Converting a Hori HSS-07 joystick for the Neo Geo.

[Max...]

Not sure if anyone is interested in this sort of thing anymore but BITD there were always lots of little projects like this on forums so hoped it might be of interest to at least someone??

I’ve been meaning to put together a new Neo Geo stick for my MVS for many years - in fact the artwork (more later) I wanted to use someone kindly sent me about 15 years ago so this is well overdue.

I have always used and like the original AES stick - definitely improved with Sanwa clip in 24mm buttons but have always found the canted over button layout a slight pain.

So for this I’m converting what is just about the perfect candidate in so many ways - the Hori Fighting Stick HSS-07. The Sega Saturn model. I could use a Neo Geo Hori but they are three times the price so I would not want to mess around with one of those but more specifically I won’t be using the Hori button layout (again a little canted still) or the Neo Geo wiring so little point really.

I could try to make (always tricky) or buy a box but I love the solid Hori authentic Japan case and having the exact design it does it makes life super easy and perfect for this project - metal detachable top and bottom plate, Seimitsu stick mounting and a top cut out in the exact place to allow various positions for the four Neo Geo buttons - my preference is very similar to a P2 Astro City type layout.

Waffle done - when looking for pics I could not find too many clear ones online (a few YT videos) so this might be quite pic heavy and will hopefully maybe help others who find it one day.

Here is the Hori just received from Japan this week:

 

[cools]

Modded the PS version a while back, thread on AO here with some stuff you might find useful: https://forum.arcadeotaku.com/viewtopic.php?p=559813#p559813

 

[Max...]

Cheers Cools.

Stripped down to its various parts. Nice layout and build design, basic (slightly sloppy) Seimitsu stick. Buttons OK but fitted directly to the PCB so you need to de-solder to remove.

As noted above I’ll post a lot of pics as much to maybe help anyone planning something with one of these in the future:

 

[Max...]

So this is the well known Neo Geo layout, very twisted.



And then the Hori - a little twisted still.



And what I want - the usual Japanese type layout.

 

[Max...]

With the Hori design (cut out in the case) there is lots of room to ‘twist’ the button layout within the cut out and play around with paper templates to get it just where it feels right but allows plenty of clearance:

 

[Max...]

I’m going with a LS 55 Seimitsu stick, lovely feel and shallow mounting so no problems with clearance and having to modify the shaft or base of the case.

I’ve had this waiting a few years and while my daughter was still at school I got her to ‘persuade’ one of the tech teachers to 3D print this throw reducer for a ‘project’ one lunchtime…











The LS 55 has the usual four mounting holes for the metal plate but the other four holes match perfectly the OEM (Seimitsu) stick.

Rather than use self tappers into the plastic I’ll enlarge the holes very slightly and use long M3 bolts so the stick will be clamped right through and no worries about threads in the plastic wearing.

The stubs on the Hori mount are a great guide for the drill so no need for a drill press.





And lastly to remove the stubs and clean up the inner face. People tend to go at these with Dremels but it can get a bit gouged and messy. Using a Forstner type bit mills away the plastic nicely, finish with a sharp chisel and sand paper.









And just the Seimitsu holes to enlarge to M3.



And a test fit.

 

[Max...]

I've been a bit quiet as there didn't really seem to be any interest in this build but I'll update it a bit.

So, cutting new top plate in Dibond/ACM - love this stuff, super easy to cut, router, machine etc and very stiff but light.

I also cut the Sanwa button holes - with the polycarb top at the same time for perfect alignment.

And the holes for the stick and corners.

 

[Max...]

I really like the small 30mm balltops over the 35mm so decided to use the original Hori one - it was a bit scratched (although it doesn't show here) but easy to polish up with some car polish like this: