X-Arcade™ Dual and Solo Joystick Support

MAME, GameTap, and Other PC/Mac Games Help:

General Troubleshooting:

Console Troubleshooting:

PS/2 (Keyboard Port) Troubleshooting:

Parts Replacement Instructions:

Download the X-Arcade™ Test Utility Program:

PC USERS: We have created the X-Arcade™ Test Utility Program to test the buttons and directions on the X-Arcade™ (microswitches) , proper connection to the PC, as well as verifying that it is ready for MAME™. This program can be run on a PC only, but should still be your first step to solving problems.

To use the test:

• Be sure NUM LOCK is ON on your keyboard for the test.
• Be sure that you are using the "Standard US" keyboard layout in your operating system or some buttons may read differently.
• Move the switch on the back of the X-Arcade™ to Mode1(the position closest to the serial port), the push the button on the back of the X-Arcade™ twice (the light on the X-Arcade™ should turn off from the first push, and back on with the second) to load Mode1.
• You do not need to hit "F1" as indicated in the test utility, simply push the buttons and move the joysticks on the X-Arcade™ once the program is running and the pictured X-Arcade™ should move accordingly.
• Download X-Arcade™ Test Utility Program

MAC USERS: If you have a Mac, you can use Keyboard Viewer (or KeyCaps pre-OSX) to test that the X-Arcade™ types the functions shown on the default Mode1 button layout.

In any Operating System you can also simply use a word editor to test that the X-Arcade™ types the functions shown on the default Mode1 button layout. Note that some of the buttons are set to CRTL, ALT, and SHIFT, these buttons will not type anything.

TEST RESULTS: If the X-Arcade™ does not respond in the test, click here to verify proper connection. If a single button or direction is sticking or does not work, click here for more help.

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How do I use the X-Arcade™ with GameTap™?

GameTap™ has X-Arcade™ support built in!

1. Click the ""controls" menu.
2. Click the "Edit Controllers" button.
3. Click the "Assign to Players" tab.
4. For most games under keyboard and next to player 1 choose "X-Arcade™ Left. For dual-joystick games such as Robotron™ and Karate Champ™ choose "X-Arcade™ Dual" instead.
5. Next to player 2 choose "X-Arcade™ Right.
6. Click " OK".

If you wish to change the controls manually, under the "Map Controls" tab choose the controller side that you want to change from the drop-down menu ("X-Arcade™ Left" for example) and double-click the button you wish to reassign. Then press the button/direction you wish it to use.

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How do I change the X-Arcade™ from 8-way to 4-way mode?

If you are playing a game like Pac-Man™ or Donkey Kong™ and find that the joystick gets stuck when changing directions, this is because these original arcade games used 4-way restricted joysticks. You can solve this with the X-Arcade™ by changing it to 4-way mode.

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How can I disable the "StickyKeys" shortcut?

The "StickyKeys" shortcut is activated by default by hitting the Shift key 5 times on your keyboard. To disable it, hit the Shift key 5 times to activate the StickyKeys shortcut (if it does not come up, then you do not need to continue). Click the "Settings" button, on the next window that appears click the first "Settings" button again under StickyKeys, and finally uncheck the checkmark next to "Use Shortcut". Click the "Ok" buttons to get out of these windows, and it should no longer bother your gameplay.

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Midway™ Arcade Classics CD Questions

Your X-Arcade™ Midway™ Arcade Classics CD includes the manual on it with many support answers. You can also download the newest version here:
Midway™ Arcade Classics CD Manual

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How can I use more than one X-Arcade™ at a time on my PC?

You can plug in up to 2 X-Arcade™ 2-Player controllers or 4 X-Arcade™ Solo 1-Player controllers on your PC. You can plug one X-Arcade™ or Solo into the PS/2 port, and any others must go into the USB ports using our USB X-Adapter™. You will want to reprogram each controller to use different keys. You cannot plug one X-Arcade™ into another.

For 2 Solos, it is easiest to simply make the 2 Solos act as a 2-player X-Arcade™. To do this, you'll simply want to program one of the Solos to be the player 2 controller, leaving the other in Mode1. Program the player 2 Solo to use the same buttons as the 2nd player side of our 2-player controller.

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Why doesn't my joystick control my character in my game on my game console?

Handheld controllers for newer game consoles feature both digital and analog controlling devices. Most games use the D-pad and/or left thumbstick to operate a game. The X-Arcade™ supports only one digital joystick per player, therefore a mode change needs to be made to select whether this joystick functions as the D-pad or the left analog thumbstick. Switching between digital and analog control is easy, and is slightly different for each console. Click on the key legend below for the console for which you are attempting to use:

Playstation 1 & 2
XBOX
GameCube
Dreamcast

Some games may require the use of 2 control devices simultaneously , we recommend using the standard handheld controller for such games.

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Namco Museum 50th Anniversary Edition help.

There is a known issue with the 50th Anniversary version of this game, but luckily there is also a work-around. Simply press Select+Start in the game, then press Select+Square, then press Start to play. You might have to do this a couple of times to get it to recognize it, but once it does the game works fine.

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Playstation 3 Instructions/Help

Playstation™3 Layout & Instructions

Connection:

1. Connect PS3 adapter to PS2 adapter's P1 connector. (for duals connect 2nd PS3 adapter to PS2 adapter's P2 connector also)
2. Connect one side of serial cable (included with all X-Arcade™ controllers) to PS2 adapter.
3. Connect other side of serial cable to X-Arcade™ controller.
4. With PS3 console on, connect PS3 adapter's USB connector(s) to any port on the PS3 accept the one closest to the edge of the console.
5. Lights on PS3 adapter will begin blinking. Press Select+Start to make blinking stop (for duals do the same for player 2 side).

To exit a game, press Select+Triangle. (If it does nothing, press Select+Start then Select+Triangle).

PS2 Games Only:

Lights on PS3 adapter indicates controller assignment:
Blue = Player 1
Red = Player 2
Yellow = Player 3
Green = Player 4

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A Joystick Direction or Button is sticking or not working, what should I do?

The first thing you want to do is test the X-Arcade™ using the X-Arcade™ Test Utility program. This program can be run on a PC only, but should still be your first step to solving any problems. Be sure that the X-Arcade™ is in Mode1for the test, and that your NUMLOCK is ON..
Download X-Arcade™ Test Utility Program

If all of the buttons and directions work properly in the test program, then your X-Arcade™ is working properly. You may need to simply configure it properly for the game/emulator you are trying to use it with. See MAME™ instructions above.

If a joystick is sticking in one direction, you likely simply need to adjust the microswitch for that direction.

If a single button or joystick direction does not work in the X-Arcade™ Test Utility Program, or you do not have access to a PC, you can open the X-Arcade™ and follow all of these simple steps to determine the exact cause problem:

1. Open the X-Arcade™
2. Check to see if the microswitch has by chance simply fallen out of it's socket, and if it has just snap it snugly back into place.
3. Be sure there is nothing, for instance a wire, in between the microswitch and the button causing them not to connect properly.
4. Check that the wires on the microswitch are firmly attached to both the microswitch, and the jumper on the PCB. You can unplug the jumper from the PCB, then reattach it firmly. Click here to see schematic.
5. If a joystick direction is sticking, you most likely simply need to adjust the microswitch to be less sensitive as shown here.
6. Finally try swapping another working microswitch with the one causing problems to see if it is a faulty microswitch. If the problem follows the microswitch to the new location, the microswitch needs replaced.

If you need further assistance after trying everything above, or have determined that you need a microswitch, click here to fill out an online case support request form to let us know.

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How can I make the X-Arcade™ joystick more or less sensitive?

If a joystick is sticking in one direction or you would like to make your joystick more sensitive to movements for a fighting game, adjusting the microswitch sensitivity is your answer.

To do this, you simply open the X-Arcade™ and you will see the microswitches for the joysticks. The metal arms on them can be adjusted toward the stick for more sensitivity, or away for less. The best way to do this is to hold the microswitch closed, and bend just the part of the arm that is past the microswitch SLIGHTLY. Do this a little at a time and try it first as this is quite a sensitive adjustment.

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I have a loose connection somewhere, how can I fix it?

Tripping over the wires, or dropping any product can cause a connection to go bad. If you feel that you have a connection issue, you next want to determine if it caused by A) the serial cable, B) the PC or game console X-Adapter™, or C) the X-Arcade itself.

Is it the PC/console X-Adapter™ you are using? The best way to determine this is to try the controller on another PC/console if you have one. If the problem only happens on the one system, it is most likely the PC/console X-Adapter™. Consider this and move on to the next step to be sure.

Which side is the bad connection on? To test this, connect the X-Arcade™ firmly to the system you want to test on. While the system and X-Arcade™ is on, hold the center of the serial cable against something stable and jiggle slightly each end of the cable to see which side of the cable has the loose connection. Usually the LED on the X-Arcade™ will blink while jiggling if there is a connection problem. Once you determine which side causes the problem, then remove the Serial Cable, flip it around the other way, and test it again. If the same side of the CABLE is still acting up, then it is likely a bad cable. If the same side of the CONNECTION (to the PC/Console side or the X-Arcade™ side) is still acting up, then it is likely the connection to the device (PC/Console or X-Arcade™) and you should fill out an online case support request form letting us know the results of this test.

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How do I use the X-Arcade™ with a USB or WIRELESS KEYBOARD?

NOTE: The X-Arcade™ will not work in a PS/2 keyboard port unless a keyboard is plugged into the back of the X-Arcade™ before the computer boots up. Without a keyboard plugged in, Windows™ will disable the PS/2 port.

If you have a USB or wireless keyboard you may be able to use a standard USB to PS/2 adapter to plug your keyboard into the back of the X-Arcade™, many USB keyboards even come with this adapter. This may work, but the only way to find out for sure is to try it with your hardware.

You can also have 2 keyboards connected to a computer without issue. This means that you can have a standard PS/2 keyboard plugged into the PS/2 port so that the X-Arcade™ works, and still use your USB or wireless keyboard.

If the USB to PS/2 adapter does not work for you, or if you have a wireless keyboard/mouse combo with a single USB receiver for both and do not wish to have 2 keyboards connected, you will need our USB X-Adapter™ for your X-Arcade™ which will allow you to plug the X-Arcade™ into a USB port instead. With our USB X-Adapter™, you do not need to have a keyboard plugged into the X-Arcade™ to use it . Keep in mind though, you do need to have a keyboard plugged into the back of the X-Arcade™ to program it., but you can simply plug any standard PS/2 keyboard into the back of the X-Arcade™ when you want to do so. Once the X-Arcade™ is programmed, you can unplug the keyboard from the X-Arcade™, and still use the programmed modes.

NOTE: The only USB adapter that will work properly with the X-Arcade™ is the one that was made for it, a standard PS/2-USB adapter will not work.

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I am having problems PROGRAMMING my X-Arcade™

Most problems with programming are because user's forget these important rules:

• A keyboard MUST be plugged into the back of the X-Arcade to program it, and only the keyboard plugged into the back of the X-Arcade can program it.
• Remember that MODE 1 (switch closest to the serial cable) cannot be programmed.
• When the light is on you are in play mode, when the light is off you are in program mode.
• Programming is for the PC only, and does not function on game consoles.

Updated and easier to understand programming instructions are now available

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Why do I get "Device Not Recognized" when I plug in my X-Arcade™?

When you plug the X-Arcade™ into a USB port on a Windows XP/Vista PC, you should get a message to install drivers. Simply continue to press "Next" and "Continue Anyway" at all promts until you get a message saying your hardware is ready to use.

If instead you get a message saying "Device Not Recognized":

1. Be sure your PC has USB 2.0, it will not work in USB 1.0.
2. Be sure you are only connecting the USB connector to the PC, NOT BOTH.
3. Be sure you are plugging into a USB port directly on the back of the PC (not in the front, not in a USB Hub, not with an extension cable, not with a fox in a box).

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Why is my keyboard double-typing, sticking, or freezing using X-Arcade™?

Turn off your antivirus software. Antivirus software when set to automatically scan for viruses, may have a default option to protect instant messenger programs set to on. This service starts with windows on boot up and could be causing the problem. Also try using a different keyboard plugged into the back of the X-Arcade™.

NOTE: The only USB adapter that will work properly with the X-Arcade™ is the one that was made for it, a standard PS/2-USB adapter will not work.

Here are some common symptoms/reasons that you may need our USB X-Adapter™ (These only apply to older non-USB model controllers):

• If you notice that you cannot get a response by pressing one button (does not type), but if you press two buttons at once it types a single letter into a word editor.
• If your PC speaker beeps when you press buttons or directions on the X-Arcade™.
• If the Caps Lock or Num Lock comes on by themselves, Shift or Ctrl buttons get stuck, or menus are highlighted by themselves.
• If keyboard keys are double-typing letters or characters.
• If you get "keyboard error" when starting your PC with the X-Arcade™ connected.
• If you have a laptop with no PS/2 keyboard port, or you do not wish to use an external keyboard to use the X-Arcade™ on your laptop.
• If you do not wish to shut off your computer to disconnect the X-Arcade™ from the keyboard port when you want to use the X-Arcade™ on a game console.
• If you have a wireless keyboard, or keyboard/mouse receiver.
• If your PC does not have a PS/2 keyboard port, or you have a MAC.

The symptoms listed above happen on a small percentage of computers. If you have these symptoms that basically means that your PS/2 ports are not supplying enough power to run the X-Arcade™. There is no set standard for power output from a motherboard's PS/2 ports like there is on VGA, Serial, and USB ports. The only fix therefore would be to get our USB X-Adapter™.

The USB X-Adapter™ works the same way as the standard PS/2 connection, there are no drivers to install, the X-Arcade™ is simply seen as a USB keyboard to your computer. With it, you have the choice to use a PS/2 keyboard plugged into the back of the X-Arcade™, or keep the PS/2 keyboard plugged into the PS/2 keyboard port. Keep in mind though, to reprogram the X-Arcade™ you will need a PS/2 keyboard plugged into it.

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Using the Y-Mouse™ USB adapter buttons/directions do not repeat, how do I fix this?

The Y-Mouse™ USB adapter by default does not keep holding a button/keyboard key, it will stop holding it after a few seconds. You simply need to change the mode of the Y-Mouse™ adapter to fix this. To do this, simply open a word editor like notepad, and with a keyboard plugged into the back of the X-Arcade™ (or into the Y-Mouse™ directly) hold the ESC (Escape) key and press the "F" key simultaneously. If done correctly it will type the version number of the Y-Mouse™ adapter into the word editor. This will fix your problem, so the buttons/keys will continue held.

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How do I use the X-Arcade™ on my LAPTOP?

It is usually best to simply use the USB connection for laptops. It is also important to make sure NUMLOCK is ON (otherwise Joy1 will act as arrow keys instead of NUMPAD numbers). To turn NumLock on with a laptop, usually you will find a blue colored "Fn" key that must be held while pressing another key labeled "Num Lk". Refer to your laptop's manual for more help with this.

PS/2 Connection: The X-Arcade™ will not work in the PS/2 keyboard port unless a keyboard is plugged into the back of the X-Arcade™. You need to boot the laptop up with the X-Arcade™ already plugged in and set to MODE 1 (switch on back closest to the serial connection), and with a PS/2 keyboard plugged into the back of the X-Arcade™.

If you have a PS/2 only X-Arcade™ you may simply need our USB X-Adapter™. NOTE: The only USB adapter that will work properly with the X-Arcade™ is the one that was made for it, a standard PS/2-USB will not work

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How do I open the X-Arcade controller?

The X-Arcade™ was made to be user serviceable, just like a real arcade. It does not void the Lifetime Warranty to open it.

To open the X-Arcade™:

1. First disconnect the X-Arcade from any systems, and remove the serial cable.
2. Next turn the X-Arcade™ over on your lap, or on a surface that allows the joysticks not to have pressure on them.
3. PIC: Now remove the screws on the bottom of the X-Arcade™ that are recessed in the rubber feet. Your X-Arcade™ may have small rubber covers over the screws in the center of these rubber feet, if so just pop them out.
4. PIC: Finally, remove the bottom panel. This is easiest done with a flat object like a butter knife (careful not to cut yourself) or some other wide flat object. Simply pry in between the cracks of the X-Arcade™ base and the panel, being careful not to scratch that beautiful veneer. Now you have access to customize, or change joystick modes.

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How do I replace a microswitch?

To replace a microswitch:

1. Open the X-Arcade™ as instructed above.
2. PIC: Pull back the tallest plastic part holding the button in place.
3. PIC: Lift the front part of the microswitch back.
4. PIC: Remove the microswitch.
5. PIC: To remove the the wires from the switch, use your fingers or pliers if needed on the connectors. DO NOT pull on the wires.
6. PIC: To put a microswitch in, start by snapping the back of the new microswitch in first, then rock the front down and snap it into place as shown in step 2.

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How do I replace the PCB board in the X-Arcade™?

PCB replacement procedure:

1. Open the X-Arcade™ as instructed above.
2. PIC: Remove the 4 phillips-head screws around the PCB.
3. PIC: One at a time, remove the white molex connectors from the PCB by simply pulling them off, and putting them onto the new PCB.
4. PIC: Replace the 4 screws you removed in step 2.

If you removed more than one jumper at once and aren't sure where to put them back, check out the schematic diagram below for proper placement:

Click to Download

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How do I replace the joystick in the X-Arcade™?

To replace a joystick:

1. Open the X-Arcade™ as instructed above.
2. PIC: Remove the C-clip, which will release the top of the joystick.
3. PIC: Remove the single screw from each microswitch, and move the microswitch out of the way. There is no need to remove the wires from the switched.
4. PIC: Remove the 4 nuts from the 4 bolts by holding the top of the bolts firmly to the top of the X-Arcade™ with your thumb, and removing the 4 bolts with a nut driver or needle-nose pliers.
5. Reassemble using above steps in reverse.

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