X-Arcade™ Tankstick Support

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

General Troubleshooting:

Trackball Troubleshooting:

Console Troubleshooting:

PS/2 Troubleshooting:

Parts Replacement Instructions:

Download the X-Arcade™ Test Utility Program:

If the trackball is working as a mouse to move your cursor in all directions, than it is working properly.

PC USERS: We have created the X-Arcade™ Test Utility Program to test the buttons and directions on the X-Arcade™ Tankstick (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™ Tankstick 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

back to top

How do I use the X-Arcade™ Tankstick 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.

TRACKBALL SETUP: For Trackball based games follow steps 1-3 above but you must choose "Keyboard" for player 1 and player 2 to enable Trackball movement. We didn't make the rules, we just play along.

back to top

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.

back to top

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™ Tankstick 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.

TRACKBALL USE:

The Playstation™ 2 console has USB ports on it, this may work for some games with mouse support.

Here are some PS2 games that may work::

• Atari Anthology
• Half-Life
• Unreal Tournament
• Red Faction 2
• Rune Viking Warlord
• Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
• Soldier of Fortune
• Start Trek Voyager: Elite Force
• Resident Evil: Dead Aim
• Resident Evil Gun Survivor 2
• Police 24/7
• Endgame
• Dino Stalker
• Ninja Assault
• Virtua Cop Elite
• Gunfighter 2
• Starsky & Hutch
• EverQuest Online Adventures
• Silent Scope
• Silent Scope 2
• Silent Scope 3
• Time Crisis: Crisis Zone
• Time Crisis 2
• Time Crisis 3

For the XBOX™ you can get a USB-XBOX port adapter to connect the X-Arcade™ Trackball to the XBOX™, but no games support it. You can use this for XBOX™ Linux and other emulation software with mouse support.

The X-Arcade™ Trackball has also been tested and works with the "Smartjoy Frag™" adapters for the Playstation™ 2 and XBOX™. The Smartjoy Frag™ simulates the analog stick movement with mouse/trackball movement, therefore it will not work exactly like a mouse/trackball would on a PC. The X-Arcade™ Trackball will act like a mouse, and you will need to connect a keyboard or X-Arcade™ joystick into the keyboard port of the adapter. We cannot offer support for this product however.

back to top

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.

back to top

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

back to top

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™ Tankstick 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. Download X-Arcade™ Test Utility Program

If all of the buttons and directions work properly in the test program, your X-Arcade™ Tankstick is working properly, and 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.

back to top

A Trackball direction is not working (ball only moves the curser in one direction).

The Horizontal Disabler button on the back of the X-Arcade™ Tankstick disables the left and right Trackball movement when it is held.

Here are some other tests to correct movement:

1. If left/right movement is not working, be sure you are not holding the horizontal disabler button (the button on the back) against something while playing
2. Try connecting to your PC with the other connection (PS/2 or USB)
3. If possible, test movement on another computer.
4. With the X-Arcade™ Trackball connected to your PC, go to www.WindowsUpdate.com and download all updates for your hardware. The X-Arcade™ Trackball should be using a Samsung driver found there.
5. Ensure no specialty drivers are installed for another third-party mouse
6. If connecting via a USB Hub, try connecting directly to USB port
7. If left/right movement is still not working, open the X-Arcade™ Trackball as outlined on page 14 of the manual and remove one of the wires from the Horizontal Disabler's microswitch. If the direction works this way, the microswitch may be bad. Try swapping it with another button to verify this.
8. PIC: If the steps above did not fix the issue or up/down is not working, check that the reader wheels are firmly screwed onto the rollers, these black plastic wheels should not move independently of the metal rollers.
9. Be sure that the 2 PCB boards are also properly seated in the slots in the housing for them.
10. Check that all wires are firmly attached to the PCB boards.

If you need further assistance after trying these methods, please click here to fill out an online case support request form for further assistance.

back to top

My X-Arcade™ Trackball moves erratically or sticks, what can I do?

Your X-Arcade™ Trackball may need cleaned. See page 14 of the manual for details.

Our trackball was made to be user serviceable, just like a real arcade. It does not void the Lifetime Warranty to open it.

Input devices using mouse or track ball technology need to be cleaned periodically. Cleaning frequency for your X-Arcade™ Trackball is much less than a normal trackball or mouse due to it's design, but this depends on how you work with it, and can be affected adversely by spilling liquids on the ball or using it with sticky/dirty fingers. When moving the ball of the trackball feels slow or rough, it’s time for a cleaning.

To clean your X-Arcade™ Trackball:
NOTE: Do not open the plastic trackball housing upside-down (ball facing down) as this will cause all of the parts to fall out. It's not a huge deal if you do, but this will save you a 'D'OH!' moment.

1. Turn off your computer if using the PS/2 mouse port connection.
2. Unplug the X-Arcade™ Trackball from the computer
3. Turn the X-Arcade™ Trackball over, laying it on a surface so that it does not touch the ball. (example: between two books, or on your legs with the ball in between).
4. PIC: Remove the screws on the bottom of the X-Arcade™ Trackball that are recessed in the rubber feet. Your X-Arcade™ Trackball may have small rubber covers over the screws in the center of these rubber feet, if so just pop them out.
5. PIC: Remove the bottom wooden 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™ Trackball base and the panel, being careful not to scratch that beautiful veneer.
6. PIC: Remove the 4 bolts holding the plastic trackball housing into the wood casing.
7. PIC: With a phillips screwdriver, remove the 4 screws holding the trackball plastic casing together. Do not attempt to open the trackball plastic housing in this step.
8. PIC: Grab the bottom and top part of the plastic housing with both hands, holding them closed/together firmly, and turn it over so that the ball is facing up.
9. PIC: Remove the top half (ball side) of the plastic housing.
10. PIC: Remove the ball, and clean it with tap water and, if needed, dishwashing detergent. Dry it with a lint-free cloth.
11. PIC: Clean the rollers and idler (the 3 metal cylinders that the ball sits on) using a pre-moistened cleaning swab or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Allow surfaces to dry completely before reassembling.
12. Reassemble following the above steps backwards.

Your X-Arcade™ Trackball is cleaned, and ready for action!

back to top

How can I make the X-Arcade™ Tankstick's 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™ Tankstick 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.

back to top

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).

back to top

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™™r 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™ Tankstick firmly to the system you want to test on. While the system and X-Arcade™ Tankstick 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™ Tankstick 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™ Tankstick side) is still acting up, then it is likely the connection to the device (PC/Console or X-Arcade™ Tankstick) and you should fill out an online case support request form letting us know the results of this test.

back to top

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

USB Connection: The X-Arcade™ Tankstick comes with both USB and PS/2 connection options, it is recommended to use the USB connection if you have a wireless or USB keyboard. Connected this way you do not need to have a keyboard plugged into the X-Arcade™ Tankstick to use it . Keep in mind though, you do need to have a keyboard plugged into the back of the X-Arcade™ Tankstick to program it., but you can simply plug any standard PS/2 keyboard into the back of the X-Arcade™ Tankstick when you want to do so. Once the X-Arcade™ Tankstick is programmed, you can unplug the keyboard from the X-Arcade™ Tankstick, and still use the programmed modes.

PS/2 Connection: The X-Arcade™ Tankstick will not work in a PS/2 keyboard port unless a keyboard is plugged into the back of the X-Arcade™ Tankstick when the computer boots up. 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™ Tankstick, 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. 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, you will need to plug the X-Arcade™ Tankstick into a USB port instead.

back to top

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

YOU MAY WANT TO USE THE USB CONNECTION IF:

• If you do not wish to shut off your computer to connect or disconnect the X-Arcade™ Tankstick from the PS/2 ports. This is especially true when you want to use the X-Arcade™ Tankstick multiple devices.
• If you do not wish to have a keyboard plugged into the X-Arcade™ Tankstick, as the X-Arcade™ Tankstick will not work in a PS/2 keyboard port without having a keyboard plugged into it. (Keep in mind that you must still have a keyboard plugged into the back of the X-Arcade™ Tankstick to program it.)
• If you want to use multiple X-Arcades™ on the same computer., You can connect one X-Arcade™ Tankstick into the PS/2 ports, and plug a second one into the USB ports. You cannot plug one X-Arcade™ Tankstick into another (daisy-chain). You will also need to reprogram the 2nd X-Arcade™ Tankstick to different buttons/directions.

YOU MUST USE THE USB CONNECTION IF:
NOTE: The X-Arcade™ Tankstick will not work in a PS/2 keyboard port without having a PS/2 keyboard plugged into it.

• If you have a Mac.
• If your desktop PC does not have a PS/2 ports.
• If you have a USB keyboard.
• If you have a wireless keyboard, or keyboard/mouse receiver.
• If you have a laptop with no PS/2 ports, or you do not wish to use an external keyboard to use the X-Arcade™ Tankstick on your laptop.
• Using the PS/2 connection you get "keyboard error" when starting your PC with the X-Arcade™ Tankstick connected, your computer's PS/2 keyboard port does not supply enough power to run the X-Arcade™ Tankstick on your PS/2 port.
• If using the PS/2 keyboard connection your PC speaker beeps when you press buttons or directions on the X-Arcade™ Tankstick, your computer's PS/2 keyboard port does not supply enough power to run the X-Arcade™ Tankstick on your PS/2 keyboard port.
• Using the PS/2 connection you notice that you cannot get a response by pressing one button, but if you press two buttons at once it types a single letter, your computer's PS/2 keyboard port does not supply enough power to run the X-Arcade™ Tankstick on your PS/2 port.
• Using the PS/2 connection your keyboard is double-typing letters or characters, or if the Caps Lock or Num Lock comes on by themselves, Shift or Ctrl buttons get stuck, or menus are highlighted by themselves.

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™ Tankstick. 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 use the USB connection instead.

The USB connection works the same way as the PS/2 connection the X-Arcade™ Tankstick 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™ Tankstick, or keep the PS/2 keyboard plugged into the PS/2 keyboard port. Keep in mind though, to reprogram the X-Arcade™ Tankstick you will need a PS/2 keyboard plugged into it.

back to top

How can I use the back (mouse) pinball buttons with Visual Pinball or Future Pinball?

Unfortunately Visual Pinball and Future Pinball do not have native mouse button support for gameplay. But this does not mean you can't still use the X-Arcade™ Trackball for these games, thanks to a program known as AutoHotkey you can! By creating a custom config file for use with these pinball emulators, we then created an easy to use program that you simply start before playing them.

Download the X-Pinball program. Simply run it before playing a pinball game and it changes the mouse buttons to keyboard keys like this:

Mouse Button 1 = 7
Mouse Button 2 = 8

~ (Tilde) = Toggles Hotkeys on and off (tray icon will show 'H' when active, 'S' when suspended).

You will first want to open "Preferences, then choose "Keys", then change the left flipper to be number 7, and the right flipper to be number 8.

back to top

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

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

back to top

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.

back to top

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

back to top

How do I open the X-Arcade Tankstick?

The X-Arcade™ Tankstick 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™ Tankstick:

1. First disconnect the X-Arcade™ Tankstick from any systems, and remove the serial cable.
2. Next turn the X-Arcade™ Tankstick 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™ Tankstick that are recessed in the rubber feet. Your X-Arcade™ Tankstick 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™ Tankstick base and the panel, being careful not to scratch that beautiful veneer. Now you have access to customize, or change joystick modes.

back to top

How do I replace a microswitch?

To replace a microswitch:

1. Open the X-Arcade™ Tankstick™ 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.

back to top

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

PCB replacement procedure:

1. Open the X-Arcade™ Tankstick 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

back to top