replace the entire button.
It is possible to separate the button body and the switch, and the switch alone can also be replaced.
However, it takes time to disassemble and requires a fair amount of work space.
Remember that if the switch malfunctions on-site, the button must be replaced.
*However, in the case of GamerFinger, it is not difficult to replace just the switch.

https://akihabara-bc.jp/switch-koukan/

The above article also includes information on how to replace and tighten the lever ball, so please refer to it as well.
Most people probably use it as it is when it is shipped, but there are some units where the lever ball is not tight enough.
It goes without saying that you should tighten it properly before a tournament, but when you purchase an arcade controller, please take a look at how tightly the lever ball is tightened.

Cable maintenance [disconnected wires/poor contact]

When it comes to maintenance around cables, we can't do anything too serious.
The main problems that occur around cables are
- Breaking of the cable itself
- Poor contact at the USB terminal
These three.
When it comes to cables, rather than just maintenance, you can reduce problems by paying attention to how you use them on a daily basis.

However, no matter how careful you are, trouble will inevitably occur when you are there.
If only the lever or only the button does not respond, it means that one of these is the cause.
But what if neither responds?
One possible cause is a problem with the cables, circuit boards, or other parts that aggregate input and output.

If the cable breaks, there's not much you can do.
In the case of detachable cables such as the TE2 and Panthera, even if the cable breaks, it can be fixed by replacing it.
*Image by the authorTE2This arcade controller uses a detachable cable.

The most practical way to maintain cables is toCleaning the terminals"is.
You probably don't realize it, but you should avoid touching the terminals (metal parts) with your bare hands.
If the metal or plated part of the terminal is dull, an oxide film has formed.
If left unattended for too long, it can cause rust and poor contact, so it is necessary to take action.
*Left: Dullness is noticeable. Right: Brand new USB terminal

The main focus of terminal maintenance is on the inside.
Simply apply a small amount of anhydrous ethanol to a cotton swab and wipe the terminals.
There's no need to apply it so much that it gets soaked, just soaking a cotton swab in it will be fine.
*You can also use tweezers and tissue

It is important to perform maintenance daily.

I'll repeat myself, but most of the maintenance methods that can be done on site can also be done at home.
What you do on-site is more like emergency repair than maintenance, so it's best to check the condition of your arcade controller every day.
Daily maintenance is important to reduce the chances of problems occurring at crucial moments.

What do you need pliers for?
This is the last resort when a metal part has been bent and there is nothing else you can do.
However, there is a possibility of destruction, so please use it carefully...
[amazonjs asin=”B01DF23T6Q” locale=”JP” title=”Sanwa Denshi Snap-in Push Button, 30mm Diameter, Gray with Black Frame, OBSF-30-KH”]